Water Heater Repair Cost in Detroit, Michigan [2025 Data]

In Detroit, water heater repair costs between $175 and $770, with the average Michigander paying $473 to repair a water heater in Motor City. This is roughly 22% below the national average cost to repair a water heater. Prices depend on the part or parts that need to be replaced, the service required by the water heater technician, and the type of water heater (electric, gas, or solar).

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors 

The cost to repair a water heater in Detroit, Michigan, can be impacted by a number of factors, such as the malfunctioning part or parts, the service required to fix the water heater, and the type of water heater.

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.

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 the cost of a full water heater replacement in Detroit, which costs between $850 and $1,425.

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. For example, the cost to flush a water heater in Detroit is around $155. The following issues occur in both electric and gas heaters. If you have a different type of water heater—like a heat pump versus 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

Detroit may not be the sunniest spot in the country, but solar panels still make sense in the Motor City. In fact, the City of Detroit is currently working on the Neighborhood Solar Initiative to increase the amount of clean energy the city produces. Residents can follow suit with their own residential solar panels, not only to power their homes but also their water heaters.

Although solar water heaters cost more money up front, they’re relatively low-maintenance and break down far less frequently over the years. Solar water heater repair costs in Detroit, Michigan, depend on which part of the system is malfunctioning.

If the solar panels themselves are malfunctioning, prices can go up. On average, solar panel repair costs between $225 and $1,500 in Detroit.

Water Heater Pro Costs

In some cases, you may be able to repair your water heater on your own. For instance, if the pilot light is out or you only need to replace an easily accessible part, you can DIY the repair and save on labor costs.

However, you should leave more extensive repairs to a Detroit water heater professional. Making a mistake while attempting to repair a water heater on your own could make the issue worse and void your warranty.

On average, local plumbers charge from $50 to $200 per hour when repairing water heaters, and the work takes between one and two hours for a labor total of $100 to $400. However, if the water heater contractor assesses the issue and determines you need to replace the water heater, expect repair costs to go up.

Permit Fees

While you don’t need a permit to repair your water heater, Detroit does require a plumbing permit to replace a water heater. In Detroit, these permits cost $30.

Emergency Repair

Winters in Detroit can be brutal. If your water heater stops working during a winter storm, you may need to call an emergency plumber, which can increase your costs. On average, emergency plumbers cost 1.5 to 3 times the average amount.

Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?

Yes, replacing a water heater increases your home’s value, especially if your current water heater is old and inefficient. Being able to advertise a brand-new water heater in your listing can go a long way with potential homebuyers.

Opting for a tankless water heater could boost your home’s value even more. Tankless water heaters increase your home’s value by as much as 1.2%, thanks to the large energy savings they can provide you.

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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