The short answer on price
Plumbers cannot responsibly give a flat price over a search engine, and we will not post one here. A like-for-like swap of a gas tank in an accessible basement is a different job from moving a heater into a new closet with new venting. Same words on the invoice, very different afternoon.
What you can do is ask for a written price before work starts, and make sure it names every item below. Then the numbers from two companies mean the same thing.
Cost factors that move the final price
Add the expansion tank, a permit if one applies, and any repair to old shutoff valves. Each of these should appear as its own line, not buried in a lump sum.
Want a real number for your house? Call (732) 466-1098 and we will talk it through.
(732) 466-1098Local water and permit questions
We have not verified whether New Brunswick requires a permit for a water heater swap, or which office handles it. Ask the New Brunswick building department before work starts, and ask your plumber who pulls any permit. A written quote should say who is responsible for it.
Water quality changes how long a heater lasts, and it differs by town. North Brunswick's township utility reported hardness of 67.5 ppm in its 2022 water quality report, which is on the soft side, so scale builds slowly there. We could not confirm the supplier or hardness for every New Brunswick address, so ask your water utility for its annual water quality report before deciding on a softener or a flush schedule.
Source: North Brunswick Township 2022 water quality report
Comparing the main options
| Option | Best for | What to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Gas tank | Homes with existing gas and a working flue | Vent condition and gas line size |
| Electric tank | Homes without gas or with a simple swap | Circuit capacity and panel space |
| Tankless | Households wanting endless hot water | Gas line size, venting and descaling plan |
| Heat pump tank | Efficiency focus and space around the unit | Clearance, drainage and noise |
Our tankless water heater page covers how those units are sized and serviced, which affects the long term cost more than the first invoice does.
Before the plumber arrives, check these
Ask whether your quote includes the permit. According to the state Department of Community Affairs code alert, replacing a water heater with a new one of like capacity is minor work, and a permit is still required through the local enforcement agency before the job proceeds.
- Find the shutoffLocate the cold water valve at the heater and the main shutoff for the house. Turn them clockwise to close, and make sure they actually move.
- Clear the spaceMove boxes and shelving away from the heater and from the path to it. Clear access cuts labour time.
- Read the labelNote the fuel, capacity and model on the label. If it is a gas unit, look at the venting above it for rust or loose joints.
- Watch for gasIf you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 first. Do not flip switches or use a phone inside.
- Protect the floorIf the tank is leaking, shut off power or gas to the unit and the water supply, then put a tray or towels under the leak.
Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs code alert, nj.gov/dca/codes/alerts/pdfs/OM_MW_03052018.pdf
How to read two quotes side by side
Start with the unit itself. Brand, capacity, fuel and efficiency rating should be written out. If one quote says 40 gallons and the other says 50, the comparison is already broken.
Next, check the scope. Does the quote include removal of the old tank, a new expansion tank, new supply connectors, a drain pan, and venting work? A low number that leaves these out becomes a higher number once they are added later.
Finally, look at who handles any permit and inspection, and what happens if the inspector asks for a change. Ask these questions plainly and expect plain answers. A company that is licensed and insured will not mind.
Sizing without overbuying
Bigger is not always better. A tank that is too large heats water you never use, while one that is too small runs cold during a busy morning. Count the people in the house, the number of bathrooms, and whether a soaking tub or a second shower runs at the same time.
The manufacturer label on your current heater lists its capacity, and the US Department of Energy publishes sizing guidance, which is worth reading before you pick a number. Tell the plumber what actually happens on a busy morning and let that drive the choice, not habit.
If hot water runs out on laundry day, mention it. The cure may be a larger tank, a different type of heater, or just a change in when the machines run.
Red flags on a quote
No model named
A quote that says only water heater leaves room to swap in something cheaper later.
No mention of venting
Gas units need a safe flue. If it is missing from the quote, ask why.
Pressure to decide now
A clear written price should still be good tomorrow. Take time to compare.
Vague extras
Lines like misc parts hide what you are paying for. Ask for each item by name.
Repair or replace before you spend
A tank that leaks from the body cannot be patched, and replacement is the only fix. A tank that fails on a part, such as a thermostat or an element, may be repairable. Our water heater replacement page lists the signs that point toward swapping the unit instead of repairing it.
Age matters, but the label matters more. Check the serial number for the manufacture date. If the heater is well past the age most makers expect, a repair may only postpone the inevitable.
When the heater fails at a bad time
A heater that dies on a cold night still needs a plan. We take calls 24/7, and same-day appointments are available when the schedule allows. Our Edison and North Brunswick pages show the nearby towns we serve beyond the city line.
You will hear a clear price before work starts, and the quote will name the items listed above. Call (732) 466-1098 and tell the dispatcher what the label says and what the heater is doing.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type, fuel, size, venting and access. We do not post a flat number because it would mislead you. Call, describe the house, and ask for a written price before work starts.
Usually the scope differs. One may include venting, a pan, an expansion tank and haul away while the other leaves them out. Ask both companies to list every item.
Often yes, because it may need a larger gas line, new venting and sometimes electrical work. Ask what the plan is for descaling and servicing, since that is part of the long run cost.
We have not verified that rule. Ask the New Brunswick building department, and ask your plumber to put in writing who handles any permit.
Policies often cover sudden damage but not wear and age. Ask your insurer before you buy, and keep the invoice.