Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
Water Heater Repair Cost in Washington, D.C. [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $236 - $1,115
The national average hot water heater repair cost in Washington, D.C. is $676, with most repairs ranging between $236 and $1,115. A pro can help determine the price of your specific repair.
How we get this data
JinOdin / Adobe Stock
JinOdin / Adobe Stock
Highlights
With the cost of living in Washington, D.C. around 40% to 45% higher than the national average, homeowners will need to budget accordingly for water heater repairs.
With repairs ranging anywhere from $100 to $2,000, homeowners need to weigh the complexity of a repair against the cost of a full replacement in order to make a cost-effective choice.
Water heater repairs can only be conducted by licensed plumbers in Washington, D.C.
The cost for water heater repair in Washington, D.C. is $676 on average. Reflecting the fact that the cost of living in Washington, D.C. is anywhere from 40% to 45% above the national average, local homeowners might pay anywhere from $236 to $1,115 based on the severity of the repair and the portion of the water heater being repaired. Higher-than-average labor costs in Washington, D.C. play the biggest role in determining this project's final price. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect for repair costs to get your water heater up and running again.
Water Heater Repair Cost Factors
Water heater repair costs are divided between cost of labor and cost(s) for any replacement parts. If the plumbing pro you hire confirms that a part that has either malfunctioned or degraded due to age or wear and tear cannot be fixed, the cost to purchase a replacement part will be added to your total.
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.
| Water Heater Part | Average Cost to Repair |
|---|---|
| Cold water supply valve | $100–$450 |
| Dip tube | $90–$125 |
| Overflow pipe | $200–$900 |
| Pressure relief valve | $250–$750 |
| Drain valve | $75–$295 |
| Cold water inlet | $200–$550 |
| Sacrificial anode rod | $175–$325 |
| Thermostat | $40–$400 |
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 Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fixing a leak | $75–$295 |
| Replacing pressure relief valve | $195–$225 |
| Cleaning and flushing | $200–$295 |
| Routine maintenance | $200–$500 |
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.
| Gas Water Heater Part | Function | Average Cost to Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Gas burner | Creates heat | $175–$250 |
| Pilot assembly | Lights gas burner | $150–$385 |
| Gas valve | Controls gas flow | $225–$595 |
| Blower | Fans exhaust | $225–$395 |
Electric Water Heater Repair Costs
A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.
| Electric Water Heater Part | Function | Average Cost to Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | Transfers heat to water | $150–$300 |
| Thermostat | Regulates water heating temperature | $100–$300 |
| Electrical distribution system | Housing for direct electrical currents | $150–$400 |
Water Heater Pro Costs
All repairs and replacements for water heaters in Washington, D.C. must be performed by plumbers with licensing through the Board of Industrial Trades under the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The average hourly rate for a plumber in Washington, D.C. is $60 to $90. However, a master plumber might charge between $80 and $225 for more complex repairs or replacements.
Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?
With most water heaters lasting between 11 and 20 years, replacing any water heater that is experiencing performance issues after 15 years is a cost-effective solution. In general, it's better to replace the full unit whenever repair costs exceed 50% of replacement costs. Be sure to hire a licensed water heater repair pro in Washington, D.C. who knows how to replace a water heater in order to maximize your return on investment with an energy-efficient, properly installed, and code-compliant new water heater.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
The homeowners guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
•Find out the average tankless water heater repair cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to plan your repair budget with confidence.
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
How much do water heaters weigh? The answer depends on the type of water heater, its size, and several other factors. Read on to learn more.
A lack of hot water might not mean an expensive repair. Use this guide to learn how to replace a thermocouple on a water heater as a potential fix.
A lack of hot water can easily upset the household. Here are nine reasons why your electric hot water isn't heating and what you can do next.