Los Angeles Gas Water Heater Replacement Cost?

[Marco G.]

Hi all - Does this sound right? Water heater from 2010 just stopped working. Tech says dust got into valve and killed it. Suggests new install for $1350, discourages $775 repair. Any advice or referrals welcome. Just browsed Home Depot online and they don't appear to have a single water heater in stock anywhere near me (this seems shocking). Thanks. This is in Los Angeles. 40gal. Any brand recommendations or advice welcome. Personal residence.

[Gail K.]

NO water heaters at all?  Seems strange.  We replaced our 40 gallon gas hot water heater a couple of years ago.  Went with Rheem.   At that time under $400 (now a tad over $400 in my neck of the woods).  Did this ourselves in one afternoon.  Hardest part was wrestling the old one out and the new one in.  BTW, new ones are now both wider and taller than previous ones due to more insulation in them.

Plumber is likely going to recommend Bradford White because they like them and they sell them only to licensed plumbers (most of the time).  They are expensive and interestingly enough,  I came across a site where a number of owners had as many problems with leaks as with other hot water heaters.  However, that might explain the price you were quoted.

Gail