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?