Repairing Versus Replacing Your Water Heater

A water heater is indispensable, especially during the cold weather when you need to keep your house warm. Many times, homeowners are faced with the challenge of whether to repair or replace their water heaters. Here are some factors that will help you make the right choice.

Age of Your Water Heater

The first consideration to make when choosing between repairing or replacing is the age of your water heater. Many hot water heaters last for ten years. Consequently, think about upgrading your water heater if it's older than ten years. You may also have to replace it earlier if the tank is corroded. The longevity of your water heater is affected by factors like its location, how much you have drained and flushed it, and your maintenance practices.

Cost of Repair

Another way to determine whether to repair or replace your heater is by performing a cost-benefit analysis. If the repair costs are close to what it would cost to buy a new unit, you better replace the water heater.

Additionally, consider the frequency of repairs. If your water heater has broken down several times in the past few years, it might be nearing the end of its usefulness. In this case, you shouldn't bother with further repairs.

Validity of Warranties

Many new water heaters have a limited parts warranty. This means the manufacturer is ready to cover the cost of faulty parts for a limited period. Therefore, if your heater comes with a valid parts warranty, the cost of repairing it may be fully or even partially covered. In this case, you are better off repairing your water heater.

However, if your parts warranty is expired, you are fully responsible for repair costs. Depending on the faulty parts and the costs of replacements, you might be better off replacing the entire unit than repairing it.

Type of Repairs

It may be more cost-effective to repair your water heater than replace it if you are dealing with minor repairs. Some malfunctions you can fix easily include a faulty burner, a broken thermostat, a pilot light that goes out, and a tripped circuit breaker.

If your heater has a severe leak, consider replacing it regardless of its age. Usually, the water heater tank will rust, and springs will leak because of the chemical reaction between steel and minerals in the water.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater, it's advisable to research and consult widely. Before rushing to repair, ask your technician to list all your options. If you choose to replace your water heater, make sure you compare quotes from different dealers to find the most efficient and affordable unit for your home.

For more information, contact a company like Just Get It Done Plumbing.