Water heaters under 7 years old are usually good repair candidates unless the tank itself has failed. For units between 7-10 years old, the decision depends on repair costs versus replacement value and your recent service history. If you’re facing a repair costing more than 50% of replacement value, or multiple recent repairs, replacement typically makes more sense.
Water heaters over 10 years old should generally be replaced rather than repaired, especially when showing multiple symptoms like inconsistent temperatures, higher energy bills, and frequent service needs. Older replacement parts become scarce and expensive, and you’ll likely face another major repair within months.
We always provide honest guidance about repair versus replacement based on your specific situation, budget constraints, and what makes the most long-term sense. Sometimes a moderate repair provides several more years of reliable service, while other times replacement is the only practical solution that won’t leave you facing repeated problems.