Who Fixes Tankless Water Heaters? Here’s Who to Call

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are wondering who fixes tankless water heaters, licensed plumbers and dedicated tankless water heater repair pros are the right choice. They handle gas and electric systems safely, carry liability insurance, and know when replacement is smarter than repair.

A home warranty often requires a licensed plumber for covered work. For a safe, efficient outcome, hiring a pro remains the most reliable approach.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for Tankless Water Heater Repair

Calling a tankless water heater pro or licensed plumber ensures accurate diagnosis, safe repair, and service that aligns with warranty requirements. You save time by avoiding tool purchases and weekend troubleshooting, and you gain peace of mind from insured, guaranteed work. If your unit is older or severely compromised, a pro can recommend and install a replacement.

Consider other advantages of hiring a plumber:

• Diagnose ignition failures, temperature swings, odors, discoloration, and sediment issues

• Handle gas and electric components to avoid injury and damage

• Bring the proper, specialized tools for tankless diagnostics and repairs

• Carry liability insurance that covers mistakes or accidents during service

• Advise on repair versus replacement, especially for aging units

• Flush the unit and replace faulty parts to restore performance

• Understand tankless systems and exhaust to address venting blockages

• Meet warranty requirements when coverage specifies a licensed plumber

• Finish most repairs efficiently, often within an afternoon

• Reduce the risk of further damage from DIY attempts

If your tankless water heater issue is complex or you want to ensure the repair is handled by a professional, you might want to consider a local plumber to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Can I Hire an Electrician to Repair a Tankless Water Heater?

An electrician is appropriate when an electric tankless unit has electrical failures, such as a broken internal breaker or malfunctioning electrical components. Most tankless water heater problems, however, are best handled by traditional plumbers. For gas models, natural gas plumbers address fuel and ignition issues.

Electricians resolve electrical faults but do not troubleshoot full water-heater systems. Call a plumber first unless you know the issue is strictly electrical.

How Do Pros Repair Tankless Water Heaters?

Pros follow a clear process to find the issue, make safe repairs, and confirm performance.

1. Inspect the unit and confirm symptoms such as no ignition, temperature swings, odors, discoloration, sediment, or frozen pipes.

2. Diagnose causes by checking components like the thermocouple, anode rod, gas valve, and electrical parts.

3. Replace failed parts as needed to restore operation.

4. Flush the heater when buildup is present.

5. Verify safe operation and steady hot water output.

How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost?

The average cost to repair a water heater is $600, with most projects ranging from $75 to $1,300. Your total depends on what needs fixing, who you hire, your home’s location, and how accessible the unit is. Flushing adds $75 to $200 when sediment buildup is present. If repair isn't cost-effective, installing a new tankless unit averages $2,550. Hard-to-reach placements increase labor time and overall cost.