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

A functioning water heater is a must in any home, but especially in a Denver home, where winter temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods of time. Water heater repair in Denver costs $684 on average, but it can range from $246 to $1,135. For most homeowners, the final price will depend on the repair needed, the type of water heater needing repair, and whether the plumber needs to visit during the harsh winter months. In addition, expect an upcharge if you live in a historic home with older pipes.

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors

No matter where you live, the cost of water heater repair will largely be based on the repair needed and the type of water heater you have. In Denver, however, you might see specific charges related to your home’s style and age; some of the older homes might have complicated or corroded plumbing. 

Part Replacement

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.

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 or tankless water heater—you could be on the hook for additional repairs. 

Leaks

Water heater leaks should be addressed immediately. Some leaks, such as a leaking valve, might only require a quick tightening, but there are many other, more complex possibilities. For instance, If there is water in your water heater pan, there could be a leak in the tank. This could signal corrosion or other internal damage, and might mean you need a full water heater replacement, which will run between $850 and $1,800.

Pressure Relief Valve 

The pressure relief valve regulates the tank’s internal pressure. If your hot water pressure is too strong or too weak, you might need to replace the pressure relief valve, which can cost $200 for a professional fix. 

Dip Tube

Your water heater should be an adequate size to accommodate your hot water usage. If your water isn’t staying hot as long as it should, you might need to have your dip tube replaced. A professional plumber charges an average of $150 to replace this water heater part. 

Anode Rod Replacement

The anode rod takes the heat, literally. It acts as a buffer, corroding before any corrosion can reach the interior wall of the tank. A new anode rod costs between $20 and $50, with the labor for installation running between $50 and $150 per hour. The plumbing job takes about an hour.

Cleaning and Flushing the Tank

Hearing odd sounds from your water heater? Sediment can build up in your water heater tank and cause your water heater to make unusual noises. A buildup of sediment can lead to leaks, heating element failure, or a broken unit. It’s important to have your water heater regularly cleaned and flushed—the cost to have a plumber flush and clean your tank will run about $200.

Expansion Tank Replacement

Your expansion tank is a reservoir for the water that expands when heated. Expect to replace your expansion tank once during your water heater’s lifespan—this runs between $100 and $400 for parts and labor.

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.

Common 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.

• Pilot light: Attempt to re-light the pilot light on your own. If you don’t want to do this or find it difficult to do, a service trip for a pilot light issue could cost you a trip fee of $50 to $150. Most plumbers can restart a pilot light in just a few minutes. 

• Thermostat: Thermostat repairs might require replacing the entire valve unit. A new valve unit costs around $80, but the total will be closer to $200 once you factor in labor.

• Thermocouple: If your pilot light stays lit but the burner doesn’t, your thermocouple might need attention or replacement. A replacement costs about $150 or less and takes less than an hour.

• Gas Control Valve: The valve keeps the gas on for the pilot light, and shuts the gas off once the pilot light goes out. A malfunctioning gas valve can make your hot water heater unsafe—gas leaks can cause fires or explosions. A gas valve replacement costs about $350.

Common Electric Water Heater Repair Costs

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

• Tripped Breakers: Tripped breakers are simple to fix, and something you can likely DIY. Try to reset the breaker; your hot water should return within 30 minutes. If not, you might have a different problem on your hands and be in need of a plumber.

• Heater Elements: Electric water heaters have two heater elements: one on top and one on the bottom. If one is malfunctioning, expect that warm, evening bubble bath to be an invigorating cold one. Having a water heater element repaired costs $200 to $300 on average. 

• Thermostat: The two heater elements each have their own thermostat. When the thermostats fail, the heater elements also fail. Hiring a plumber to replace a thermostat runs around $150 to $200; the part will cost about $20.

Water Heater Pro Costs

Plumbers in Denver usually charge between $45 and $200 per hour, although you might need to pay premium rates for a more experienced or specialized plumber. Licensed plumbers with advanced certifications will charge higher fees, especially if you live in a historic neighborhood with an older home. 

Flat Rate Pricing

Some Denver-area plumbing companies offer flat-rate pricing for common repairs and services where the work is predictable and defined. This flat rate pricing is usually used for small jobs, such as handling a clog or turning a pilot light back on. Complex projects that require an evaluation usually necessitate estimates. 

Home Age and Plumbing Materials

Denver has several historic neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Highlands, and Park Hill, where you can find older homes that date back to the 1920s through the 1960s. These homes are likely to still contain galvanized steel pipes or cast-iron systems that are prone to corrosion and mineral buildup. This buildup can restrict water flow and introduce contaminants as, over time, protective coatings deteriorate. You might need to hire a specialist who understands how to handle these delicate materials, which could add to your project's total cost.

Altitude and Water Pressure

Denver is one mile above sea level, and this elevation affects water pressure and appliance performance differently from more low-lying cities. Given this, you might discover that your water heater has different venting requirements, and it’s worth finding a plumber who can diagnose your water heater issue with this in mind. 

Weather Emergencies

Denver experiences extreme temperature swings and winter freezes that can trigger unexpected plumbing failures. Emergency plumbing services cost one and a half to two times the standard pricing.

Permits

For residential plumbing done in Denver, permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of the work, as stated by the City and County of Denver’s official fee schedule. According to Denver’s Building Permit Policy, projects valued between $1 and $500 require a $20 permit fee, while projects from $501 to $2,000 require a $35 permit fee. If your project is valued higher than $2,000, it will follow a sliding scale fee model based on the total project value.

Plumbing permits must be obtained before installing plumbing and are valid for one year from the date issued. Water heater replacements and repairs might be eligible for Quick Permits, which are issued without plan review and are only available for smaller projects. If you need a permit, you can obtain one yourself, but it’s more likely that your local plumber will handle it for you.

Service Call Fee

Many plumbers in Denver charge a service call fee, which ranges from $100 to $250 and covers travel time across Denver’s large metropolitan area and initial diagnostics. This fee typically includes the first hour of service. Ask your plumber if the service call fee is rolled into your total estimate or will appear as a separate charge.

Tipping

While not mandatory, many Denver residents opt to tip between $20 to $50 for exceptional service or emergency plumbing services, especially during a frigid Colorado winter. You should also consider posting a positive online review for excellent local plumbers in the Denver area.

Does Water Heater Repair Increase Home Value?

A well-maintained water heater doesn’t have high ROI, but in Denver’s competitive housing market, a potential homebuyer might appreciate knowing that you care for your appliance—especially one of the appliances that will keep them warm during those cold winter months. Many homebuyers seek move-in ready residences, and a new or freshly-repaired water heater could be a nice bonus.

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 survey 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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