How Much Does it Cost To Fix a Water Heater?

A study conducted by HomeAdvisor claims that the average cost for a water heater repair is $501 dollars, with most repairs landing between $200-$800 dollars. Like any appliance some parts are more affordable to repair than others.

•  $175–$485 to fix a broken ignitor. The boiler ignitor forms the initial spark that ignites the fuel (oil, gas or propane). Once ignited, the fuel burns up to generate heat. Therefore, if your ignitor is broken, there is no way to start heating up water.
• $150–$450 to extract mineral deposits. Mineral deposits from unfiltered water can form limescale build-up within the walls of the boiler tank. This could affect heat transfer and cause a system to overheat. Sediments can also lay at the base of the boiler’s container, diminishing the room designed for water and obstructing the tank’s pressure regulators. Flushing these sediments away can return the system back to normality.
• $230–$650 to replace the expansion tank. An overheating or leaking boiler, signals that the expansion tank may have excessive water and needs to get replaced.
• $435–$1,800 to repair the circulator pump. A circulator pump replicates the job a blower does for a furnace. The circulator pump pushes hot water through radiators and pipes to heat the home or building. If your circulator pump is failing, your system will not heat the home/structure.
• $55-$350 to fix a pipe leak. Pipes in the boiler unit can leak, thus leading to a reduction in system efficiency or completely shutting down the entire system. Leaks can also cause infrastructure water damage.

Note city ordinance does change and installation fees might be charged to comply with building/housing code. Some of these repairs are more expensive than buying a new water heater. It might be better to get a new water heater installed, than fixing one that has been continuously causing problems.

Depending on the issue you are experiencing, will determine who you call for a water heater repair. Before calling a plumber or electrician, you should check if your water heater has a repair warranty. Companies like Sears and HomeDepot offer a monthly water heater repair warranty that will cover almost any damage. If your water heater does have a warranty the company will likely send one of their own technicians to resolve the problem. On the other hand, a water heater with no warranty will require a professional. Most plumbers can manage all water heater malfunctions, but there are situations when an electrician is needed. For example, a water heater that keeps tripping the circuit breaker. A blown out or overheating water heater fuse box also demands an electrician. When the reset button on the water heater continues to trip, an electrician will have to tighten loose wiring. On some rare occasions, both a plumber and electrician will have to work together in order to get the water heater operating again. Identifying the complication will help choose the proper professional/s.

What Causes the Reset Button to Trip on A Water Heater?

What Are the Signs You Need A New Water Heater ?