When a failing water heater turns your showers cold on a snowy January morning, it can be tricky to decide whether repair or replacement is the best option. The right choice comes down to your unit’s age, what’s actually failed, and how much damage the hard Amarillo water has done to it. Learn the top factors to consider when deciding between water heater repair or replacement, so you can make the right choice for your home and budget.
Common Water Heater Issues
Most water heater issues stem from sediment buildup, a failing heating element or burner, a corroded anode rod, or a leaking tank. These issues often start off as small warning signs and develop into full failures that leave you without hot water when Amarillo’s temperatures are at their lowest.
Amarillo’s water falls into the very hard category, which makes sediment buildup the leading cause of early tank failure. Every gallon of water that enters your tank leaves calcium and magnesium behind, which crusts onto the tank floor and forces the burner to fire through it. As your burner goes into overdrive to heat your water supply, your gas bills start rising, rumbling and popping noises show up during heating cycles, and your water may run rusty at the tap.
When Should You Replace a Water Heater?
Find yourself asking, “When should I replace a water heater?” If your water heater is over 10 years old, the tank is leaking, or a single repair would cost you more than half the price of a new unit, replacement makes the most sense. Aging water heaters use more energy to heat the same amount of water and drive up your utility costs. A failure only makes the problem worse as the unit nears the end of its service life.
Your system’s efficiency is another important factor to consider. Water heating accounts for around 12% of your home’s energy use, so a sediment-covered tank that’s taking longer to heat your supply can make a big difference in your utility costs. Replacing a unit that’s past the 10-year mark can help lower your monthly bills enough to offset what you’re spending upfront.
When Water Heater Repair Makes Sense
Water heater repair makes sense when the tank is in good condition and only a single component has failed. If your unit is under eight years old and the tank isn’t leaking, repair is almost always the smarter option.
The most common failures worth repairing include:
- A burned-out heating element.
- A failed thermostat or thermocouple.
- A bad gas control valve causing the pilot light to go out.
- A worn anode rod.
- A leaking temperature or pressure relief valve.
- Loose or corroded connections.
Comparing Costs of Water Heater Repair vs Replacement
When comparing the cost of water heater repair vs replacement, follow the rule of 50%. If the repair costs more than half of the replacement cost, replacement is the better investment.
Minor water heater repairs, like a broken thermostat or anode rod replacement, are generally inexpensive and worth it when your system is less than eight years old. But when repairs start getting costly, investing upfront in a replacement can help save you in the long run by lowering your energy use and preventing the need for repeat repairs.
How Do Plumbers Inspect Water Heaters?
Plumbers inspect water heaters through a visual assessment and testing of the components. When the plumbers at Frank’s Repair Plumbing evaluate a water heater, the goal is to determine whether the tank is still sound before evaluating anything else.
A thorough inspection covers:
- Checking the tank exterior, fittings, and base for corrosion.
- Inspecting the anode rod for how much metal is left.
- Draining the tank to measure sediment volume.
- Testing the thermostat, heating elements, and burner.
- Verifying the venting, combustion air supply, and gas pressure.
With a complete inspection, our plumbers can determine what’s wrong with your unit, what caused it, and if repair or replacement makes the most sense. We’ll also walk you through your upgrade options, find the right sizing for your home, and help you decide if a tankless water heater is the better fit.
How To Extend the Life of a Water Heater
Annual flushings help fight against Amarillo’s hard water and extend the life of your water heater. An annual flush clears out accumulated sediment before it insulates the tank floor and forces your burner to work harder than it should. Depending on your hot water use, bi-annual flushings can provide better protection for an older tank.
Replacing the anode rod every three to five years also makes a difference in your water heater’s lifespan. The rod is designed to corrode so your tank doesn’t, and Amarillo’s high mineral content burns through it faster than in places with softer water.
Installing a water softener can further protect your water heater, along with every other fixture and appliance in your home. These whole-home systems pull the calcium and magnesium out of your water supply before it reaches the tank and slow scale buildup throughout your entire plumbing system.
Find the Right Solution for Your Water Heater With Help From Frank’s
An unexpected water heater failure is stressful enough, without the pressure of trying to decide which solution is right for your system. At Frank’s Repair Plumbing, we provide thorough inspections that help you better understand the condition of your system and make the right call for your home. We’ll carefully evaluate your unit, explain our findings in clear terms, and lay out your options so you have all the information you need.
Contact us to learn more or schedule your water heater inspection today! We’ve proudly served homes throughout Amarillo and surrounding Panhandle areas since 1953, with 24/7 emergency service backed by a 90-day parts and labor warranty. We also offer flexible financing options for system replacements and special offers that help you save on plumbing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do water heaters typically last?
Standard tank water heaters last eight to 12 years, while tankless units can run for 20 years or more. Amarillo’s very hard water can cause systems to fail at the shorter end of the range, especially in homes without a water softener.
Is it worth repairing a water heater that’s over 10 years old?
It’s usually not worth repairing a water heater that’s over 10 years old. Aging units lose efficiency and become more prone to failure, and major repairs mean you’re paying for a component that will often outlive the tank itself.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater when replacing my old unit?
If you want on-demand hot water and lower operating costs, switching to a tankless water heater during replacement may be the right call. Tankless systems can be up to 34% more efficient and last for up to a decade longer than tank systems.
Can hard water shorten a water heater’s lifespan?
Hard water can significantly shorten a water heater’s lifespan. High levels of calcium and magnesium cause sediment to build up faster, which speeds up anode rod consumption, insulates the burner from the water it’s heating, and shortens the tank life.
