The cost of water heater service varies considerably. From minor repairs to replacing major components to water heater maintenance or replacement, what you pay depends on the scope of the job. No modern home is functional without hot water. To ensure you’re never without it, we’ll cover the common costs of water heater service and ways to help you save.
How Much Does It Cost to Service a Water Heater?
Parts and labor are the primary factors determining what you pay, but they are not the only ones. Your service bill is calculated by considering the following:
- How expensive a part is
- The amount of time the job takes
- What your plumbing contractor charges
- Location of the water heater in your home
- Your geographical location
If your water heater is in a hard-to-access part of your home, a plumbing contractor may charge more for the extra work. Meanwhile, water heater service costs vary by region and city. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to have higher service prices.
Here’s a more in-depth look into how your service bill is calculated:
Labor
The cost of servicing a water heater is influenced by the time and effort required by the plumber. While some replacement parts, like a pressure relief valve or a thermostat, may be relatively inexpensive, the overall cost includes the labor involved in diagnosing the issue, sourcing the parts, and completing the installation or repair. This ensures the job is done safely and correctly, which is essential for the proper functioning of your water heater.
Water Heater Replacement
Replacing multiple components can add up to the cost of a full replacement. Generally, you should replace a water heater if:
- It’s over 12 years old (conventional model) or 20 years old (tankless water heater).
- Your monthly water bill has been consistently increasing.
- A serious issue such as a leak, discolored water, or inconsistent water temperatures occurs.
Maintenance
Depending on the contractor, it may include cleaning parts, inspecting for corrosion, or draining and flushing the tank. Water quality tests and other add-on services may or may not be included, so you may pay extra. However, the cost of maintenance is worth it, considering it can avoid major repairs and improve your water heater’s efficiency. It can also increase the unit’s life expectancy.
Type of Water Heater
The type of unit often impacts the cost of water heater service. For example, a gas water heater may develop issues with the pilot light. If you’re having trouble lighting it, a plumber can check it, even if there isn’t a major problem.
An electric water heater has different service needs. A contractor will charge a fee to check why the unit’s circuit breaker is tripping. A unit’s two heating elements must function properly for it to produce hot water.
Additional Services
The flue vent pipe is an important component that directs exhaust gases outside your home. Pipes vary in material, length, and accessibility. The cost of servicing a water heater includes both parts and labor. Components like thermostats and timers are crucial for the efficient operation of the unit. While these components can help save energy and enhance performance, installing or replacing them involves both the cost of the parts and the necessary labor. This is why the overall cost of water heater servicing can vary, depending on the specific needs of your unit and the complexity of the work involved.
You face a more expensive predicament if your water heater is leaking, in which case a plumber will have to inspect and, if possible, repair the unit. However, a leak under the appliance usually requires calling a pro for water heater replacement near you.
How Can I Save on Water Heater Service?
You will incur some costs throughout the life of your water heater. However, it’s possible to save with the following preventive measures:
- Have Your Water Heater Serviced Regularly: Preventative maintenance should be performed every year by a professional. It allows a technician to check for developing issues and clean parts of your water heater to reduce wear. Usually, the earlier a problem is detected, the less it costs to fix. Maintenance also helps avoid costly emergency callout fees and maximizes efficiency (reducing utility costs).
- Insulate the Water Heater: Placing insulation around the hot water tank reduces heat loss. Therefore, the system works less hard to maintain a hot water supply. Insulating the pipes connected to the water heater can also save on utility bills and repairs.
- Buy the Parts Yourself: If you want to save on repairs, ask your plumber if purchasing the parts yourself can save money. Licensed plumbers often get good rates on parts but mark up the price. But not all plumbers will install parts they didn’t supply.
- Purchase the Same Type of Unit: If the service entails replacing your water heater, purchasing the same type can cost less than a different model. By choosing a similar unit, you won’t have to switch fuel sources, install a gas or water line, or update existing wiring if your current infrastructure is in good shape.
- Schedule Water Heater Service During Off-Peak Hours: Service during a busy day or the peak season typically costs more than at off-peak times. It also costs more on weekends or holidays. To avoid extra costs:
- Schedule a service call during the work week.
- Wait a day or two if it’s not an emergency.
- Have a serious issue checked immediately.
- Replace Your Water Heater: A water heater replacement in Portland can save on the cost of repeated repairs and higher energy bills. If your unit is 10 to 15 years old, a replacement can save you in the long run. If some parts have malfunctioned, the extra stress has likely worn out others, which must also be replaced. Why would you continue to pay for parts if your water heater has little life left?
- Check the Warranty: Review the original product warranty to see how long it covers repairs and what parts and services are covered. You’ll save on service if your water heater is still under warranty. Depending on the issue and type of coverage, you may not have to pay anything. However, DIY water heater repair and skipping maintenance can void the warranty.
Assuming you’ve taken good care of your water heater, but its warranty has expired, you may still have options. Your home warranty may cover water heater service depending on the plan level. Check the policy to see if it provides opportunities to save.
- Hire the Right Contractor: Not every plumber services water heaters. Therefore, you want to ask many questions when you contact a professional. Find out if the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced. They should have several years of experience. Also, ask about the timeframe for the project and if it requires a permit. The more you know, the fewer surprises there will be later and the easier it is to budget for service.
Another way to save is to get at least three quotes. Talk to at least three contractors and compare their rates, reputations, and timelines. Know exactly what you’re getting for the price. Therefore, you can choose the best service at the most reasonable rate (rather than automatically picking the lowest bid).
Experience Counts
Replacing any water heater part requires knowledge of how it works. For example, a thermocouple isn’t hard to replace, but you must understand how it’s connected (and how to turn off the gas). Replacing a heater element on an electric model doesn’t cost much, but you’ll also need a continuity tester and know how to use it to determine if the element and electrical connections are working properly.
An experienced professional eliminates any uncertainties and can help you save on the cost of water heater repairs, maintenance, and replacement.
Hire a Professional for Water Heater Service
Sky Heating & Air Conditioning provides high-quality water heater services in Portland and surrounding areas. Whether your water heater requires maintenance, repairs, or replacement, our licensed professionals get the job done right. They are available 24/7 to help in an emergency. However, our maintenance plans include services that can avoid unexpected repairs, while special offers and financing can also help you save. To learn more or schedule water heater and other plumbing services, call (888) 961-4282 today.