
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.
The national average hot water heater repair cost in St. Louis, MO, is $433, with most repairs ranging between $159 and $727. A pro can help determine the price of your specific repair.


A cost of living that's 11% lower than the national average brings water heater repair prices in St. Louis below most other cities.
For extensive repairs, homeowners often need to cover the cost of a $35 plumbing permit.
The ROI on a new water heater in St. Louis can be as high as 90%.
With the cost of living in St. Louis estimated to be 11% lower than the national average, homeowners here might not be surprised to learn that the average cost for water heater repair is $433. Depending on how extensive repairs are, homeowners might pay between $159 and $727 for different types of water heater repairs. Keep reading to learn more about cost factors that will help you budget for repairs or decide that water heater replacement is a better option.
A local water heater repair pro in St. Louis, MO, will need to inspect your water heater for common water heater problems and more complex issues in order to provide a proper diagnosis. Factors that will change your final bill include the extent of the repair needed, which part needs repair, and what type of water heater you have.
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 | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Cold water supply valve | $80–$200 |
| Dip tube | $80–$100 |
| Overflow pipe | $100–$550 |
| Pressure relief valve | $120–$400 |
| Drain valve | $85–$200 |
| Cold water inlet | $125–$300 |
| Sacrificial anode rod | $100–$200 |
| Thermostat | $60–$200 |
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 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.
| Repair Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fixing a leak | $80–$200 |
| Replacing pressure relief valve | $100–$200 |
| Cleaning and flushing | $100–$180 |
| Routine maintenance | $120–$200 |
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 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.
| Part | Function | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gas burner | Creates heat | $90–$190 |
| Pilot assembly | Lights gas burner | $100–$300 |
| Gas valve | Controls gas flow | $200–$250 |
| Blower | Fans exhaust | $100–$250 |
A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.
| Part | Function | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | Transfers heat to water | $115–$225 |
| Thermostat | Regulates temperature | $150–$300 |
| Electrical distribution system | Housing for direct electrical currents | $125–$300 |
In St. Louis, your plumber will need to obtain a standard $32 permit for complex water heater repairs or installation of replacement parts. Overall, plumbers in St. Louis charge $35 to $80 per hour. However, a master plumber can charge $90 to $130 per hour for more complex work involving gas lines.
Expect a return on investment (ROI) of up to 90% if you replace your water heater in St. Louis. However, replacement is only a good investment when an older water heater needs frequent or extensive repairs. With the average lifespan for a water heater at 15 years, homeowners need to weigh repair costs against replacement costs or talk to a pro to determine the best option for units more than 11 or 12 years old.
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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