If your showers suddenly have a weak dribble or your dishes come out with discoloration, your water heater may be to blame. This can indicate a problem with the pilot light, thermocouple or gas control valve.
The good news is these types of repair costs are relatively inexpensive. However, a few factors can greatly increase your repair costs.
The Model and Make
If your water heater is old or prone to failure, replace it rather than repair it. New units are more efficient and cost less to operate than older models. They also tend to have longer warranties.
A tank-style water heater can become damaged if sediment or other contaminants build up inside the unit. A professional plumber can clean out and flush the tank to reduce these issues. They can also drain and flush the anode rod to prevent corrosion.
A gas-powered water heater can have problems with the thermocouple or gas control valve and the pilot light. These are more complex components that require expert repair services. A home warranty company can help homeowners find qualified contractors for these repairs. In addition, the companies typically official site supplemental equipment breakdown coverage that can cover these costs. A faulty dip tube can be another problem that requires professional repair. It can cause cold water to mix with hot water, resulting in poor efficiency. A professional plumber can usually fix this issue for around $150.
The Parts
Water heaters have many parts that can be damaged or need replacing. Each part has a diverse price range that greatly impacts the repair cost.
For example, most electric water heaters have two heating elements. These elements are positioned at the top and bottom of the tank, and when an electrical current runs through them, they heat up. Over time, these elements can burn out or short-circuit. This common problem can cause your circuit breaker to trip frequently.
The thermocouple can be common if you have a gas water heater. This part detects if the pilot light is still alight and releases the gas control valve to turn on the gas. If this part is faulty, it can’t do its job, and you won’t be able to relight the pilot light.
Homeowners may also experience issues with their water heater’s dip tube. This tube is used to supply cold water to the unit, but it can become clogged or cracked. This can lead to the water smelling bad or being discolored. This is another issue that needs to be fixed by a professional plumber.
The Service
There are some things that homeowners can do to reduce water heater repair cost without sacrificing safety or functionality. For example, a plumber can help homeowners install an insulated blanket and low-flow fixtures to lower their water usage. This can also help slow down wear and tear on the tank.
If you have a gas water heater, pilot light is essential to keep it functioning properly. When the pilot light goes out, it prevents the gas valve from being switched on, resulting in a lack of hot water. A plumber can relight the pilot light and restore the gas supply. In some cases, however, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a thermocouple that isn’t working correctly.
Many warning signs can indicate your water heater needs service. If your water has a garlic-like smell or is discolored, this could be caused by corroded plumbing or sediment buildup.
The Installation
A home warranty company may cover the cost of some water heater repair or replacement costs, saving homeowners a lot of money. However, the repairs needed to get a tankless or regular water heater back to working order can still add up.
A professional plumber can diagnose and fix a variety of water heater problems. For example, if you’re experiencing issues with a gas tank that emits a garlic-like smell or produces discolored water, a plumber can change the anode rod for around $25. They can replace the dip tube for about $10 and a pressure valve for $15.
A plumber can also help ensure your tankless water heater is under warranty. This involves checking the unit’s serial number and contacting the manufacturer. They can register the contract and let you know which components are covered. However, if your tankless water heater has a dud heat exchanger, the price tag of replacing it can skyrocket. Luckily, regular maintenance can prevent a dud heat exchanger from occurring in the first place.
The Labor
Waking up to a cold shower or a lack of hot water can be an incredibly frustrating experience. It’s even more so if you discover that your repair costs will be more than simply relighting the pilot light.
Fortunately, many problems can be solved with simple repairs, and those costs are often much lower than replacing your whole unit. The anode rod is like the water tank’s bodyguard, taking the hits from sediment and corrosive elements first to protect the tank and heating element. If your anode rod is rusted, you’ll need to replace it, typically costing between $20 and $50.
The dip tube is a pipe that sends cold water from the top of the heater to the bottom to reheat. Over time, it can get worn down and leak, which mixes cool and hot water and reduces the overall temperature. It’s an easy DIY maintenance job for homeowners with some plumbing knowledge and can be repaired for less than $200. Other common fixes include a faulty temperature pressure relief valve, which can be fixed for around $20.
