The water heater industry has a CAGR of almost 5%. Most of that owing to repairs of worn-out and destroyed water heaters.
Yet, homeowners often don’t think too much about water heater service, and why should they? As long as it works properly, it stays out of your mind until the day it breaks down, and you have to shower with cold water. Nobody wants that and regular maintenance can help you avoid that hassle
Most of us can’t afford to get a new water heater whenever there is a slight problem with the old one. The best way to get your water heating issues fixed is to contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Naturally, we wonder about the price. We’ll answer that question in this comprehensive article. Read on to find out more about the costs involved with a water heater service.
Water Heater Repair vs. Maintenance
Several factors will determine the cost. The most significant factor is whether you choose to replace your water heater or get it repaired by a professional.
A good rule to remember is that a water heater typically lasts anywhere between 8-10 years. If your water heater causes trouble around this time, then generally, it’s good to replace it rather than repair it, as that might just be a temporary fix.
If your water heater is less than 8 years old, then you should almost always get it repaired. Contacting a water heater service provider is the best way to get your heater checked. They will give you the best possible solution without breaking the bank.
How Much Should I Spend on Water Heating Services?
There are a number of factors that can impact the price of heating services. Some of these are:
Labour Cost
The pricing can vary depending on the professional you hire for the repairs. Some plumbers can charge around 30$ while some can charge more than $100. This is also very dependent on the nature of the repair. Repairs can take roughly two hours, more or less.
Model of the Heater
Some heaters are more expensive than the others, so their make and model are things that need to be taken into consideration. This is a factor because some models may have cheaper replacement parts while some may have costly ones.
Work Quality
You should always look for someone whos a professional and is also affordable. The quality counts but try finding someone who may offer a discount or someone who you can bargain with. More experienced plumbers usually charge a heftier fee but remember that paying a low price to an inexperienced plumber is almost never worth it.
Another crucial factor in determining the cost of water heater service is the part that needs to be replaced or repaired.
Heater Service – How Much It Costs to Replace or Repair a Part?
There are five major parts that need to be repaired in an electrical heater. These are:
- Thermostat
- Heating Element
- Anode Rod
- Pressure Relief Valve
- Dip Tube
Thermostat
Most heaters usually have two of these. The lower one handles most of the heating while the upper one kicks in if there’s a big load of water. Either way, if any of these stops working, the water won’t heat up that efficiently.
They are pretty inexpensive by themselves, costing $20-$30. Hower adding labor costs can take this anywhere between $70-$200.
Heating Element
Just like thermostats, there are two heating elements in an electric heater. One is at the bottom, while the other is at the top of the tank. They can become shorted or simply burn out over time. A new one costs around $20, but it takes longer to replace it, so expect anywhere from $150-$300 total cost.
Anode Rod
Anode rods help prevent corrosion, so they help extend the life of your heater. Usually, they last around five years. An anode rod costs around $50, so replacing it in your heater unit can cost you around $200-$300. You can also try replacing it on your own if you feel comfortable enough.
Pressure Relief Valve
This part of the heater helps relieve excess pressure from the tank. If it breaks down, the tank can start to leak. Either it can wear out over time, or there’s a lot of sediment build-up. Whatever the case is, you should let it be handled by a professional.
This can cost you anywhere from $30 to $200 when done by a heating service professional.
Dip Tube
The dip tube transfers cold wanted from the top of the tank to the bottom to be reheated by the lower heating element. Over time it can wear out.
A damaged dip tube may stop your heater from working. Replacing one by yourself can cost as little as $10 but if you’re not comfortable with that, expect to pay up to $150.
Water Heater Maintenance
There are several things you can do to ensure the longevity of your water heater. Ensure to flush the water out of the heater twice a year. Most heaters have a release valve that helps release the excess sediment and water.
As we discussed before, If your heater is reaching the end of its lifecycle, it’s best to just replace it. It’s better to replace the heater than spend money on it after every few months.
There are mainly two types of heaters you can choose from, including tankless heaters and ones with tanks. Tankless heaters are more energy efficient but are more expensive, while tank heaters are much less expensive and are quick to install.
Heating Service Near Me
We at McWilliams & Son can help you if you’re looking for a water heater service in Texas. We proudly service Angelina, Polk, Liberty, San Jacinto, and surrounding counties. For more information, feel free to contact us or check out other services we provide to our happy customers.
