How much does it cost to replace a hot water heater igniter?

Quick Answer

The cost to replace a hot water heater igniter typically ranges from $120 to $250 for the igniter itself, plus $80 to $150 per hour for labor. So the total cost often falls between $200 and $400. The specific cost depends on the igniter type, heater brand, labor hourly rate, and any other repairs needed.

What Does an Igniter Do?

The igniter is an essential part of a gas water heater. It’s responsible for lighting the pilot light which in turn heats the water. Over time, the igniter can wear out or fail. When this happens, the pilot light won’t stay lit, preventing the burner from heating the water. Replacing the bad igniter restores normal operation.

There are two main types of igniters found in residential water heaters:

Flame-Sensing Igniters – Also called hot surface igniters. They consist of a ceramic heating element that gets hot enough to light the gas. If the pilot flame goes out, the sensor cools and signals the gas valve to shut off the gas supply.

Spark Ignition – Uses an electrode to spark and light the gas as needed. If the pilot goes out, a circuit signals the electrode to spark again.

Both igniter types serve the same purpose, just in different ways. The specific replacement part you need depends on the type your water heater uses.

Igniter Replacement Cost Breakdown

The total cost to replace a faulty igniter has two main components:

Cost of the Igniter Itself

This is the cost for just the replacement igniter part. Prices typically range from:

– $120 – $180 for flame-sensing igniters
– $150 – $250 for spark igniters

Brand, power rating, and features impact the exact price. More advanced electronic igniters tend to cost more.

Labor Cost for Installation

You also have to pay a plumber or handyman to physically replace the bad igniter. Labor costs typically add:

– $80 – $100 per hour for simpler installs
– $100 – $150 per hour for complex repairs

The job may take 1-3 hours depending on the heater and access. Difficult installations due to tight clearances can result in higher hourly rates and more time required.

Total Replacement Cost Estimate

Combining both parts and labor, the typical total costs range from:

– $200 – $300 for easier flame-sensing igniter replacement
– $300 – $400 for more complex spark igniter installs

Here are some sample scenarios:

– A flame-sensing igniter kit for $150 plus 1 hour labor at $100/hour totals $250
– A $200 spark igniter plus 2 hours labor at $125/hour totals $450

Of course, costs can go higher if multiple parts need replacement or other issues are discovered. Always get an itemized estimate from your plumber before approving the work.

Factors That Impact Igniter Replacement Cost

Several things influence the total igniter replacement cost:

1. Igniter Type

Spark igniters tend to be more expensive parts than flame-sensing units. Electronic igniters also cost more than simpler mechanical models.

2. Water Heater Brand & Model

Each brand designs igniters to fit their specific water heaters. An igniter for a Rheem heater won’t fit on an AO Smith, for example. Brand and exact model impact the replacement part cost.

3. Plumber’s Hourly Rate

Some plumbers charge fixed rates around $100 per hour, while others bill $150 or more for difficult jobs. Get quotes from a few companies.

4. Ease of Installation

Easy, quick swaps cost less in labor than igniter installs requiring extensive disassembly or clearance issues. Complex jobs take more time.

5. Repairs or Accessories Needed

If the plumber needs to make other repairs or replace additional parts like thermocouples, costs go up.

6. Your Location

Labor rates are higher in some regions than others based on the local cost of living. Prices also vary by city type.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

When an igniter fails, it’s a sign your water heater is aging. You may wonder if just replacing the igniter makes sense, or if you should replace the entire hot water heater instead.

Here are some factors to consider:

– Heater’s age – If it’s over 10-12 years old, replacement may be better than repairs.

– Other part failures – If you’ve had to replace multiple components, complete replacement is likely the best value.

– Efficiency – A new energy-efficient model can pay for itself over 5-6 years of energy savings.

– Tank condition – Corrosion, leaks, and mineral buildup issues indicate replacement.

– Repair costs – If repairs exceed half the cost of a new heater, replacement is probably smarter.

