Have you noticed your water is not getting as hot as usual? Perhaps it takes longer to heat up, or maybe there is a rust color pushing out of the faucet whenever you run the hot water? Think it may be time for some professional water heater repair?
First of all, you need to determine if it is less expensive to repair or to replace. The only way you can do this is with the eye of a trained contractor. Of course, before you pick up the phone, you need to have a better understanding of what the cost to repair a water heater might be...
How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Water Heater?
When it comes to your hot water heater, maintenance is of utmost importance. Should it fail on you, here are the price variables which influence the overall price:
- what is causing the actual problem
- repair vs. replace
What is Causing the Problem
It all begins and ends with the cause of the problem. There might be something standard, like:
- a faulty pilot light
- broken thermostat
Maybe even the circuit breaker tripped so your heater isn't receiving power. However, there might be a build up of minerals inside of the tank, or it could be faulty in general.
While you can perform some basic troubleshooting to see if one of the minor issues is causing the failure, there could be many different causes behind water heater failure, and the ones you can't easily identify are typically the most expensive. It's highly recommended you compare quotes from professional contractors in your locale to ensure your water heater repair is handled correctly. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Repair vs. Replace
When you bring your contractor in to inspect the hot water heater, you need to ask if it will cost more long term to replace or repair. A hot water heater should last 10-15 years, so if you are already approaching this, it might be time to replace. It's always best, however, to get the opinion of a knowledgeable contractor.
Cost Breakdown
With these factors at play, the cost to repair a water heater, on average, is somewhere around $500. It can dip down to $200 or jump closer to $800, but this is the average price. If the damage is more extreme and you have a more valuable water heater, the repair costs can creep closer to $1,200, although this usually is not the case.
Get a Free Quote
Having hot water in your home is essential to modern living. To receive a more direct estimate for your particular water heater repair problem, enter in your zip code in the space provided. You'll be connected with top contractors in your area. And remember, it's 100% FREE, and there's absolutely no obligation.
