A hot water system that still produces a warm shower can still be expensive. Storage units lose heat through the tank all day, a dripping relief valve runs water down the drain, and an old element or thermostat works harder than it should.
The quiet costs
- Heat loss. Every storage tank radiates heat. The older the lagging, the more you pay to keep the cylinder hot between showers.
- Drips. A TPR valve that weeps is a water bill, not just a stain on the concrete.
- Wrong size or type. An oversized electric storage unit on a two-person house, or a tired gas storage where continuous-flow would fit, costs more to run than the hardware is worth.
If the unit is past about 10 years, or the tank itself is leaking, replacement is usually cheaper than another repair. Under 8 years with a failed valve or element, repair is still worth pricing. Run the 30-second hot water check or read the replacement cost guide for the ranges.
We quote a fixed price before we start, including whether a heat-pump rebate applies.