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 Does Water Heater Repair Cost in Chicago, Illinois? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $218 - $916
The national average hot water heater repair cost in Chicago, IL, is $567, with most repairs ranging between $218 and $916. A pro can help determine the price of your specific repair.
How we get this data
JinOdin / Adobe Stock Photography
JinOdin / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
Common signs of a failing water heater include insufficient hot water and unusual noises.
An average water heater lasts between 10 and 15 years.
Tankless water heaters last longer than traditional tank water heaters.
Upgrading a water heater nearing its lifespan can increase your property value.
Water heater repair in Chicago costs $567 on average. Most homeowners pay between $218 and $916 to repair water heaters in the Windy City. One key to maximizing your water heater’s lifespan is addressing issues early on. If you notice your shower is heating up more slowly than usual or that your hot water runs out faster, it's a good idea to have someone inspect your water heater.
Water Heater Repair Cost Factors
The cost of the repair is affected by several factors, including the part that needs repair, the type of repair service needed, the type of water heater, and whether or not you want to invest in some water heater preventative maintenance.
Water Heater Repair Cost by Part
As with any appliance, water heater repair costs vary based on the part you need. 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.
| Part | Cost to Repair or Replace |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | $10–$250 |
| Heating element | Under $20 |
| Pressure relief valve | $15–$150 |
| Water tank | $400–$1,800 |
| Anode rod | $15–$35 |
| Dip tube | $10–$60 |
| Circulator pump | $50–$400 |
| Gas control valve | $120–$280 |
| Gas burner | $30–$60 |
| Gas burner assembly | $120–$180 |
| Flue pipe | $30–$100 |
| Igniter | $30–$60 |
| Igniter assembly | $100–$250 |
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 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 versus a tankless water heater—you could be on the hook for additional repairs.
| Service | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Water heater flush (for tankless water heater) | $200–$450 |
| Leak repair | $350–$450 |
| Pressure relief valve replacement | Up to $200 |
| Dip tube replacement | $150 |
| Anode rod replacement | $50–$150 |
| Expansion tank replacement | $200–$450 |
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.
| Service | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Pilot light replacement | $100–$150 |
| Thermostat repair or replacement | $250 |
| Thermocouple replacement | $100–$150 |
| Gas control valve replacement | $400 |
| Gas water heater replacement | $1,500–$1,800 |
Angi Tip
We highly recommend inspecting your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.
Electric Water Heater Repair Costs
A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.
| Service | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Tripped breakers | $0 (DIYable) |
| Heating element replacement | $180–$260 |
| Thermostat replacement | $180–$260 |
| Electric water heater replacement | $2,400–$2,850 |
Solar Water Heater Repair Costs
In Chicago, each solar thermal collector system collects up to 40 gallons per day. A family of four requires 80 to 120 gallons of hot water daily, rounding up to two to three solar thermal collector systems per household. With Chicago’s solar incentive system, many families have opted for solar water heaters. Repairing solar water heaters in Chicago falls between $500 and $1,000.
| Service | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Collector repair | $150–$800 |
| Thermostat replacement | $150–$250 |
| Control panel replacement | $300–$500 |
| Damaged coil repair | $350–$750 |
| Tube cleanout or replacement | $250–$600 |
| Pump cleanout or replacement | $550–$850 |
| Relief valve replacement | $150–$300 |
| Solar water tank repair | $400–$1,000 |
Water Heater Pro Costs
Most water heater repair companies in Chicago charge $100 to $150 per hour for labor, and many repairs will take one hour or less to complete. Before hiring a pro, be sure to check their qualifications and licenses, as well as past customer reviews. Different contractors may specialize in different types of water heaters. This is especially true if you need to repair a solar water heater since this repair can be highly technical. Depending on the problem, you sometimes also need to hire a plumber.
Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?
Replacing your old water heater with a new one can slightly increase your home’s value, especially when you switch from an old-school tanked heater to a tankless water heater. On average, replacing a water heater can increase your property value by up to 4%.
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
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