The national average hot water heater repair cost is $603, with most repairs ranging between $90 and $1,750.
Some homeowners have paid as little as $90 to get their hot water heater running again, while others pay upward of $1,750. A water heater is an essential appliance often taken for granted, but repairs can be urgent when it acts up (or quits altogether). This guide will explain what factors to consider when estimating your water heater repair cost and what you can expect to pay.
The cost of repairing a water heater is simple: you have parts and labor. Your bill depends on the cost of the part, the amount the water heater professional charges, and the length of the job. Your geographical location and the location of the water heater in your home can also play a role.
As with any machine or appliance, water heater repair prices vary based on the part you need. Typical water heaters have more than a dozen parts, ranging in size and cost. Some of these parts include the following. Remember that these prices do not include the labor to replace them.
| Part | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Anode rod | $25–$75 |
| Dip tube | $25 |
| Gas burner | $175 |
| Gas valve | $70–$200 |
| Heating element | $15–$60 |
| Thermostat | $20–$400 |
Each water heater component serves a unique function, and the price range to replace each varies by material cost and how long it typically takes to repair or replace it. Many small parts cost $50 or less, but your total could reach the hundreds with the labor prices. Still, this is more affordable than a full water heater replacement, which typically costs between $850 and $1,800.
Most plumbers charge between $45 and $150 per hour, often depending on the experience of the professional. You’ll notice that the prices often entail a small, inexpensive part with a comparatively large charge for labor. If you’re not the type to tinker with appliances that can burn you, or if you’re not comfortable with your diagnostic abilities, the peace of mind and time you save is well worth the cost.
When considering labor, consider how advanced your water heater is. The more high-tech the appliance, the more expensive the repair could be. For example, a condensing tankless water heater has additional components that a non-condensing unit doesn’t, which means additional parts that could need replacement.
Different areas of the U.S. have varying prices. Based on where you live, your hot water heater service cost could be higher or lower. Here are some average water heater repair costs for different cities:
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston, Massachusetts | $20 —$1,200 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $220—$950 |
| Denver, Colorado | $20 —$1,000 |
| Houston, Texas | $220—$900 |
| Jacksonville, Florida | $200—$850 |
| Los Angeles, California | $250—$1,000 |
| Memphis, Tennessee | $200—$850 |
| Nashville, Tennessee | $200—$900 |
| New York City, New York | $250—$1,200 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $220—$950 |
| San Francisco, California | $300—$1,200 |
| Seattle, Washington | $250—$1,100 |
| Cleveland, Ohio | $200—$900 |
| Indianapolis, Indiana | $200—$850 |
| Portland, Oregon | $250—$1,000 |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | $200—$900 |
The location of your water heater in your home can also affect the repair costs. If the appliance is in a tight or hard-to-reach area, like a cramped utility closet or a small crawl space, the local water heater repair service you hire might take longer to complete the repairs, driving up the labor costs.
Water heater repair prices range from simple DIY fixes under $20 to more complex problems that can cost hundreds. The following issues occur in both electric and gas heaters. If you have a different type of water heater—like a heat pump vs. tankless water heater—you could be on the hook for additional repairs.
Water heater leaks aren’t something you should ignore or try to handle on your own. You’ll want a local plumber to take a look. A leaking valve could only require simple tightening and cleaning, or the outlook might be grimmer.
Let’s rip the band-aid off: if there’s water in your water heater pan or underneath the unit, there’s most likely a leak in the tank. Unfortunately, this usually indicates corrosion or other internal damages you can’t fix. You’ll have to get a new water heater for between $750 and $1,300. When it's all said and done, reward yourself with a hot, relaxing bath.
