Check a quote before you sign
Put a quote next to what homeowners actually paid, then check its terms against the law that applies. We never call a quote fair or a scam: we show where it sits, what to ask, and why.
- Price
- Above the middle half of what hired owners paid.
- Terms
- 1 thing to ask about before you sign.
What hired owners reported paying
About 1 in 4 hired owners reported paying more than $2,200 (today's dollars). Middle half: $880 to $2,200; median $1,320. Survey dollars $800 / $1,200 / $2,000, adjusted by CPI-U (334.980 ÷ 304.702).
1 thing to ask about
You may have 3 business days to cancel
“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.”
Sales of $25 or more made at your home fall under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule. The seller must give you two copies of a cancellation form and tell you about the right; you were not sure you got it.
AskAsk for the two copies of the Notice of Cancellation before any work starts.16 CFR 429 · checked 2026-10-05No verified Texas deposit rule on file
We show a state rule only after its statute has been checked and logged. A 49% deposit is still worth one question.
AskWhat does the deposit pay for, and is it refundable if the job doesn't start?FTC · don’t pay the full amount up frontLicense lookup: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Texas licenses air conditioning and electrical work through TDLR and plumbing through TSBPE. There is no state license for general or roofing contractors; check your city’s registration and permit rules.
Official license searchWhat the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.
Questions for the contractor
- Ask for the two copies of the Notice of Cancellation before any work starts.You may have 3 business days to cancel
- What does the deposit pay for, and is it refundable if the job doesn't start?No verified Texas deposit rule on file
- Is this the same capacity and fuel as my current tank?For water heater, replace jobs
- Does the price include the permit, haul-away and any expansion tank?For water heater, replace jobs
- What is the tank warranty and the labor warranty, in writing?For water heater, replace jobs
- If you are recommending tankless or a heat pump, what changes to venting or wiring are included?For water heater, replace jobs
Answer the questions on the left to tailor this list. Red flags for this job
Plumbers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Water heater, replace
Swapping a tank water heater is one of the most uniform jobs in the survey: a like-for-like replacement is a few hours of work for a plumber. Prices climb when the fuel, location or venting changes, or when code updates are needed.
How it usually goes
- Shut off water and gas or power, drain and disconnect the old tank
- Set the new tank, connect water lines, gas or electric, and venting
- Add any code-required parts (expansion tank, drain pan, seismic straps where required)
- Fill, purge air, light or power up, test the relief valve and check for leaks
- Haul away the old tank; file the permit and inspection where required
What moves the price
- Tank size and fuel (gas, electric, heat pump)
- Switching from tank to tankless, or gas to electric (new venting, gas line or circuit)
- Location: attic, closet or tight basement access
- Code updates the old install never had
- After-hours or emergency service
Guides by job
What each job involves, what moves its price, its red flags and the questions to ask.