Repair or Replace My Water Heater?
When it comes to your water heater, you’d probably instead not think about it. What you care about is making sure that you have enough piping hot water to wash dishes, do laundry, and take a nice, hot shower. So when your water heater starts to develop problems, you want to take care of it fast.
But how do you take care of it? You generally have two options when you have problems with your water heater: Repair it or replace it. Deciding which option is better is based on several factors, including:
- How long you’ve had your water heater
- How well your water heater is meeting your needs
- How much you’re paying for hot water
- How much the repairs will cost (and if you’re under warranty)
Trying to decide between a water heater repair or replacement isn’t easy. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when trying to make your decision. Want expert advice right away and live in the Orange County, California area? Request expert advice from an OC plumber today! We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your water heater or plumbing.
The Water Heater’s Age
On average, a traditional gas-powered water heater should last between 8 and12 years, while an electric model can last from 10 to 15 years. Of course, this lifespan range assumes proper care and maintenance have been done; if you’ve never had your water heater serviced, you may need a replacement even sooner.
If you’ve had your water heater for eight years or more, it might be worth considering replacing it with a newer model. Over time, leaks will inevitably develop, and your supply of hot water will diminish as more and more problems appear. At that point, your choice is to replace your water heater or have your plumber make increasingly expensive service calls to your home.
While you can still likely repair the unit to try and extend its life just a little bit more, there’s a good chance you may end up needing a replacement anyway. In other words, the money you’d be spending on those repairs would probably be better spent on installing a new water heater.
Your Hot Water Supply
Over time, your hot water needs may change. This is often due to having additional people in your home, which means more hot water for showers, laundry, and other conveniences of modern life. Other times, you may simply notice that your supply of hot water has decreased as the efficiency of your older water heater declines.
If your water heater isn’t providing you and your family with enough hot water, then installing a new unit is almost a no-brainer, especially if your old heater needs repairs. Your plumbing contractor will be able to help you choose the right model to provide you with all of the hot water you need.
Your Utility Bill
There are several reasons why your monthly utility bill might increase, from seasonal changes to problems with leaks and so on. The cost of your hot water usually shows up in both your water bill and your gas or electric bill, depending on the type of water heater you have in your home. If you notice an increase in these bills, it’s a good sign that your water heater is working harder to provide you with the same amount of hot water that is used to produce effortlessly.
While repairs to your water heater can help to lower any increases due to leaks, sustained increases in gas or electricity usually indicate that it’s time to replace your water heater. The added benefit is that new units are generally much more energy-efficient, so your bills might actually end up being lower than they were before.
Comparing the Cost of Repair vs. Replacement
This is one of the most difficult comparisons to make because it deals with projections. If your water heater is still under warranty, of course, then you should definitely replace it. However, if your warranty has expired, then you have a decision to make.
If you Google “water heater repair near me,” you’ll likely be able to find some cost estimates for repairs in your area. While these aren’t quotes, they can help to provide information about the costs you incur if any additional repairs were to be required. More likely than not, you’ll notice that the costs end up either equal to or more than the cost of installing a new unit. Even if it’s close, the peace of mind of having a new water heater is often worth more than the difference in price.
Water Heater Repair Near Me
If you need a water heater repair or would like more information about replacing your water heater, contact Tom Moffett Plumbing today! Our red-van technicians proudly serve in neighborhoods such as Huntington Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, and other Californian communities in and around Orange County, CA. We can’t wait to make you smile with our hassle-free service!
Having issues with your garbage disposal? Call Tom Moffett Plumbing today at (714) 541-6407 or contact us online for service.