Repair or Replace: What Should You Do With Your Aging Water Heater?

You may not think much about your water heater until you take an icy shower or step in a puddle of water in your basement. This is when you begin to wonder whether you should replace or repair it. Before coming to any conclusions, here are some things you should consider.

Severity of the Problem

If your water heater is leaking or corroded, saving it through a repair is very hard. This leaves you with only one option: new water heater installation. However, you may repair other issues, such as having a leaky pressure-relief valve or drainage valve.

If you find that an issue is repairable, get a cost estimate. You will then weigh it against the water heater replacement cost. If the repair costs are close to half the cost of installing a new one, consider getting a new heater. If your water heater is older, it’s not worth dealing with high repair costs.

Age of Your Water Heater

The average life of storage water heaters is around eight to 12 years. On the other hand, tankless water heaters may last for 20 years and above. However, these lifespan estimates are for water heaters that receive annual tune-ups; otherwise, the lifespan will be shorter.

If your water heater is close to its average lifespan and the warranty no longer covers it, consider purchasing a new one. At this point, do not consider the low cost of repairs. When you start having to repair it multiple times over a short period, yet you know it’s nearing its death.

How Often You Complain About Lacking Hot Water

If you have high utility bills, low water pressure, and cold water in your home, it could be time to replace the water heater. While one of these factors may be repairable, if you combine these factors with age and repair costs, the best choice is often replacement. If you choose to replace the water heater, you’ll have to choose between a tankless and a storage water heater. The professionals will help in determining the best option for your home.

Whether you replace or repair your water heater, annual maintenance is necessary for prolonging its life. If you have an aging water heater and it breaks down, it is important to weigh whether to replace or repair it. For instance, if the repair costs are very high, you may choose to purchase a new heater. On the other hand, minor issues such as broken thermostats and electrical heating elements’ failure can likely be repaired.