How Much Will a Broken Water Heater Cost Your Home Buyers?

Costs of Fixing a Water Heater, Signs a Water Heater is Broken, and More

Water heaters are an important appliance in modern homes… most people don’t enjoy a cold shower, after all.

How much could a broken water heater cost your home Buyers if they aren’t protected by a systems and appliances Service Agreement (also known as a Home Warranty Service Agreement or home warranty)? Keep reading to learn more about the costs, some common signs of a broken water heater, and more.

The Costs of Repairing a Water Heater

According to data collected by HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost to repair a water heater is $501, with most homeowners spending between $203 and $800 for a single fix.

However, there are often other costs (aside from the water heater itself) that play into the total repair bill. Depending on when the water heater was first installed, and any new building codes that now require compliance, the mount, venting system, supply pipes and drain pan may also need to be replaced or upgraded. All of those costs can add up quickly if the homeowner isn’t protected by a systems and appliances Service Agreement.

How to Tell When a Water Heater is Broken

Despite advances in technology, the water heater is a fairly simple system. Share these common problems with your buyers so that they know what to look out for:

• Age- most water heaters are designed to last approximately 10 – 15 years. Some may last longer, and some might not make it that long, but it’s a good ballpark estimate to be aware of.
• Noise- as a water heater is used hard sediments can build up, leading to noise when the unit is trying to heat water.
• Cold water- Cold water can mean a number of things, like a pilot light being out, a tripped circuit breaker, a broken thermostat or a faulty heating element.
• Rusty water- rusty water coming from the water heater can mean that the water heater is rusting on the inside. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed before the unit starts leaking.
• Leaking water- water around a water heater can indicate a leak in the tank itself and should be looked at by a professional.

To avoid these problems, real estate professionals should urge homeowners to pay attention to regular home maintenance. Their systems and appliances will last longer, and if something unexpected does happen, the homeowner will easily be able to use their Service Agreement coverage.

How Systems and Appliances Service Agreements Protect Homeowners

The protection provided by a systems and appliances Service Agreement can be invaluable. For a small service fee (typically between $60 and $100 depending on the region) homeowners can request service and trigger their coverage.

A vetted, qualified service contractor will come to their home to assess and repair the issue, allowing homeowners to avoid costly repairs to important parts of their home, like the water heater.

2-10 HBW offers the most comprehensive coverage for homeowners. Let us help you get started with a Home Warranty Service Agreement today!