Is repairing a water heater cheaper than replacing it?
Whether repairing an old water heater is cheaper than a new one depends on several factors, says Skye Sepulveda from Paso Robles’ Busy Bear Plumbing. Budget concerns are always important considerations, and we can’t always predict when the water heater is going to gasp its last breath.
Repairing makes sense when the water heater is relatively new or the problem is minor. Once the repairs start coming closer together, or the same problem, such as a leak, keeps happening, it’s time to start thinking about a new water heater.
Our philosophy is “repair first” at Busy Beat Plumbing because we understand the inconveniences caused by unexpected expenditures, especially for major appliances like a water heater. Our licensed and insured team of plumbers has been providing water heater repair since 2003.
Pros and cons of repairing
Repairing is almost always the least expensive option, especially if the water heater has been maintained well. Even an older water heater with a good maintenance record can be cost-effective for repairing, up to a point. Busy Beat Plumbing always gives you an honest assessment and upfront pricing for water heater repairs in Paso Robles or anywhere in our entire service area.
The benefits of repairing include:
- Repairs are usually more budget-friendly than a new water heater.
- Extending the life of the water heater until the family can afford a new one.
- Replacing a failed part, such as the thermostat, a valve, or igniter, may be the answer to more years of service from the water heater.
The downsides of repair include:
- You may still have limited time. If the unit has had repeated problems, another failure may be close behind.
- Repeated, frequent repairs can add up.
- Some water heater problems are indications that the tank has outlived its lifespan. Leaks are one of the biggest warning signs because they are the result of other issues, such as corrosion or damage from built-up sediment.
Remember that timely maintenance can reduce the risk of serious problems with the water heater.
Pros and cons of replacement
Eventually, an older water heater is going to have to be replaced. When you are the owner of a new model, you have the benefit of years of service that may not be available if you bought your home with the water heater already installed.
- Tankless water heaters last 15 to 20 years.
- Traditional tanked water heaters last 8 to 12 years.
The benefits of a new water heater include:
- A new water heater offers better efficiency, more reliability, and a much lower risk of surprise repairs.
- Newer models are much more energy-efficient and may reduce water and electric bills. For example, a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand reduces wasting water while you wait for it to get hot enough.
The main drawback to purchasing a new water heater is that the timing might be inconvenient. Appliances rarely stop working at a convenient time. The timing is even more troublesome when family finances are tight.
Scheduling delivery and installation can also be a drawback when the replacement is unplanned. Work schedules, doctors’ appointments, and kids’ activities are not always easy to rearrange at the last minute.
Local, professional, trusted service
The good news is that Busy Bear Plumbing offers special financing so you can get a water heater replaced or any plumbing repair for no money up front and low payments. The company provides your new water heater, delivers it, and installs it at your convenience.
Along with water heater repair for Paso Robles and communities throughout San Luis Obispo County, our full suite of plumbing services includes:
- Same-day service.
- New tankless or traditional water heaters.
- Tankless or traditional water heater repairs.
- General plumbing services, including sewer drain cleaning.
- Licensed and insured plumbers.
- Guaranteed work.
- Upfront pricing, no surprises, and no upselling.
- Fully stocked service trucks.
- We leave a clean worksite when we are done.
We have been serving Paso Robles and communities from San Ardo to Arroyo Grande, and Los Osos to San Simeon since 2003.