How Much Does Water Heater Repair Cost?
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Water heater repair cost has a typical range of $221 to $964. The type of repair needed strongly influences the final price, though the national average repair cost is $591.
- Typical Range: $221 to $964
- National Average: $591
A water heater does exactly what its name suggests: It heats water. This water can be used in a home for showering, cooking, and cleaning. A home’s water supply pipe brings cold water into the home. The water enters the water heater, where it is heated and stored before being summoned by a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom. A home without a functioning water heater can be quite uncomfortable—and even dangerous.
That’s why when a water heater needs repair, it’s best not to put it off. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, water heater repair costs $591 on average, and it can range from a low of $221 to a high of $964. The exact repair cost will depend on the type of water heater, the necessary repairs, any required parts, and labor.
This guide will cover how different repairs affect the final price, whether a homeowner can tackle their own water heater repair, and how to know when a water heater replacement is the better choice when facing a high repair cost.
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Factors in Calculating Water Heater Repair Cost
The total cost of water heater repair depends on a variety of factors, including the repair type, heater type, cost of parts, labor fees, and even geographic location. Homeowners will want to consider the following most influential factors that impact water heater repair cost when working with a contractor for an estimate.
Repair Type
There are different types of water heaters, all with their own unique components. The total cost to repair a water heater is heavily dependent on what type of repair is needed. In some cases, more than one repair may be necessary.
Some types of repairs can be handled by the homeowner, and in these cases, parts typically cost between $10 and $20. Other types of repairs must be handled by a professional who fixes water heaters, and labor costs alone can cost hundreds of dollars.
These pricing variations are what give the average cost of water heater repair such a wide range.
Heater Type
There are two main types of water heaters, with a storage water tank being the most common. The tank typically holds between 20 and 80 gallons of water, and it’s filled to capacity and heated so hot water is ready on demand. Since this type is continuously heated, associated energy costs can be high. Repairs on a storage water tank have an average range between $150 and $700.
A tankless water heater works differently as it doesn’t rely on a tank. Instead, water is heated as it’s needed. This type of heater is more efficient than a storage water tank but has limits on how much water it can heat at once. It’s also more expensive to purchase, install, and repair. A tankless water heater costs between $300 and $1,300 to repair.
Parts
Water heaters have over a dozen components that can require repairs or replacement parts over the years. Units consist of storage tanks, gas valves, heating elements, anode rods, flue pipes, blowers, dip tubes, gas burners, thermostats, mixing valves, and recirculating pumps. As can be expected, each part of a water heater has distinctive pricing. The number and type of replacement parts needed to repair a water heater greatly influence the total repair cost. Small parts can cost $50 or less. But when multiple parts are needed or an entire replacement is necessary, homeowners can expect to pay between $750 and $1,300.
Labor
When calculating the cost of water heater repair, homeowners often find that parts are fairly affordable. Some replacement parts can cost as little as $10, but this shouldn’t lead a homeowner to assume a water heater repair cost will be less than the cost of a meal out. While some jobs can be tackled by a homeowner, others require the experience of a professional, which comes at a cost. Labor charges can significantly raise the cost of water heater repair, as most plumbers charge between $45 and $150 per hour. Some repairs or replacements could require the service of an electrician as well; electricians tend to charge between $50 and $100 per hour for water heater repair.
Geographic Location
Due to cost variations in parts and labor, geographic location affects the total cost of water heater repair. Repair is the most affordable in Tampa, Florida, where repairs average $539. Chicago, Illinois, also has a fairly affordable average water heater repair cost of $552.
Repairs get a bit more expensive in Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; and Denver, Colorado; these areas have an average repair cost range between $618 and $627. Boston, Massachusetts, has among the highest water heater repair costs in the country with an average of $762.
Repair vs. Replacement
Generally speaking, a water heater repair costs less than a full unit replacement. This may not be true for older units, though. The typical water heater lasts between 8 and 12 years. Repairing a water heater that’s less than 5 years old will most certainly make more financial sense than replacing the unit. But for a unit that’s 10 years or older, a repair might only buy time rather than resulting in a permanent fix.
