How Much It'll Cost To Repair Your Boiler

If you live in a climate that experiences cold weather then you know the importance of keeping your boiler in top condition. With this in mind, it's handy to know what to expect regarding boiler repair costs. Nationwide, the cost averages out to $411. However, some issues will fall more into the category of normal wear and tear could result in a bill as low as $95 for a minor fix or the replacement of a small part, or as high as $1440 if the repair work is much more extensive.

Of course, the exact repair needed affects the price, plus parts and labor tend to vary somewhat. You also need to consider several other factors that impact the cost of repairing a boiler, including your state and city. Additionally, where your boiler is located in your home plays a role in determining the price since a unit that's hard to access may cost more to fix.

Boiler repair costs depend on the type of unit you have. For the most part, boilers are classified by their fuel sources and can be gas-powered, electric, or oil-fueled. Electric boilers usually cost the most to repair, with an average of $300, but repairs can run as high as $1800 for a new circulator pump. In addition, you can expect to pay between $40 and $120 per hour for labor. 

Gas and oil-fueled boilers are usually a little cheaper to repair, averaging $100 to $250 at the low end and topping out at $600. However, they also have higher demands in relation to the number and extent of repairs needed. Common problems with these types of boilers include valve issues, costing $100 to $300 for parts replacement and labor, or replacing the expansion tank, which costs between $225 and $635. 

Other boiler varieties such as wood-burning and propane-fueled models tend to require less maintenance. On average, wood-burning boilers cost between $240 and $500 to repair. Fixes on a propane boiler can range from $300 to $1200 with the ignitor being the least expensive and a line replacement being the most.

Additionally, there are some common problems that affect all types of heating systems. One issue involves odd noises coming from the radiators, the pipes, or the boiler itself, which can cost between $100 and $450. For instance, trapped air in the radiator can cause a knocking sound while preventing the radiator from heating up. If you need a contractor to rectify this problem, it will cost $100 to $200. Conversely, if the noise, like a loud bang, comes from the boiler itself, then the ignition could be the culprit. This often results from burners that have a lot of dust or dirt build-up, which causes a delay in lighting the gas that's accumulated in the chamber, which in turn, gives a loud pop once it's ignited. 

Leaks, another common issue with aging plumbing systems, can range in severity and will cost anywhere from $300 to $635 to fix. And you can expect to pay close to that amount if your boiler won't run consistently — from $250 to $635. The two most expensive repairs that you'll encounter involve a completely non-functioning boiler or one that exerts little to no water pressure, which can cost up to $1800 for parts and labor. At that point, you might need to discuss whether a new boiler would be the more cost-effective option.