Water Heater Repair Cost: $228 to $1,017 by Part (2026)
Water heater repair costs $228 to $1,017 for most jobs, and HomeAdvisor puts the 2026 average at $616.
HomeGuide's range for a tank repair is $150 to $700, and tankless repairs run $300 to $1,300. A tank leaking from the bottom usually needs replacing.
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Key numbers
- $100 to $350ThermostatHomeGuide (Aug 2025)
- $100 to $350Heating element (electric)HomeGuide (Aug 2025)
- $150 to $550Gas control valveHomeGuide (Aug 2025)
How much does water heater repair cost
No hot water, or water around the tank? Call the water heater line. A local plumber answers and quotes the service call first.
| Repair | HomeGuide (Aug 2025) | HomeAdvisor (June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat | $100 to $350 | $150 to $200 |
| Heating element (electric) | $100 to $350 | $200 to $300 |
| Anode rod | $150 to $350 ($20 to $50 for the part) | $50 to $150 |
| Gas control valve | $150 to $550 | About $350 |
| Thermocouple (gas) | $100 to $325 ($10 to $30 for the part) | About $150 |
| T&P relief valve | $50 to $300 | $20 to $200 |
| Pilot light | $50 to $200 | $50 to $150 to check and relight |
| Dip tube | $100 to $300 | $25 to $175 |
| Flush | $75 to $250 | About $200 |
| Leak repair (fittings, valves) | $100 to $1,000 | Not listed |
| Tankless repair | $300 to $1,300 | Not listed |
Installed prices, parts and labor. HomeGuide adds that minimum call-out fees of $50 to $200 may apply and plumbers charge $45 to $150 an hour.
No hot water, or water pooling under the tank? Call the water heater line and say whether it is gas or electric and how old it is.
Water heater repair means replacing a failed part, such as a thermostat, heating element, thermocouple, gas valve, anode rod or relief valve, instead of the whole unit. HomeAdvisor puts the 2026 average at $616.
Smell gas near the heater? Do not relight the pilot. Leave the house, then call the gas utility or 911 from outside. The Kansas Corporation Commission says not to use light switches, phones or garage door openers on the way out.
HomeAdvisor's June 2026 data puts most repairs at $228 to $1,017, with gas units at $150 to $500 and electric units at $20 to $300. HomeGuide's August 2025 guide puts a typical tank repair at $150 to $700 and a national average of $455. Angi repeats HomeAdvisor's $616 average. The part is often cheap: HomeGuide lists an anode rod at $20 to $50 and a thermocouple at $10 to $30 before labor.
Do this now: water heater leaking or not working
- Smell gas near the heater? Do not relight anything. Leave, and call 911 or the gas utility from outside (Kansas Corporation Commission).
- Water around the heater and near outlets or wiring? Keep clear. The Red Cross warns not to touch electrical equipment that is wet or while standing in water.
- Turn off the power and the water. Rheem's manual says to turn off power and water to a water heater that has flood or physical damage; close the cold water supply valve to the heater.
- Do not drain it with the power on. Rheem says to shut off power before draining water.
- Keep hands and feet clear of the relief valve discharge pipe; This Old House says the water that comes out is scalding.
- Call the water heater line and ask for the service call fee; HomeGuide lists minimums of $50 to $200.
Is it urgent? When a water heater problem cannot wait
A water heater problem is urgent when the tank is leaking, you smell gas, or the relief valve is discharging, and Angi's 2026 emergency figures put after-hours water heater repair at $225 to $975.
- Same day: a leak from the bottom of the tank. HomeGuide says it usually means the tank has failed; see water heater replacement cost.
- Emergency: a gas smell. The gas utility comes first.
- Call now: the relief valve is discharging. This Old House says never cap or plug the discharge pipe.
- Usually can wait: no hot water with nothing leaking, though HomeGuide counts no hot water in winter as an emergency.
Water heater not working: no hot water and other symptoms
No hot water usually traces to one of five parts: the thermocouple, a heating element, the thermostat, the pilot, or the gas burner and control valve, according to HomeGuide. Its symptom list lines up with the part prices above:
| Symptom | Likely cause (HomeGuide) | Repair price (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water | Thermocouple, heating element or thermostat; pilot out; burner or gas control valve | Thermocouple $100 to $325; element $100 to $350; gas valve $150 to $550 |
| Runs out fast | Unit too small, or a failed lower element (electric) | Element $100 to $350 |
| Lukewarm water | Thermostat setting, thermostat or upper element, or a cracked dip tube | Dip tube $100 to $300 |
| Water too hot | Thermostat setting, a faulty thermostat or a faulty relief valve | T&P valve $50 to $300 |
| Rumbling or popping | Sediment in the tank | Flush $75 to $250 |
| Rusty water or rotten egg smell | Corroded anode rod or tank | Anode rod $150 to $350 |
| Water under the tank | Fittings, drain valve or relief valve (fixable), or the tank itself (replace) | Leak repair $100 to $1,000; leaking tank replaced $600 to $1,800 |
HomeGuide, Aug 2025. A plumber confirms the cause before quoting.
