Q&A: Should we fix or replace our old water heater?

Our storage-tank water heater is on the fritz. Should we get it fixed or buy a new one?

It depends on the nature of the problem and whether your water heater is still under warranty.

Storage-tank water heaters are fairly long-lived, and most are backed by a 10-year or longer warranty. But when one does give out, it usually happens suddenly; you’ll probably notice water leaking out through a corroded spot in the tank. (Note to self: The typical storage-tank water heater holds 40 gallons of water, and a hole in the tank is really the same as an open spigot—the water will keep flowing until you shut off the supply So consider buying a wet/dry vacuum to deal with this type of mess.)

While you can’t salvage a corroded, leaking tank, a leaky drain valve or temperature/pressure-relief valve or a worn-out electric heating element can be repaired. But replacing the heater might make more sense.

First, get a repair estimate. Then weigh that amount against the $500 to $600 you’ll pay for a new heater and its installation. The $100 per hour you’ll pay a plumber for a repair will quickly add up to the cost of a new water heater. So put your money toward installing a new unit, especially if the warranty on your current model has expired.

Essential information: Learn more water heaters, including details on buying a new model. Read about actor/activist Ed Begley Jr.'s energy-efficiency efforts, and look for our report on tankless water heaters in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.

Comments

[bill tibbetts]

water threw rust spot on tank skin is not a leaking tank always the hot and cold on top of tank may just need tighting to test rap both connectors with t\p and run h/w 1or2minutes if it leaks the paper will show most plumbing co.will be more than happy to,walk any cust.threw basice checks,or send a tech to give a free est. your w\h segment said that longer warranty ele.have heaver duty ele. unless you get a higher rec.unit they all use the same 240 watt 4500 ele ? i am one of the tankless cirtified rep.for rudd or rheem,the recall they had , they have been replaced or repaired all new sales are fine the tankless has one concern as far as i can see,if you have a large square footage home that has a cir.line,it is very hard if not impossiable to hook a cir. line to have hot as soon as you turn it on as a storage tank with cir.line,DO NOT REPLACE A TANK WITH CIR.LINE WITH OUT ADDRESSING THIS OR YOU WILL WAIT FOR PIPES TO HEAT UP BE FOR YOU GET HOT WATER AT THE LAST BATH.also if you don t know if your water heater is under warrannty,all w/h companies on there web site have a spot to find out by entering model and serr.# and most have sizzing guids where you in put your # of people ,washers,laves wash/dryer and will give you the proper water heater for your needs,most w\h companies have x-installers on the phones and will answers or know where to get the answers to your questions,the first hour useages tags are what the heater can supply at a set input temp,witch isn t the best way to figure usage,if not enough h\w call a pro. or you may not get it right, i have 1 question have you tested to find the life of 5yr verses10 yr tanks?seems that the tanks both last about 10 to 15 yrs? thanks for your time,i have been a w\h tech for 25 pluss years and still going thank you bill t

[john bisantz]

What size Tankless unit is needed for a 4 BR, 1.5 bath houses-2 floors and bst. Currently I have an 8 yr old 40 gal high recovery unit. How does replacement cost of each type compare, generally?

[Deb Feinberg]

The fan on my 6-year old hot water heater stopped working. I will probably need to replace the whole unit since parts are most likely not available. I live alone in a 2 BR 2 Bath condo with a front-loading washing machine & a dishwasher: I shower here probably 3 times a week (the other times at the gym) and have an occasional guest. My HW heater is 75 gallons which seems rather large for my needs. Also, I have to run the water for 5 minutes or more before it heats up. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

[Trang Hoang]

I would like to report the faulty American Craftmaster water heater, model number: FG1E5040T3NOV. Apparently there was a major problem with the control valve that the company had to invent a new "conversion valve." I had problems with the heater after 3 years of purchase. I had to contact the company and they sent out the old part. Two years later, there is problem again. I contacted the company and they keep sending the wrong parts again. They sent 2 different parts that didn't fix the problem. Now, they tell me I need the "conversion valve" which was supposedly sent but never got to me 2 years ago. After 3 weeks of no hot water and $200 of technician fees, the supervisor of the company agreed to send me the correct conversion valve but refused to waive the shipping fee (even when her previous lower level employees have done so). I am now waiting to get the "correct part" and have to spend another $100 to install the part, hoping that I would get hot water in another week.
Please advise people against this model of water heater and this particular company.
Thank you
Trang Hoang