I live on the second floor in a condominium and had my direct vent hot water heater replaced approximately 8 years ago. At the time I recall having various vendors out to give me an estimate and very faintly remember being denied service because I'm on the second floor and because my hot water heater unit is 'special.' This could be incorrect, but I remember having to go with a plumbing company in my community that specializes in units for our community (I'm sure this was BS now that I look back).
Today, after the first really cold night we have had all winter, we woke up to brown water coming out of all of the faucets (hot side only). I have never done any routine maintenance on the hot water heater because I was never instructed to do so.
I called the same vendor who did the installation for us 8 years ago and charged me $1,350.00 and asked what that would cost today. They told me the unit alone is now $2,800.00 bucks.
I'm wondering if I was ripped off and being upsold? Our unit is 50 gallons for an 1100 square feet condo with 2 full bedrooms.
Any ideas on what could be wrong and is this something a regular plumber should be able to resolve for us?
Edit
I also now understand that my aquatherm unit also works in conjunction with my hot water heater. So I imagine this also is what inflates the cost of the unit I need to purchase?