How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
Out of the various systems in your home, the water heater is one of the most important. Access to hot water is crucial to performing numerous at-home responsibilities like showers, dishes, and laundry. A loss of hot water access can impact a lot, which begs the question—how long does a water heater last? The experts at Dauenhauer are here to break down the life expectancies of different water heaters, what factors affect their lifespan, and other important water heater information.
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Types of Water Heaters
Most households rely on two types of water heaters: the conventional tank or the tankless model. Each type of water heater utilizes gas or electricity. Tank water heaters, the most common type, store hot water in a tank until the heated water is ready to be used. Tankless water heaters lack a storage tank and heat water as it passes through the unit by an electric or gas component.
Two Factors That Affect Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
The average life of a water heater typically ranges between 8 and 20 years. However, the actual lifespan is dependent on factors like the type of water heater, fuel source, quality of the water supply, and maintenance. So, the water heater life expectancy can significantly fluctuate depending on those factors. Let’s delve deeper into these factors.
1. Type of Heater
One factor is the type of water heater. Different types of water heaters are more vulnerable to issues like corrosion or sediment buildup, which can seriously hinder the water heater’s lifespan. Understanding these factors with your water heater gives you a better idea of what to expect out of its life expectancy.
Conventional Tank Water Heaters
A traditional water heater lifespan ranges from 8 to 12 years. By making annual flushing of the tank a priority, the lifespan can be extended. An important factor to keep in mind is that this model also happens to face challenges when it comes to sediment buildup—playing a key role in how long the unit lasts.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heater lifespans can reach up to 20 years. Since this type of water heater doesn’t use a storage tank, the worry of sediment buildup or corrosion affecting its lifespan isn’t present. Additionally, the unit’s ability to supply hot water on demand cuts down on the wear and tear of constant heating and reheating.
Hybrid Water Heaters
The lifespan of a hybrid water heater can reach over 10 years. With proper maintenance and care, it can last even longer. This puts hybrid water heaters at a middle ground between traditional and tankless in terms of its life expectancy.
2. Fuel Source
Another key aspect known to affect the water heater lifespan is the type of fuel used. Water heaters commonly use gas or electricity as their fuel source. Let’s look at the two individually.
Gas Water Heaters
The water heater lifespan for gas units tends to fall between 8 and 12 years of operation. Keeping a gas water heater efficient, safe, and able to fulfill its expected lifespan requires annual inspections and maintenance.
Electric Water Heaters
An electric water heater’s lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. Popular for their simplicity and safety, maximizing their lifespan is best achieved through routine maintenance and component replacements as needed.
Common Causes for Water Heater Failure
Water heaters can fail for a variety of reasons and can further vary depending on the type of water heater. Routine maintenance is the best measure to avoid system failure, costly repairs, and even premature replacement. Let’s look at the common causes of failure between tank and tankless models.
Tank Water Heater Failures
The most common cause of failure for a tank water heater is a rusted or damaged storage tank. Constant contact with water and sediment leads to corrosion and as rust develops, the tank becomes weaker. The weak spots of the tank then become susceptible to leaks and water damage, potentially leading to premature failure.
In a situation where your water heater needs to be shut off immediately? Refer to our helpful guide to navigate this emergency.
Tankless Water Heater Failures
When it comes to tankless water heaters, the most common cause of system failure is a heat exchanger leak. Faulty heat exchangers can lead to troublesome leaks which is a problem for the whole unit. If left unaddressed, premature failure is a possibility.
How to Extend The Life of a Water Heater
While some things are out of your control, there are a few measures you can take to extend your water heater’s lifespan. Here are some ways to fulfill a water heater’s lifespan or extend it:
- Flushing and draining the tank regularly to remove harmful sediments
- Inspecting the anode rod regularly for signs of damage and replacing it if necessary
- Adding insulation to exposed pipes—reducing the water heater’s workload
- Installing a water softener to minimize mineral deposits in the water
- Making repairs or replacements when they’re necessary
Knowing When to Replace Your Hot Water Heater
Even with the proper maintenance and care, water heaters need to be replaced eventually. If you notice these signs, it might be time for replacement:
- Leaks
- Increase in energy bills
- Unusual noises coming from the unit
- The water isn’t warm
- Lack of hot water
Once these signs start to manifest, a professional can perform an inspection to determine if replacement is necessary for you.
How Much Does a New Water Heater Cost?
Time for a new water heater? The cost of a new unit is going to depend on the type of water heater you desire or is right for your home and needs. On average, traditional water heaters cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 while tankless water heaters fall between $6,300 and $7,500 on average.
Water Heater Services in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
When the need for water heater services such as installation, repair, and maintenance arises for your Louisville or Lexington, Kentucky home, turn to the professionals at Dauenhauer. Contact us today and make access to hot water a mainstay for your home.
