Usually worth repairing
- A failed heating element or thermostat on an electric heater
- A thermocouple, igniter or gas control issue on a gas heater
- A leaking valve or fitting, rather than the tank
- A broken dip tube or anode rod that needs replacing
Usually time to replace
- Water leaking from the tank body
- Rust-colored hot water or corrosion around the base and fittings
- A tank past its typical service life, often around ten years for a standard tank
- Repairs becoming frequent, or the household outgrowing its capacity
Find the age
The manufacture date is usually encoded in the serial number on the label. Knowing the age turns a vague decision into a clear one.
If you are replacing
Replacement is the moment to reconsider size and type. A like-for-like swap is simplest, but a tankless or heat-pump unit may suit the household better.