How Much Does a Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $150 - $550
On average, the cost for a water heater gas valve replacement is $350, including labor. The price for the replacement part depends on your water heater's brand and its age.
If your pilot light often refuses to ignite or showers flip-flop between hot and icy cold without warning, it might be time to replace your water heater’s gas valve. The cost to replace a water heater gas valve is an average of $350 for labor and materials. Depending on the replacement part’s price and labor rates in your area, your final cost could vary.
- Average
- $350
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $800
Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement Cost Breakdown
The water heater gas valve works in tandem with a series of parts that regulate the water’s temperature and activate the pilot light. The gas valve ensures the water heater functions properly and acts as a safety feature, switching off the gas flow to the pilot if it doesn't light. Here's what to expect from gas valve replacement.
Water Heater Gas Control Valve Replacement Cost
When talking about parts alone, water heater gas valve replacements cost between $100 and $300. The price range depends primarily on the brand and the age of your water heater.
Labor
There are several signs of a failing water heater to keep in mind. Water temperature fluctuations, a failing pilot light, and low hot water pressure are all reasons to call a local plumber. In some cases, the issue could point back to a failing water heater valve.
A plumber charges between $45 and $250 per hour, depending on where you live and the job’s complexity. In the case of water heater valve replacement, you could pay for one hour for the quick fix, or additional time to diagnose the issue.
Service Fees
In some cases, a plumber will simplify the cost of water heater valve replacement by charging a flat service fee between $100 and $400. The service fee will include basic diagnostics and fixes like part replacements. If the job extends past a certain length of time, they may add on an hourly rate, but this additional cost should be outlined in your estimate.
Lastly, some plumbers add a charge of $50 to $300 in trip fees if you live outside their service area. That’s why it’s crucial to research pros in your area to avoid tack-on fees.
Cost of Common Water Heater Repairs or Replacement
Replacing the Hot Water Heater Pressure Valve
During their visit, plumbers may discover problems with the parts around or related to your gas valve. The pressure valve is equally important to the function and safety of your water heater, releasing pressure to keep your boiler from bursting. Pressure relief valve replacement costs an average of $220 between parts and labor, or anywhere from $50 to $300.
Replacing a Thermostat
The water heater thermostat works with the surrounding parts, including the water heater pressure and gas valve. If the thermostat does not read the temperatures correctly, it will cost between $150 and $200 to replace.
Cleaning or Flushing a Water Heater Tank
To keep your water heater running perfectly, we recommend flushing the tank at least once per year. While you can learn how to drain the water heater yourself for under $25, a professional will charge between $100 and $200 for the job. Flushing or cleaning a tank removes sediment and debris that can clog your tank or discolor your water.
Replacing a Dip Tube
A simple plastic tube can be the difference between a hot shower and frustratingly lukewarm water. A dip tube lives inside the water heater and sends cold water to the bottom of the tank when the hot water at the top flows into your pipes. When the dip tube begins to erode or if it clogs, you can replace it for between $55 and $260, including parts and labor.
Replacing an Anode Rod
The role of the anode rod is a fascinating one. Composed of steel and wrapped in magnesium, aluminum, or zinc, the rod hangs down into the center of your tank to prevent corrosion. Over about five years, the rod will naturally break down, releasing compounds that will discourage the corrosion process on the tank lining.
Since the rod must break down to function correctly, you'll need to replace it before replacing the whole tank. You'll pay around $70 to $200 for the new rod and professional replacement.
Replacing a Pilot Light
It's relatively normal for the pilot light to go out from time to time, so it may not be a sign that it needs to be replaced. However, they can wear down or become damaged over time. If you need to replace a pilot light, call a professional plumber and expect to pay $75 to $100 for the job.
Repairing an Igniter
Depending on the brand and age of your water heater, you will have a range of igniter types that create the spark to light your pilot. If the pilot lights fail, but all the related parts function correctly, you could need a new igniter. The parts cost between $10 and $50 on average in addition to the $45 to $250 hourly rate for the labor.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater Gas Valve Yourself?
You can save about $200 in labor costs by handling your own water heater gas valve repair. The part itself usually costs between $100 and $250. You’ll also need about $16 worth of tools and materials (unless you already have a fully stocked toolbox).
