Deciding between a plumber and a big-box store often comes down to the specific parts used in the heater.
“I found that there really is no difference in the heaters from Lowes over a distributor. Distributors might cost more, but they have contracts with plumbers.” Reddit · r/HomeImprovement Key Purchasing Tips Water Heaters - The Home Depot best place to buy hot water heater
Shop Water Heaters and more at The Home Depot. We offer free delivery, in-store and curbside pick-up for most items. The Home Depot Water Heaters & Hot Water Tanks - Ace Hardware Deciding between a plumber and a big-box store
"All-in-one" convenience for purchase and professional installation. We offer free delivery, in-store and curbside pick-up
Limited to specific brands the plumber carries; often includes a markup on the unit. Community Perspectives on Pro vs. Retail
Access to high-quality, "pro-grade" units and expert-curated inventory. Generally higher unit costs compared to retail stores. Amazon
Some models are built specifically for retail, which may differ from contractor-grade units. Ferguson