Water Heater Repair or Replace in Burleson TX – How to Decide

A broken water heater is one of the most frustrating home problems. You’re stuck with cold showers and can’t do laundry or dishes properly. The big question is: should you repair it or replace it? In this guide, we’ll help you make the right decision for your home and budget. If you’re in Burleson TX, Dependable Plumbing Company can help with both repairs and replacements.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention

No Hot Water

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water at all, it could be a simple fix like a tripped breaker or a failed heating element. However, it could also mean the tank is failing internally.

Rusty or Discolored Water

If your hot water comes out rusty, brown, or orange, the inside of the tank is corroding. This is a sign that your water heater is aging and may fail soon.

Leaking from the Bottom

A leak from the bottom of the tank is serious. The tank’s interior lining is failing, and the water is escaping. Leaks get worse over time and can cause water damage to your home.

Strange Noises

Banging, popping, or rumbling sounds mean sediment has built up inside the tank. This reduces efficiency and is a sign of aging.

Lukewarm Water

If your water heater used to heat water properly but now only produces lukewarm water, the heating element is wearing out.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit (Gas Water Heaters)

If you have a gas water heater and the pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple may be failing. This is often a simple repair.

How Old is Your Water Heater?

Age is one of the biggest factors in the repair vs. replace decision. Most water heaters last 8-12 years, depending on use and water quality.

Check the age of your water heater: Look at the serial number on the water heater’s label. The first letter indicates the month (A=January, B=February, etc.), and the first two digits indicate the year.

For example: A2019 means January 2019.

• Less than 5 years old: Usually worth repairing
• 5-8 years old: Consider the cost of repair vs. replacement
• More than 10 years old: Replacement is usually the better choice

Repair vs. Replace: The Cost Comparison

When Repair Makes Sense

Repairing your water heater is often the most affordable option if:

• Your water heater is less than 8 years old
• The repair cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost
• The problem is minor (heating element, thermocouple, sediment removal)
• There are no signs of corrosion or rust inside the tank

Common repair costs in Burleson TX:

• Heating element replacement: $150-300
• Thermocouple replacement (gas): $100-200
• Flush and sediment removal: $100-150
• Pressure relief valve: $150-250

When Replacement is the Better Choice

You should replace your water heater if:

• It’s older than 10 years
• It’s leaking from the bottom or sides
• It’s producing rusty water (internal corrosion)
• The repair cost is more than 50% of a new water heater
• You’ve had multiple repairs in the past year
• Your energy bills are unusually high

New water heater costs in Burleson TX:

• Standard gas water heater (40-50 gallon): $600-900 installed
• Standard electric water heater (40-50 gallon): $500-800 installed
• Tankless water heater: $1,200-2,000 installed
• High-efficiency water heater: $800-1,200 installed

While a new water heater costs more upfront, you’ll save money on energy bills over the next 10-15 years, especially if you upgrade to a high-efficiency model.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Simple installation (especially if replacing)
• Unlimited hot water for one person/activity
• Works without electricity (gas models)

Cons:

• Takes up space in your home
• Runs 24/7, even when not needed
• Only lasts 8-12 years
• Water cools over time if not used

Tankless Water Heaters

Pros:

• Endless hot water on demand
• More energy efficient (saves 24-34% on energy)
• Takes up minimal space
• Lasts 15-20 years
• Lower operating costs long-term

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost ($1,500-2,500 installed)
• May need upgraded electrical/gas lines
• Requires regular maintenance to prevent mineral buildup
• Can’t run multiple hot water activities simultaneously

Tips to Extend Your Water Heater’s Life

Flush Your Tank Annually

Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens the lifespan of your water heater. Annual flushing removes this sediment and helps your water heater run more efficiently.

Check the Pressure Relief Valve

This valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup inside the tank. Test it annually by lifting the lever — a small amount of water should drain from the overflow pipe.

Lower the Temperature

Set your water heater to 120°F instead of the default 140°F. This reduces strain on the tank and lowers energy bills.

Insulate Your Water Heater

An insulating blanket around your water heater reduces heat loss and lowers energy costs by 7-16%.

Use a Water Softener

Hard water in the Burleson area can accelerate corrosion inside your water heater. A water softener extends the life of your water heater and reduces sediment buildup.

Professional Water Heater Service in Burleson TX

If you’re having trouble deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater, or if you need professional service, Dependable Plumbing Company is here to help. Our experienced plumbers have been serving Burleson homeowners since 1985.

We can:

• Diagnose what’s wrong with your water heater
• Repair heating elements, thermocouples, and valves
• Flush your tank to remove sediment
• Install new traditional or tankless water heaters
• Provide honest recommendations on repair vs. replacement
• Offer upfront pricing with no surprises

Don’t settle for cold showers or wasting money on a failing water heater. Call Dependable Plumbing Company today at 817-447-2654 for a free estimate on water heater repair or replacement in Burleson TX.

We offer same-day service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our work. Contact us today to schedule your water heater service.