Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?
Some problems are a single part. Others mean the heater is done. Here is how to tell the difference and what to weigh before you decide.
Updated November 12, 2026 · By the Water Heater Repair Raleigh team
Repair the water heater when one replaceable part has failed (an element, thermostat, thermocouple, igniter, gas valve or relief valve) and the tank is in good shape. Replace it when the tank itself leaks, the tank is badly rusted, or an older heater keeps failing. DOE puts tank heaters at about 10 to 15 years and tankless at about 20 years.
Problems that are usually repairs
- Failed heating element or thermostat (electric).
- Thermocouple, flame sensor, igniter or gas control valve (gas).
- Leaking drain valve, relief valve or a fitting on top of the tank.
- Broken dip tube, causing lukewarm water.
- Tankless: scale, inlet filter, sensor or igniter problems.
Problems that usually mean replacement
- Water leaking from the tank body.
- Rust in the hot water from tank corrosion, or heavy rust on the tank.
- A cracked or failed heat exchanger on some tankless units.
- A heater that can't keep up with the household, even when working properly.
The questions to weigh
| Question | Leans repair | Leans replace |
|---|---|---|
| How old is it? | Well within its expected life | Near or past 10 to 15 years (tank) |
| What failed? | One part | The tank or heat exchanger |
| How often has it failed? | First problem | Repeat repairs |
| Does it meet your needs? | Yes | Runs out of hot water |
Ask the plumber for both prices: the repair, and a full installed replacement. Then compare the repair cost with the remaining life you can expect from the heater.
If you replace
In Raleigh, water heater replacement needs a permit. Read water heater replacement for sizing, permits and what a good install includes, and our cost guide for what drives the price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out how old my water heater is?
Look at the label for the manufacture date. If it isn't printed, the serial number often encodes the month and year. The manufacturer's website or a plumber can decode it.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old water heater?
For a simple part on a tank that isn't leaking or rusting, it can be. If the tank leaks, or this is one repair in a series, replacement is usually the better spend.
Can a leaking water heater tank be fixed?
No. Once the tank itself leaks, it needs to be replaced. Leaks from valves and fittings can be repaired.
Related help
No hot water or a leaking tank?
Turn off the power or gas to the heater and close the cold-water valve above it if water is leaking. Then get help from an independent local plumber.