When facing the dilemma of water heater repair, it’s crucial to consider various factors that can impact your decision. Your water heater plays a vital role in your daily life, providing you with the comfort of warm showers and essential hot water for household tasks. However, like any appliance, water heaters have a limited lifespan and can encounter issues over time.
In this blog post, we will delve into three key factors to help you determine whether water heater repair is worth the investment.
3 Factors That Determine Whether Water Heater Repair Is Worth It
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Your Water Heater’s Age
The age of your water heater is a fundamental factor to consider when deciding between paying for repairs or replacing the unit entirely. On average, tank water heaters have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years. If your system is only a few years old, it may be worth investing a few hundred dollars in repairs to extend its operational life for another 5+ years.
However, if your water heater is approaching the 10-year mark or is even older, repairing it may provide only a short-term solution. In such cases, the cost-effectiveness of repairing it becomes questionable, as you might need a replacement soon after. Therefore, replacing the unit is often the more prudent choice for older water heaters.
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What Needs to Be Repaired
The nature of the repair required is another crucial determinant in the repair-or-replace decision. Some water heater issues can be resolved with relatively inexpensive fixes, such as replacing a faulty thermostat or pressure relief valve. These repairs are generally cost-effective and can prolong the life of your water heater.
However, certain repairs, especially those involving expensive replacement parts or complex issues like a corroded tank, may tip the scales toward replacement. As a general rule of thumb, experts recommend considering a water heater replacement if the cost of repairs exceeds $500 and your unit is over 8 years old.
Imagine your water heater as a puzzle, with each component contributing to the overall functionality picture. If only a single piece is damaged or missing, such as a faulty valve or heating element, it’s like solving a jigsaw puzzle with a few missing pieces – it’s still solvable. But if the puzzle is missing a significant portion or key pieces, like a corroded tank or a damaged heating core, the solution becomes impractical, and replacing the entire puzzle with a new one is the more logical choice.
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Your Water Heater’s Warranty
Water heaters typically come with limited parts warranties from the manufacturer, covering the cost of replacing faulty components for a specified period, normally ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. If your water heater is still within the warranty period, repairing it can be a cost-effective option. The manufacturer will cover some or all of the repair expenses, saving you money.
However, if your water heater’s parts warranty has expired or you never had one to begin with, you’ll be responsible for all repair costs. In this scenario, the decision to repair or replace becomes more financially significant. The cost of repairs, when entirely your responsibility, can quickly add up, making replacement a more attractive option.
To determine if a limited parts warranty covers your water heater, search for your water heater model number on the manufacturer’s website or contact the manufacturer directly. It’s important to note that most manufacturers have specific guidelines to maintain the validity of the parts warranty. These guidelines often include:
- Registering your water heater with the manufacturer within 90 days of installation.
- Providing proof of regular professional maintenance for your water heater.
- Using manufacturer-authorized replacement parts when necessary.
- Complying with these guidelines is essential to ensure that your warranty remains valid and can help offset the costs of potential repairs.
Find Water Heater Repair Near Me
If you find yourself facing a water heater repair dilemma, whether it’s repair or replacement, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team of skilled plumbers at Custom Plumbing of Arizona is prepared to assist you, no matter where you are in the Greater Phoenix area, from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Mesa, and Tempe, to Goodyear and beyond. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today at 602-866-2665, and let us help you make the right decision for your water heater dilemma.