If the pressure inside the tank gets too high, the pressure relief valve safely takes care of it. Periodic gushing usually means it’s doing its job, but a steady “leaky” type of trickle could mean a few things:
There is sediment buildup in the valve
Your tank’s pressure is too high
You need a new pressure relief valve
Replacing the pressure relief valve could cost up to $200 if a plumber comes out, or it’s a $20 part that requires a couple of basic tools (see DIY repair cost section below). Always turn off the unit, shut off the gas, and let the water cool down before attempting replacement.
If your water can’t stay very hot for long, a broken or corroded dip tube is likely to blame. Dip tubes cost about $25, with an average professional replacement cost of $150. In both electric and gas heaters, this part carries new, cold replacement water down to the bottom of the tank while the hot water is in use.
If you’re hearing noises coming from your water heater, that’s probably sediment. It’s not just annoying: if left alone, it might lead to leaks, heating element failure, or the death of the entire unit. Having a plumber flush it ASAP is a good idea for around $200.
By design, the anode usually needs to be replaced before your water heater fails. On average, a new anode rod costs between $20 and $50. Labor to hire a water heater pro to replace the anode rod costs between $50 and $150 per hour, and most plumbers can do this in an hour.
Replacing a water heater anode isn’t a job for beginners, so if you don’t have plumbing experience, this is probably a good time to call a professional. An improperly replaced anode rod could drastically reduce the life span of your hot water heater.
The anode rod is a steel rod coated with aluminum, aluminum/zinc alloy, or magnesium. It’s designed to corrode before the interior wall of your tank, so it’s a sacrificial rod that you’ll need to replace regularly. Rust and corrosion are inevitable when heat, water, and metal play together, and rust and corrosion shorten the life of your hot water heater. The electrons from the anode attract and settle minerals in the water that can otherwise build up and corrode the water tank.
You should check the anode rod for corrosion and deterioration every few months. Drain and flush the hot water heater once or twice a year to slow corrosion in the water tank. The anode rod should be replaced at least every five years.
The expansion tank attached to the water supply pipe of your hot water heater is a reservoir for the water that expands when heated. It acts as pressure relief for the tank when water expands as it heats up. Expansion tanks typically need to be replaced once during a water heater's lifetime. You can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for parts and labor to replace them.
Lukewarm water coming out of your shower could indicate several issues, such as a thermocouple problem in a gas heater or a heater element failure in an electric heater. Costs vary based on your style because these all require different parts and expertise to fix. The two main categories are gas and electric water heaters.
Gas water heater repair costs come from pilot light problems, thermostat issues, or a failed thermocouple. Each displays different symptoms with varying water heater repair prices that go with it.
First, try lighting the pilot light again. Make sure you can do it safely. If you don’t want to do this, a service call might cost you a trip fee of around $50 to $150, as most plumbers can do this in a few minutes.
Problems with your gas heater’s thermostat require repairing or replacing the whole valve unit. A new one will cost you about $80, but that can cost around $200 if you include labor.
If your pilot light stays lit but the burner isn’t lighting, this often means a problem with your thermocouple. The thermocouple senses the pilot light and uses this signal to trigger gas from the gas control valve. Calling a pro to replace this part should run you about $150 or less and take under an hour.
This valve keeps the gas on for the pilot light and is responsible for turning the gas off when the pilot light goes out. This is a job for a water heater professional. A bad gas valve can make your hot water heater unsafe, as a gas leak can cause explosions. Gas valve replacement costs about $350 on average on a hot water heater.
A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.
If it’s only a tripped breaker, that’s great. Just reset it and start planning the bubble bath you’ll have later. This should always be your first check if your hot water heater isn’t working, as it will cost you nothing but a minute of your time.
Electric water heaters have two heater elements: one on top and the other on the bottom. If one fails, a very cold and sad shower will follow shortly. Having a water heater element repaired professionally usually costs about $200 to $300.
Each heating element has its thermostat; if those don’t work, the elements won’t either. Hiring a pro to replace a thermostat averages around $150 to $200. The part itself costs up to $20 and is easily replaceable without disturbing other components if you have some DIY experience.
