What is the typical life span of a water heater?
On average, the life expectancy of any water heater is at least 7 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that might possibly shorten its lifespan. Every water heating system needs proper installation. To install properly does not only mean wiring it correctly.
What is the life expectancy for my water heater?
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
How long does water heater last on average?
The average water heater lasts between 8 and 10 years. However, several factors impact how long your water heater works. The brand, model, type, maintenance, water quality, location, and frequency of use all affect longevity. Electric tankless models could last 20 years.
What is the shelf life of a water heater?
Known as an on-demand water heater, they usually have hot water stored and ready to use. However, the heater is not big enough to accommodate a family. The shelf-life for this water heater is ten years. It’s energy-efficient as it doesn’t keep water heated at all times and instead only provides what is needed.
Can a hot water heater last 20 years?
It is unusual for used water heaters to last 30 years. Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
What is the average life expectancy of a water heater?
about 10 yearsWhile the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.
Should I replace my 20 year old water heater?
A professional can sometimes repair these issues, but if your water heater is older, you'll need replacement. For example, a 20-year-old water heater is nearing the end of its service life and will need to be replaced even if repairs are possible.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Rust deposits or a metallic odor coming out with hot water can signal either rusty pipes or rust inside the water heater. If corrosion is eating away the metal from the inside, leaks are inevitable. Murky water from the tap can also be signs that the water heater will fail soon.
How do you know when a hot water heater needs to be replaced?
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Water HeaterYour Water Heater is too Old.Rusty Water or Heater Inlet Valve.Water Heater Noise.Water Heater Leaking.Water Heater Not Heating.
How often should you flush a water heater?
How Often Should I get My Water Heater Flushed? It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
Who makes the best water heater?
The 5 Best Water Heaters of 2022 RatingsProductForbes Advisor RatingPriceA.O. Smith EG12-50R55DV3.8GreatRheem XG50T12DU38U23.8Very goodRheem XE50T10H45U03.8GoodRheem XE50T12CS55U13.7Great1 more row•Jul 11, 2022
How much does a water heater cost?
Water Heater Costs On average, the cost to replace a water heater is $1,200, including the price of the new unit and labor. At the low end, bargain hunters can get it done for as little as $815.
What happens if you don't replace a water heater?
Unless you replace this rod every few years, your water heater could begin taking a beating. If the tank rusts through, it could fail catastrophically and flood your home.
How long does it take to replace a hot water heater?
2-3 hoursWATER HEATER INSTALLATION PROCESS If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
Can a water heater explode?
While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the WorldA.O. Smith. ... Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ... Kenmore. ... Bradford White. ... American Standard. ... American Water Heaters. ... Bosch. ... EcoSmart.More items...
What shortens the life of a water heater?
Without a rod or without a properly functioning rod, the hot water quickly corrodes inside the tank. This drastically shortens its lifespan.
How often should you flush your water heater?
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
Why do water heaters only last 10 years?
However, when used and maintained appropriately, it can even last for 15+ years. The tank has an anode rod that attracts corrosive elements in water, protecting its interior lining from corrosion. After using the tank water heater for long (about ten years), the rod gets eaten away and no longer works effectively.
Standard Water Heaters
You’ll find standard water heaters in most homes. What you’re probably picturing is what most people associate with the phrase “water heaters.” They have a tank that stores heated water until it’s ready for use at the tap, shower head, or dishwasher. For decades, these water heaters have been the standard for homes.
Tankless Water Heaters
True to their name, tankless water heaters do not use a tank to store heated water. Instead, they heat water as needed. When you turn on the shower head in your bathroom, tap water is sent through the wall-mounted tankless unit. As it travels through it, that water is rapidly heated to the right temperature.
Gas Versus Electric Water Heaters
Both standard and tankless water heaters are available in gas and electric configurations. If your home already has a natural gas connection, it might make sense to go with a gas-powered water heater. On the other hand, if your home doesn’t already have a gas line, an electric water heater is probably the best bet.
Debunking common water heater myths
In the video below, the team from This Old House breaks down the truth behind several common water heater myths.
Maintain your water heater
Every year you can squeeze out of your current water heater is another year you don’t have to purchase a new one. Routine maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your standard water heater. Your water heater should be drained, flushed, and otherwise maintained at least once annually to prevent the buildup of sediment and corrosion.
Replacing your water heater
If you do need to replace your aging water heater, you should take a look at our water heater guide. It’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right water heater, from deciding between standard and tankless to figuring out which size of system is right for your home.
Talk to our plumbers
Wagner is Albuquerque’s trusted name in plumbing—and water heaters. We’ve been helping local homeowners fix, maintain, and replace their water heaters for decades. Our plumbers know everything there is to know about standard and tankless water heaters.
What is the best water heater for a home?
Depending on your home’s infrastructure and the needs of your household, you can select from: 1 a conventional water heater 2 a tankless water heater 3 a heat pump water heater or 4 a solar water heater.
How to tell if water heater is leaking?
These signs include: Rust on the outside of the tank. Hot water from the faucet has rust in it. Water from the faucet gets warm but not truly hot. Water from the faucet is sandy or filled with particulates. Water from the faucet has a metallic taste. Water is leaking from the water heater. Water heater produces loud popping or cracking noises ...
What does it mean when water from faucet has a metallic taste?
Water from the faucet has a metallic taste. Water is leaking from the water heater. Water heater produces loud popping or cracking noises during use. Water heater repair is increasing in frequency. You don’t know how old the water heater is, or the water heater is over ten years old.
