Water Heater – Repair or Replace?
Your water heater is a major investment. When a problem occurs, how do you know whether you should repair it or replace it?
When To Repair
When you turn on the hot water faucet and you only get cold water, it doesn’t always require a complete water heater replacement. If you have had your system less than the expected lifespan, you may just need a repair. This may include:
- Thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water. If the temperature falls below the set point, it triggers the system to heat the water back up. Inconsistent water temperature and no hot water are both indications that the thermostat might be the problem.
- Anode Rod: The anode rod sits inside of a tanked water heater, protecting it with electrolysis. During this process, the rod itself erodes while it releases electrons into the tank. This slows tank degradation and prolongs the life of your unit. In the event of a failure, you may notice a rotten egg smell, discolored water, and unusual noises.
- Thermocouple: The thermocouple ensures that the pilot light is working. If the pilot light goes out, this part will turn off the gas supply resulting in no hot water.
- Heating Element: The heating element is the part that physically heats the water. When it stops working, you simply won’t get any hot water.
When To Replace
It’s always a good idea, especially with an appliance, to know whether a replacement is the better choice. Here are some factors to take into account:
- Age: A tanked water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years and a tankless has about 20 years. If your system has reached it’s expected lifespan, a replacement may be more cost effective than a repair as other parts may soon fail.
- Efficiency: As a system ages, it becomes less efficient. Buildup on the inside of your unit will make it harder to heat the water. This is true whether you have a tanked or tankless water heater. To maximize the life of your investment, have your tanked unit flushed annually and your tankless descaled annually.
- Cost: When deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater, take into account whether you have had other repairs done within the last two years and whether the cost to repair itself is more or less than 50% of the cost to replace (The 50% Rule).
Looking For Options?
Still not sure whether you should repair your water heater or replace it? 1-800-anytyme would be happy to give you some options. Contact us via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today!