How Much Is It To Repair A Water Heater?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The typical range for water replacement is

between $1300 to $5500, averaging around $1700

. For the rest of the cases, the price tag on your electric water heater repair project, one of the most critical aspects, will be the specific part that requires work. The average cost of repairing a water heater is $506.

Is it worth it to replace water heater?

The average lifespan for a hot water heater is around ten years.

If you haven't replaced your hot water heater in the past decade, ‘replace' should win the hot water heater repair vs replace battle

. If your hot water heater is on the newer side (and you've been happy it), you may opt to repair instead.

How much does it cost to diagnose a water heater?

Several variables will go into the calculation of what you'll ultimately pay for your water heater repairs. First off, don't forget to factor in an

average $99 diagnostic fee

— as the contractor you call almost certainly will charge you to show up and determine what's wrong and how to fix it.

What is the most common problem with water heaters?


Water leaks

are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.

What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?

  • Decreased water temperature. If you like a nice hot shower in the morning, you'll notice a drop in temperature. …
  • Discolored water. …
  • Water leaks around the tank. …
  • A noisy water heater. …
  • Your tank is getting old.

How many years does a water heater last?

Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about

eight to 12 years

. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

What happens when hot water heater fails?

A broken water heater

may leave you without hot water for several days

. No one wants to take cold showers or go through the hassle of heating water and transferring it to the bathtub just to wash up. It may take several days of waiting for professionals to come to your house to install a new heater.

Can a water heater be fixed?


A water heater can certainly be repaired

, generally depending on what is going on when a plumber is called out for water heater repair. As per the common problems listed above, the general consensus for these tends to be a parts replacement, a reset of the system, or a flush of your water heater.

Should 10 year old replace water heater?


If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it

. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.

Why are water heaters so expensive?

Water heaters bought after the standards go into effect will be slightly larger than current models because

they have more insulation and redesigned internal parts

and thus will have a purchase price about 35 percent higher.

Why is my water heater not getting hot?

If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a

blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker

. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.

What causes hot water to not last long?

One of the leading plumbing problems with a hot water system is a

poorly maintained hot water tank

. Sediment and corrosion build up within the tank. This lowers the water quality and slows the heating element's effects. A simple draining and cleaning process resolves these plumbing problems.

Why has my hot water stopped working?

If there is no hot water or the supply is not adequate or is too hot,

check the upper thermostat

. If the thermostat is busted, it should be replaced. Lack of regular maintenance can cause issues even though the thermostat is working because of sediment buildup. To fix this, flush your water heater.

Can a water heater explode?

There are a number of reasons that your water heater can explode; however,

the main reason behind water heater explosions is pressure

. Anything that causes excess pressure on your water heating system, such as a poor anode rod, or a lot of sediment buildup, can all cause your water heater to explode.

Can a hot water heater last 20 years?

Tankless (“on demand”) water heaters are energy savers. They do not have a storage tank, but instead heat water as needed. Because there's less wear and tear,

tankless models last at least 20 years

, and longer with good maintenance.

What does a 6 year water heater mean?

A 6-year water heater means

the water heater has a 6-year warranty

, and a 10-year water heater has a 10-year warranty.

What can you do with an old water heater?

  1. Donate Your Water Heater. …
  2. Recycle Your Water Heater. …
  3. Put Your Water Heater in the Garbage. …
  4. Take Your Water Heater to a Landfill. …
  5. Hire a Junk Removal Service to Haul Your Water Heater Away. …
  6. Scrap Your Water Heater Yourself.

How do I make my water heater last longer?

  1. Flush the water heater tank once a year. Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. …
  2. Check the Anode Rod and Replace it if it's Badly Corroded. …
  3. Insulate the Hot Water Heater Tank.

How do I check my water heater?

Can you rebuild a hot water heater?

How long should a 38 gallon hot water heater last?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from

8-12 years

and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.