Costs

[JimmyBee]

My water heater is leaking from the bottom.
I have contacted my plumber and he gave me a quote for a new one.
It will be a 50gal gas AO Smith heater which I see costing approx $300-$350.
He quoted me $1,375 installed price.
I am going to questionhim on that, but want to know what may drive the cost up so high other than manual labor.
How long should it take ?
Does $1,000 install charge seem excessive ?
Thanks

[majakdragon]

JimmyBee, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Lots of questions come to mind. What does he have to do to make the swap? Piping changes? Vent rerun? Electronic pilot to wire?
My best advice to you would be to find out what the exact breakdown is for labor and heater cost. My OPINION, without any major changes in what you have now, is that 4 hours should be more than sufficient to change the heater out. Not knowing exactly what has to be done, I cannot quote a fair price. Fair meaning to you and to him. Good luck.
Maybe you need a 2nd estimate.