Water Heater Repair Cost in Raleigh [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $240 - $964

The national average hot water heater repair cost in Raleigh, NC is $602, with most repairs ranging between $240 and $964. A pro can help determine the price of your specific repair.

How we get this data
Electric water heater installed in the bathroom
JinOdin / Adobe Stock Photography
Electric water heater installed in the bathroom
JinOdin / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
  • With strict licensing requirements in place for plumbers in Raleigh, hourly rates can be higher than average.

  • The total cost for a water heater repair in Raleigh ultimately comes down to the costs for labor and replacement parts.

  • In general, it's time to consider if replacing your water heater might be the more cost-effective option if your water heater was installed more than 11 years ago.

The average cost for water heater repair in Raleigh is $602. However, you might expect to pay between $240 and $964 for different types of repairs. Overall, costs for this project are based on the complexity of the repair needed and any replacement parts that your plumber will need to order. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect to pay to have your water heater repaired.

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors 

When you hire local water heater repair pros in Raleigh, NC, to come to your home to take a look at your water heater, they'll spend time inspecting the unit and listening to your report of signs water heater is going out. While a basic repair might cost $130 to $240, a more complicated one might cost closer to $602 to $964.

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 PartAverage Repair Cost
Cold water supply valve$130–$300
Dip tube$135–$200
Overflow pipe$150–$700
Pressure relief valve$180–$400
Drain valve$80–$200
Cold water inlet$150–$400
Sacrificial anode rod$120–$240
Thermostat $90–$300

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.

6 common electric water heater parts illustrated, including electrical supply, cold water supply valve, and drain valve

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.

Water Heater Repair ServiceAverage Cost
Fixing a leak$130–$200
Replacing pressure relief valve$140–$200
Cleaning and flushing$120–$200
Routine maintenance$170–$350

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 PartFunctionAverage Cost
Gas burnerCreates heat$150–$200
Pilot assemblyLights gas burner$50–$350
Gas valveControls gas flow$220–$400
BlowerFans exhaust$130–$300

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 PartFunctionAverage Cost
Heating elementTransfers heat to water$130–$200
ThermometerRegulates water temperature$100–$175
Electrical distribution systemHousing for direct electrical currents$120–$300

Solar Water Heater Repair Costs

Homeowners in Raleigh benefit from the city’s average of 213 sunny days per year, making solar water heaters an appealing option. Over time, however, repairs may be needed to keep these systems operating efficiently. In Raleigh, the average cost for solar water heater repairs typically ranges from $65 to $475. Common issues include cracks, dents, or leaks that reduce performance and efficiency.

Solar Water Heater PartFunctionAverage Cost
InsulationMaintains water temperature$65–$300
CollectorsCollects solar energy$400–$500
TankStores heated water$330–$445

Water Heater Pro Costs

In order for a plumber to perform water heater repairs in Raleigh, they must be licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. With stringent licensing requirements in place, Raleigh plumbers typically charge $55 to $125 per hour.

Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?

Yes, Raleigh homebuyers value new water heaters because they provide more reliability and added efficiency. To determine if you're better off fixing common water heater problems or replacing your unit, weigh the age of your water heater against repair costs. Most water heaters last between 11 and 15 years. If a repair on an older water heater reaches 50% of the replacement cost, upgrading to a new system with help from a pro who knows how to replace a water heater may be the better option.

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’ve surveyed over 10,000 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.

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