It often can. Thermostats and heating elements are wear-and-tear parts—they’re expected to fail earlier than the tank itself. Replacing them when they’re worn or malfunctioning can restore performance, reduce energy waste, and prevent stress on the tank and electrical system, which may help your water heater reach the upper end of its typical lifespan (often around 8–12 years for many tank-style units, and longer for maintained systems). During service, we’ll also check for sediment buildup, corrosion, or leaks and let you know honestly if your Brevard County water heater is still a good candidate for repair—or if it’s time to start planning for replacement instead.