Repair or Replace a Leaking Water Heater? 5 Questions That Decide It
Whether to repair or replace a leaking water heater comes down to five questions. Answer them in order and the choice usually makes itself.
1. Where exactly is it leaking?
This question settles most cases. Valves, connectors, nipples, gaskets and the anode port are parts, and parts get repaired. Water from the tank body, the bottom seam or the inside of a tank fitting's threads means the steel has corroded, and the heater is replaced whatever its age.
2. How old is the heater?
Tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years; tankless units commonly last 15 to 20 or more. A fitting leak on a five-year-old tank is a repair. The same leak on a 14-year-old tank is worth weighing against replacement, because the next failure is closer. The serial number on the rating label usually shows the year.
3. Is it still under warranty?
Tank warranties of 6, 8 or 12 years are common, and they usually cover the tank or parts, not the labor to swap it. The manufacturer typically issues a return authorization number and supplies a replacement. That replacement generally carries only the time left on the original warranty, not a new one. Check the model and serial number with the manufacturer before you decide.
4. How does the repair cost compare?
Most valve and fitting repairs are estimated at $150 to $600; replacing a tank is estimated at $1,200 to $3,500. A useful rule from the trade: when the repair approaches half the cost of a new unit on an older heater, it is time to talk about replacement. The cost of each common fix is broken down separately.
5. What will a replacement involve?
A new heater is installed to today's code, which can mean a drain pan, an expansion tank on the cold line, seismic straps in earthquake states, and a permit where one is required. Those items are part of the price, so ask for them to be written into the quote.
Putting it together
Part leak, younger heater: repair. Tank leak, any age: replace. Part leak on an old heater with a repair approaching half the price of new: replacement is usually the better spend. If you want someone to trace the leak and give you both numbers, see water heater leak repair near you.
Quick answers
Can a water heater that's leaking be repaired?
Yes, if the leak is a valve, connector, nipple, gasket or the anode port. Not if the tank itself is leaking.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a water heater?
Repair is far cheaper when a part is leaking. Replacement is the better buy when the tank leaks or an older heater needs an expensive repair.
How long will a water heater last once it starts leaking?
A repaired part can give years more. A leaking tank only gets worse and can fail suddenly.
Leak still running?
A plumber who handles leaking water heaters can trace it and quote it in writing.
