How to prolong the life of your water heater?
Tools Required
- Bucket
- Plumbers tape
- Rags
- Slip joint pliers
What is the life expectancy of your water heater?
Which Type of Heater Is the Most Reliable?
- Amount of Water Heated. Tank water heaters and tankless water heaters can both provide the same amount of water heated. ...
- Heat Loss. The main issue with having hot water ready at all times is heat loss. ...
- Hot Water During a Power Outage. ...
- Low Risk of Accidents. ...
- Fast Heating Capabilities. ...
- Using Multiple Sources of Water. ...
- Need for Repairs. ...
What's the average life expectancy of a tankless water heater?
Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters can avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters.
How long does water heater last on average?
The lifespans of water heaters can vary greatly based on a number of factors. That said, most water heaters last between 8 and 12 years. Once you get to around 10 years, you should start thinking about making a change, regardless of whether or not your heater is displaying problems.
Can a hot water heater last 20 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 life expectancy of a residential water heater?
about eight to 12 yearsHow 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.
What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Is Going to FailWater leaking from the heating tank. ... Age of the water heater. ... Running out of hot water quickly. ... Inconsistent water temperature in the shower. ... Discolored water coming from faucets. ... Unusual noises coming from the water heater. ... Lower water pressure.
Can water heaters last 15 years?
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. 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 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...
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
Should I replace my water heater before it fails?
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. You can avoid this disaster by replacing your water heater before it fails.
Should I replace my 30 year old water heater?
Lifespan of Tank Water Heaters Conventional tank water heaters can last for 8-12 years on average. 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.
How often should I replace my water heater?
about ten yearsMany homeowners wonder “How often should a hot water heater be replaced?” In a typical situation, you should expect your water heater to last about ten years.
Which is the best water heater for home?
Here are the best water heaters/geyser for home you can get this winter seasonCROMPTON 25 L Storage Water Geyser. ... HAVELLS 10 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio) ... BAJAJ 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Popular Plus) ... HAVELLS 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio Prime) ... HAVELLS 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio Prime)More items...•
How long can you shower with a 30 gallon water heater?
Say your electric heater is 30 gallons. If the previous shower lasted 15 minutes, you're looking at about four minutes of hot water remaining....WAIT TIME FOR HOT SHOWER.Tank Capacity (gallons)Minutes of Hot Water (electric)Minutes of Hot Water (gas)301930402540503150Jun 24, 2015
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.
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 ...
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.
Average Tank Water Heater Lifetime
Most people use the traditional electric or gas water heater in their homes. 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.
Average Tankless Water Heater Lifetime
Tankless water heaters save energy, space, and have a longer lifetime than traditional water heaters. Since this water heater doesn't need a storage tank, it has a lifetime averaging about 20-years.
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:
How long does a tankless water heater last?
Tankless water heaters have a typical life expectancy of more than 20 years. The warranty period of a water heater may be encoded in its model or serial number. For example Lochnivar water heaters include a model number prefix that determines whether the heater is warranted for six years or for ten years.
What are the factors that affect the life of a water heater?
Here are some other factors that affect the life of a water heater: Corrosivity of the water supply vs water heater life - more corrosive water may shorten the water heater life or the life of its anode.
What is a water heater warranty?
Water heater warranties typically indicate that the tank is warranted against leaks due to rust, corrosion, or chemical action of the water but the warranty will exclude a tank failure due to scale. Our photograph above shows a water heater installed in an area subject to recurrent flooding.
What does a longer warranty mean for a water heater?
Look at the water heater warranty period; a longer warranty probably means a more durable water heater tank. Some water heaters that used a copper tank also have had reports of very longlife, such as older Hoyt water heaters cited.
Why is hot water used more than water heater?
Quantity of hot water used vs water heater life - using more hot water increases the duty cycle of the water heater and exposes the tank to extra risk of corrosion. The temperature to which the water heater is required to heat the hot water may also be a factor in tank or burner or other water heater part life.
How often should I replace an anode in a water heater?
Depending on the chemistry of your water supply, the anode may need to be replaced every few years or even more frequently .
Where are oil fired water heaters used?
Oil fired water heaters are used in the U.S. primarily in the northeast. Still 42% of water heaters are gas in New England and 58% of water heaters are gas-fired in the Middle Atlantic states. Much lower percentages of water heaters are gas-fired in the East-South-Central and South Atlantic US.
How long does a gas water heater 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. The most common reason a gas water heater fails is corrosion. The heater has an anode rod to protect its interior lining. The rod attracts corrosive particles through electrolysis.
How to extend the life of a hot water heater?
Checking that your anode rod is in good condition is a simple way to expand your hot water heater lifespan. 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.
How to get rid of a vacuum in a water heater?
For a tank water heater, open a faucet just slightly to stop a vacuum occurring. Then, attach a hose to the drain valve and turn off the supply of cold water. Remove some of the water from the tank to make space for the vinegar. After this, you can turn off the faucet. Remove the anode rod and pour in the vinegar.
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 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 much water does it take to flush a water heater?
This removes any sediment sitting at the bottom of the tank. Keep flushing the water until no sediment is left — it should take around 2 to 3 gallons of water. If you continue to flush your tank but there is still sediment or if the water has a rust color, your heater is likely no longer working safely.
Can you use a tankless water heater for more than one person?
If multiple members of your household want access to hot water at the same time, a lower powered tankless water heater may prove to be unreliable. For instance, if you have more than one shower in your home, you may still find that only one person is able to shower at a time if your heater isn’t sized correctly.
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.
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.
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.
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 Is the Most Reliable Water Heater Brand?
There is no denying that a long-lasting water heater is reliable. It’s likely to offer effective service any time you need hot water.
Can Water Heaters Last 20 Years?
Yes, a water heater can last for 20 years. However, you should buy the most durable brand for it to last for that long. For instance, tankless water heaters can last for longer than tank water heater models.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Water Heater
Several factors are affecting the lifespan of a water heater, as we’ve highlighted below:
How to Determine the Age of a Water Heater
Now that we have estimated the lifespan of a water heater, we can determine the years you need to replace it. However, this is only possible when you know the heater’s age.
When To Replace Your Water Heater
Most heaters will start showing signs of breakdown when they hit the age of 10 years. However, some heaters might fail a few years after you buy them. Your heater might fail due to the following reasons:
Replacing a Water Heater
If your heater shows signs of breaking down, it might be time to purchase a new one. However, if it is just a few days old and the warranty is still in effect, you can contact your manufacturer to look at it before you buy a new one.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the lifespan of most water heaters is above ten years regardless of whether it’s a tankless or tank heater. However, the exact lifespan of the water heater depends on how you maintain it.
