How Much Does Water Heater Repair Cost in Portland, Oregon? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $266 - $1,114

The national average hot water heater repair cost in Portland, OR, is $690, with most repairs ranging between $266 and $1,114. 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
  • Many Portland homes have water heaters in basements, where damp conditions can speed up corrosion if the unit isn’t maintained.

  • Some Portland properties use tight utility closets or crawl spaces for water heaters, which can slow repairs and increase labor costs.

  • Portland’s mild climate means water heaters don’t work as hard as in colder regions, but sediment from local water can still cause wear over time.

Water heater repair costs in Portland average $690 and often range from $266 to $1,114. Keeping your water heater in good shape is essential for consistent hot water, especially during Portland’s damp, chilly months. Repair costs depend on factors like the part that needs fixing and the type of system in your home. Let’s explore these and other cost factors to help you plan and budget accordingly.

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors 

In Portland, OR, the cost to repair a water heater depends on the part that’s failing, the complexity of the repair, and the type of system you own. These factors can mean the difference between a quick, low-cost fix and a pricier job.

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.

Water Heater PartCost to Repair
Anode rod$25–$75
Dip tube$20–$30
Gas burner$175
Gas valve$70–$200
Heating element$15–$60
Thermostat$20–$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 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 versus a tankless water heater—you could be on the hook for additional repairs.

RepairCost
Leaks$600–$1,400
Pressure relief valve replacement$150–$400
Dip tube replacement$150–$400
Cleaning and flushing tank$100–$250
Anode rod replacement$150–$400
Expansion tank replacement$150–$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.

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.

Ryan Noonan
Content Editor, Angi

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.

PartRepair Cost
Pilot light$50–$150
Thermostat $100–$300
Thermocouple $100–$200
Gas control valve$150–$400

Electric Water Heater Repair Costs

A few problems are unique to electric water heaters. These involve tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.

Repair Cost
Tripped breakers$0 (DIYable)
Heater element replacements$150–$300
Thermostat replacement$100–$300

Water Heater Pro Costs

Some Portland plumbers charge less per hour than in bigger cities, but costs can still climb when the job isn’t simple or straightforward. Things like tight installation sites and awkward access points can also slow things down and add to your total.

Labor Costs

Plumbers in Portland charge $80 to $150 per hour for water heater repairs, with rates on the higher end for urgent calls or specialized work. Straightforward tasks, like replacing a thermostat or flushing the tank, can often be completed in under an hour, while more involved jobs that require diagnosing and fixing multiple issues may take two hours or more.

Accessibility

When a water heater is tucked into a tight spot or awkward corner, it can take extra time and effort to work on it. The added difficulty requires special tools and more time, which often bumps up labor costs by 10% to 20% compared to an open, easy-to-reach setup.

Does Replacing a Water Heater Increase Home Value?

Swapping out an old water heater won’t boost your home’s value in a measurable way, but it can still work in your favor when selling. A recently installed unit shows buyers the property has been cared for, and choosing an energy-efficient model, like a tankless or heat pump system, can catch the attention of anyone hoping to cut utility costs. 

Installing a new tankless water heater will only boost your home value by 1.2% on average. So while it’s not an upgrade that will pay for itself outright, replacing a worn or failing water heater can make your home more appealing, especially in competitive markets.

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.

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