Note that there should not be any gas smells present. If you smell gas, shut off the water heater’s gas supply and call a local water heater repair specialist. Do not attempt to light the pilot light to repair things yourself—this action could be extremely dangerous.
If it’s safe to proceed, here are the basic tools you’ll need:
Adjustable wrench: $5
Screwdriver: $3
Teflon tape: $3
Pipe joint compound: $5
Total: $16
Be sure to always shut off the gas supply before attempting any water heater repairs. If you’re not totally comfortable with this DIY, contact a professional plumber to handle it for you.
DIY Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
When comparing the two approaches side by side, you will spend an average of $190 to replace a water heater gas valve yourself and an average of $320 to hire a local plumber.
While the cost savings are tempting, yet again, you should only attempt the job yourself if you’re confident working with a hot water heater, follow the included safety instructions for your model, and do not suspect that there are additional issues with your tank.
How Do I Know If My Gas Valve Is Bad on My Water Heater?
A faulty gas control valve can cause your pilot light to go out or not stay lit after releasing the button. It might also cause the water to get too hot or the heat limiter to trip.
Still, this could also point to an issue with the thermocouple, thermostat, pilot light, or other important parts. Troubleshooting the water heater gas valve will help you determine the cause of the problem.
Troubleshooting a Bad Gas Valve
As mentioned before, do not attempt any repairs or troubleshooting if you smell gas. Otherwise, you can troubleshoot a gas control valve by following these steps:
Test the pilot light by pressing the button and seeing if it stays lit. If it doesn’t, the thermocouple might also have an issue.
If you recently replaced the thermocouple, check to make sure it has been installed properly. Look for kinks in the line, ensure it’s screwed in tight, and verify that the probe tip is in the pilot’s flame.
If there are no thermocouple problems and the pilot light won’t stay lit after you let go of the button, it’s likely a problem with the gas control valve.
Check on the water heater’s gas supply to ensure it wasn’t shut off and there aren’t kinks in the lines.
If your pilot light won’t ignite and there aren’t any issues with the gas supply, there may be a clog in the line somewhere. Contact a local gas water heater repair specialist to pinpoint the cause of the issue.
How to Save on Hot Water Heater Gas Valve Replacement Costs
In addition to reducing the price of labor by replacing the gas valve yourself, maintaining your water heater is one of the best ways to keep costs low over time. Extend your water heater's life span by:
Flushing and cleaning your water heater once or twice per year
Installing a water softener to reduce sediment buildup
Inspecting the gas lines and crucial parts of your water heater twice per year
Call a local plumber at the first signs of erosion or poor water heater performance
Questions to Ask the Water Heater Pro
When getting a quote for the cost of water heater gas valve replacement, it’s a good opportunity to ask some general questions about the state of your water heater. During the quote process, a pro can inspect the entire unit. Here are some questions to ask:
Is my water heater an appropriate size for my household?
How many more years are left before I need to consider a replacement water heater?
Are there any telltale signs of wear in the water heater components other than the valve?
What are some tips for caring for my water heater?
What is your company's routine water heater flush cost?
Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several signs that a gas valve may be failing. The most obvious sign is that the unit's pilot light is no longer lighting. In some cases, the pilot light will briefly ignite before going off. Other potential signs of a failing gas valve on a water heater include low water pressure, fluctuating water temperatures, and a foul smell.
The average water heater repair cost is about $600, with most jobs ranging between $225 and $960. However, a gas valve is one of the more expensive parts to replace, making it a costlier DIY fix. You can minimize the need for repairs by inspecting and maintaining your water heater on a regular basis.
Replacing a gas valve on a water heater will take a professional plumber between 1 and 1½ hours. However, they may require extra time to diagnose the problem with your water heater, particularly since so many of the surrounding parts work together. Speak with your plumber before the job to confirm the pre-hour price and the approximate length of the job.
Testing whether the gas valve on your water heater works properly requires some troubleshooting. Since the parts surrounding the gas valve—such as the thermocouple, igniter, and pilot light—work together, it may not be clear what is causing the issue without the help of a professional.
However, you can begin by igniting the pilot light on your water heater by turning the gas valve to the pilot setting and pressing it down to trigger the ignition. If it doesn't light, you either have an issue with the gas valve or the igniter.