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Water Heater Repair Cost: Repair or Replace?

Most water heater repairs cost $228–$1,017, averaging $616 [1]. Whether a repair is worth it depends mostly on two things: how old the unit is, and how the repair compares to the price of a new one.

Should you repair or replace?

Enter what you know. The result updates as you go and uses the same rules of thumb plumbers and manufacturers use.

Other factors
Enter the unit's age and your repair quote to see a recommendation.

Common water heater repairs and what they cost

Installed prices, parts and labor [1].

ThermostatRoutine fix

Most common fix when water is lukewarm or too hot. The part itself is about $20.

$150–$200
Heating element (electric)Routine fix

Electric tanks have one or two elements; a failed one means little or no hot water.

$200–$300
Thermocouple (gas)Routine fix

Typical fix when a gas pilot light won't stay lit.

~$150
Pilot light service callRoutine fix

Relighting or cleaning the pilot assembly.

$50–$150
Anode rodRoutine fix

Sacrificial rod that protects the tank from corrosion. Replacing it on time extends tank life.

$50–$150
Pressure relief (T&P) valveRoutine fix

A safety valve. If it's leaking or dripping, have it checked promptly.

$20–$200
Dip tubeRoutine fix

A broken dip tube mixes cold water into the hot supply.

$25–$175
Gas control valveCompare with replacing

About $350 on average. One of the pricier repairs — compare against replacement, especially on an older unit.

~$350
Tank repairs (leaks, low water level)Compare with replacing

Fitting and valve leaks can often be fixed. A leak from the tank body itself usually means replacement.

$150–$700

How long water heaters last

Tank (gas or electric)

Typically lasts 8–12 years (Rheem); HomeAdvisor cites 10–15. Units over 10 are more likely to fail again soon after a repair. [2, 1]

Tankless

Life expectancy of about 20 years (ENERGY STAR); Rheem cites 15–20+ with proper care. [3, 2]

Not sure how old yours is? The manufacture date is usually encoded in the serial number on the unit's label — the manufacturer's website explains how to read it.

If you replace it: cost by size

Installed price ranges from Fixr [4]. Gas units, tankless conversions, and new venting or gas lines push toward the top of each range.

40-gallon tank
$550–$2,300
50-gallon tank
$700–$2,500
75-gallon tank
$1,100–$3,400
Tankless
$1,000–$4,000
See full replacement costs by state →Got replacement quotes? Check them →

Sources

  1. HomeAdvisor — Water Heater Repair Cost (updated 2026-06-17)
  2. Rheem — Water Heater Lifespan: When to Repair vs. Replace (accessed 2026-10-14)
  3. ENERGY STAR — Gas Tankless Water Heaters: Benefits & Savings (accessed 2026-10-14)
  4. Fixr — Cost to Install a Water Heater (updated 2026-01-27)

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