Few things are more frustrating than discovering that you are unable to take a hot shower on a cold morning because your home’s water heater is not functioning properly. Although this is something you should have repaired immediately, you may be worried about how much it will cost.
The good news is that conventional tank-style water heaters are considered fairly simple and straightforward to fix and have few parts that can malfunction. The national average cost in the United States to repair a water heater, according to HomeAdvisor, is $587. However, there are many factors that can influence the actual cost, which tends to fall in the range of $95 to $1500.
One of the main factors that influences the cost of water heater repair is the type of water heater in question. There are two main types of tanks: gas and electric. With a gas unit, a gas flame heats the water in the tank, while an electric one uses electric coils to achieve the same results.
Although both types of tanks have similar lifespans, gas tanks tend to cost more money to install and replace, although they may offer energy savings over time compared to electric units.
Gas Water Heater Repairs
Gas water heaters may face problems with the thermocouple, gas control valve or pilot light. A plumber can troubleshoot a gas water heater to discover the source of the issues. Plumbers tend to charge somewhere between $45 and $150 per hour to diagnose these issues, and the most common gas unit issues cost in the range of $150 to $500 to repair.
With gas water heaters, pilot lights going out are one of the most common problems. If the gas connection has been temporarily lost, it may be possible to repair it on your own, but it is important to follow safety procedures or hire a professional if you have any doubt.
In some cases, the thermocouple could be the cause of the problem. A professional plumber may charge up to $150 to install a new thermocouple. This part is responsible for sensing that the tank’s pilot light is lit, spurring the gas control valve to provide gas.
A failure in this part means that the presence of the flame will not be sensed and the control valve will cease to release gas. This may make it impossible to relight the pilot or the burner, in which case replacement is required.
If the thermocouple and pilot light are not the source of the problem, a new gas control valve may be needed. This part is responsible for releasing gas and then turning it off once the pilot light is out. Unfortunately, a faulty valve can make the heater unsafe, so it is important to contact a professional plumber if the burner or pilot light will not light or stay lit.
Electric Water Heater Repairs
Electric water heaters tend to face slightly different issues than gas water heaters. Some of the most common issues electric units face are tripped breakers and bad heating elements.
When a heater element needs to be replaced, it is a good idea to contact a plumber. Because electric water heaters receive extremely high voltages of electricity, they can be very dangerous to work with, and electricity must be shut off to the unit prior to testing or repairing.
A professional typically charges around $200 to $300 to repair the heating elements within the tank. If a thermostat needs to be replaced, a plumber may charge between $150 and $200 for the work.
Boiler Repairs
If your home has a boiler instead of a conventional gas or electric heater, you can expect to pay an average of $350 to repair it. Replacement fuses for a boiler cost around $20 per fuse.
For a thermostat replacement in these systems, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour of labor, while the repairs for a pilot light that has gone out could cost between $45 and $150 per hour.
Leaks should always be handled by a professional. They may be caused by a malfunctioning pump, sediment, a bad seal, compromised pipe connections or faulty valves, and it could cost as much as $1000 to fix.
Tank Cleaning And Flushing
It may cost as much as $200 to have a plumber refresh your tank. Hot water heaters perform better and last longer if their tank is flushed once a year to remove any sediment that is built up inside.
This can lead to cost savings by enabling the unit to operate more efficiently, and this applies to both electric and gas systems.
Reach Out To The Plumbing Professionals
For affordable, high-quality water heater repair services, get in touch with Baumbach Plumbing & Remodeling LLC. With more than 90 years in business serving the Northern Virginia area’s residential plumbing needs, our master plumbers are licensed, bonded and insured for the ultimate peace of mind.