On an electric heater, HomeAdvisor says a failed top element stops hot water entirely. Rheem lists less hot water (thermostat, element or dip tube), rust-colored water or a rotten egg smell, and rumbling or popping from sediment as signs a heater is going bad.
Water heater leaking from the bottom
A water heater leaking from the bottom of the tank usually means the tank itself has failed and the unit needs replacing, HomeGuide says. Rheem agrees that water pooling at the tank body suggests internal corrosion. Leaks from a fitting, the drain valve or the relief valve are different: those can often be fixed, and HomeGuide prices leak repair at $100 to $1,000. A leaking tank replaced runs $600 to $1,800 in HomeGuide's figures; water heater replacement cost breaks that down by size and fuel.
If the water has spread to floors or walls, dry it fast. The EPA says drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours keeps mold from growing in most cases. Water damage restoration covers drying and what it costs.
Water heater pilot light out
A pilot light can go out from a draft, HomeAdvisor says, and checking and relighting it costs $50 to $150 in its data. If the pilot will not stay lit, HomeGuide points to a faulty thermocouple ($100 to $325) or gas control valve ($150 to $550). HomeAdvisor prices the thermocouple at about $150 and the gas valve at about $350, and says a gas control valve is usually better replaced than repaired. If you smell gas, do not relight anything; leave and call from outside. Gas piping problems are covered on gas line repair.
Tankless water heater repair
Tankless water heater repair costs $300 to $1,300 in HomeGuide's guide, and routine tankless maintenance runs $75 to $300. Rheem says whistling or hissing from a tankless unit can come from scale buildup, and HomeGuide prices a tankless flush and descale at $75 to $300. The DOE says a tankless heater lasts about 20 years, against 10 to 15 for a tank. If you are replacing a tank with tankless, see tankless water heater installation for what retrofits cost.
How long does a water heater last? Repair or replace by age
A tank water heater lasts 10 to 15 years and a tankless unit about 20, the DOE says. HomeGuide's ranges are 8 to 15 years for a tank and 10 to 20 for tankless, and Rheem plans on around 10 years for a conventional tank, so the age of the heater is the first thing to weigh against any repair quote.
Replace a tank water heater that is more than 10 years old, or when a repair would cost more than half the price of a new one; that is HomeGuide's rule of thumb. HomeAdvisor says tanks last about 10 to 15 years, so a unit in that range may be cheaper to replace than to keep fixing.
| Type | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tank (gas or electric) | 10 to 15 years (DOE); 8 to 15 (HomeGuide); around 10 (Rheem) | HomeAdvisor average $1,348, typical $882 to $1,826; HomeGuide $600 to $3,100 |
| Tankless | About 20 years (DOE); 10 to 20 (HomeGuide) | HomeAdvisor average $2,641; HomeGuide $1,400 to $4,600 |
DOE (checked Oct 2026); HomeGuide, Aug 2025; Rheem, Dec 2025; HomeAdvisor, June 2026.
Full replacement prices, sizes and gas versus electric are on water heater replacement cost. Moving to tankless is covered on tankless installation. The IRS says the 25C credit that covered heat pump water heaters does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Tank over 10 years old and needs a part? Call the water heater line and ask for a repair price and a replacement price on the same visit.
Water heater temperature: set it at 120 F
The CPSC urges everyone to set water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It says most adults get third-degree burns from 150 F water in about two seconds and from 140 F water in six seconds, and that most tap water scald injuries and deaths are to older adults and children under five. Energy.gov notes most households only need 120 F, and that a heater set at 140 F can waste $36 to $61 a year in standby heat loss.
T&P valve safety
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve opens if the tank reaches 210 F or 150 psi, This Old House explains, and it is the main safeguard against the tank rupturing. It reports that manufacturers recommend testing it every six months to a year by lifting the lever with a bucket under the discharge pipe. The water that comes out is scalding hot, so keep hands and feet clear. Never cap or plug a dripping discharge pipe: that stops the valve from working. A new valve costs $50 to $300 (HomeGuide) or $20 to $200 (HomeAdvisor).