What is the number to call for a water heater emergency?
Have a water heater emergency? We know your home’s appliances don’t just work 9-5, and so neither do we. Call 855.259.2280 for 24/7 emergency service.
What factors affect the lifespan of a water heater?
Other factors that will impact your water heater’s lifespan and efficiency include high mineral content in the water and the use of a water softener: both will speed up the degradation of a water heater.
Can a tankless water heater be used as a water heater?
For large households, a tankless water heater might not provide the needed volume of hot water. While households looking to drastically reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint may find a solar-powered water heater is exactly what they’re looking for.
How Long Do Gas Water Heaters Last?
First, let’s look at the lifespan of a conventional gas water heater. These types of heaters tend to last between 8 and 12 years.
How long does an anode rod last?
Find the rod screwed to the top of your tank gas or electric heater. If there is any sign of corrosion, replace the rod immediately. This will prevent your tank from developing a leak. Replacing the anode rod often can help extend the water heater useful life to as much as 12 years.
What is the highest risk for gas heaters?
For instance, gas heaters carry the highest risk — a gas leak in the heater or a pipe can lead to an explosion. The storage tanks of traditional heaters (gas or electricity) can also suffer from water leaks. Corrosion can mean anything from a small drip or a considerable amount of water escaping.
What is the difference between a gas water heater and an electric water heater?
In fact, the only difference is that the water in an electric system is heated with upper and lower heating elements that extend into the tank. In a gas heater, a gas burner heats the water from below. As with a gas water heater, an electric water heater lifespan is dependent on maintenance and repairing broken elements.
Which is the best water heater?
Overall, gas tankless water heaters are the best and most reliable for the fastest heating capability.
Which is better, a tankless or a tankless water heater?
Overall, tankless water heaters are better for this specification because unlike tank heaters, they produce hot water continuously at the GPM amount they are able to. With a tank model, once you use all of the hot water stored in the tank you run out of hot water.
How to test a pressure relief valve?
To run the test, place a bucket under the discharge pipe. Then, raise the lever of the pressure-relief valve. Water should come out of the pipe. If none does, you need to replace the valve.
Is it Time to Replace the Water Heater?
Apart from the water heater age, many signs suggest the appliance is nearing its lifetime. Those warning signs include:
What happens when a water heater is over?
The water heater is one such appliance. When the water heater service life is over, your appliance can fail at any time. Water heater failure disrupts the availability of hot water. This affects the ability to shower, do the dishes, and even laundry.
How long does a water heater last?
This water heater stores heat water in an insulated storage tank. On average, the tank offers a 10-15-year-lifetime. Use the serial number to learn the age of your water heater if you are unsure.
Why does my water heater gurgle?
Rumbling/gurgling. Over time, sediment builds up in your hot water heater. As it’s heated over and over again, the sediment will get hard and will start to shift around, causing rumbling or gurgling noises. These sounds aren’t a good sign, and can lead to overworked water heaters, leaks, internal damage, and more.
What does it mean when your water heater is rusting?
If you notice brownish or tinted water coming from your water heater, it could mean one of two things: that your water heater is rusting away on the inside or that your home’s piping is rusty. It may be tough to tell the difference, so set up an appointment with one of our water heater maintenance experts.
How long does a gas water heater last?
With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
What does it mean when water is around your water heater?
If you notice water or moisture around your hot water heater, it could mean you have a crack or a leak. Depending on where the crack or leak is located, you may have to replace your water heater.
How long does a water heater last?
Estimating the Lifespan of a Water Heater. While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.
Why do water heaters have a shorter lifespan?
In areas where there is a higher mineral content to the water, water heaters have shorter lifespans than in other areas, as mineral buildup reduces the units' efficiency.
How to tell if a water heater is in order?
Beyond the basic telltale signs, such as a leaky puddle under the heater or cold showers in the morning that indicate that a new water heater is probably in order, the homeowner should consider the age and warranty of the model, and carefully weigh the cost-benefit of maintaining an existing heater versus buying a new one.
What does it mean when a water heater uses large quantities of water?
Using large quantities of water means that the water heater will have to work harder to heat the water. In addition, the greater the volume of water, the greater the corrosive effect of the water will be.
What is Internachi membership?
InterNACHI® membership is so much more than training and certification. Members get access to world-class resources to grow their business to the next level.
How many hours of online education does Internachi offer?
InterNACHI® offers over 1,000 hours of free online educationfor members.
What is a model with a larger heating element?
Models with larger heating elements have a much better resistance to mineral buildup or scum. Pay attention to the model's features. Porcelain casing, for example, provides an additional layer of protection against rusting, and a greater level of heat insulation. Some models come with a self-cleaning feature that flushes the pipes ...
Making Your Water Heater Last Longer
The greatest approach to extend the life of your gas water heater – and any other item in your home – is to do preventative maintenance.
What Are My Repair and Replacement Options for a Gas Water Heater?
A competent plumber can handle all of your water heater’s repairs, both large and minor.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Perhaps the most common problem connected with a water heater is water that isn't as hot as you want it to be. This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a defective heating element. Check the following when your water isn't hot enough.
Water Heater Maintenance
Today’s water heaters are manufactured to require little or no maintenance, but these maintenance tips could prolong the life of your water heater. See How to Maintain a Water Heater for more maintenance tips.
When Replacement Is Necessary
If you're replacing a water heater, you can replace it with the same type of unit. However, you might also consider upgrading to a larger tank or a tankless heater.
