Very Good Plumbing | Proudly Serving Leon Valley, San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne & Schertz

If your water heater has been acting up—running out of hot water too quickly, making strange noises, or leaving the water lukewarm—you’re not alone. In Leon Valley, water heater issues are one of the most common service calls we get. Our hard water, older neighborhoods, and high-demand households can take a real toll on both tank and tankless units.

The big question homeowners always ask is simple:

Do I repair it… or is it time to replace it?

Let’s break it down in a way that helps you avoid unnecessary costs and make the right choice for your home.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last in Leon Valley?

A typical water heater lasts

• 8–12 years for a traditional tank

• 15–20 years for tankless

But in Leon Valley, hard water can shorten those timelines. Mineral buildup inside the tank or heat exchanger creates inefficiency, reduced capacity, and premature wear.

If your system is approaching the end of its lifespan, replacement becomes the smarter long-term move.

When a Water Heater Repair Makes Sense

Not every issue calls for a new unit. In many cases, a repair solves the problem quickly and affordably. Choose repair when:

1. The unit is under 8 years old

You likely still have plenty of life left in it.

2. You’re dealing with minor, fixable issues

Such as:

• faulty thermostat

• pilot light or ignition problems

• heating element failure

• loose connections

• small leaks from fittings (not the tank itself)

These repairs are typically affordable and often restore full function.

3. You haven’t had many problems before

If this is the first time your water heater has acted up, repairing it may be the most economical choice.

When It’s Smarter to Replace Your Water Heater

Think replacement when ongoing issues or bigger warning signs show up. Choose replacement when:

1. Your tank is leaking

A leaking tank cannot be repaired. Once the inner tank fails, replacement is the only option—otherwise you risk flooding and costly damage.

2. The unit is 10+ years old

Older systems not only break down more often but also waste energy due to buildup and declining efficiency.

3. You’re paying for repeated repairs

If you’ve had two or more repairs in the last year, a new system saves you money and frustration.

4. You notice rusty or discolored water

This can indicate internal tank corrosion, which means failure is likely on the way.

5. Your hot water runs out quickly

Sediment buildup reduces capacity and forces the water heater to work overtime. Sometimes this can be flushed, but often it means the tank is nearing the end.

Should You Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?

Leon Valley homeowners are choosing tankless more often because they offer:

• endless hot water

• lower energy bills

• longer lifespan

• compact design

• fewer repairs over time

Tankless units are an investment upfront, but they often pay for themselves in efficiency, durability, and convenience—especially for larger families.

If you’re unsure which system is right for your home, we can walk you through the options and give honest recommendations based on your usage, plumbing setup, and budget.

What About Leon Valley’s Hard Water?

Hard water is one of the biggest contributors to water heater problems in this part of San Antonio. Mineral buildup inside the tank or tankless heat exchanger causes:

• reduced heating efficiency

• noisy operation

• premature failure

• cloudy or gritty water

• inconsistent hot water

If you replace your water heater, pairing it with a water softener can extend the life of your new system significantly.

We offer free water testing and recommendations if you’re unsure what’s in your home’s water supply.

Cost Breakdown: Repair vs. Replacement

While every home is different, here’s a general idea:

Typical Repair Costs in Leon Valley:

$150–$450 for common repairs

$500–$900 for more complex issues

Typical Replacement Costs:

$1,400–$3,000 depending on size, brand, installation needs, and whether you go tank or tankless.

A good rule of thumb:

If a repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new water heater, replacement is the smarter move.

How Very Good Plumbing Helps Leon Valley Homeowners

We’ve been serving Leon Valley and the surrounding areas for over 10 years, and we know the plumbing quirks of this community inside and out. When you call us for a water heater issue, here’s what you can expect:

• Honest recommendations — no upselling

• Fast diagnosis

• Transparent pricing

• High-quality repairs

• Professional water heater installations

• Options for tank and tankless systems

• Free water quality testing

• Tips to extend the life of your unit

We treat your home the way we treat our own, with care, respect, and zero nonsense.

Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace? We Can Help.

A quick visit from our technicians will give you a clear answer you can trust. We'll inspect your system, explain what’s going on, and help you decide the best next step for your home and budget.

Call/Text: 210-868-5517

Visit: VeryGoodPlumbing.co

Very Good Plumbing — Your trusted local plumber in Leon Valley and Greater San Antonio.