Common problems and issues with water heaters
Sometimes, your water heater will work fine one day and then suddenly stop working properly. It could be a minor electrical fault or a major problem. These issues are often difficult to diagnose on your own, so you should call in an expert. In many cases, you may not even realize there is a problem until your hot water tank suddenly stops heating water. Worst-case scenario is a leak and flooding of the area around your home.
Recognizing the most common issues is actually quite easy if you know what to look for. Those are things like a burnt out pilot light or accidentally unplugged. While repairing a water heater can be intimidating, especially if you have no experience with plumbing work, it is important to remember that almost every problem can be fixed without a major renovation. If you run into trouble diagnosing and repairing your unit, call a professional plumber who can point you to some possible solutions.
Average Water Heater Repair Cost
The average water heater repair cost depends on where you live, how old your heater is, and whether you have it covered under warranty. For example, if you just bought your heater and signed up for an extended warranty, it may cover your labor costs in addition to any parts that need replacement.
However, if your water heater is more than ten years old and no longer covered under warranty, the labor cost can easily exceed $300. Also, some parts can be difficult to find at affordable prices – especially if your model has been discontinued by its manufacturer. If your water heater started leaking because of a faulty seal or gasket, these problems can cost up to $500-$1,000 to fix.
Here are some other common repairs and their average costs:
- Pilot Light Recognition – $50 to $150.
- Thermocouple replacement – up to $200.
- New thermostat – up to $250.
- New heating element – between $200 and $500.
- Leak – At least $500 to $1,000, up to total replacement cost (depending on how bad the leak is).
