How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a hot water heater

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a hot water heater

The prospect of fixing your water heater can be a bit daunting.

How much will it cost and how long will it take?

It can be tempting to ignore small problems, but the reality is that it pays to fix them sooner rather than later. The longer a problem is ignored, the more expensive it will become as the system deteriorates or fails completely.

How much will it cost to repair my water heater? The exact amount will depend on the problem you have, the time it takes to repair it, and even the technician you hire.

Common water heater repair problems.

Perhaps the most important factor in determining the cost of a repair is the problem in question. Some water heater problems are more costly than others.

Here are some of the most common problems homeowners have with their water heaters

Sink tubes: $10 to $150.

A dip tube brings cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If the dip tube is corroded, clogged or leaking, the water is heated less efficiently.

On average, a new dip tube costs about $10, while professional repairs can cost as much as $150.

Pressure relief valves: $20 to $200.

The pressure relief valve keeps the tank pressure at a safe level. When the pressure is too high, this valve opens to relieve some of the pressure.

If you notice that the valve leaks constantly, this could mean that the pressure in the tank is too high, or that you simply have a faulty or blocked valve.

A new pressure relief valve costs about $20 and can cost up to $200 to repair.

Anode rod: $20-$50

The anode rod in your tank is there to prevent corrosion. As long as the anode rod does not corrode, the tank and resistor will not corrode.

If the anode rod is corroded, the rest of the water heater will begin to corrode as well.

It is recommended that the anode rod be serviced approximately every five years and the cost of this work is usually between $20 and $50.

Common problems in electric water heater repair.

In addition to these common problems, electric water heaters have their own special problems that are different from other systems.

These can include.

Electric thermostats: $150 to $200.

A thermostat controls the temperature of your water heater. When more heat is needed, it turns on the heating element. When the water is hot enough, the element will turn off.

If you find that you are getting too little hot water, it could be a problem with the thermostat.

This element usually costs about $20, but it is recommended that you have it repaired by a professional, which can cost up to $200.

Heating element: $200 to $300

Electric water heaters use a conductive metal element to heat the water. Therefore, if the element is corroded or stops working, you will not have hot water.

A professional water heater repair can cost up to $300.

Learn more about water heater repair.

Common gas water heater repair problems.

The differences between gas and electric water heaters mean that gas appliances can have a variety of problems.

These problems include.

Thermocouples - $20 to $150

If the pilot light on your gas water heater goes out, the problem is usually caused by a faulty thermocouple.

A thermocouple is a device that senses if the pilot flame is burning and activates the gas control valve.

Repair by a professional usually costs about $150, although a new thermocouple costs about $20 on average.

Gas Control Valves - $300 to $500

Another problem that can occur is the failure of the gas control valve.

If neither the thermocouple nor the pilot is defective, which is usually the main cause, professional repairs can cost up to $500.

It is important to replace it, no matter how much it costs; without it, the appliance is not safe to operate because the gas flow is not well controlled.

Common tankless water heater repair problems.

Tankless water heaters are a relatively new technology that can help you save money on water heating costs. Because they operate very differently than traditional water heaters, they have their own set of problems.

They usually require professional repair and can cost anywhere from $150 to over $800, with the average being about $600.

Tankless water heaters require regular flushing for maintenance.

Tankless water heaters should be flushed regularly to prevent the buildup of minerals and sediment in the appliance. Removal of these deposits allows the appliance to operate more efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended that the water heater tank be flushed once a year.

The average cost of flushing and cleaning can amount to $200.

Other costs to consider when repairing a water heater.

There are, of course, other factors that can affect the cost of repairs.

Most plumbers and technicians charge their services by the hour, typically between $50 and $150 per hour.

If your system is still under warranty, the cost to repair your water heater may be much less than an older unit.