Keep in mind, a new tankless water heater often costs $1,000 to $3,000 installed. That’s a significant upfront investment compared to a new tank model for $500 to $1,500. Get multiple estimates on both repairs and replacement to make the right decision.

DIY vs. Professional Igniter Replacement

Is this a DIY job for a handy homeowner, or best left to the professionals? Here are some things to consider when deciding:

Difficulty

Working inside the burner compartment is precarious. You have to fully disconnect gas and electricity to safely work on an igniter. One wrong move can result in gas leaks, electrocution, or combustion hazards.

Expertise Needed

Professionals have specialized training and experience. They know all the intricacies of water heater inner workings that aren’t obvious to DIYers. Attempting a complex repair without know-how risks safety issues.

Improper Installation Dangers

If the new igniter isn’t properly seated and wired, gas leaks or misfires can occur. CO poisoning is a risk if the job isn’t done right. Proper installation is critical.

Time Savings

A pro can replace an igniter in 1-3 hours rather than struggling through it yourself over days. The time savings often justifies the labor cost investment.

Permit Requirements

Most jurisdictions require certified pros to get permits for gas appliance repairs. DIY gas line work can violate local codes.

In summary, igniter replacement is best left to qualified technicians in most situations. Contact local plumbers or HVAC companies to get estimates on your specific repair.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Hot Water Heater Igniter?

The time required to replace a bad water heater igniter depends on a few factors:

– Type of igniter (sensing vs. spark)
– Layout around the heater
– Removal difficulty to access igniter
– Overall installation complexity

Here are some time estimates:

1-2 hours

– Simple sensing igniter swap
– Clear access to burner compartment
– Basic hand tools only

2-3 hours

– Spark igniter replacement
– Tight clearances require maneuvering
– Some disassembly with power tools

3+ hours

– Major part removal to reach igniter
– Both igniter and thermocouple replaced
– Electrical troubleshooting required

Of course, unexpected issues can add time to any job. But in general, expect 1-3 hours for an experienced pro to replace a water heater igniter. Schedule accordingly so you have hot water again as soon as possible.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Igniter

How can you tell when your hot water heater’s igniter needs replacement? Here are some common signs of igniter failure:

– Pilot light won’t stay lit on its own
– Burner doesn’t ignite when hot water is turned on
– Cold or lukewarm water comes out of faucets
– Soot buildup on burner surface
– Strange sounds or smell from burner area
– Diagnostic error codes signal igniter issues

Pilot won’t stay lit or repeatedly goes out after lighting? Don’t keep relighting it yourself over and over. That wastes energy and risks a dangerous gas buildup. Have the igniter inspected by a pro immediately.

Catching igniter problems early allows for fast, affordable replacement. But letting issues go too long can lead to bigger part failures costing much more to fix.

Igniter vs Thermocouple Replacement Cost

Two key components work together to control gas burners in a water heater – the igniter and thermocouple. Either part wearing out can cause pilot or burner problems. Here’s how their replacement costs compare:

Igniter

– Part cost $120-$250
– 1-3 hours labor $80-$150/hour
– Total $200-$400

Thermocouple

– Part cost $15-$50
– 1-2 hours labor $80-$150/hour
– Total $100-$200

So igniter replacement tends to cost more in both parts and labor. But thermocouples do fail more often than igniters.

If your pilot won’t stay lit, the service pro will test each component to determine which one needs replacement. Sometimes both need to be changed. Get an itemized estimate so you know exactly what’s involved before approving repairs.

Conclusion

Replacing a faulty hot water heater igniter restores normal heating functionality so you have hot water again. Typical costs range from $200 – $400 depending on the igniter type, heater model, labor rates, and complexity of the job.

Signs it’s time for igniter replacement include:

– Pilot won’t stay lit
– Burner not igniting
– Lukewarm water temperature
– Diagnostic error codes

While doable as a DIY project, most homeowners are better off hiring professional plumbers to ensure proper installation and safely working on gas appliances.