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Water heater repair
Water heater work splits into repair (elements, thermostats, gas controls, valves, anode rods), like-for-like replacement, and conversion to tankless. The deciding facts are the unit's age, read from its label, and whether the tank itself is sound: a leaking tank body cannot be repaired at any price, while a failed element on a six-year-old tank is one of the best-value repairs in the trade.
Tank units typically serve 8 to 12 years. Tankless units are built for longer service with descaling maintenance, cost substantially more to install, and supply continuous hot water up to a flow limit that depends on your winter groundwater temperature. The honest choice runs through your simultaneous demand, your water hardness, and how long you will own the home.
What a complete water heater repair job includes
- Diagnosis by symptom: no hot water, not enough, noise, rust, or leaks
- Component repair where the tank is sound and the age supports it
- Replacement sized by first-hour rating (tank) or flow at temperature rise (tankless)
- Permit and code additions (expansion tank, pan, strapping, venting) named on the quote
- Haul-away of the old unit where quoted
Cost frame
Like-for-like tank replacement typically runs $1,400 to $3,200; tankless installation $3,000 to $6,500. Quotes should name the make, model, capacity, and warranty term; a quote that names none of them cannot be compared.
Full table: plumber cost guide.
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Questions about water heater repair
How long should a water heater last?
Roughly 8 to 12 years for a tank unit in typical service, and around 20 years for a tankless unit that receives its descaling maintenance. Hard water and heavy use shorten both.
My tank is leaking. Can it be repaired?
If the leak is at a valve, fitting, or drain, usually yes. If water is coming from the tank body, base, or seams, the tank has failed and replacement is the only option.
Is tankless always the better buy?
No. Tankless removes standby loss and gives continuous hot water up to its flow rate, but costs more to install, may need gas or electrical conversion work, and needs descaling. High simultaneous demand on a budget often suits a larger tank better.
Go deeper
The full guide: Water heater repair guide and reference. Licensing for this work in your state: licensing by state.