Winter is upon us! It is the time when we need hot water the most. However, when we see a sudden drop in hot water in our kitchen or bathroom, we must face the biggest elephant in the room: whether to repair or replace the water heater. In such a situation, the biggest question one can face is whether to repair or replace the water heater. Let’s compare repairing vs. replacing water heaters and determine the perfect solution for hot water in the home or office.
When to Get a Repair Over a Replacement
The following situations usually only require a simple diagnostic and repair appointment rather than a complete water heater replacement.
Faulty or Malfunctioning Part(s)
Your water heater contains several control valves that manage water flow into and out of the water heater. Some of the valves on your water heater include:
- Drain valve
- Gas valve | Gas water heaters only
- T&P valve
Valves can eventually become loose or damaged. Check each valve’s functionality as part of repairing water heaters and their maintenance routine. If a valve leaks or stops functioning, it requires instant replacement. Luckily, these are easy and durable fixes for any water heater technician.
Faulty Heating Element
Electric water heaters rely on heating elements to warm water. Incorrect installation or prolonged exposure to hard water can reduce efficiency, sediment buildup, and even premature failure of heating elements. Schedule a professional inspection to make sure your water heater’s heating elements are in top condition. A quick replacement can restore peak performance and prevent costly breakdowns.
Sediment Buildup
Water contains minerals. When water evaporates, it leaves the minerals/sediments behind in your water heater tank. The mineral deposits accumulate until they become big enough to damage components inside the tank or hinder water flow. Minor sediment buildup happens naturally. To eliminate minor sediment buildup, get annual preventative maintenance, which includes flushing the water heater to remove the sediment buildup.
When to Replace Your Water Heater Instead of Getting a Repair
These problems generally require replacing water heater, and a repair may not yield full, satisfactory results.
Advanced Sediment Buildup
When sediment buildup accumulates for years, it starts to impact the structure and performance of the water heater. It creates higher pressure levels inside the tank and eventually causes components inside the tank to malfunction. At a certain point, the sediment buildup impacts the entire system, meaning even if one repair solves the problem, another repair is probably shortly behind.
Rusting
The following signs for water heater replacement are rusting around the heater. Corrosion occurs naturally in metal material, such as the material that makes up a water heater tank. Although the inside of a water heater is coated to prevent corrosion, some parts inside the unit and the unit’s exterior may still corrode and become rusty. This corrosion grows faster than normal when the material comes into constant contact with water.
Prolonged Age
Storage tank water heaters may last up to 15 years, while tankless water heaters last 20+ years. Of course, these figures assume that the water heater receives regular maintenance and has regular water quality (soft water as opposed to hard water). When a water heater breaks down past its life expectancy, a repair may temporarily fix it. However, another repair will inevitably follow.
After a certain number of years (usually about 7 to 8), replacing the water heater with a new model is best. The reason is that the cost of repairs may be equivalent to or near the replacement cost. However, if you try to repair an old, rusty water heater, there is no guarantee that it will still operate without additional problems. Here, a new water heater will come with a manufacturer’s warranty and last a long time before becoming faulty.
Low Efficiency
When water heaters are damaged, they won’t retain heat as well as when new. You will know this based on your utility bills. If the utility bills get higher than expected and the energy bill continues to increase for no apparent reason. In that case, a replacement water heater may save you money in lower utility bills. When replacing an old water heater, choose an efficient tankless or ultra-efficiency heat pump water heater.
Tankless vs. Traditional: Is It Time for an Upgrade?
If you need a replacement, decide between a traditional and a tankless water heater. Tankless models are energy-efficient, compact, and provide hot water on demand but cost more upfront. Traditional heaters are cheaper initially but use more energy over time.
Final Thoughts: Repairing Vs. Replacing Water Heaters?
The choice between repairing vs replacing water heaters depends on the issue, the unit’s age, and your long-term goals. A well-maintained water heater can last for many years. Regular inspections, flushing, and professional maintenance can help extend its life and prevent costly breakdowns.
If you need to repair or replace the water heater, contact Priscilla’s Plumbing Company. Our team is proficient in all kinds of repairs and replacements. We use cutting-edge technology and modern ways to promptly solve all types of plumbing problems. To book our service, visit our website or call us at (954) 325 4831.
