Gas Water Heater Repair
Gas water heaters are simple machines, and most failures come from a handful of parts: the thermocouple, the pilot assembly, the gas control valve, the burner and the vent.
What usually fails, and what it costs
| Situation | Usual cause | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot won't stay lit | Worn thermocouple, dirty pilot tube | $100 to $250 |
| Burner won't light | Gas control valve, thermostat, clogged orifice | $250 to $600 |
| Yellow or lazy flame | Dirty burner, blocked air intake | $100 to $250 |
| Exhaust smell or soot | Venting or draft problem | $150 to $500 |
National ranges from published cost guides. Your plumber quotes your job after seeing the heater.
Gas Water Heater Repair, explained
Thermocouples and pilots
The thermocouple is a small sensor in the pilot flame. If it wears out or the pilot flame is weak, the gas valve shuts off for safety. It's the single most common gas water heater repair.
Gas control valves
The gas valve and thermostat sit in the box on the front of the tank. If the pilot is lit but the burner never comes on, or water is too hot or too cold, the valve is often the cause. On older tanks a new valve can cost enough that replacement is worth comparing.
Venting matters
Gas heaters send exhaust up a flue. A disconnected, rusted or blocked vent can spill exhaust into the home. Soot, scorch marks or a CO alarm mean shut it off and get it checked.
Do this first
- Smell gas? Leave the house and call your gas company from outside.
- Check the gas supply valve on the pipe to the heater is open.
- Follow the relight label on the tank once, only if there's no gas smell.
- If it goes straight back out, stop relighting and call.
Related water heater services
Gas Water Heater Repair questions
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
Usually a weak thermocouple, a dirty pilot opening or a draft. Repeated outages need a repair, not more relighting.
Is it safe to relight a pilot myself?
Yes, if there's no gas smell and you follow the label on the tank. If it won't stay lit after one try, call.
How long does a thermocouple replacement take?
Usually under an hour once the plumber is on site.
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