Should you repair or replace your water heater?

Your water heater is one of those appliances that you probably don’t think about too often – until you hop into a freezing cold shower! Hopefully this never happens to you, but if it does you’ll have to consider whether you should repair or replace your water heater.

Signs Your Water Heater Isn’t Working

If your water heater is leaking or isn’t heating up your water, then something is wrong. Luckily, a water heater isn’t a complicated HVAC appliance. It only has a few parts which can break. These include:

Thermostat
Burner or heating element
Valve sticks
Circuit breaker (for an electric water heater)
Pilot light (for a gas water heater).

It’s not expensive to repair or even replace any of these parts – likely no more than $150 to $300 (compare that to a new water heater which could cost between $500 – $1,500). In the end, a repair may be a smart option for your home, especially considering that you’ll be making a small investment into your existing water heater to repair any of these elements.

Is Your Water Heater More than Ten Years Old?

However, if your water heater is more than 10 years old then you’ll probably end up needing a new one soon anyway, so it’s advisable to choose a replacement over a repair. Instead of spending money on a repair and then having to replace your water heater in the near future, put the money you’d spend on the repairs towards a new unit.

Is Your Water Heater Leaking?

If your water heater is leaking, then it’s time to get a new one. Unfortunately, a leak means that your water heater has corroded, which isn’t repairable.

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Water Heater

If you’ve decided to replace your water heater with a new unit, then you’ll want to consider:

A high-efficiency model that’s got the Energy Star stamp of approval (you’ll end up saving about 20% in energy costs with a newer, high-efficient water heater.
Tankless water heaters, which offer on-demand hot water to reduce your energy costs.
Whether you’ll purchase your water heater or rent it (there are benefits to both options).

Give us a call if you’re still not sure if you should repair or replace your water heater. The professionals at Handy Bros. Home Comfort are ready to help with your water heater emergencies!

Author

Mitch White

CEO of Handy Bros.

Mitch has been a valued member of the Handy Bros. team for over 9 years. He began his journey in the installation department, quickly rising through the ranks into management, where he successfully led multiple departments. In 2018, Mitch and his brother Nic took ownership of Handy Bros., continuing the legacy with a fresh vision—Home Comfort Done Differently. Mitch is happily married to his beautiful wife, Jessica, and is a proud, devoted father. Outside of work, he’s passionate about health and fitness, and has a deep appreciation for delicious Portuguese cuisine. When it comes to travel, anywhere in Southern Europe is his happy place.

Who is Mitch White?