Repair a water heater when the tank is sound and one part has failed, such as a thermocouple, heating element or relief valve. At Gold Seal most of those repairs start between $284 and $717. Replace it when the tank leaks, is badly rusted or is past about ten years old: a leaking tank cannot be repaired. A new 40-gallon gas water heater, installed, starts from $2,271.
Is my water heater worth repairing?
Usually, if the tank itself is sound and one part has failed. A water heater is a tank plus a few parts that wear out: the thermocouple or igniter on gas models, the heating elements and thermostats on electric ones, and the relief valve and anode rod on both. Replacing one of those costs far less than a new heater.
When should I replace it instead?
- Water is leaking from the tank itself. A leaking tank cannot be repaired.
- The hot water runs rusty, or there is rust around the base or the fittings.
- The heater is past about ten years old. Most tank water heaters last eight to twelve years.
- It needs a costly part, such as a gas valve, and is near the end of its life anyway.
- It no longer makes enough hot water for the household.
We diagnose the heater and give you both numbers, the repair and the replacement, before you decide.
What do water heater repairs cost?
| Repair | Starting price | Members |
|---|---|---|
| Relief (T&P) safety valve | From $284 | $256 |
| Thermocouple | From $401 | $361 |
| Upper heating element, electric | From $409 | $368 |
| Both heating elements, electric | From $625 | $563 |
| Hot surface igniter, gas | From $613 | $552 |
| Anode rod | From $717 | $646 |
| Gas valve | From $1,206 | $1,086 |
What does a new water heater cost?
| Water heater, installed | Starting price | Members |
|---|---|---|
| 40-gallon gas | From $2,271 | $2,044 |
| 50-gallon gas | From $2,362 | $2,126 |
| 50-gallon electric, tall | From $2,026 | $1,824 |
| 50-gallon heat pump (hybrid) electric | From $4,473 | $4,025 |
| Tankless gas, replacing a tankless | From $3,846 | $3,462 |
| Tankless gas, new installation | From $5,908 | $5,317 |
Gold Seal flat-rate book, 2026. Ask about $299 off a new water heater, installed. Where a permit is required we file it: $143 for L&I or the county, $89 for a city.
Some homes also need code items at the same time, such as an expansion tank (from $248 at the time of install), a seismic strap (from $128) or a drain pan (from $439). Each is its own line on the price, agreed before the work starts.
Should I switch to tankless or a heat pump water heater?
It depends on how your household uses hot water. A tankless heater makes hot water on demand and frees up floor space, but it costs more to install, often needs gas line and venting changes, and should be descaled every year. Groundwater runs cold here in winter, which matters for sizing. A heat pump (hybrid) water heater costs more up front and uses less electricity than a standard electric tank. If you run out of hot water now, we will tell you honestly whether tankless or a bigger, faster-recovering tank suits you better.
How do I make a water heater last longer?
- Flush a tank heater once a year to clear sediment. A popping or rumbling sound from the tank is sediment.
- Have the anode rod checked every few years. Once it is used up, the tank starts to rust.
- Have the relief valve tested.
- Treat hard water. White scale on faucets and shower glass means scale is building in the heater too.
A tank flush is $89 with our current special (tank heaters only, not tankless). Descaling a tankless heater that has purge valves starts from $264.
What warranty comes with a new water heater?
New water heaters come with the maker’s warranty. A.O. Smith and State are among the brands we install. An extended water heater warranty is also available. Ask us for the terms on the model you choose.
Written by the Gold Seal teamLicensed plumbing contractor · WA L&I GOLDSSM799MG · ID DOPL PLB-C-8717 · updated October 28, 2026
