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The cost to replace a water heater depends on the type you choose (tank versus tankless) and the fuel type. You can expect to pay anywhere from $880 to $1,780 for a one-to-one replacement. If you’re switching from one type or energy source to another, labor costs will rise significantly for the extra amount of work. 

Not all homes are required by code to have water heater expansion tanks, though some cities, like Los Angeles, do. Sometimes, municipalities will require a code that asks homeowners to install an expansion tank if their water heater is on a closed system. A closed system setup without an expansion tank can place unnecessary stress on appliances and shorten their lifespan.

Any item that can hold on to moisture and encourage mold growth should be discarded and replaced following water damage. Upholstered items, such as armchairs and couches, and soft items, such as mattresses, usually must be thrown away once they've taken on a lot of water. Soft furniture is difficult to dry out, creating an inviting environment for mold.

You may also need to replace hardwood furniture following water damage if you're unable to fully dry it out. If you have appliances and electronics that have been fully submerged in water, particularly sewage, you'll need to replace those, too.

A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.