Earlier this month we looked at the typical lifespan of the home’s water heater, in this blog, we are going to discuss this topic a little further by answering the question; should I repair a water heater or replace it altogether?
As previously discussed, a water heater will, over time, need maintenance and repairs. Water may start pooling under the heater itself and your nice hot shower suddenly going cold are just some of the indications that it needs to be fixed. Even if you haven’t noticed any obvious signs of wear and tear, it is still a good idea to think about the age of the water heater before spending too much money to maintain it.
The warranty is another thing you will need to think about. Is the water heater still under warranty, and if it is, does it cover you for the cost of the labor and not just replacement parts? It can be expensive to have a professional come and work on your water heater, even when the parts are under warranty. For example, one part that often needs replacing is the sacrificial anode. This can be a tricky job to do and, if not done right, can damage the water heater. The warranty may also become void if this part is replaced, so, if you need to replace this part in a water heater that is already coming to the end of its lifespan, you should consider whether it is better to purchase a new one instead.
Another question that will help you decide whether to replace or repair your water heater is, how much money do I spend every year to maintain the existing one? Is it more than 10 percent of what it would cost to buy and install a new water heater? If the answer is yes, it may be worth your while to buy a new one.
What can you do if you are still unsure about replacing or repairing your water heater? Have it inspected, this way you will know the true condition of the heater and have some idea of how much longer it is going to last.
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