Repair or replace: how to decide on your water heater

Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Past that, a repair often buys you months, not years.

Signs it is time to replace

1. Age. The date is on the label. Over 10 years? Start planning.
2. Rusty water. Rust from the hot tap only usually means the tank is going.
3. Rumbling. Hard sediment at the bottom makes the tank work harder.
4. Water at the base. A leaking tank can't be patched.

Repairs worth doing

A bad thermostat, element or pilot assembly is a fair repair on a younger tank. We will tell you honestly if it is worth it.

A yearly flush adds years to a tank. It takes us about 30 minutes.