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Aging residential water heater with corrosion at the base of the tank
Age, the failed part, and the condition of the tank decide this one. A practical way to think it through before you spend money either way.
Dealing with this right now? See our Water Heater Repair page or request service online — same-day and next-day scheduling is available.
How old is too old?
Most residential tanks last roughly 10–12 years. Under about eight years, a component failure is usually worth repairing. Past twelve, a repair is often a bridge to a replacement you will make anyway.
Which failures are worth repairing?
Some failures are routine repairs. Others mean the tank is finished:
- Thermostat, element, igniter or pilot assembly — normally repairable
- A leaking fitting or valve — normally repairable
- Sediment and rumbling — often addressed with a flush and evaluation
- Water seeping from the body of the tank — replacement
- Rust in the hot water or visible tank corrosion — replacement
- Repeated failures within a year on an older unit — replacement
Is a leaking water heater an emergency?
Treat it as one. A failing tank can release its entire volume. Close the cold-water valve on top of the heater if you can reach it safely and call — this is what our 24-hour availability is for.
What if replacement is the right answer?
Expedition Plumbing is currently offering a $200 buy back on water heaters. Mention it when you schedule your water heater installation and we will confirm how it applies to your job.
Need help with this in Southern New Hampshire?
Read more about Water Heater Repair, or get on the schedule now.