Repair it if the heater is fairly young and the problem is a part: a thermocouple, igniter, element, thermostat, valve or fitting. Replace it if the tank itself is leaking, the hot water is rusty, or it's older and needing repairs more often. A leaking tank is never a repair.
The one rule with no exceptions
If water is coming from the tank body itself, not a fitting, valve or pipe, the inner tank has corroded through. That can't be repaired. Everything else is a judgement call.
Usually worth repairing
- A pilot that won't stay lit (thermocouple or flame sensor).
- No heat on an electric heater (element or thermostat).
- A leaking drain valve, fitting or relief valve.
- A failed igniter, control board or power-vent fan on a newer model.
- A broken dip tube.
- Rotten egg smell (anode rod).
Signs replacement makes more sense
- Leaking from the tank.
- Rusty or brown hot water, while the cold runs clear. That suggests the tank is corroding from the inside.
- Age. Tank heaters commonly last somewhere around 8 to 12 years. Hard water and no maintenance push that toward the short end.
- Repeat repairs. A second or third repair in a year on an older heater is a pattern.
- It no longer keeps up, after sediment and age have taken their toll, or because the household has grown.
Not sure which side you're on? Describe the heater and the problem, and a plumber can tell you which way it leans.
Call nowHow to tell how old your heater is
The manufacture date is usually encoded in the serial number on the rating label: often a letter for the month and two digits for the year, or a year-and-week code. Manufacturers' websites explain their format, or a plumber can read it in seconds.
Things to weigh
Hard water
Elk River's city water is 16 grains per gallon (ERMU). An older tank here has probably been carrying a sediment load for years, which counts against repairing it.
Efficiency and rebates
If you're replacing, newer models, especially heat pump water heaters, can use much less energy. Elk River Municipal Utilities offers a bill-credit rebate on ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters with a UEF of 2 or higher, for ERMU customers (current terms). Heat pump models need space and air around them, so ask whether your utility room suits one.
Tank or tankless
Tankless gives you endless hot water and saves floor space, but costs more to install, may need gas line or venting changes, and needs regular descaling with hard water.
Permits
Elk River requires permits for most plumbing and mechanical work (City of Elk River). A replacement done properly includes the permit, correct venting and a working relief valve and discharge pipe.
Questions to ask
- What exactly failed, and can you show me?
- How old is the heater, by the serial number?
- If I repair it, what's likely to go next?
- If I replace it, what size and type fits how we use hot water?