How Much Does Water Heater Repair Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

Plumbing calls in San Francisco, including those that focus on water heater repair, are some of the most expensive in the country, with an average cost of $684. This is partially because of the higher cost of living, plus the high demand: the Bay Area sits atop the highly active San Andreas Fault, which means that shifting ground can cause pipes to crack, leak, or even break. Most homeowners should expect to spend between $236 and $1,133 to repair a water heater in San Francisco.

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors 

San Francisco has a complicated permitting system, a strong plumbers’ union, and a very high cost of living. Add in accessibility issues—given the city’s density—and you’ll find that plumbing rates in the city are higher than almost any other place in the US. Ultimately, though, the final cost of your water heater repair will depend on the repair needed, the pro you hire, and if a part needs to be replaced or not.

Water Heater Repair Cost by Part

As with any appliance, water heater repair costs vary based on the part you need. Typical water heaters have more than a dozen parts, ranging in size and cost. Take a look at some part estimates below, which don’t include the labor rate to replace them.

Each water heater component serves a unique function. Many small parts cost $50 or less, but your total could reach the hundreds with the labor prices. Still, this is more affordable than a full water heater replacement, which typically costs between $850 and $1,800.

Water Heater Repair Cost by Service

Water heater repair prices range from simple DIY fixes under $20 to more complex problems that can cost hundreds. The following issues occur in both electric and gas heaters. If you have a different type of water heater—like a heat pump vs. tankless water heater—you could be on the hook for additional repairs. 

Repair Costs by Water Heater Type

Lukewarm water coming out of your shower could indicate several issues, such as a thermocouple problem in a gas unit or a heater element failure in an electric unit. Costs vary based on your style because they require different parts and expertise to fix. The two main categories are gas and electric water heaters.

Gas Water Heater Repair Costs

Gas water heater repair costs come from pilot light problems, thermostat issues, or a failed thermocouple. Each displays different symptoms with varying water heater repair prices that go with it.

Electric Water Heater Repair Costs

A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.

Solar Water Heater Repair Costs

Solar water heaters have additional components—such as a collector—that other water heaters don’t have, making their repair unique.

Water Heater Pro Costs

Plumbing pros in San Francisco charge based on their experience level, the project type or repair needed, and any special tools required for the project. San Francisco has a higher cost of living, and most plumbers will charge $100 to $200 per hour, which is more than the national average of $75 to $100 per hour.

Location

San Francisco is one of the country’s most expensive cities to live in, but it’s not enormous—the pricing for plumbers and water heater repair is relatively uniform, whether you’re in SoMA, Nob Hill, or Telegraph Hill. 

Permits

San Francisco is home to many historical buildings, noted for its Edwardian and Queen Anne-style buildings. While beautiful, these homes can make obtaining work permits a headache. Experienced plumbers might come with a higher hourly rate, but they can usually help you navigate the government bureaucracy and get permits quickly. If your repair requires a permit, expect to pay between $100 and $900 for it.

Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?

Determining ROI from plumbing repairs can be tricky. However, potential homebuyers will appreciate a well-maintained water heater that has been regularly cleaned and flushed. In San Francisco’s competitive housing market, buyers expect homes to be free of plumbing leaks and major problems, especially in a coastal city prone to earthquakes.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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