If your system is under 8 years old and the fault is a component (element, thermostat, or valve), repair it. Over 10–12 years old, leaking from the tank, or after multiple repairs, replacement is almost always the better financial decision.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 8 years, simple fault | Repair |
| 8–12 years, minor fault | Repair if cost < 30% of replacement |
| Over 12 years, any fault | Replace |
| Tank body leaking | Replace immediately |
| Second repair in 2 years | Replace |
Every repair on an old cylinder is money spent on something that's failing anyway. If you spend $300 on repair today and the cylinder fails in 12 months, you've lost that $300 AND face emergency replacement costs. Get quotes for both repair and replacement, then decide based on age and repair history.