Water Heater Trouble? When to Repair and When to Replace

A failing water heater means cold showers — or worse, a flooded basement. Here's how we help homeowners decide whether to fix it or replace it.

Repair if it's young and the fix is small

If your water heater is under about 8 years old and the problem is minor — a thermostat, a heating element, a valve — repair is usually the right call.

Replace if it's old, leaking, or rusting

Most tank water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is in that range and you're seeing rusty water, puddles around the base, or popping and rumbling from the tank, it's time. A leaking tank means the inside has corroded — repairs won't save it.

Tank or tankless?

Tank models keep upfront costs low and suit most homes. Tankless units cost more to install but deliver endless hot water and lower energy use over time. We'll walk you through the trade-offs and size it correctly for how your household actually uses hot water.

Don't wait on a leak

If you spot water around the base, shut off the supply to the unit and call us. Catching it early can save you from a messy, expensive failure — and we'll give you a straight answer on repair vs. replace, with upfront pricing.