Few things inspire panic quite the way an unexpectedly cold shower or flooded basement do. When you’re dealing with a broken water heater, there are a few guiding principles plumbers say you should consider to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Murphy’s Plumbing Services of Mebane, NC, has been helping residents keep their homes running smoothly for over 30 years and offers some tips for determining how to proceed.

In general, deciding whether to hire a residential plumber to repair or replace your heater depends on the following three factors: 

• Age: If your water heater is more than five years old, you’ll likely end up spending more on repairs than you would purchasing a new, updated system. If, however, your heater is only a couple of years old and the problem is as simple as a flickering pilot light, repairs by a reputable plumbing contractor are the most cost-effective solution.
• Condition: Similar to age, the condition of your heater is a big factor to consider. Older water heaters often experience malfunctions as a result of corroded heater tanks. When these tanks leak, a repair is not an option. Furthermore, if your heater is experiencing repeated malfunctions, it’s a sign the condition of the system has reached a level that requires replacement.
• Budget: While repairing your heater often initially seems like the most cost-effective solution, there are a few things you should know. First, newer models are up to 20% more energy efficient. So while you might save on the initial cost by hiring a plumber to fix that old water heater, you’ll likely be spending the difference monthly in your bills. Additionally, repairing an old or worn-out heater is rarely a one-time event. Repeat repairs are almost always necessary. At that point, replacement is fiscally wiser.

If your water heater is malfunctioning, the first step is bringing in one of Mebane’s best plumbers to diagnose it so you can figure out how to proceed. Call (919) 563-5165 or visit the Murphy’s Plumbing website to learn more about the company’s services and schedule a visit.