When determining a budget, homeowners will need to consider whether the repairs will come close to, or exceed, the cost of water heater replacement. While repair costs may initially be less than a replacement, repairing a water heater over and over can end up costing more than the price to replace it.
Types of Water Heater Repair
There are many different components to a water heater. With so many parts, there are a variety of different repairs and repair combinations that a homeowner may be faced with. Some of the following repairs are common, while others are rare. Some are affordable fixes, while others require larger repair budgets. When it comes to water heaters, the one thing all the following repairs have in common is that they can’t be postponed for long.
Leak Repair
Water heater leaks need to be handled right away. This is a type of water heater repair that homeowners can rarely handle on their own. A diagnosis from a professional can provide peace of mind and prevent more extensive and expensive repairs.
Sometimes a simple tightening of the leak valve is all it takes to fix a leaking water heater. In other cases, the valve may need to be cleaned and the issue will disappear. But a leak from a water heater can suggest a leak in the tank itself. If this is the diagnosis, the outlook can be quite grim.
A leak in the tank is often from corrosion or other types of damage that can’t be fixed, which means the entire unit will need to be replaced. The cost of a new water heater is between $750 and $1,300.
Pressure Relief Valve Replacement
A pressure relief valve in a water heater helps get rid of excess pressure in the tank. This prevents pressure buildup that can potentially cause a tank to burst and subsequently flood the home. It’s an essential safety mechanism for a water heater, so when it needs to be repaired, the homeowner will want to address it quickly rather than putting it off.
Replacing a pressure relief valve can cost on average between $200 and $300 if hiring a professional, A homeowner can replace their own pressure relief valve with a bit of plumbing experience and a couple of basic tools, and the part alone costs $20. DIYers will need to remember to always turn off the unit, shut off the gas, and let the water cool down before starting a repair.
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Anode Rod Replacement
An anode rod is like a water tank’s bodyguard: It takes the hits from sediment and corrosive elements so that the tank can remain free of corrosion and in tip-top shape. Anode rods aren’t meant to last the entire lifespan of a water heater. With normal usage, an anode rod should be replaced at least once every 5 years.
In most cases, replacing an anode rod is a simple DIY maintenance job. The part itself costs between $20 and $50, but homeowners with minimal plumbing experience may want to call in a professional to help, keeping in mind that labor costs will be in addition to the part price.
Recirculating Pump Replacement
In homes without recirculating pumps, hundreds of gallons of water a year can go to waste. This is because a recirculating pump circulates hot water, ensuring faucets and showers provide hot water on demand. Otherwise, cool water runs until the hot water from the heater reaches the faucet. Depending on the distance between the faucet and the water heater, it can be several seconds of cool water going down the drain before hot water can logistically reach its destination.
A broken recirculating pump can lead to wasted resources. In fact, a recirculating pump can save a family of four up to 36,000 gallons of water in a year. Replacing a recirculating pump costs between $150 and $680, which can pay for itself in water savings over the years.
Dip Tube Replacement
A water heater dip tube is an internal pipe that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank where it can be heated. Once warm, the water rises to the top while the dip tube directs more cold water toward the bottom of the tank.
When a home’s water can’t seem to stay very hot throughout the day, a broken or corroded dip tube could be the culprit. The part itself costs only about $10, but if hiring a professional, homeowners can expect to pay about $150 for the part and labor combined.
Expansion Tank Replacement
An expansion tank is a small tank attached to the water supply pipe of a water heater. Its purpose is to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up. This prevents excessive water pressure, which can be dangerous.
However, expansion tanks can wear out, so at least one replacement during the lifespan of a water heater is usually inevitable. Expansion tank replacement costs between $100 and $400 for both parts and labor.
Flue Pipe Replacement
Also known as a water heater vent, the flue pipe allows gas exhaust from the water heater to escape safely outside the home. When a flue pipe is damaged, toxic gas can be released inside the home, so repair shouldn’t be put off.
Replacing a water heater flue pipe costs between $100 and $350; the final cost will depend on the pipe’s configuration and length. Material is also important; some flue pipes are made from metal, while others are made from plastic.
