How much does it cost for a plumber to check a water heater?

Author: Dr. Myrtice Klein  |  Last update: Monday, October 6, 2025

The average cost of a plumbing inspection is $100 to $200 for a basic visual inspection, $300 to $1,100 for a camera or video inspection, or $400 to $1,300 for a combination of the two. Plumbing inspections typically cover fixtures, water and sewer lines, water heaters, toilets, pumps, drains, and appliances.

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.

How much does it cost to have someone flush your 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.

Who would I call to check my water heater?

Well, it depends on the issue. But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.

Can a plumber check water heater?

Water heater - The plumber will inspect the water heater installation, flue pipes, safety valves, energy efficiency, leaks, corrosion and signs of rust/damage. Gas lines - If you have natural gas service, the plumber will check gas pipes for leaks using a sniffer device. All connections are inspected for safety.

Actual Cost For a New Water Heater (Complete Breakdown)

How much does it cost to get water heater checked?

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.

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.

Do you call a plumber for a water heater?

The short answer is that plumbers typically service water heaters, whether it's gas or electric. An electrician may also be able to fix an electric hot water heater, assuming the problem is electrical.

How often should a water heater be checked?

Maintenance schedule: Most manufacturers recommend flushing or maintaining your water heater every year or every few years. Water heater lifespans: The typical lifespan of a water heater is 10 years for a tank-style heater and 20 years for a tankless heater.

What happens during a water heater inspection?

A water heater inspection will include checking the pressure relief valve on water heaters with tanks. A hot water tank is under a lot of pressure. Sometimes, that pressure can become too great. The pressure relief valve vents off excess pressure to ensure the tank doesn't rupture or explode.

How much does it cost to have someone look at a water heater?

In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450.

Why do plumbers charge so much to replace water heater?

This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.

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.

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

Flushing a tank water heater costs $75 to $150, while tankless water heaters cost $150 to $250 to flush. The cost of flushing a water heater depends on the tank size, type of water heater, labor costs, and additional tasks performed by the plumber.

How much does it cost to get your heater checked?

A furnace inspection costs an average of $80 to $100. Your cost may increase if more furnace repairs are needed, or based on the specifics of your HVAC system. If detrimental issues are uncovered, you'll be quoted for the repair or potential replacement of your HVAC equipment.

How can I test my water heater?

Verify no voltage with volt meter. Disconnect two wires from top element. Check continuity of element with ohm meter from terminal to terminal (should read around 13 ohms). Check continuity from each terminal to metal tank (should read 0 ohms - anything else and the element needs to be replaced).

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.

Do plumbers check water heaters?

Plumbers fix water heaters by first doing a general check on all of the components before identifying the specific area causing problems. They will then describe to you what the problem is and recommend either repair or replacement as a solution, depending on what will be most cost-effective in the long run.

Should I flush my 10 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. If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems.

Who do you call to check your water heater?

In case of a problem with the water heater, you should call a plumber. The plumber can resolve the water problem unless there is a severe electrical issue to fix. The plumber can repair problems related to water heater or pressure.

Can a plumber work on a water heater?

In general, licensed plumbers can fix water heaters.

The first call you should make when you notice problems with your water heater is a licensed plumber. These professionals are trained in a wide range of aspects related to water heaters, from wiring to piping, heating elements, anode rods, and gas lines.

How long does it take a plumber to fix a water heater?

For a standard water heater replacement, installation usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. The technicians will remove the old unit, install the new one, and ensure everything is connected and working perfectly.

How much should I spend on a water heater?

Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.

Will insurance pay for a water heater leak?

Whether or not homeowners insurance covers water heater leaks depends on the specific circumstances of the leak and the terms of your policy. In general, if the leak is sudden and accidental, and not caused by your negligence, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs.

Does Lowes install water heaters?

Lowe's Water Heater Installation

Let us replace and install your new water heater. Our Independent Service PROviders can help you with both tankless and traditional water heater tanks, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters and tankless gas water heaters.

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