The prices mentioned above should cover most of your expenses for repairing your water heater, but other costs could increase your total.
The flue pipe sends exhaust gases from your hot water heater to the outside of the home. The cost to replace the PVC flue pipe depends on length, material, and accessibility, but you can expect to pay between $100 and $350.
Some hot water heaters have timers that allow you to set times when the unit does or doesn’t heat the water. Replacing the timer costs between $100 and $350 for parts and labor.
Preventative maintenance is one way to get the longest, most efficient use from your hot water heater. Having a professional give it a regular tuneup will cost between $100 and $500, including a drain and flush, inspection for corrosion or leaks, cleaning parts like the burner, and testing parts like valves and water composition. Tankless water heater maintenance costs are close to regular tank water heaters. The big difference is life expectancy, with tankless water heaters lasting up to 20 years or more, compared to 10 to 15 years for traditional tank water heaters.
Most hot water heaters last about 10 to 15 years, so if yours is within that range or beyond, consider a full replacement, which will cost between $850 and $1,800. Replacing a piece at a time on a unit in this age range will quickly add up to the cost of a full replacement.
Often, water heater problems may only require a small repair. Other times, it will take a heavier lift to get your water heater performing correctly and efficiently again. Replacing your water heater is likely more cost-effective than attempting to repair it. On average, the cost to install a new water heater runs from $875 to $1,800.
How do you know when to replace your water heater? Here are a few signs:
It’s at the end of its life span: Conventional water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can perform well for roughly 20 years. If your water heater is malfunctioning and it’s near the end of its projected life span, it’s not worth throwing money at the repairs since it’s liable to have other issues in the future. Instead, take this opportunity to install a new water heater.
It’s in a bad location: If your water heater was installed in a place that doesn’t make sense—i.e., it is too far away from the actual dispense points such as faucets, the dishwasher, and the clothes washer, or it’s in a cramped location that makes maintenance and repairs difficult—don’t bother repairing the existing water heater. Instead, relocate it to an area that makes more sense (your trusted local water heater installation specialist should be able to recommend it) and upgrade to a new, more efficient water heater during this process.
It’s inefficient: Older water heaters tend to run less efficiently than new ones because technology always improves, and older models simply have too much wear and tear. If your monthly water bill steadily increases, it may be time to get a new water heater.
It’s experiencing a larger issue: Small water heater repairs for minor problems make sense, but the cost of water heater repair for large issues—such as a leaking water heater, discoloration in the water, or inconsistent water temperatures—can be almost as much as the cost to replace the water heater entirely. In those cases, weigh the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing the water heater to determine if it’s worth spending more on a brand-new unit.
If you do the research, you can save big on your hot water heater service cost. Be sure to observe all appropriate safety measures because the water inside is dangerously hot, and gas and electricity are nothing to mess around with. If you’re unsure you have the time, tools, or expertise, you can always call a plumber to diagnose or repair your hot water heater.
Replacing your pressure relief valve is a safe and relatively simple water heater repair. The valve itself costs around $20, and if you don’t already have them in your toolbox, you'll need about $15 to $20 worth of supplies.
Here are the tools and materials you need:
Wrench: $10
Plumber’s Tape ($4) or Joint Compound ($8)
A broken dip tube is a common culprit when your water isn’t cold but isn’t warm enough. You can replace this with under $20 worth of tools you might already have, plus around $25 for the new dip tube.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Wrench: $10
Screwdriver (to pry out the old dip tube): $10
Can’t relight your burner or pilot light? It’s probably because of a thermocouple issue, which causes the gas control valve to stop releasing gas. The part is around $20, and the only thing you’ll need is a little knowledge about how the component works.
Important note: Remember to turn off your unit, shut off your gas connection, and allow the water to cool before you do this. Otherwise, it will be a mess.
Getting cold water from your electric heater? This could mean a problem with your heater elements.
