Average Lifespan Of A Hot Water Heater 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.
Water Heater Lifespan
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.
How long will your water heater last? Installing and repairing water heaters for more than 40 years has taught me much. The average water heater life expectancy has diminished over the last 30-35 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.
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.
Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.
Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank and cause the unit to overheat. This can shorten the lifespan of the unit and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid this, it's important to flush the tank regularly. Most manufacturers recommend flushing the tank once a year.
Rust in your water – Rust in the water is usually a sign that the interior of the water heating system is corroding and breaking down. Lack of available hot water – Aging and poor maintenance can cause sediment to build up inside the tank in a way that reduces capacity.
Rheem hot water systems have a typical life span of between 5 and 15 years depending on water conditions and how well the system has been serviced. You can add years to the life to a Rheem hot water system if you have it serviced every 5 years.
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. A new water heater could lower your utility bills: You must invest in a new water heater, but it will start paying your back immediately in lower energy bills.
If you place your water heater on a higher setting, the water coming out of it will be hotter, and you won't need as much to reach that same temperature. Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer.
3. Water heater is losing efficiency. Another downside about old water heaters is that they lose efficiency over time. That's why a big sign for when to replace your water heater is a steady rise in water-heating costs year after year.
Many 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.
Old water heaters are much less energy efficient, both because they are aging and because standards were lower back then, which could mean more money you're paying each month in energy costs compared to a newer heater. It's generally accepted that most water heaters last an average of about 13 years.
Tankless water heaters last between 20-25 years, making them the longest-lasting water heaters on the market. Solar, condensing, and heat pump models all last 15 years or more, whereas point-of-use and tank heaters usually last over a decade.
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.
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.
A hot water heater's lifespan depends on many factors, including the type of water heater, the energy source, the type of water you have, and how well the unit is maintained. On average, most water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but some can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
Sediment or scale can sometimes plug the drain valve so the water can't drain. Open and close the drain valve 3 times to get rid of all sediment. You can also use compressed air to force sediment out the drain and back into the tank. If you aren't sure what to do or have problems, call a plumber.
The question of making repairs comes down to cost and the age of the water heater. If the storage tank heater has reached the eight-year or older mark, it's worth looking at a replacement. New tank heaters are more energy-efficient, while an older storage tank is at risk of leaking.
Lifespan of Tank Water Heaters
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.