Below we have highlighted some key factors in helping you decide whether to replace or repair a water heater. We also go over some minor repairs and major ones that would result in needing your heater replaced. So if you are wondering “Should I repair or replace my water heater?“
If the water heater is only a couple of years old and still under warranty, you will want to repair it. On the other hand, if the water heater is close to reaching its life expectancy, it’s best to replace it to avoid further repairs.
Table of Contents
What are some common water heater repairs?
There are a couple of common repairs that can be made to a water heater. These repairs are relatively easy to make and affordable to get done.
- The pilot light on a gas water heater goes out
- Broken thermostat
- Faulty element or burner
- The circuit breaker for the electric heater has tripped
- (T&P) relief valve
Why Does My Water Heaters Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
The thermocouple needs to be replaced or cleaned. This is a simple fix and easy job by a licensed professional.
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Thermostat is Failing?
The number one sign your thermostat on your water heater is failing is no hot water. It is important to note this could also be an element that has gone out. We recommend homeowners change out both when having this repair done.
Faulty Water Heater Element or Burner
You could notice little to no hot water if your element (electric) or burner (gas) is faulty.
Why Is My Electric Water Heater Tripping The Breaker?
Here are a couple of reasons this could be happing. Exposed electrical lines that are getting wet, your water heater thermostat is bad, or your breaker is bad. It is best to have a professional troubleshoot this repair.
Why Is My Water Heater Leaking From The Top?
The P & T relief valve is leaking. Most of the time, a leaking water heater is bad news, and the water heater will need to be replaced but there are a couple of valves on the heater that can be repaired if they start leaking. The P&T relief valve is one of them. Have a professional replace the valve if you notice leaks. It’s an important safety feature of a water heater.
When to Repair Water Heater?
If your current water heater is under warranty or your water heater is a few years old. If the water heater is under warranty, the manufacturer will cover the cost of the repair. Repair Recommend if your warranty has expired and the water heater is not near its life expectancy and in good condition or the repairs will not cost 50% of what it would cost to replace the heater.
5 Signs You Should Replace Your Water Heater
- Your water heater has reached its life expectancy of 8-12 years old
- You’ve repaired the water heater before
- Water is leaking from the tank
- Red Rust Color Water
- Noise Coming from water heater
Your Water Heater Has Reached Its life Expectancy 8-12 years old
The manufacturer designs water heaters only to last so long, and each manufacturer will put a life expectancy on the heater. Some are 8 years; others are 10 to 12, depending on the water heater brand. When your water heater hits 10 plus years, the clock counts down for that water heater to need replacement. We strongly recommend replacing a water heater over 10 years old and is either needing multiple repairs or a costly repair. If your water heater is showing small signs of rust, have your professional plumbing inspect the water heater closely to determine if the water heater should be replaced.
Made Multiple Repairs to the water heater
If you have made frequent repairs to your water heater it’s a good sign your heater is failing and will need to be replaced. It’s not cost-efficient to pay a plumber to come out and repair the heater multiple times. Chances are you could have replaced the heater and resolved your issues for the cost of multiple repairs.
Water Leaking From The Tank
A leaking water heater can be repaired in some situations, but if the tank has deteriorated and is leaking, it will need to be replaced. It is important to take action on a leaking water heater to prevent further damage to your house.
Rust Color Hot Water
Are you getting a rust-red color when using hot water? This is a good indicator your water heater is deteriorating from the inside. Rust has formed on the inside, and the tank is breaking down. This is also a sign you should think about replacing the tank over making any repairs.
Strange Noise Coming From Your Water Heater
Hearing popping, bubbling, or knocking sounds coming from your water heater. This is a sign you have sediment build up in the bottom of the tank. This leads to the tank rusting out from the bottom. If your water heater makes noise such as popping or knocking sounds and the heater is reaching its life expectancy, it’s recommended to change the heater.
Water Heater Maintenance
Here are a couple of maintenance tips you can do to extend the heater’s life and make sure it’s running at top-notch. One is doing a yearly flush on the heater, especially if you have hard water. It is a good idea to flush the tank to keep sediment from building up in the bottom of the tank. You can learn how to flush a tank yourself or hire a professional plumber to handle a yearly flush for you. It also a good idea to check your anode rod periodically and change it when needed.
What’s an anode rod? It’s a steel core wire probe with magnesium, aluminum, or zinc around it. The anode rode slows down rusting and corrosion of the tank.
Are Newer Water Heaters More Efficient?
Newer water heaters are more efficient and built to last longer. If you are looking for the most efficient heater, you will want to upgrade your unit to a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are the most efficient and last significantly longer. They also offer longer warranties up to 15 years.
Take Away
When deciding if you should repair or replace your water heater, it’s important to consider the age of the heater and the amount of the repair. You can easily replace a water heater by the time you have hired a plumber to make a couple of repairs to your water heater. If you have problems with your water heater, have a professional look at the heater and determine the cost to fix it. Also, consider if your water heater is still under warranty; if so, you can have the manufacturer cover the repair cost. Some repairs are worth doing to a water heater, but once your tank starts leaking, there should be no hesitation to replace the water heater to prevent further damage and cost to your home.