First, shut off the unit's electricity and proceed to the testing phase. A continuity tester, which costs around $10 at the hardware store, will show you if the elements aren’t working as they should. If they are, then you might have a faulty thermostat on your hands.
If testing shows that they aren’t working, a tuneup kit for about $30 can boost those heater elements. If that doesn’t help, a replacement part might cost anywhere from $15 to $80, depending on your specific heater model.
Simple fixes to your water heater—like trying to reignite the pilot light—are accessible even to novice DIY-ers. But if you don’t have much experience working with plumbing, electrical, or gas, we highly recommend leaving most water heater repairs to the pros.
Incorrectly repairing your water heater can make it less efficient, and the work itself, especially when gas is involved, can be dangerous. Professional water heater repair contractors can also offer sound advice about whether to repair or replace the unit and can diagnose more complex issues that most homeowners would overlook.
One way to save money on hot water heater repairs is to handle the repair yourself. But that’s only for jobs that don’t require expert training. The labor cost for hiring a professional plumber ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, which means DIY could save you a few hundred dollars. There are some additional preventative measures to save money along the way.
Insulate the hot water tank and pipes with insulation rated for hot water tanks and pipes. This helps reduce heat loss and makes your water heater work less to keep the water hot. This will save you money immediately on your utility bills and, over time, because it extends the life of your appliance.
If you’re having hot water heater problems and your unit is 10 to 15 years old, replacing it may save you money in the long run rather than continuing to repair parts that are likely to keep failing. When parts stop working, they put extra stress on the other ones, and things wear out faster.
Even if the plumber gets a better rate on parts, it still takes time, and the components may have a markup. Check with your plumber to find out if you can save money by purchasing parts and having them ready when the professional arrives.
Sometimes, water heaters break at the worst time (like on a weekend or holiday). If the repair isn't an emergency and you can afford to go without hot water for an extra day, scheduling a service call during the work week helps. Schedule repair or maintenance in the off-season, as winter is the busiest time for water heater repair technicians.
Your water heater likely came with a warranty when it was installed. Refer to the warranty to see what is and isn’t covered—and for how long. Depending on the issue and when you installed the water heater, the warranty may cover the repair work. Remember, keeping up with routine water heater maintenance is key; ignoring required maintenance can void the warranty (as can DIY installs and repairs).
If your water heater warranty expires, you may not be out of luck. Check your home warranty if you have one. While most base home warranties do not cover water heaters, your unit might be covered with a top-tier plan.
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Signs your water heater is about to fail include: a unit older than ten years, rust water coming from your faucets, banging and rumbling noises when you call for hot water, and leaks coming from the tank. You might also notice a foul odor when you turn on your hot water, akin to rotten eggs or sulfur, and, of course, your water heater might need replacement if you find that your water doesn’t stay hot for as long as it used to or takes longer to heat up when you turn the water on.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your water heater is the best way to extend its life. Your regular water heater maintenance should include an inspection around the tank for leaks and abnormalities, flushing the tank of sediment and mineral build-up one to two times per year, and replacing the anode rod once every five years, even if you aren’t experiencing issues with your appliance. Another tip for maximizing the life span of your water heater is to make sure it’s sized appropriately for your home—these appliances work harder with increased demand and will break down more easily.
If you’re having problems with your hot water heater and it’s 10 to 15 years old—the typical life span of a gas hot water heater—you may want to consider replacing it rather than repairing it. Water heater replacement costs about $1,300 on average. If your water heater is younger than 10 years, paying for repairs is most likely worth it. You can always have a plumber assess your fixture to see what it would cost to fix it and then decide if it’s more cost-effective in the long run to replace it.
If you have a standard tank water heater, you should flush it twice yearly and plan to flush a tankless water heater once yearly. If you live in an area with very hard water, you should flush your water heater up to four times per year, as the calcium and magnesium in the water will build up more rapidly and could lead to problems. On average, the cost to flush a water heater runs from $110 to $200.
