Water heaters are a serious investment, and as a homeowner, you’re not really looking into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars per year to get consistent hot water supply in your home. But at the very least, knowing the lifespan of your water heater prepares you for future replacement.
So, how long do water heaters last?
It depends on a range of factors. Consider how often you use the heater, how well you maintain it, and the type of unit you have.
In this post, we’ll discuss the average lifespan of different water heaters, what causes them to malfunction, and when you should replace them. We’ll also include some maintenance tips to help prolong their service life.
Two Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters come in two common types: traditional and tankless water heaters. Each type can run on either electric or gas. Understanding what causes them to fail can help you decide when to replace them.
Traditional Tank Water Heater
This type of water heater is common in most households. It can hold hot water in a tank, typically between 40 to 80 gallons, and maintain its temperature until you need it.
Inside the tank is an anode rod. This is a sacrificial part of the heater since it protects the internal lining. It draws all corrosive materials to the rod through a process known as electrolysis. The tank also has heating elements and a thermostat.
When you use the water, the thermostat monitors the temperature and turns on the heating element to heat more water for next use.
Lifespan of a Traditional Water Heater
In general, a conventional water heater has a lifespan of around 10 years, though they can survive the wear and tear for up to 15 years. How often you use it, water quality, its size and where it’s located will influence its longevity.
While they are common in many households, traditional water heaters generally have a higher failure rate than tankless ones. This is because they are always on and operating.
Causes of Failure
There are a few reasons why a traditional water heater may fail even before approaching its lifespan, including:
Sediment Build-Up: This is inevitable. The minerals found in the water will eventually settle on the bottom of the tank, insulating the heating elements and preventing them from performing. This will force your water heater to work harder thus consuming more energy. The buildup can also damage the tank which causes leak.
Corrosion: The rod corrodes overtime. Once it can no longer do what it’s supposed to, the particles will likely settle to the bottom of your water tank. This can ruin the lining. And you know your heater has reached the end of its lifespan when this happens.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted units that don’t have the large tank (as the name implies) for storage, but it provides hot water to the entire home. How it works is it heats water as it enters an electric element or a gas burner.
So, unlike conventional ones, tankless water heaters are the “on-demand” type. They do not operate continuously to provide a stream of hot water. This is why they tend to last longer than their traditional counterparts.
If you’ve been to someone else’s house where the water from the faucet is cold within the first few seconds and gets hot after a while, they are probably using a tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters also provide you with an infinite hot water supply since there’s no large tank to refill. And when you don’t need the hot water, the heating element stays off. This also makes them more energy efficient than traditional heaters.
The downside of tankless water heaters is that you need to find a size that is suitable for your home in order to function efficiently. And while they don’t have rods, they can eventually corrode and need to be replaced. Also, you’ll likely need a professional installer to run a tankless water heater.
Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters generally have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Sometimes even longer with proper maintenance. They also have more parts than tank water heaters. So without proper maintenance, don’t expect to maximize their long lifespan.
Causes of Failure
While it has a longer lifespan than a traditional heater, there are a few factors that can influence how long your will last. This includes the frequency of use, the heater’s quality, the water quality, and how well you care for it.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance can also add to the longevity of your water heater. While modern water heaters require little or no maintenance, these tips can help you keep your water heater running smoothly.
- Drain the water heater once or twice a year. This helps get rid of sediment buildup that can cause corrosion. Draining the tank in traditional models can help clear buildups at the bottom of the tank, which reduces the heater’s efficiency.
- Check the anode rod every few years and replace it if it’s more than 50% consumed.
- Check the pressure relief valve. You can lift the handle to do this and let it snapback. If it doesn’t cause a burst of water to flow out of the pipe, replace the valve.
- Check the thermostat. A well-performing thermostat will help set it to the desired temperature.
- Avoid overheating by lowering the thermostat temperature. This is especially necessary if you’ve been using the heater for an extended period.
- Clean the water heater’s exterior and remove any dust or debris that has gathered around it.
