Some utility companies sell high efficiency water heaters at bargain. Recall a fiberglass model. Think it was Marathon.

No codes around here.I replaced mine myself for under $600

You guys jinxed me by talking about water heater leaks. My wife noticed water where it should not have been this morning about 9:00 am, and I knew right off it was the water heater leaking. I got home from a Dr appt just after noon, ate lunch and headed to Lowes. $699 of replacement parts and several hours of work later and I have a new 50 gal AO Smitth electric water heater installed and working. Done like Jbyrd said. Just like it was before except for I added a pan and used flex connections from the copper.

Prices have gone up. I got water heater for $300, maybe 9 years ago an install for 100 bucks about with some hardware, I have hard water, still works good yet, what they usually start leak when they go?

I bought the cheapest one at home Depot a year ago for my garage/living quarters. It was around 450$. I'm surprised how well it keeps up for the demand of hot water.The one I'll be putting in my home I'm building when I get to that point is around 2k. Of course they are worlds apart, one is an undersized energy hog, the other a miser capable of supplying 70 gallons of hot water in 1 hour. You get what you pay for. A water heater is one of the largest consumers of energy in your house. If you're on natural gas an on demand is the best. If electricity is your only option, a heat pump is most efficient.

Hey lug nuts. Did you have it inspected? Local code also is probably that if you add a plug in it’s supposed to be inspected also. How many people do that? Between the school system , neighbors, friends and families I bet I’ve I stalled pushing 200 electric water heaters. Never put the first expansion tank in.Some models have an air bladder in them. But it doesn’t matter. Don’t need it But I understand if you’re upset you might have over paid to get one put in. When installing it yourself is simple and so easy.

Here you go. Might need the nipple connector on top of heater if model doesn’t have them. For everyone that thinks an expansion tank is a must they got one for that. Adjustable wrench screwdriver (for wire cover) and basic knowledge is all you need.

Where did you get that from? I never said I thought I overpaid and I don't think I did. My plumbing sub-contractor, who I've worked with for thirty-plus years, put it in.

Good for you installing 200 electric water heaters without a permit, you da man.

Whether or not expansion tanks are necessary, and I agree, they probably aren't, is not the point. I'm a licensed general contractor in two states. I do everything by the book if for no other reason than to protect my business. That means I comply with all building codes and permit requirements national and local.

No permit required for employees of a hospital or school system. No permit required if the HOME OWNER is the one that purchased the heater. In Ky I might add. But if you do some digging you might find many townships in your state do t require a permit got a REPLACEMENT. But only for an install. Like I mentioned if you are not going to get it inspected why get the permit for your own water heater?
Just asking for a friend trying to save money.

Kentucky Title 815 - PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION

815 Ky. Admin. Regs. 20:050

Section 1. Permit Required.
(1) A plumbing permit shall be required for:
(a) A new plumbing installation;
(b) An existing plumbing installation if a fixture, soil, or waste opening or conductor is to be moved or relocated;
(c) A new house sewer or a house sewer that is to be replaced;
(d) A new water service or water service that is to be replaced;
(e) The addition of a backflow prevention device to an existing water service; or
(f) A new water heater installation or a water heater that is to be replaced.

Section 2. Issuance of Plumbing Permits.
(1) A permit to construct, install, or alter plumbing, sewerage, or drainage shall be issued only to:
(a) A licensed master plumber; or
(b) A homeowner who wishes to construct, install, or alter plumbing, sewerage, or drainage in a home occupied by the homeowner or constructed by the homeowner for the homeowner's own personal residential use, if:
1. Application is made for the permit prior to the beginning of the work;
2. The homeowner files with the application an affidavit stating that the homeowner shall abide by the terms of this section;
3. All work shall be performed in compliance with 815 KAR Chapter 20;
4. All work shall be personally performed by the homeowner; and
5. The homeowner shall not have obtained another homeowner permit for construction of a new home issued within the last five (5) years.

IMO the above item (f) is another example of government overreach. I understand why a plumbing contractor would support such a requirement and even lobby for it, getting it passed via the legislature without the general public being aware. What's next, refrigerators, dish washers, and faucets? Regardless of how it got into the regulations, once there any contractor is smart to make sure it is followed explicitly.

I’m going to prison!! Lol
Oh Ed dish washers and faucets are included way that reads. I but I get 2 weeks in the hole for installing an outside faucet on my garage !!!

But I might be safe on most counts of the indictment. I been retired for 10 years. So only 6-7 violations since then. 2 were my house and my sons.

If you didn’t get it inspected than you DIDNT COMPLY WITH ALL THE BUILDING CODES AND REQUIREMENTS
I’m betting you didn’t because you suddenly went quiet.