How Much Does Water Heater Repair Cost in Dallas? [2025 Data]

Homeowners in Dallas might see a need for regular water heater repair, primarily due to the city’s hard water, which causes corrosion and sediment buildup. Water heater repair in the Dallas-Fort Worth area costs $539 on average, but it can range from $185 to $894. For most homeowners, the final price will depend on the repair needed, the type of water heater needing repair, and whether the plumber needs to visit during the extreme heat of summer. In addition, expect an upcharge if you live in an older or historic home.

Water Heater Repair Cost Factors

No matter where you live, the cost of water heater repair will largely be based on the repair needed and the type of water heater you have. In Dallas, however, you might see specific charges related to your home’s style and age; some of the older homes might have complicated or corroded plumbing. 

Part Replacement

As with all appliances, the cost of the repair will depend on the part that needs to be fixed. Water heaters have over a dozen parts, and you might need to replace more than one. Replacing a component is less costly than a full water heater replacement, which typically runs between $850 and $1,800. Note that none of the costs below include labor, so you’ll need to factor that in to your budget.

Service 

Resetting a component or replacing a small part could be a quick DIY fix, but many water heater repairs will require the help of a plumber. The common issues outlined below are common in electric and gas heaters; if you own a tankless water heater or another, less common type, you might pay more for professional repair.

Leaks

Water heater leaks should be taken seriously. Some leaks, such as a leaking valve, might only require a quick tightening, but there are many other, more complex possibilities. For instance, If there is water in your water heater pan, there could be a leak in the tank. This could indicate corrosion or other internal damage, and might necessitate a full replacement, which will run between $850 and $1,800.

Pressure Relief Valve 

The pressure relief valve regulates the tank’s internal pressure. If the pressure of your hot water is too strong or too weak, you might need to replace the pressure relief valve, which can cost $200 for a professional fix. 

Dip Tube

If your water isn’t staying hot as long as it should, you might need to have your dip tube replaced. On average, a professional plumber charges $150 to replace this water heater part. 

Anode Rod Replacement

The anode rod is there to take the heat, literally. It acts as a buffer, corroding first before any corrosion can reach the interior wall of the tank. A new anode rod costs between $20 and $50, with the labor for installation running between $50 and $150 per hour; the task takes about an hour.

Cleaning and Flushing the Tank

Those odd noises might not be a critter lurking around in the basement. Sediment can cause your water heater to make unusual sounds—these are not to be ignored, as the sediment can lead to leaks, heating element failure, or a broken unit. Dallas has mineral-rich hard water, leading to sediment build-up, so you’ll need to be vigilant about cleaning and flushing your water heater. The cost to have a plumber flush and clean your tank will run about $200.

Expansion Tank Replacement

Your expansion tank is a reservoir for the water that expands when heated. Expect to replace your expansion tank once during your water heater’s lifespan—this runs between $100 and $400 for parts and labor.

Water Heater Type

The final cost for your water heater repair will depend on whether you have a gas or electric water heater, as these two types require different parts and knowledge to fix. 

Common Gas Water Heater Repair Costs

With gas water heaters, you might encounter pilot light issues, thermostat malfunctions, or failed thermocouples.

• Pilot light: Attempt to re-light the pilot light on your own. If you don’t want to do this or find it difficult to do, a service trip for a pilot light issue could cost you a trip fee of $50 to $150. Most plumbers can restart a pilot light in just a few minutes. 

• Thermostat: Thermostat repairs might require replacing the entire valve unit. A new valve unit costs around $80, but the total will be closer to $200 once you factor in labor.

• Thermocouple: If your pilot light stays lit but the burner doesn’t, your thermocouple might need attention or replacement. A replacement costs about $150 or less and takes less than an hour.

• Gas Control Valve: The valve keeps the gas on for the pilot light, and shuts the gas off once the pilot light goes out. A malfunctioning gas valve can make your hot water heater unsafe—gas leaks can cause fires or explosions. A gas valve replacement costs about $350.

Common Electric Water Heater Repair Costs

Electric water heaters can suffer from tripped breakers, faulty heater elements, and bad thermostats.

• Tripped Breakers: Tripped breakers are simple to fix, and something you can likely DIY. Try to reset the breaker; your hot water should return within 30 minutes. If not, you might have a different problem on your hands and be in need of a plumber.

• Heater Elements: Electric water heaters have two heater elements, one on top and one on the bottom. If one is malfunctioning, expect that warm, evening bubble bath to be an invigorating cold one. On average, having a water heater element repaired costs $200 to $300. 

• Thermostat: The two heater elements each have a thermostat. When the thermostats fail, the heater elements also fail. Hiring a plumber to replace a thermostat costs around $150 to $200; the part will cost about $20.

Water Heater Pro Costs

Plumbers in Dallas charge an average of $321, or between $177 and $469. A small leak is relatively inexpensive to repair and falls on the low end of the range, while larger projects can exceed the average. Pricing can vary based on licensing credentials and specialization, with master-level plumbers charging premium rates for difficult repairs. 

Flat Rate Pricing

Some Dallas plumbers offer fixed pricing for common repairs and services. Routine tasks, such as small part replacements or annual maintenance, often have predetermined rates. Make sure to note if your home is a historic property, as that can trigger a higher flat rate. 

Home Age and Style

Dallas is home to many older buildings and historic neighborhoods, such as Oak Cliff and Lakewood. Many of these houses were built in the 1920s through 1950s, and have galvanized steel pipes. This aging plumbing is prone to problems, given its potential to have higher mineral buildup and corrosion. A plumber who has to work with older pipes may charge more, or you might need to seek out a specialist who has experience with homes of this style. 

Weather Emergencies

Dallas experiences a range of weather, from hot desert summers to cold winters, with snow possible. The city doesn’t experience much snow, but it does get quite cold in wintertime, and this fluctuation in temperatures over the year can lead to your water heater’s components expanding and contracting. This could result in frozen pipes or clogged drains. Emergency plumbing services charge premium rates in inclement weather, often two times the standard price. If your plumber has to navigate extreme cold, rain, or even heat, expect an even higher charge. 

Permits

Dallas City Hall has a handy worksheet for residents to estimate building permit costs. Every project has a base fee of $181, a $15 technology fee, and a $125 inspection fee. Permits for plumbing repairs and work will be determined by the type of project and the square footage being worked on.

Service Call Fee

Many plumbers in Dallas charge a service call fee, which ranges from $100 to $250 and covers travel time and initial diagnostics. This fee typically includes the first hour of service and is meant to compensate for the time the plumber spends traveling across the expansive DFW metropolis. Ask your plumber if this fee is rolled into your total estimate or will appear as a separate charge.

Tipping

While not mandatory, many Dallas residents offer gratuity of $20 to $50 for exceptional service or emergency plumbing services, especially during Texas’ brutal summers, when contractors must often endure triple-digit temperatures. You should also consider posting a positive online review for excellent local plumbers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Does Water Heater Repair Increase Home Value?

You won’t see a dramatic increase in home value from repairing your water heater, but a new, energy-efficient one can give your ROI a small boost, usually 1-5%. A homebuyer in Dallas will appreciate that a functioning, well-maintained water heater means they won’t have to buy a new one anytime soon, and that they will be able to enjoy their Texas winters in comfort. Dallas is a competitive housing market, so modern appliances can seal the deal for buyers who might be choosing between your home and someone else’s.

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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