SHOULD YOU REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR WATER HEATER BEFORE WINTER?
If your hot water heater is on its way out, you're probably wondering whether to repair or replace it before winter hits. The last thing you want is to be dealing with a failing water heater when you need it most, so if the tank is leaking, your energy bills are through the roof, or you've been shelling out for one repair after another, then investing in a replacement is generally a better call.
That said, if your unit is still relatively new but has a minor fault, then a repair is probably your best bet for a cost-effective fix. Here's how you can figure out what to do with your current water heater and how to work out the costs of repair vs. replacement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Repair your water heater if it's relatively new and the fault is minor.
Consider replacing it if it's leaking, or you're inside the 10-year mark for a new unit, and it needs lots of repairs.
Traditional tank water heaters usually last about 8 to 12 years, but tankless models will last a lot longer if you schedule professional maintenance as needed.
Do the basics like flushing and small repairs to keep your existing unit running smoothly and prevent any unexpected issues.
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPAIR YOUR WATER HEATER?
If your unit's still within its lifespan and just needs some minor work, a water heater repair is the way to go.
Some common faults that might be worth fixing include:
Faulty heating elements (for instance, if one of your electric water heater's heating elements fails)
Pilot light problems, which can be an issue with gas water heaters and indicate a problem with the thermocouple or the burner
Pressure relief valve problems that require a simple repair or replacement
Sediment buildup (flushing the tank annually might sort this problem, but it depends on its condition)
A worn-out anode rod, which should be swapped out to help protect the tank from corrosion
If your water heater is otherwise working fine, you don't need to shell out for a new one just because one part is on its way out. A failing part doesn't mean a failing unit!
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR WATER HEATER?
There are a few warning signs to watch out for that suggest you need an inevitable water heater replacement.
Warning sign | What it could mean |
Water leaking from the tank itself | Internal corrosion or tank failure |
Rusty or discolored hot water | Corrosion inside the tank or plumbing |
Persistent rumbling noises | Significant sediment buildup or internal damage |
Frequent repairs | An aging unit with recurring faults |
Rising energy bills | Reduced efficiency or a developing fault |
Not enough hot water | Insufficient capacity or declining performance |
The U.S. Department of Energy says that storage water heaters can lose efficiency as sediment builds up and that maintenance can help protect their performance. You can read its water heating guidance for more information.
And let's not forget age. The expected lifespan for traditional tank water heaters is usually about 8 to 12 years, depending on how well you maintain them and your water quality. Tankless units can last a lot longer, up to 15 or 20 years, if you take care of them with regular, basic maintenance and repairs when needed.
If the tank is leaking because of corrosion, a repair is unlikely to put it right, so it's probably safest to just replace the unit.
IS IT CHEAPER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR WATER HEATER?
Whether you should repair or replace your water heater typically depends on the problem you're dealing with, as well as the age of your unit and the cost of a new one.
A useful trick we recommend is to work out how much a repair costs, and if it's roughly half the price of a new installation (especially if your unit is already old), then it's time to think about replacing it altogether. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it can help you work out whether it's worth shelling out for another repair or just buying a new unit.
Situation | Option worth considering |
Newer unit with a faulty component | Repair |
Older unit needing repeated repairs | Replacement |
Tank leaking due to corrosion | Replacement |
Sediment buildup affecting performance | Inspection and maintenance first |
Energy bills rising and efficiency declining | Compare repair costs with replacement |
Household needs more hot water | Assess capacity and consider an upgrade |
Bear in mind you need to compare the full water heater installation cost, not just the price of the new unit. That might include labor, disposing of the old water heater, and any other necessary work.
We always offer upfront pricing here at Military Plumbing under our mission-ready guarantees, so you can see what you need to spend on our water heater repair or replacement service before we get started.
SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR WATER HEATER BEFORE WINTER?
If your unit is already on its way out, replacing it before winter can save you the hassle of a breakdown when it's freezing outside. When a water heater fails in winter, it's all the worse during the cooler season, especially as cold weather affects a water heater's performance.
