Leaky Water Heater: Should You Fix it or Replace it?

Is your water heater leaking? Hopefully, you can catch the leak early before it causes significant water damage.

Can a Leaky Water Heater Be Repaired?

Although a leaky water heater can usually be repaired, the decision to fix it should depend on the cause of the leak, its severity, and the unit’s age. Frequent repairs and major efficiency problems can cost much more than just replacing the unit with a new water heater.

Should I Fix or Replace My Leaky Water Heater?

There are several factors to consider as you decide whether to fix or replace your water heater.

• Age of the Water Heater
  It’s not unheard of that water heater tanks that are only six years old will fail. If your water heater is near the 8-to-12-year mark when most water heaters wear out, you might be better off replacing it. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, have an expected lifespan of 20 years or more, so if yours is tankless, it may have many more years to go after a repair performed by a licensed plumber.
• Hot Water Heater Leaking Water from Bottom 
  If you have a water heater leaking from the bottom, it may be due to sediment and mineral buildup corroding the tank. In this case, the water heater must be replaced. Additionally, the drain valve could be failing. If so, a drain valve repair may be needed.
• Hot Water Heater Leaking Water from the Top 
  When a water heater is leaking from the top, it could be the drain valve, temperature & pressure relief valve, or a leaking joint. For these issues, the solution may be as simple as replacing a part.
• Hot Water Heater Leaking from Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve 
  The temperature & pressure relief valve’s job is to release pressure from the tank when the water pressure or temperature is too high. A leaky pressure relief valve in the water heater may indicate that your thermostat is set too high, that the water pressure needs to be reduced, or that the valve needs to be replaced.
• Unit Efficiency 
  If you notice your water isn’t heating up or isn’t holding heat for long, your water heater may be malfunctioning or not retaining heat properly. It’s probably time to replace it, even if the leak can be fixed.

Get Expert Help for a Leaky Water Heater

A leaky water heater can cause extensive property damage if left unchecked. The repair can range from relatively simple to a full water heater replacement. If you notice water leaking from your water heater, have it checked by a professional plumber. Your local Athens water heater pros at Plumber Pro Service & Drain can quickly resolve your water heater issue and offer the best repair or replacement option. Contact Plumber Pro Service today!