Who fixes water heaters: a plumber, the gas company or an electrician
A plumber fixes most water heaters: HomeAdvisor lists water heater repair among standard plumbing jobs at $150 to $750, and Nevada licenses the work under its C-1h water heater subclassification, which covers installation, replacement and repair.
- Gas smell or gas line leak: the gas utility first, then a plumber for piping on your side of the meter; see gas line repair.
- Electric heater, no hot water: heating elements and thermostats are standard water heater repairs, $100 to $350 each in HomeGuide's figures. A breaker that keeps tripping is an electrical problem; see breaker keeps tripping.
- Replacement: many cities require a permit, and some limit who pulls it. In Houston, a water heater permit must be obtained by a master plumber registered with the City.
- Tankless: ask whether the company services your brand before it sends someone.
- Whoever comes, ask for the license number and proof of insurance and check the license with your state.
Water heater repair near me: what to ask before you book
- What is the service call fee? HomeGuide lists minimums of $50 to $200, and hourly rates of $45 to $150.
- Is the part price installed? Compare quotes against the table above, part and labor together.
- Repair or replace? On a tank older than 10 years, ask for both prices in writing.
- Gas piping: HomeGuide says nearly all gas line installations require a permit. See gas line repair.
- License and insurance: ask for the license number and proof of insurance, and check the license with your state.
Water heaters are one item on the home repair costs list. For leaks elsewhere in the house, start at the plumbing hub or emergency plumber if water is spreading.
Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job. Ask for its license number and proof of insurance before work starts. How calls work.
More plumbing guides
Water heater thermocouple, popping noises and tankless error codes
A water heater thermocouple replacement costs $100 to $325 installed in HomeGuide's guide, with the part itself at $10 to $30, and about $150 in HomeAdvisor's figures; it is the usual reason a gas water heater's pilot will not stay lit.
- Thermocouple. HomeGuide says a pilot that will not stay lit points to the thermocouple or the gas control valve, which HomeAdvisor prices at about $350 and says is usually replaced rather than repaired. HomeAdvisor adds that drafts can blow a pilot out, and prices a pilot assessment and relight at $50 to $150.
- Popping or rumbling. Rheem says rumbling or popping comes from sediment on the bottom of the tank; HomeGuide prices a flush at $75 to $250 and HomeAdvisor at about $200. Angi says to hire a pro for a long-neglected heater rather than flushing it yourself. Rheem says water pooling at the tank body suggests internal corrosion that usually means replacement; see water heater replacement cost.
- Tankless whistling or hissing. Rheem links it to scale; HomeGuide prices a tankless heat exchanger at $600 to $1,300.
Tankless error codes. Tankless units report faults as numbers on the controller, and the list differs by brand and model. Rinnai's own technician document defines the codes below; it is written for trained professionals, and for the sensor codes it says to turn off the electrical, gas and water supply before servicing. Navien and Rheem publish their own lists in the manual for your model; we do not reprint codes from anywhere else.
| Rinnai code | Meaning (Rinnai document) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Overheating; the manual says it "should be taken seriously" | Unit off; a technician checks the overheat switch and flushes the heat exchanger |
| 25 | Condensate safety float switch tripped or pump failure; a backed-up condensate line shuts the unit off | Check the drain line for clogs or freezing; technician |
| 32, 33, 34 | Thermistor (temperature sensor) faults | Technician; power, gas and water off before servicing |
| 52 | Gas valve solenoid or modulating valve signal abnormal | Technician; Rinnai technical support if a reset does not hold |
| 54 | Exhaust gas temperature above 163 F; the unit shuts down after 120 seconds | Technician checks clearances, venting and the heat exchanger |
| 57, 58 | Burner overheat switch open (57); secondary heat exchanger switch open from scale buildup (58) | Fix the cause, then a hard reset; 58 means flush and treat hard water |
| 61 | Fan motor fault | Technician |
| 30 (RH180 hybrid) | Flammable vapor sensor fault | Leave the area until safety personnel confirm it is safe |
Rinnai Troubleshooting Tankless Water Heater Diagnostic Codes (document 100000652). Codes 02 to 17 cover ignition, bypass, airflow and venting faults; the document gives procedures rather than one-line meanings for those, so they are not listed.
Smell gas at any point? Leave and call 911 or the gas utility from outside before anything else. Tankless prices by brand: tankless water heater cost.
