How Long Do Hot Water Heaters Usually Last?

Dec 29

Water heaters are one of the essential features of your household. If it weren’t for water heaters, we would be forced to take cold chilly showers in the winters and have no warm water to wash dishes with. Just like any other appliance, water heaters have limited lifespans and don’t last forever. Also, considering that they aren’t exactly cheap, how long do hot water heaters usually last is an important question on the minds of many.

It is also important to know when to replace an old heater, as new heaters can lower bills. In this post, we will talk about everything ranging from:

The average lifespan of different water heaters
The factors that influence the lifespan of your heater
Signs that tell you it’s time to get a replacement
How to replace your water heater.

The Average Lifespan Of Different Water Heaters

Before talking about the likely lifespans of water heaters, it’s important to note two different major types of heaters, and each has different lifespans.

Traditional tank water heaters generally have a life of around 9 to 12 years. Additionally, tank water heaters can come as either gas or electric powered.

Electric heaters usually last a few years longer than gas-powered ones as gas heaters have more parts that can break.

The second major type of water heater is the tankless water heaters. Unlike traditional tank heaters, these heaters do not run continuously to keep a tank full of hot water.

They only run when there is a demand and generally last much longer than tank water heaters. These tankless heaters usually last for more than 20+ years.

The Factors That Influence The Lifespan Of Your Heater

There are quite a few factors that can affect your water heater’s life. Some of these factors are:

Water Quality: Water heaters that usually heat hard water have reduced lifespans by a few years. Hard water is rich in minerals that can result in a limescale buildup, which negatively affects the heater’s lifespan.
The Type Of Heater: As mentioned previously, tank and tankless heaters have different lifespans. Tankless and electric-powered heaters last longer than their counterparts.
Lack Of Maintenance: Heaters that are not repaired, maintained, and cleaned properly have shorter lifespans than well-maintained ones.
Location: Water heaters installed in cold open spaces have to work more to achieve a constant hot temperature. Therefore, heaters installed in non-temperature controlled open spaces like garages wear out faster.

Signs That Tells You It’s Time To Get A Replacement

You might need to start searching for a new water heater if you find the following signs in your heater:

The heater fails to give you hot water.
The heater starts making strange noises.
The water from the heater is rusty.
Water pools around the heater.
The heater is nearing the end of its life cycle of 10 years for tanked and 20 years for tankless.

How To Replace Your Water Heater

If your heater shows some or most of the signs of failing, it might be smart to start searching for new replacements.

Additionally, you can have it checked by the manufacturer or an expert to assess if it’s necessary to have it replaced.

If you do end up buying a new replacement, you can have it installed by professionals such as One Shot Water Heaters of Kansas City

They can lend their expertise and have it effortlessly installed at your home at a cost-effective price. So what are you waiting for?