For a licensed professional, it should take a few hours to remove an existing water heater and install a new one. This assumes that the site and materials are ready for the plumber to work and that no unforeseen issues arise.

While some areas may not require a permit to install a hot water heater, chances are you live in an area that does. Many cities issue permits to install or replace hot water heaters to protect the safety of the public.

Your best bet is to leave this job to a licensed professional, which is also recommended because your warranty and local building codes may require it. Before you install a water heater by yourself, check to find out if you need a permit and if it’s allowed in your building.

Installing a water heater yourself requires experience working with plumbing, as well as a good knowledge of your home’s water system and pipe routing. You’ll also need plenty of experience working with electrical systems.