The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program recommends replacing water heaters that are more than 10 years old; however, age isn't the only factor to consider. At 14 years old, your water heater is most likely out of warranty.
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.
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.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank or if it works erratically, it's probably time for a replacement. You may also choose to upgrade to a more efficient model to cut your energy expenses.
If you have a tight budget, you might be reluctant to replace your water heater before it fails completely. However, the simple fact is that all water heaters stop working eventually. While you want to get the longest service life for your money, waiting until the appliance breaks down may not be worth the hassle.
Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water
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.
Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
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.
Eventually, the buildup of mineral deposits or old machinery could cause a catastrophic failure that leaves your house a mess, but the range of damage could be much worse depending on several factors around your home.
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket.
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.
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.
It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman.
As the result of recently updated efficiency standards, water heaters less than 55 gallons now have a 4 percent boost in efficiency and water heaters 55 gallons or more have efficiency gains of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology used—heat pump or condensing. (See water heater types, below.)
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.
With nothing more than a once-per-year flushing maintenance service, a tankless water heater can easily last 20 to 30 years, and some will even last quite a bit longer.
In fact, it often makes sense to replace an inefficient water heater even if it's in good shape. The energy savings alone could pay for the new water heater after just a few years, and you'll be happy knowing that you are dumping fewer pollutants into the air and less money down the drain.
Lifespan of Tank Water Heaters
After using the tank water heater for long (about ten years), the rod gets eaten away and no longer works effectively. The corrosive particles settle on the tank's interior lining, including its bottom, and destroy it. At that point, the tank may start leaking.
Your tank is getting old
The average lifespan of a hot water tank is 7-10 years, which is the timeframe in which you will see these types of issues pop up.
If you neglect to clean the sediment from your tank, bacteria can begin to develop. This bacteria can make you and your family sick when you use the water. In addition, the bacteria can cause unpleasant-smelling water (like rotten eggs). This is because of the gases released when the bacteria dies.
Drain the Tank
Begin the gas water heater installation by draining the old water heater tank. Turn off the water supply to the water heater. Also turn the control valve to “off” on the water heater. Then turn off the gas supply valve to the water heater.
Rheem Water Heaters Prices, and Installation Cost
Most customers choose 50-gallon natural gas water heaters. Typically a 50-gallon natural gas water heater installation costs between $900 and $1,700.