Tank Cleaning and Flushing
It’s common for sediment, or settling matter, to collect at the bottom of a water heater tank. While natural, it’s not healthy for the unit. When sediment builds up too much, a water heater can take longer to heat up or be unable to properly heat the water inside. Popping or rumbling noises from deep inside the tank are also possible as bubbles of hot steam escape the sediment.
A water heater ideally needs to be flushed at least once per year. Failure to do so can lead to leaks, heating element failure, or even a complete loss of the unit. Calling in a professional to flush a hot water heater costs around $200.
Thermostat Replacement
A water heater thermostat controls the heating elements within a unit. Homeowners can think of it as a temperature-activated switch, just like the thermostat for a furnace. When a home’s temperature dips below a certain threshold, the thermostat registers and kicks on the furnace. In a water heater, the thermostat can sense when the water temperature goes below its set point. It then energizes the heating elements until the water reaches the set temperature.
Once a thermostat stops working, a replacement is likely necessary. While the part itself only costs around $20, homeowners can expect to pay around $150 to $200 for the part and installation.
Thermocouple Replacement
A water heater’s thermocouple detects whether or not the pilot light is lit in a gas-powered water heater. When it detects the light is lit, a thermocouple signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow. This turns on the burner and heats the water. It should go without saying that the thermocouple is a critical component of a gas water heater, so when it starts to go bad, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Despite the fact that a thermocouple is so vital to a hot water heater, it’s incredibly affordable to replace. Even with labor costs, replacing a thermocouple shouldn’t cost more than $150.
Timer Replacement
A water heater timer is a small electronic device that can be attached to either a gas or electric unit. It allows a homeowner the option to turn off the water heater at certain times of the day or night. This can help save on gas or electricity costs, especially if a unit isn’t very energy efficient. This is especially true for homes with outdoor water heaters. Cold temperatures make the unit work overtime, so a timer can offer significant savings.
But like any other component, a water heater timer can stop working. A new water heater timer costs between $40 and $140 for just the part. But for the part and labor combined, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $350.
Heating Element Replacement
Most electric water heaters have two heating elements: one heats from the top while the other heats from the bottom. When they go bad, a few different possibilities could be at play. One potential cause is damaged or slipped wiring, which can be dangerous if ignored.
A faulty heating element could also be caused by a power surge that burns it out, or by mineral buildup coating the element over time and preventing it from heating the water.
A heater element repair typically costs between $200 and $300.
Gas Control Valve Replacement
The gas control valve in a water heater is an important component. It manages the flow of gas to the water heater. Too little gas and the burner won’t light; too much gas, though, can create a very dangerous situation.
When a gas burner never turns off, it’s a sign a gas valve needs to be replaced. At the same time, cold water despite a lit pilot and correct thermostat settings can signal the burner can’t turn on, which is typically a result of a clogged or bad valve.
Replacement is often the financially wiser option over repair when it comes to a gas control valve and will cost between $300 and $500.
Tankless Heat Exchanger Replacement
A heat exchanger in a tankless water heater has the same function as a heater in a traditional tank water heater. A tankless water heater is activated by incoming water, where the heat exchanger quickly heats up the water before it heads to the appropriate faucet.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive in general, along with their parts. A tankless heat exchanger replacement costs between $600 and $700 for labor alone. Once the part is included, the price tag shoots up to between $1,200 and $1,300. The good news is that manufacturer warranties can cover a tankless heat exchanger for 5 to 12 years, depending on the brand. A year of labor is often covered as well.
Igniter Repair
Some water heaters use an igniter to ignite the gas. If an igniter fails, a water heater can’t heat up. In many cases, insufficient voltage is the cause of a faulty heater igniter. Sometimes an igniter can be defective, or it can simply wear out over time. Either way, a malfunctioning igniter needs to be repaired or replaced by a skilled technician. Water heater igniter replacement costs between $75 and $350.
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Pilot Light Replacement
Pilot lights are small flames that ignite the gas burner on a water heater. If a pilot light goes out, water inside the tank cannot be heated up. If the water in a house suddenly goes cold, one of the first things a homeowner will want to check is the pilot light. A pilot light is typically located at the base of the unit, below the gas control valve. The flame should always be visible, so if it’s not, it could be an easy fix.
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