I almost paid $13,000
for a water heater replacement.

A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER

I’d already said yes.

When I needed a water heater replaced, I called a well-known local company. They quoted me $13,000.

At first, I assumed water heaters must have gone up in price, just like everything else during COVID. I wasn’t at the property, so I approved the work over the phone and paid a deposit.

Then I had a bad feeling.

A few calls changed everything.

I started looking up replacement costs and called a couple of other companies. The prices I was hearing were nowhere near the quote I’d just approved. I felt like I was about to overpay by almost $10,000.

I called the original company back, asked why its price was so much higher and told them to hold off. They returned my full deposit, and the person I spoke with apologized repeatedly.

I ultimately had the replacement done for about $3,000.

I shouldn’t have needed a bad feeling to know I should ask more questions.

That sent me down a rabbit hole.

I wanted to understand what a water heater actually costs, what goes into an installation and how two quotes could be so far apart. As I researched, I found other homeowners describing confusing prices, expensive recommendations and very different second opinions.

I kept thinking about the people who just say yes. When the hot water stops working, most of us don’t have a replacement budget memorized. We want someone to fix it, and we assume a familiar company will give us a reasonable price.

That’s why I built Ember & Tank.

I want you to know what to expect before you make the first call. To understand what’s included. To compare companies and read reviews about water heaters specifically. And to feel comfortable asking, “Why does this cost so much?”

Every home is different. A conversion, difficult access or major electrical work can change the price. My $3,000 replacement is my experience, not a promise about yours. But you deserve a clear explanation of the work and a price you can compare.

A simpler way to get a fair quote.

The service I’m building starts with a photo of your old water heater and a few details about your home. The goal is to help you get a fair, clearly explained quote and find someone to do the work.

For now, the guides, typical prices and independent company listings are here to help you know what to expect and what to ask.

The founder’s own account. How we research prices and company reviews →