It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment. Your basement floods because the hot water heater is leaking. It could be in the middle of the night.
You might discover the issue when you’re trying to take a shower. You get nothing but cold water and you can’t understand why.
You need to have a hot water heater repair. Your first thought, after you’re done cursing the hot water heater gods, is how much is this going to cost?
It’s a legitimate question, and you might be surprised by the answer.
Read on to discover how much hot water heater repairs cost and how you can get the best repair company in a hurry.
How Much Does a Hot Water Heater Repair Cost?
On average, a hot water heater repair costs about $500. There are a number of factors that influence the total cost of the repair.
Your location could make the cost more or less. Larger cities with a higher cost of living will have higher repair rates than suburbs and rural areas with lower costs of living.
The scope of the repair is a factor. Typically, a repair person will come out and troubleshoot the issue. It could be as simple as a pilot light failed, which can be fixed in a couple of minutes.
The problem can be a little more complicated than that and take longer to resolve. The labor costs will increase as the scope of the repair becomes more complicated.
The plumbing contractors in your area charge a variety of rates. This depends on their level of experience and what their costs are to deliver a service and remain profitable. You can expect to see labor rates range from $50 – $150 per hour.
One last factor is the time of day you need to have your hot water heater repaired. An emergency issue like a leak or break in the middle of the night will have a premium charge. Having someone come out on a weekday afternoon will cost less than weekends because the demand isn’t that high.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater
As you look at your options to get your hot water heater repaired, you should consider if it’s worth repairing at all. It can cost between $700 and $1500 to install a brand new water heater.
If your water heater repair estimate is high, then it might make sense to replace it. It also depends on the age of the water heater. Water heaters last about 15 years. If it costs a lot of money to repair an older water heater, you might as well get a new one.
If you do decide to replace your hot water heater, you may think that you’re perfectly capable of doing the job yourself. You can install the hot water heater yourself, but it doesn’t mean that you should.
First of all, do you know the local building codes? Do you know how they apply to your water heater installation? A professional water heater installer is up to speed on the local codes in your area.
You also have to purchase the right water heater for your home. A water heater can be 18% of your home’s energy usage. A professional installer can look at your home and tell you which water heater is best for your situation.
Without that knowledge, you could end up buying an open-box water heater because it was on sale. It may not be the best choice for your home.
Finding the Right Contractor
Before you do online searches for “water heater installation near me” or “water heater repair near me,” you should know what to look for in a contractor.
First of all, you should look for plumbing contractors to do the job. These are people who are licensed by the state and had to meet the tough requirements set by the plumbing contractor’s board.
You also want to make sure that they’re licensed and insured in case something goes wrong on the job. A person can do the job and make a mistake. You would be responsible for paying for the damages created by an uninsured installer.
You could threaten to take them to court, but you’d have to pay for an attorney and go through a long process to get your money. Just get a professional that has the appropriate insurance to begin with.
How much experience does the contractor have? Are there testimonials and reviews on their website? You want to make sure the contractor has a long record of excellent service.
Get estimates from a few plumbing contractors in your area. Before you invite them to your home, be clear if there’s a charge to visit your home or not. Don’t assume that all plumbers give free estimates.
Also, ask if there is a warranty on the repair or replacement. Plumbers have different policies. Some might warranty the labor on a repair, but not the parts.
How Much Does Hot Water Heater Repairs Cost?
A broken hot water heater can disrupt your everyday life. It’s a major inconvenience that you want to get repaired as soon as possible.
How much does a hot water heater repair cost? It depends on the score of the repair, the plumbing contractor, and your location. You want to make sure that you choose a professional, and be sure to get multiple quotes from contractors before you get your hot water heater repaired.
Do you have other appliances that are giving you trouble? Check out the Appliances section of this site to find out more about buying them and repairing them.
