Plumbing / Hot water
Price a hot water replacement
Enter your unit price and labour. Add extras if needed.
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Electric storage replacement
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How it works
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Use your own rates, times and measurements.
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What it covers: Estimate the unit, installation labour and optional extras.
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How to price a hot water system replacement
A hot water replacement quote is made up of the unit, the installation labour and the extras the site needs. Leaving out one of those extras is an easy way to lose money on the job. This calculator adds them up from your own prices so nothing is missed.
- Choose the type of hot water system and enter the price you charge for the new unit.
- Estimate the total installation hours and enter your hourly labour rate. Add a callout fee only if you charge one for installs.
- Add valves and fittings, any pipework changes and removal and disposal of the old unit, unless these are already included in another price.
- If the job needs electrical work, add your electrician's price. Plumbing, gas and electrical work must be done by appropriately licensed people where the law requires it.
- Set your materials markup, which is added to the unit and to the valves and fittings, and add an after-hours surcharge for an urgent replacement if needed.
- Enter your tax rate, choose whether prices show before or including tax, and check the totals.
Tips and common mistakes
- See the site before you quote if you can. Access, the position of the old unit and the state of the pipework all change the labour time.
- If the customer is switching to a different type or size of system, allow for pipework or electrical changes in the quote.
- The estimate does not take off any rebates. If a rebate applies where you work, explain it to the customer separately.
- Enter your own labour cost per hour to see the profit on the job before you send the quote. It never appears on the estimate.
Questions
How much does it cost to replace a hot water system?
It depends on the type and size of the unit, how long the installation takes and what extra work the site needs. Different system types vary a lot in unit price and installation time. Build the price from the unit, your labour and the extras using your own rates.
How long does a hot water system replacement take?
It varies with the system type, access and whether pipework or electrical changes are needed. Swapping like for like is usually quicker than changing to a different type of system. Time your own jobs so your estimates get more accurate.
Do I need a licensed plumber to replace a hot water system?
In many places, yes, and gas or electrical connections may need a separately licensed trade. Check the rules where you work before you quote. If you bring in another trade, add their price to the estimate.
Should a hot water quote include removing the old unit?
Yes, unless the customer is dealing with it. Removal and disposal take time and may involve disposal fees. Either include it in your installation price or list it as its own line.
Should I mark up materials on a hot water job?
Many businesses add a markup on valves, fittings and other materials to cover the time spent ordering, collecting and handling them. In the calculator, enter the unit and material prices at your cost and set your markup. Leave the markup at 0 if your prices already include it.
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