Related winter and safety guides
Water heater repair by city
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- Toilet gurgling: causes and when it is urgent
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Questions people ask
How much does it cost to fix a water heater?
HomeAdvisor's 2026 average is $616, with most repairs at $228 to $1,017. HomeGuide puts a typical tank repair at $150 to $700 and tankless repairs at $300 to $1,300.
Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?
HomeGuide says a leak from the bottom of the tank usually means the tank has failed and must be replaced, at $600 to $1,800. Leaks from fittings, the drain valve or the relief valve can often be repaired for $100 to $1,000.
Why do I have no hot water?
HomeGuide lists a faulty thermocouple, heating element or thermostat, a pilot that is out, or a bad burner or gas control valve. On electric heaters, HomeAdvisor says a failed top element stops hot water completely.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple or gas valve?
HomeGuide prices a thermocouple at $100 to $325 and a gas control valve at $150 to $550. HomeAdvisor puts them at about $150 and about $350.
Should I repair or replace a 10 year old water heater?
HomeGuide suggests replacing a tank older than 10 years, or when a repair costs more than half of a new unit. The DOE says tanks last 10 to 15 years.
What temperature should a water heater be set at?
The CPSC urges 120 F. It says 140 F water can cause third-degree burns in six seconds, and 150 F in about two seconds.
How much does tankless water heater repair cost?
HomeGuide puts tankless repair at $300 to $1,300 and routine maintenance at $75 to $300.
How long does a water heater last?
The DOE says a tank water heater lasts 10 to 15 years and a tankless unit about 20. HomeGuide's range for tanks is 8 to 15 years, and it suggests replacing a tank over 10 years old instead of paying for a major repair.
Who fixes water heaters?
A plumber handles most water heater repairs, which HomeAdvisor prices at $150 to $750 among standard plumbing jobs. Call the gas utility first if you smell gas.
How much does a water heater thermocouple cost to replace?
$100 to $325 installed in HomeGuide's guide, with the part at $10 to $30; HomeAdvisor says about $150. A pilot that will not stay lit is the usual sign.
Why is my water heater making a popping noise?
Rheem says rumbling or popping comes from sediment in the tank. A flush costs $75 to $250 (HomeGuide) or about $200 (HomeAdvisor); Angi says a long-neglected heater is a job for a pro.
Know whether it is gas or electric and roughly how old it is? Call the water heater line and describe what it is doing.
- 1Call the line
- 2It rings a local company
- 3They give you the price
Before you book
- License numberAsk for it, then check it with the state board.
- Written priceGet the visit fee and the job price in writing before work starts.
- Proof of insuranceAsk for the certificate, especially for roof, tree and electrical work.
Sources (21)
- HomeAdvisor: How Much Does a Water Heater Repair Cost (2026-06-17)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Water Heater Repair Cost? (2026) (2025-08-07)
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? (2026-08-24)
- DOE: Which Water Heater Is Right for You? (checked 2026-10-11)
- Rheem: 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Bad (2025-12-22)
- CPSC: Avoiding Tap Water Scalds (Publication 5098) (checked 2026-10-11)
- Energy.gov Energy Saver: lower your water heater temperature (ENERGY STAR tip) (checked 2026-10-11)
- This Old House: How and Why To Maintain a Temperature-and-Pressure Valve (2026-06-03)
- Kansas Corporation Commission: Natural Gas Safety (checked 2026-10-11)
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (2026-04-28)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Gas Line Installation Cost? (2026) (2026-01-06)
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (2026-02-18)
- American Red Cross: Flood Safety (checked 2026-10-11)
- Rheem: Electric Residential Water Heater Use and Care Manual AP23124 (2024-04)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does an Emergency Plumber Cost? (2026) (2025-12-30)
- Angi: How Much Does an Emergency Plumber Cost? [2026 Data] (2026-09-10)
- HomeAdvisor: How Much Does a Plumber Cost in 2026? (2026-06-19)
- NAC 624.190: Classification C-1, Plumbing and heating contracting (Cornell LII) (checked 2026-10-11)
- Houston Permitting Center: Water Heater Permit (checked 2026-10-11)
- Angi: Knocking Noise in Water Pipes? 6 Reasons Why (2026-07-08)
- Rinnai: Troubleshooting Tankless Water Heater Diagnostic Codes (100000652) (checked 2026-10-11)
Talk to a plumber who serves your area
Have the address, gas or electric, the tank size or model from the label, its age, and what it is doing. The company will quote its service call fee first.
Free call to an independent company in your area that takes this kind of work.