Tip: Check Your Water Heater’s Serial Number.
The serial number of your tank lets you know the date of its manufacturing. You can usually find it at the upper part of your water heater. If you can’t find it, refer to your tank’s documentation, though it’s always indicated on the unit.
It typically consists of a letter which indicates the month, followed by a two-digit number. If you see an “A,” it means January up to “L” for December. The two digits next to it indicates the year it was manufactured. So, if it says “A22,” your water heater was manufactured in January 2022.
When To Replace Your Water Heater: The Telltale Signs
No matter how fine the water heater looks from the outside, it might be hard to tell when it’s time to replace your water heater. Below are a key few indicators to keep in mind:
Weird Smelling Water
Does the water smell different than usual? If so, then something might be contaminating your tank. It could be metal parts that came into contact with the water or bacteria developing within your water tank. You can drain and clean your water tank or hire a plumber to help mitigate the issue.
Tinted Hot Water
If you see a red or dirty yellow tint flowing from your faucet, it could be because your water heater has rust in it. And this may be an indication of wear and that your heater may start leaking soon. It’s also important to determine when the color appears.
Do you see the discoloration when the water is cold? If not, the corrosion issue is most likely going to start inside the water heater instead of in the rusting pipe.
Hot Water Seems Colder Than Usual
This is one of the clearest indications. If you’re getting cold water or it’s not staying at the right temperature long even when the heating is turned on, your heater may be approaching the end of its lifespan.
Loud Roaring Noise
This is common when hard water sediment builds up within your water heater tank. The sediment accumulates, solidifies, and finally creates a thick layer. This can cause the water heater to heat up and produce the creaking sound. It’s one of the easiest ways to know if your heater is nearing the end of its service life.
Less Hot Water
Are you getting less hot water than usual?
Again, sediment buildup. It reduces the amount of capacity within the tank for water, causing you to run out of hot water faster. Make sure that the tank is drained and cleaned. However, if the buildup hardens overtime, it will be difficult to remove, requiring a new replacement.
Water Pooling Around It
If you see water pooling near the base of your heater tank, this might be a sign of a gradual or occasional leak. It could be from a loose valve or fitting. If you’re not sure, you should hire a professional to investigate the issue and conduct any necessary repairs.
If the leak is coming from inside the tank, it might be broken or damaged, and will need replacement.
Poor Water Quality
Poor water quality may be caused by white limescale on the plumbing surfaces. Hard water puts strain on water heaters, reducing their service life by two or more years. If you notice a change in water quality, your heater may need to be serviced or replaced more frequently.
Sudden Increase in Utility Bills
If your electric bills are getting higher, then maybe you have an old heater and that you need to upgrade to a newer model that is more energy efficient. But if you already have an EnergyStar-rated heater, then you may need to invest in maintenance.
Keep in mind that impurities can clog your tank or pipes. This means that your unit will have to work harder, increasing your electric bills.
FAQs
Can a Hot Water Heater Last 20 Years?
It depends on the type of water heater and frequency of use. Tankless water heaters may last up to 20 years or more, while traditional water heaters with tanks can have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years before showing signs of wear.
How Often Should a Water Heater Be Replaced?
If your home’s water heater is more than 10 years old, it is most likely time to replace it. If you have an electric hot water tank, for example, you’re looking at using it for a maximum of 10 to 15 years.
Gas-powered ones often fail after 8-10 years, however tankless water heaters may endure for more than 15 years or more with proper maintenance.
The Takeaway
The lifespan of a water heater varies depending on the unit type, how often you use it, whether you perform regular maintenance, or if you’re using it properly. Luckily, most water heaters can last a long time, especially tankless ones.
Proper maintenance can also keep your water tank running efficiently and safely. It helps prolong its lifespan.
When you know your water heater is nearing the end of its service life, you should plan ahead and set a budget for replacement two years in advance. Alternatively, you can check the manufacturer’s warranty before replacing your water heater.
Got more questions regarding the lifespan of you heater? Let us know—we’d be delighted to hear from you!
