How Much Does a Water Heater Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The national average cost to repair a water heater is $603, with most homeowners paying between $221 and $985. Whether your showers are running cold or you're noticing leaks, understanding the factors that influence repair costs can help you budget effectively. From unit size to component quality, several elements impact the price. Hiring a water heater repair professional ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.

Hot Water Heater Repair Cost Factors

The total cost to repair your water heater depends on a number of factors, including the extent of repairs required, components, and potential replacement costs. Here’s a breakdown of these cost factors. 

Hot Water Tank Repair Costs

Repairing a hot water tank typically costs between $150 and $700, depending on the specific issue. Common repairs include fixing leaks, cleaning the tank, and addressing low water levels. Addressing low water levels can often be fixed with no charge, while it will cost an average of $200 to flush or clean a hot water tank.

Replacing Other Heating Elements

Replacing other components like the pressure relief valve, anode rod, or dip tube costs between $10 and $200 for parts and labor.

Cost to Replace a Water Heater

Replacing a water heater costs between $875 and $1,800. Since conventional storage tank water heaters last about 10 to 15 years, if your unit is within this age range, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue making repairs

Cost of Water Heater Repairs By Type

The cost to repair your water heater depends largely on the specific issue and the type of unit you have. Here’s what you can expect for common repairs on gas and electric water heaters.

Gas Water Heater Repair Costs

Gas water heater repairs typically cost between $150 and $500. Common issues include problems with the pilot light, thermostat, or thermocouple. Recognizing the signs of these issues can help you address them promptly.

Pilot Light Assessment and Reignition

A plumber's service call to assess and relight the pilot light typically costs between $50 and $150. Pilot lights in gas units can go out due to drafts or temporary disruptions. If you're comfortable following safety procedures, you may relight it yourself and save on the service fee. However, if the problem persists, it's best to contact a professional.

Thermocouple Replacement Cost

Replacing a thermocouple typically costs around $150 when hiring a professional plumber. The thermocouple detects when the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to release gas. If it fails, the gas valve won't open, preventing you from relighting the pilot or burner. In this case, replacing the thermocouple is necessary.

Gas Control Valve Replacement

Replacing a gas control valve costs about $350 on average. When this part malfunctions, replacement is typically more efficient and cost-effective than repair. The gas control valve regulates gas flow and shuts off the gas when the pilot light is out. A faulty valve can make your water heater unsafe, so prompt replacement is crucial.

Electric Water Heater Repair Costs

Repairing an electric water heater costs between $20 and $300, depending on the issue. Common problems include tripped breakers and faulty heating elements. You can often reset a tripped breaker yourself, but if the problem persists, it's advisable to check the thermostats and heating elements or consult a professional.

Heater Element Replacement Cost

Hiring a professional to replace heating elements typically costs between $200 and $300. Electric water heaters have heating elements at the top and bottom. If the top element fails, the unit won't produce hot water. You can test these elements with a continuity tester, available for about $10 at hardware stores.

Thermostat Replacement

A professional thermostat replacement costs between $150 and $200, with the thermostat itself costing around $20. Each heating element has its own thermostat. If the heating elements work but you're still not getting hot water, the thermostat may be the issue. Fortunately, a plumber can replace the thermostat without removing the heating elements.

DIY Water Heater Repair vs. Hiring a Professional

It's generally not recommended to repair your water heater yourself. Water heater repairs often involve working with gas lines, electrical components, and high temperatures, which can be hazardous if you attempt repairs yourself and don’t have the extensive training that professional water heater contractors have. Hiring a professional ensures the repairs are done safely and correctly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.