Water Heater Repair
Pilot lights, thermocouples, heating elements, thermostats, gas valves and relief valves. Local plumbers repair every major brand and tell you straight when a replacement makes more sense.
What usually goes wrong, and what it costs
Rough national ranges for parts and labor. Your plumber quotes your job after checking the unit.
| Problem | Usual cause | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water (gas) | Pilot out, thermocouple, gas valve | $100 to $250 |
| No hot water (electric) | Tripped reset, element or thermostat | $200 to $400 |
| Relief valve dripping | Thermal expansion, high pressure, worn valve | $150 to $400 |
| Hot water runs out fast | Sediment, dip tube, lower element | $150 to $400 |
| Popping or rumbling | Sediment on the tank bottom | $100 to $250 |
| Tankless error code | Scale, ignition, flame rod or flow sensor | $150 to $600 |
Compiled from Angi's 2026 cost data and plumbing contractor price guides.
Gas water heaters
Pilot and thermocouple faults, gas control valves, burners and venting. Gas is the most common water heater fuel in cold-winter homes.
Gas repair
Electric water heaters
Upper and lower heating elements, thermostats, the high-limit reset switch and wiring.
No hot water help
Tankless water heaters
Error codes, scale in the heat exchanger, ignition and flow sensor problems, and descaling.
Tankless repairWhen is repair worth it?
Repair a heater under about 8 years old when one part fails. Replace it when the tank leaks, when it is around 10 years or older and needs a major repair, or when the repair costs more than half the price of a new one.
States we serve
Repair questions
How long does a water heater repair take?
Most part swaps, like a thermocouple, element or thermostat, take one to two hours once the plumber is on site.
Can a leaking tank be fixed?
A leak from the tank itself can't be repaired because the steel has rusted through. Leaks from the drain valve, relief valve or fittings usually can be.
Why does my electric water heater keep tripping the reset button?
Usually a failed thermostat or element is overheating the water, or wiring is loose. Repeated tripping means a part has failed.
Get your water heater fixed today
Call now for water heater repair or replacement.