How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Tank Water Heater?

February 22, 2018

The cost to repair a tank water heater in Florida ranges from $100 to $1,000+.

We know it’s a pretty big range, but what you’ll actually pay depends on these 3 main cost factors:

The type of repair
Labor fees
Your warranty

Let’s go into more detail about each of these points...

Need a repair right away? Call us and we’ll quickly send over one of our certified plumbers to fix your water heater.

Factor #1: The type of repair

The biggest factor that affects how much you’ll pay for a repair is what’s wrong with the water heater.

Think about when your car needs a repair and you take it to the mechanic—your mechanic charges based on what’s actually wrong with your car, right? Water heater repairs work the same way: you could have a really simple fix or it could be a time-consuming and complicated repair.

So, to help you get a better feel of what you could pay, we’ve included a list of common water heater repairs and how much they cost:

Replacing thermocouple = $20–$150
Gas control valve replacement = $300–$500
Installing new heating element (for electric water heaters) = $200–$300
Fixing leaks = $200–$1,000
Replacing pressure relief valve = $20–$200
Tank flush and cleaning = $200

If your water heater repair is over $500, and especially if your water heater is old (10+ years), we usually recommend replacing your water heater altogether.

Related reading: Should I Repair or Replace My Water Heater?

Now, the only way to get an accurate price estimate on the repair is to have a professional inspect the problem and give you a quote, which brings us to cost factor #2…

Factor #2: Labor fees

When you contact a contractor to repair your water heater, you’ll want to ask them 2 things:

“What do you charge for a service call?”
“Can you give me a written estimate of how much the project will cost?”

The service call charge

Almost all water heater repair contractors charge a service call fee. This fee is what the plumber charges to visit your home and diagnose the issue.

Most contractors charge between $50–$100 for a service call (we charge $59). The good news is, most contractors will waive that service call fee if you choose them to repair the water heater (we do).

Note: If the repair is complex and needs an in-depth diagnosis, the service call fee usually increases to be $80–$150 (ours is $89 if that’s the case).

Get a written estimate

Once a plumber tells you about the repair, ask them for a written estimate on how much the project will cost. This way, the contractor is bound to their word on the price they initially quote you.

Plus, you’ll see how a company charges for their labor. Contractors charge either by the hour or with a fixed rate:

Hourly rates are based on how many hours it takes to do the repair, plus the cost of materials. So, for example, the contractor could charge $100 per hour to repair a gas control valve, plus the cost of the repair materials ($200). If the project takes 3 hours, you’d pay a total of $500.
A fixed rate is a price that’s the same no matter how long it takes the contractor to do the project. Usually, repair materials are covered in the fixed price. For example, a contractor could charge $500 for a gas control valve replacement, regardless if it takes them 2 hours or 4 hours.

Factor #3: Your warranty

Most water heaters have at least a 6-year warranty to cover parts and the tank. Six-year warranties usually break down like this:

1-year full warranty that covers all repairs and labor due to manufacturer defects
5-year limited warranty that covers replacement parts (including a leaking tank), but you’re usually responsible for the labor after the first year.

Of course, the specifics of the warranty depends on the manufacturer. Don’t have your warranty handy? Try searching for the warranty on the manufacturer's website (you’ll probably need your water heater model number) or contact the contractor who installed your water heater for the warranty info.

Need a water heater repair in Florida?

We have several locations in Florida. View our service area and give us a call or schedule an appointment online and we’ll quickly send over one of our certified and trusted plumbers to fix your water heater.

Posted in: Buyer's Guide