Our water heater is 15 years old, it was originally installed by the contractors who built the houses in the development.  I learned that contractor grade water heaters are rated good for 5 years, so we consider our selves lucky to have lasted this long and it’s still working.  Recently, we have seen some of our neighbors having their basement cleaned out including ripping out carpets due to water heater failing.   It would only make sense that before spending money on finishing the basement, we should replace the old water heater first.

Since we had a very good experience with BGEHome Service for installing our sump pump, it was a no brainer that we would call them for the water heater.  I asked for a quote including installation and it was a very fair price(I looked around how much home improvement stores sell water heaters).   I was told that they can install it the next day if I wanted to.  Since I was told that it would probably take the whole day, I had to schedule it for a more convenient time for us.

Installation day came and we received a call at 7:30 in the morning, the BGEHome guy let us know that we should expect him at 11:00 am.  He came right on time, very courteous and professional.  He even gave an impromptu lesson about the water heater, here is what I learned:

• a gas powered water heater needs enough room to “breathe”(adequate combustion air availability) and shouldn’t be closed off in a tiny closet,
• it should not be installed in a bedroom because should the airways of the system get clogged- carbon monoxide will be trapped in the space and will be fatal to the person sleeping in the room- this reminded us to buy a carbon monoxide detector for the basement.
• a permit is needed to replace the water heater, only licensed Master Plumbers can pull a permit.  It is understandable why, it deals with gas and water pipes.

The installation only took hours and now we only have to wait for the county inspectors.