Repair or replace?
10–15years
How long a typical tank water heater lasts
- Younger heaters are usually worth repairing
- A leaking tank can’t be patched
- We price both options so you can choose
Out of hot water? Let’s get it back.
Gas or electric, we find out why your water heater failed, fix what’s worth fixing, and tell you plainly when replacement makes more sense, with an upfront price for both before any work begins.
Repair or replace?
10–15years
Warning signs
Most water heaters give some warning before they fail. Call us if you notice:
Water spreading across the floor? Treat it as an emergency: turn the heater off, close the cold-water valve above it, and call us 24/7.
Repair or replace?
Not every broken water heater needs replacing, and not every old one is worth fixing. These are the questions we weigh with you.
| Usually repair | Usually replace | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under about 10 years old | 10–15 years or older |
| Leak | From a valve, fitting, or connection | From the tank itself; corroded steel can’t be patched |
| Hot water | None, from a failed part like an element, thermostat, or gas control | Rusty, from a tank that’s corroding inside |
| Repair history | The first problem in years | Repairs are adding up |
| Cost | A small share of a new heater’s price | Approaching half the price of a new heater |
| Capacity | It keeps up with your household | You run out regularly, or your household has grown |
These are rules of thumb. We look at your actual heater and give you an upfront price for both options, so the choice is yours.
What we repair
Pilot assemblies, thermocouples, gas control valves, and burners on gas water heaters.
Heating elements and thermostats on electric water heaters.
Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves, the heater’s most important safety part.
Drain valves, supply connections, and fittings that drip or weep.
High street pressure and thermal expansion that strain the tank, solved with a pressure-reducing valve or expansion tank.
Draining hard-water sediment and replacing worn anode rods, which protect the tank from corrosion.
Replacement
If replacement makes more sense, we help you choose the right brand, size, and fuel, then handle the installation and clean-up.
Swapping in a similar tank is the simplest path. It can also be the right moment to upgrade: a larger tank for a growing household, or a tankless water heater for endless hot water and a unit that can last twice as long.
Every installation meets manufacturer requirements and New Jersey code, and is backed by our guarantees.
Talk to an expert
24/7 emergency service
What to expect
We check the burner or elements, controls, venting, relief valve, and water pressure, not just the symptom.
You get an upfront price to repair, and to replace when that makes more sense. You choose.
Our fully stocked vans carry common parts, so many repairs are finished in one visit. We test temperature, venting, and safety controls before we leave.
Water heater FAQ
Still wondering about something? Our team is happy to help.
A typical tank water heater lasts roughly 10–15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Hard water and skipped maintenance shorten that. A well-maintained tankless unit can last 20+ years.
Sometimes. A simple fix like a thermocouple, element, or valve can still make sense. If the tank is leaking or rusting, or repairs are adding up, replacement is usually the better value. We’ll price both.
If the leak comes from a valve, fitting, or connection, yes. If water is coming from the tank itself, the steel has corroded through and the heater needs replacing.
It depends on your hot water use, gas service, venting, and budget. Tankless gives you endless hot water and can last twice as long, but a conversion can need gas piping, venting, and electrical work. We’ll quote both so you can compare.
About once a year is a common recommendation, and more often with hard water. A maintenance visit includes flushing the sediment, an inspection, and a check of the relief valve.
Make it affordable
Flexible financing, utility rebates, and current promotions help make the work your home needs fit your budget.
Quick approval with a soft credit check that won’t affect your score.
Explore financingUp to $750
Qualifying energy-efficient upgrades may be eligible. We’ll help you find out.
Check rebates10% off any service for new customers, $299 water heater maintenance, and more.
View promotionsCustomer reviews
“He did not oversell us which many other contractors tend to do. Very happy with his work and would definitely use him again.”
“We contacted Mr Tankless around 3 PM in the middle of a heat wave. Howard was at our house before the end of the day and we had a new AC unit in 48 hrs!”
“From the first phone call to the final installation, he was responsive, professional, and transparent about the process and prices.”
Ready when you are
Talk to a real person today. You’ll get honest advice, an upfront price, and work done right the first time.