Cold water is harder to heat up, and your household will probably be using more hot water when it's colder outside. So if you've got an old unit that's already struggling, it will really make itself known once winter arrives.
It's also worth thinking about how a new water heater might help you keep your energy bill low during months when you're likely to be using more energy in general. The U.S. Department of Energy's guide to heat pump water heaters says that these systems can be very energy-efficient. They transfer heat rather than burning fuel to generate it, which can save you money on your electricity bill if you compare them to a standard electric model.
Before you buy a new water heater before winter, think about the following:
How many people live at home, and how much hot water do you need each day?
Does your household suit a traditional tank system, or would a tankless system be a better fit?
What kind of gas or electrical connections do you have available?
Do the potential energy savings outweigh the replacement costs?
Where are you going to put the new heater, and will it take up more space than your current unit (for instance, if you're upgrading to a larger tank)?
You have to remember the best value option isn't always the cheapest one. We can help you compare different systems and find a water heater that fits your needs and budget.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOUR WATER HEATER FOR WINTER?
Whether you decide to repair or replace your water heater, a little preparation can help reduce the risk of problems during winter. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your heater in good working condition throughout the season.
Inspect around the tank, valves, and pipes for any signs of water damage or corrosion. Check for leaks, and if you spot any, repair them quickly.
Book in a plumber to give your water heater a once-over. They'll check the heating system, connections, pressure relief valve, and other important components.
Flush out any sediment that may be building up in the tank. This can help the performance of the unit and extend tank life, depending on the age and type of the unit.
Check any exposed pipes and insulate them if necessary to prevent them from freezing in the cold.
Make sure there's enough space around the water heater for good airflow.
Follow the manufacturer's advice on maintenance and temperature settings for your particular model.
Don't attempt to repair any gas connections or remove safety components yourself. If you notice a gas smell, you should leave the area and contact your local emergency service or gas provider.
WHY CHOOSE MILITARY PLUMBING FOR HOT WATER HEATER SERVICE?
At Military Plumbing, we help families in North Texas make informed decisions about their plumbing. We'll inspect your existing unit and give you a clear choice on whether to fix it or replace it.
Our licensed plumbers are all experienced professionals with over 13 years of service under their belts, and we offer a rapid response to emergencies from over 26 cities. We also have a fantastic five-star review record — we're proud of over 500 glowing reviews from homeowners and businesses.
Every job comes with our Mission-Ready Guarantees, which include clear pricing upfront, On Time or On Our Dime, and our 1-Year No Regrets promise. We also offer membership to our Mission Ready Plan, which gives you an annual plumbing system inspection, a tank flush, priority scheduling, and discounts on all plumbing services.
Contact Military Plumbing to schedule a water heater service before winter arrives.
FAQs
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WATER HEATER IS TOO OLD TO REPAIR?
If your tank is around 10 years old (check the manufacture date on the label if you're not sure) and you're needing to get it repaired frequently, or if you can spot signs of internal corrosion, it might be time to replace it. A leaking tank is another good reason to get a new water heater.
Q: Can I HOLD OFF REPLACING MY WATER HEATER UNTIL SPRING?
If your unit is working fine and a plumber says there are no serious problems, you might be able to put it off until the spring. But if the heater shows signs that it's on its way out (maybe the tank is leaking or the repair bills are piling up), it's probably better to replace it before winter arrives.
Q: DOES FLUSHING A WATER HEATER EXTEND ITS LIFESPAN?
Flushing a water heater can clear out any sediment that's built up and improve its performance when heating water. But if the tank is old or damaged, flushing it on its own won't fix the problem. Get a plumber to take a look if you have any concerns; they'll help you make the right call on what to do.
Q: SHOULD I CHOOSE A TANKLESS WATER HEATER WHEN UPGRADING TO A NEW UNIT?
The answer depends on your budget and the size of your household. Tankless heaters are often a better choice long-term as they last longer and can be more energy efficient, but the initial cost can be higher. It all comes down to your household's hot water needs, how much you want to spend upfront, and the expected savings over the years.
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