When looking for a professional to repair your water heater, make sure to:

• Verify their license and insurance: Find out if your professional is licensed, bonded and insured. In many cases, your state may require that they have a valid plumbing license to work on water heaters. 

• Get several estimates: Aim to get quotes from several plumbers so you can compare prices and choose the most competitive one. Make sure you understand the cost of labor and materials in the quotes. Also, confirm if the plumber has a minimum service fee and whether it can be waived if you hire them for the work. 

• Read their reviews: Check the plumber’s online reviews to get a sense of their professionalism and timeliness. Look out for bad reviews that indicate the plumber doesn’t provide high-quality service. For example, if customers consistently complain about inconsistent water temperatures, low water pressure or leaks after the plumber has finished the project, you might want to hire someone else. 

• Find out if they have warranties: Warranties provide peace of mind, so try to hire a plumber who offers one for their labor — and even parts. If the water heater’s parts turn out to be defective (or if the repair was done incorrectly), the warranty might cover the cost of labor and additional materials to fix the problem. Read the fine print and understand the warranty’s conditions before you hire anyone. 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

Water heater repairs cost anywhere from about $285 to $1,170 in the US on average, according to the most recent data available on Thumbtack. 

The exact cost for repairs depends on the underlying issue with your water heater. Your plumber make provide different prices for the following services: 

• Cleaning and repairing a thermocouple

• Replacing a thermostat or heating element

• Fixing a leak in the water heater

To find out how much it will cost to fix your water heater, contact a licensed plumber for a quote.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

These are some of the most common causes for problems with a water heater:

• Pilot light: Water heaters that use natural gas keep a flame going with a pilot light, which can sometimes go out.

• Electrical issues: One of the most common problems with electric water heaters is a bad thermostat or heating element.

• Sediment buildup: Over time, sediment can build up in your water tank, requiring the system to be drained and flushed.

• Leaks: A leaking water heater is a serious issue that usually means replacing the entire system.

Reach out to plumbers in your area. They can diagnose your water heater problem and pinpoint the cause. 

To repair a water heater, a licensed plumber will need to inspect the system, test any faulty parts and make necessary repairs.

Here’s what you can expect during a service call for your water heater:

• Thorough inspection: The plumber will ask you to describe the issue and look over each part of your water heater.

• Diagnosis: Next, they’ll test the parts of your system that could be the cause of the problem. Once they know what needs to be repaired, they’ll give you a cost estimate.

• Repair: The exact repair depends on the issue. It could involve replacing parts, fixing leaks or replacing the entire heater.

Make sure you ask whether the plumber will charge a service fee for their visit. 

How long it takes to repair your water heater depends on the underlying problem. Most water heater repairs take one to three hours. Minor repairs are often even faster, taking less than an hour. 

Here are some examples:

• Minor repairs (less than an hour): Replacing the anode rod, lighting the pilot light or adjusting the thermostat.

• Moderate repairs (one to three hours): Replacing electronic components, fixing a leak or flushing the system.

• Extensive repairs (four or more hours): Replacing the water heater or making changes to plumbing or gas lines.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

In many cases, it can be worth it to repair your hot water heater — especially if you’re dealing with a leak or having a hard time getting hot water. Simple issues like a pilot light going out or a thermostat that needs replacing are inexpensive fixes. 

However, there are some circumstances when replacing your water heater makes the most sense. For example, if fixing the leak in the water tank costs nearly as much as replacing the unit, consider getting a new water heater. 

Also, if you’ve had your water heater for more than six to 12 years, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Consider replacing it, especially if your water heater requires frequent repairs. 

Some minor water heater repairs and maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly for handy homeowners. For example, you may be able to drain or flush the tank or adjust the thermostat. 

However, serious water heater repairs (like fixing water leaks, irregular water temperatures or replacing the anode rod) are often best left to professionals. Here are some reasons to consider hiring a pro:

• Building requirements: Many areas require permits for any repairs or installation work on water heaters. A licensed plumber can navigate the permitting process, and they should be familiar with local codes.

• Safety risks: Water heater repairs involve large quantities of water, electricity and often natural gas. Only an experienced plumber can safely anticipate and avoid these hazards.

• Warranties: Warranties can offer some peace of mind. If you hire a plumber that has a warranty, that means you might be covered if any of the parts are defective or if the repair work doesn’t fix the problem. Just make sure you understand the warranty’s terms.