If you’re experiencing issues with your water heater, you may be at a crossroads trying to determine whether to repair or replace it. This decision should largely be dictated by whichever is the most cost-effective solution, but there are some additional factors to consider as well. To make this determination easier, here’s a helpful guide.

How to Determine Whether to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater

Signs that Repairs Will Be Sufficient

Sometimes your water heater will have some minor hiccups that can be quickly resolved with fairly basic repairs. If your water heater is only about five years old and still under warranty, the repairs will most likely be covered by the manufacturer, so you won’t need to pay out of pocket. Examples of minor fixes on a relatively new system can include everything from a broken thermostat to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty burner, or a malfunctioning pilot light.

When You Should Replace Your Water Heater

As a general rule of thumb, if water heater repairs cost 50 percent or more of what it would cost to replace it, you’re better off getting a new one. Age is one of the major determining factors of whether or not you should replace your water heater. Gas heaters typically last for a decade, whereas tankless water heaters can last for 20 or more years. If you’ve exceeded this timespan, you’ll want to get a replacement, as repairs can become costly at this late stage.

You’ll also want to consider whether your water heater is frequently having severe issues like leaking or breaking down, as constant repairs will likely not be a cost-effective solution. Also, if your water bills have been significantly higher than usual, this can point to an inefficient water heater. This likely means it’s time to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient water heater system.
 

To help you make the call on whether to repair or replace your water heater, put your trust in the professionals at A+ Family Plumbing in Onalaska, WI. This professional, family-oriented company proudly provides everything from reliable water heater services to new construction plumbing. Plus, with 24/7 emergency plumbing services, you can rely on them for around-the-clock assistance for your most troubling plumbing challenges. To schedule a repair or inquire about a water heater replacement, give them a call today at (608) 783-5558 or visit them online for more information.