My hot water system is leaking. Repair or replace?

If the leak comes from the tank body, replace: the tank has corroded through and no repair holds. If it is a valve, that is a cheap plumber visit. Storage tanks last 8 to 12 years, and a like-for-like replacement supplied and installed runs $900 to $4,500 depending on system type. It is usually a same-day job because nobody waits on hot water. Tip: photograph the compliance plate (size, fuel type) before ringing around; it turns a site visit into a phone quote.

Full ranges, drivers and sources: Hot Water System Replacement cost guide. See also: Plumber Rates cost, Electrician Rates cost, Air Conditioning Installation cost.