How to Determine If You Need a Water Heater Repair or Replacement

July 12, 2024

To repair or to replace? When it comes to appliances, owners face this choice all the time. If your water heater is no longer working, or at least not working as well as it once did, you may find yourself wondering if you should get a new unit or repair the current one. How do you determine which course to take? It's smart to discuss things with water heater repair pros, but you can make a more informed choice by following the tips below.



Compare Possible Costs


The first thing you'll want to figure out is how much it will cost to repair the water heater. If a small part is broken, and the cost to fix it is low, getting it repaired is probably a good idea. However, if larger repairs are necessary, then a replacement may be worth it. Fortunately, by working with water heater repair experts, you can pin down how much the repairs will likely cost.



Consider Its Age


Water heaters have a general lifespan. According to Forbes, a standard tank water heater will usually last 10 to 13 years. A tankless water heater, meanwhile, will last around 18 to 20 years. If your heater is approaching the final stage of its expected life and needs expensive repairs, you'll often be better off simply replacing it. Fixing an old water heater could result in throwing good money after bad.



Think About Efficiency Increases


Both gas and electric water heaters have become more efficient over time. We've seen that modern water heaters are typically more efficient than ones from three or four generations ago. If your current water heater isn't particularly efficient, and it breaks, you may save more money in the long run by skipping repairs and getting a newer, more efficient unit. The savings in utility costs will help your new water heater pretty much pay for itself.



Confirm Whether Your Needs Are Being Met


You may find that your water heater doesn't offer as much capacity as you'd like. Also, the heater may simply not be as hot as you'd prefer. If your water heater breaks down, and you're looking at some rather expensive repairs, upgrading to a new unit that offers more capacity could improve your quality of life.


Ultimately, there are many factors to consider. It's wise to reach out to
water heater repair technicians to ask for advice. Feel free to get in touch with Plotke Plumbing & Heating today should you need any assistance.

By 7014452509 October 10, 2025
We at Plotke Plumbing & Heating have noticed an increase in calls from our customers experiencing problems with their water heater and hot water fixtures in the home. Often, these issues are related to a water heater that needs to be serviced, checked, and cleaned with a flush. Reasons to Flush and Service a Water Heater: -Getting the full life expectancy out of the the tankless...like a car or even the human body the better you take care of it and service it, the longer it will last. -Hard water in San Diego is very tough on the inner components of water heaters. -Sediment build up only gets worse if they are not flushed regularly. The build up will then travel through the water heater to all fixtures in the home, causing wear and tear on the inner plumbing from the seals to the faucet aerators and shower heads. These fixtures clog up and corrode to the point that cleaning is surpassed and they need to be replaced. -Some manufacturers won't honor a warranty if the water heater was not properly maintained during it's useful life. Plotke Plumbing & Heating are specialists in water heaters . Whether you have a tankless water heater that needs to be de-scaled, or a tank type water heater that needs to be flushed, we can do it all. Give us a call today to get your water heater serviced, and keep your fixtures running smoothly for many years to come. Plotke Plumbing & Heating is located in the Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Ranch Santa Fe, Escondido and greater Northern San Diego area with a team of dedicated professional plumbers who specialize in water heater service including water heater repair, water heater replacement, tankless water heater service and installation, and many other plumbing specialties. Plotke Plumbing & Heating Inc has been in business for over 40 years and we pride ourselves on being a trusted local plumbing company to our thousands of satisfied customers. Plotke Plumbing & Heating Inc www.plotkeplumbing.com Email: office@plotkeplumbing.com Call:
By 7014452509 August 12, 2025
We've seen a large increase in our customers calling us for water leaks lately. Often they don't know the source of the leak, but they get a very large water bill, sometimes months later, and immediately know something is wrong. Or they hear a sound of water running. Or sometimes even see water creeping in through concrete or through the wall or light fixture. While this sounds awful, it's actually quite common. Don't panic! Call us at Plotke Plumbing & Heating and one of our plumbers who specializes in water leaks will be out right away to both find out what is causing the leak, but will also fix it for you right the first time! Common causes of plumbing leaks in our Northern San Diego community can include: High Water Pressure Excessively high pressure stresses pipes and joints, often leading to cracks or drips—especially in shower heads, faucets, and older plumbing systems. Aging, Corroded, or Worn-Out Pipes Over time, metal pipes (especially galvanized steel or copper) deteriorate due to mineral-laden (hard) water and natural aging, leading to leaks. Poorly Installed or Degraded Joints & Seals Pipe joints are common weak points; poor installation, aging sealants, or thermal shifts can cause leaks around connectors, faucets, and appliances. Broken or Drying Appliance Seals & Loose Connectors Rubber seals on appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or heaters can dry out and crack, while hoses may loosen—both leading to unnoticed drips. Clogged Drains Causing Pressure Build-Up Hair, grease, soap, or flushing unsuitable items can block pipes, creating back-pressure that stresses pipes and often results in leaks. Tree Root Intrusion & Underground Damage Nearby tree roots can infiltrate underground piping—especially sewer lines—causing blockages or fractures that eventually lead to leaks. Chemical Damage from Harsh Drain Cleaners Using corrosive chemical cleaners frequently degrades pipe interiors and seals, making leaks more likely. DIY or Poor Construction Practices Over-tightening fixtures, installing off-brand parts, or using improper techniques can compromise seal integrity and pipe structure over time. Stray-Current Corrosion (Copper Pinhole Leaks) In systems where electrical grounding is disrupted (e.g., after installing plastic components), copper pipes can pit and develop pinholes within months. Whether it's one of these common culprits or something else, Plotke Plumbing & Heating has you covered as qualified plumbers who specialize in leaks repairs. If you're searching for a plumbing in the Encinitas, San Marcos, Carlsbad, and surrounding areas for a plumbing leak repair, give us a call and we are very happy to help! And for a limited time, we're offering a $75 off any water leak repair since we've had so many frantic customers calling us lately for this very concern. Offer valid through 9/30/25.
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