How much does a water heater tune-up cost?

Author: Kacey Grady  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Flushing and cleaning the tank is a common service that can cost $75 to $250, while flushing/descaling a tankless water heater can run up to $300. But a tune-up, which can also prevent major repairs, goes from $100 to $500.

How much is a water heater tune-up?

Having a professional give it a regular tuneup will cost between $100 and $500, including a drain and flush, inspection for corrosion or leaks, cleaning parts like the burner, and testing parts like valves and water composition. Tankless water heater maintenance costs are close to regular tank water heaters.

What does a water heater tune-up include?

The basic steps involved in the water heater tune-up process include initially inspecting and diagnosing any potential issues, flushing the tank, testing the thermostat and pressure valves, and a final system check.

How much does it cost to have a water heater inspected?

The cost of water heater maintenance ranges from $75 to $300+, depending on the following factors: What the plumber checks during a maintenance visit. Whether you choose a single visit or an annual maintenance plan.

What are signs your water heater is going bad?

Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.

How much does it cost to repair a water heater?

What is the average life of a water heater?

Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

How do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?

Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.

Does homeowners insurance cover water heater failure?

If your water heater unexpectedly bursts or leaks, the water damage caused by the leak will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, repairs or replacement of the water heater itself will not be covered.

How often do water heaters need to be serviced?

When planning a water heater maintenance schedule, you should plan to have your water heater serviced at least once per year. The most important part of water heater maintenance is flushing the tank. If you don't flush it, sediment will build up inside your water heater's tank.

How much does a plumber charge to flush a water heater?

The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.

How long does a heater tune up take?

On average, a heating system tune up should take around 1-2 hours.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.

What does a water heater tune up consist of?

Water heater maintenance consists of flushing the unit, checking and changing the anode rod if needed, inspecting for rust or leaks, and testing the thermostat and valves. The flush is the most important step of water heater maintenance, and something you do not want to skip.

Who do you call to check your water heater?

But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.

How often should I flush my hot water heater?

Flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.

How much does it cost to service a water heater?

Where You Live. The cost of parts and labor varies by geographical location. For example, the average cost of water heater repairs in Tampa, FL, is $539. But in Los Angeles, CA, and Houston, TX, expect to pay up to $627.

Can a water heater last 20 years?

The life expectancy of a hot water tank varies depending on its size, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. A standard 40-gallon tank will last between 10 and 15 years while larger tanks (50 gallons) have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

What happens if you don't drain your water heater?

If you don't drain or flush your hot water heater, minerals and sediments from the water supply will settle at the bottom of the tank.

Is water heater repair considered plumbing?

These are plumbing-specific tasks because they relate to the water and tank elements of hot water heaters. Plumbers have the tools, experience, and knowledge to be able to fix these types of water heater issues.

What insurance covers hot water heater?

The personal property coverage in a homeowners insurance policy may help pay to replace those types of appliances. Meanwhile, devices that are built into your home, such as a furnace or hot water heater, may be protected by the dwelling coverage in a homeowners insurance policy.

What is considered water damage for insurance?

Most home insurance policies cover accidental and sudden damage caused by water. For example, a burst pipe that caused damage to a wall or floor would be covered. However, a gradual leak or seepage due to poor maintenance wouldn't be covered. Also, water damage insurance does not cover negligence.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.

Should I flush a 15 year old water heater?

If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.

What are the signs of water heater going bad?

Here are some warning signs that your hot water heater is going out:
  • Your Water Heater Makes Strange Noises. ...
  • Decreased or Varying Water Temperature. ...
  • Low Water Pressure. ...
  • Discolored or Rusty Water. ...
  • Hot Water Shortage. ...
  • Water Heater Leaks. ...
  • Frequent Repairs. ...
  • Age of Hot Water Heater.

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