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Water Heater Replacement Vs. Water Heater Repair

Aug 15, 2021

You probably take your water heater for granted most of the time. From showering to giving Fido a bath to washing dishes, you use hot water throughout your day. 


So whenever your water heater breaks, you want to fix it as quickly as possible. The question is: do you need to fix it or do you need to replace it altogether? 


Like any major appliance, you probably want to fix it. After all, a new water heater will eat up more money and more time than a repair. However, if your water heater needs to be replaced, it’ll be more cost effective in the long run to replace it than to fix it. 


Think of it a little like a car. Your car can run for a long time, but it’ll eventually hit a point where it’s breaking every other month. At that point, the constant repairs cost more than a replacement would be.


Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater?


So is it time to replace your water heater? Maybe. Let’s go through a checklist of questions to ask about replacement.


First, is your water heater more than 10 years old? If your water heater has been around longer than 10 years, it should probably go into retirement. Older water heaters are harder to repair, and they’ll start needing frequent repairs.


Secondly, is there any leaking? A leaky water heater, even if it’s on the newer side, is destined for water heater heaven. Leaks are usually caused by mineral corrosion, and there’s no way to repair them.


Finally, are you running out of hot water more quickly? If you still have some hot water, but it’s drying up, that can be a sign to replace your water heater. In this last case, though, it’s best to call a plumber to be sure.

When Can You Repair A Water Heater?

 


 What kinds of hot water issues can be repaired? Don’t worry, there are plenty of easy fixes if your water heater isn’t working. A conventional water heater really only has a few things that can go wrong with it. 

 


If your heater is a gas water heater, then the pilot light may have gone out. No pilot light means there won’t be any fire when your heater needs it. No fire means cold water. This is the easiest fix possible: relight the pilot light and you’re good to go.

 


If your heater is an electric water heater, you might have a similar problem. If the circuit breaker trips, no electricity is getting to your heater, and your water stays cold. 

 


No matter which kind of water heater you have, there are a few more things that could go wrong. The heating element or burner that conducts heat could have broken, meaning that even if the fire or electricity is getting to your heater, it isn’t being distributed properly. 

 


The thermostat is another common issue. If your water heater can’t measure how hot or cold the water is accurately, it won’t work.

 


There are a couple other potential issues depending on your specific water heater, but these are the most common ones to look out for. 

 

Getting Out of Hot Water


When your water heater breaks, there’s no need to panic. You aren’t doomed to cold showers forever, and a repaired or replaced heater will get you back to normal in no time. If you keep an eye on the age of your water heater, you can even be prepared for the replacement when the time comes. 


Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 - 12 years before they start going downhill. Regular maintenance on your water heaters can help them run more smoothly for longer. This kind of maintenance can include: 


  • Testing the TPR valve for accurate pressure
  • Checking the Anode rod for calcium build-up
  • Draining and rinsing the tank to get rid of mineral buildup
  • Adjusting the thermostat when you’re going to be away from home more than a few days
  • Insulating your heater


Whether you’re in hot water and need help right now, or you need help with regular maintenance or repairs, Lutz Plumbing is here to help. Reach us here for 24/7 assistance. 

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