Once your water heater hits about 10 years old, its performance can start to suffer, and it’ll likely experience more problems than normal. When an old water heater starts to suffer, the choice comes down to repair or replacement. Of course, it can be hard to know which option is the best choice. With that in mind, the team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing is here with this guide on what to do with an old water heater.
Contact us today to speak to a qualified plumber in Midlothian, TX.
Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
All other things being equal, you should consider replacement over repairs if the cost of repairs is at least 50% of the cost of replacement. For example, if repairing your water heater will cost $3,000, but installing a new heater would cost $6,000, you should opt for replacement instead of repairs.
The reason why is because after a certain point, repairs have diminishing returns. A water heater that requires expensive repairs is more likely to break down in the future, necessitating more and more service. The outcome is you end up spending more on fixing an old water heater than it would cost to just buy and install a new one.
Common Water Heater Problems and Solutions in Midlothian, TX
Some problems are easy to fix. If you’re experiencing the issues below, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to repair your water heater rather than replace it.
No Hot Water
If your water heater doesn’t have any hot water, the most likely problem is either a bad heating element or a broken gas burner valve. A bad heating element can also cause sporadic and uneven heating so that water is too hot sometimes and not hot enough other times. Most of the time, you can repair the heating element or gas burner without having to replace the rest of the unit.
Tipping Circuit Breaker
If your water heater trips the circuit breaker every time it turns on, then there’s a problem with the electrical wiring. Bad wiring can pull too much electricity, which can cause the breaker to trip whenever the water heater kicks on. Normally, replacing the faulty wiring will stop the breaker from tripping every time you turn on the hot water.
Higher Energy Bills
The older your water heater gets, the more energy it will use. At a specific tipping point, you may notice your energy bills start to spike, especially during periods of high water usage. Water heater tune-ups might feasibly get your water bills under control for the moment, but they will continue to rise as your old water heater ages and becomes less energy efficient in general. Your bills can also start to spike if you have an oversized or undersized water heater.
Factors that Should Affect Your Decision to Repair or Replace
At the end of the day, you need to make the decision that works for you. Consider these factors when thinking about whether to repair or replace your water heater.
Type of Water Heater
Generally speaking, tank water heaters wear out faster than tankless water heaters. If you have a tank heater and it’s getting up there in age, you can consider switching to a tankless heater for more efficiency.
Water Heater Age
The typical tank water heater lasts about 10 to 15 years before it starts to slow down and show problems. The reason is that there is a risk of corrosion in the tank. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, can last up to about 20 years if you take good care of it. Generally, when your water heater hits about 10 to 15 years old, you need to start monitoring it for problems to determine if you need a replacement, especially if your water heater warranty has expired.
Frequent Repairs
You will most likely have to make some repairs over your water heater’s lifespan, but frequent breakdowns and repairs are a surefire sign you should get a replacement. The more you try to fix a failing water heater, the more money you will spend than if you just bought a new water heater unit.
5-Star Plumbing Service in Midlothian, TX
It is important to understand the signs to call for water heater repair so you can stay on top of things. If you need to replace or repair your old water heater, send Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating a message online or call today to book an appointment.
