As Tampa Bay’s trusted plumbing experts with 100 years of combined experience, we understand the challenge of deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater. While you don’t want unnecessary expenses, continuing to repair an aging unit can drain your finances. Let our professional plumbers help you make an informed decision based on these key factors.
1. Consider Your Water Heater’s Age
The life expectancy of your water heater depends on its type:
- Traditional gas water heaters typically last 8-12 years
- Electric water heaters generally last 10-15 years
- Tankless water heaters can last 20+ years
If your unit is approaching these age ranges, replacement often makes more financial sense than repair. Just as you wouldn’t invest in a new engine for an aging car, making major repairs to an older water heater usually isn’t cost-effective.
2. Watch for Rising Energy Bills
Are you noticing these warning signs?
- Need to turn the shower dial further for hot water
- Longer heating times
- Increasing energy bills
- Inconsistent water temperature
These symptoms indicate declining efficiency. Since water heating accounts for about 14% of your home’s energy costs, an inefficient water heater can significantly impact your monthly bills. In Tampa’s climate, an efficient water heater is especially important for managing energy costs year-round.
3. Evaluate Repair Costs and Frequency
At Llona Plumbing, we recommend using the 50% rule when deciding between repair and replacement:
The 50% Rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of a new water heater’s price, replacement is usually the better investment.
Consider these additional factors:
- Frequency of repairs over the past two years
- Total cost of recent repairs
- Age of unit compared to expected lifespan
- Energy efficiency of current model versus new units
Making Your Decision
Consider replacing your water heater if:
- It’s beyond its expected lifespan
- Repairs are becoming frequent
- Energy bills have increased significantly
- Repair costs approach 50% of replacement cost
Expert Water Heater Services from Llona Plumbing
Whether you choose repair or replacement, Llona Plumbing offers:
- Free estimates on new water heater installations
- 24/7 emergency repair service
- Expert installation of all major brands
- One-year guarantee on labor and materials
- Licensed and insured technicians
- Competitive pricing and financing options
We Install and Service All Types:
- Traditional tank water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Electric water heaters
- Gas water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
Service Areas
We proudly serve these Florida counties:
- Hillsborough
- Pinellas
- Pasco
- Hernando
- Manatee
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
Don’t wait for your water heater to fail completely. Contact Tampa Bay’s trusted plumbing experts for a professional evaluation and honest recommendation.
Contact Us:
- Phone: (813) 477-1870
- Email: Customerservice@llonaplumbing.com
- Available 24/7 for emergency service
- Free estimates on planned installations
Trust Llona Plumbing, Tampa Bay’s family-owned plumbing experts, to help you make the right decision for your home and budget. With 100 years of combined experience, we’re here to ensure you get the most value from your water heater investment.
