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How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Tank Water Heater in Phoenix?

April 28, 2020

Updated June 2024

If you’re having issues with your tank water heater, your first question is probably, “How much will it cost to repair?”

On average, the cost to repair a tank water heater costs anywhere from $200 to $600, with the average repair being around $400.

That being said, the cost of your tank water heater repair will depend on a few factors, including:

  • The age of your water heater
  • The part that needs to be repaired
  • Whether it’s under warranty or not
  • The contractor you choose

Below, we’ll go into more detail about each of these cost factors and how they will impact the total cost of your repair.

Need a professional to come and take a look at your system? No problem, we’d be happy to help. Learn more about our tank water heater repair services or…

Cost Factor #1: The age of your water heater

The older your water heater is, the more it will likely cost to repair. Why?

As your system starts to age, parts of your water heater will wear out. And the older your water heater, the more likely it is that multiple (and important) parts will need to be repaired or replaced.

For example, if the tank itself is beginning to corrode from age, you may need to replace your entire water heater.

On average, water heaters last about 8-12 years, so if your water heater is around this age, you should expect a fairly expensive repair (or a complete system replacement).

Cost Factor #2: The part that needs to be repaired

Of course, the part (or parts) of your water heater that needs to be repaired will affect the overall cost.

For example, if you need to replace your water heater’s anode rod, you’ll usually pay somewhere around $200-$400. But, if the leak is from the tank, it will require a total replacement, which usually costs anywhere from $2,100-$3,000.

To get a better sense of whether your water heater repair will require an expensive replacement part, you’ll want to contact a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose your water heater and identify any faulty parts.

Cost Factor #3: Whether your water heater is under warranty

When you had your water heater installed, it likely came with two warranties:

  1. Labor warranty- This warranty is covered by the company or plumber who installed your water heater. Typically a labor warranty lasts 1 year and will cover the cost of labor for parts that were installed incorrectly the first time around.
  1. Parts warranty- A parts warranty is covered by the manufacturer of your water heater and usually lasts about 6 years. This warranty covers the cost of any parts that were faulty when your water heater was installed.

If one or both of these warranties are still valid, it could end up saving you quite a bit of money on your water heater repair.

However, most warranties will only stay valid if:

  1. You registered your water heater within 6 months of it being installed.
  2. You’ve had your water heater maintained annually by a licensed professional.
  3. Any repairs you’ve made or replacements you’ve had installed have been with parts from that same manufacturer.

To check on the status of your warranties you can reach out to the company or plumber who installed your water heater (labor warranty) and the manufacturer of your water heater (parts warranty). They should be able to tell you whether or not your warranties are still intact.

Cost Factor #4: The plumber you choose

Typically, the more experienced the plumber, the more expensive the cost of labor will be.

However, if you want the best solution for your water heater, our suggestion would be to bite the bullet and pay more for labor to ensure you’re getting expert advice and quality repairs.

To find a quality plumber, check for:

  • Verified license and insurance. You can usually find this information on a company or plumber’s website or by checking the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The BBB will only list companies with a valid license and insurance.
  • Good reviews on:
  • A written estimate. You want a written estimate before any work begins to protect yourself from any surprise costs or fees you didn’t agree to. Note: If a plumber or company won’t provide you with an upfront, written estimate before they start work, this is a red flag and you should probably find someone else.

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By Ty Lindsay

Ty Lindsay is the Director of Field Operations at Patrick Riley | Isley’s and a 15-year veteran of the plumbing and HVAC trades. In 2010, Ty earned his Journeyman’s plumbing license. He became a Master Plumber five years later and earned his Journeyman HVAC technician’s license that same year. Ty’s breadth of knowledge in plumbing and HVAC includes both residential and commercial work. He’s been a loyal member of the Patrick Riley | Isley’s team since 2016.