How long a water heater lasts depends on various factors, including the type or model, its maintenance history, usage frequency, and the type of water it holds.
A typical tank water heater can last a minimum of eight years. However, this lifespan can extend to 12 years. On the other hand, the average lifespan of a tankless water heater is around 20 years. With proper maintenance and care, these water heaters can last even longer.
MAINTAINING TANK WATER HEATERS
The most common cause of failure in tank water heaters is rust and corrosion. This occurs when the tank isn’t properly maintained, and sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, which can cause the tank to corrode from the inside out. When this happens, the tank can develop leaks and eventually fail.
It’s crucial to have the water heater inspected annually by a professional plumber to prevent the tank from failing. During the inspection, the plumber will check the anode rod inside the tank. This element is designed to corrode instead of the tank to help extend the water heater’s life. The plumber will also check for any leaks or other signs of damage and flush the tank to remove sediment build-up.
MAINTAINING TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Tankless water heaters have different warning signs to observe. Because they don’t have a tank, the most common problem is limescale build-up. This scale can accumulate on the heat exchanger, causing a significant drop in energy efficiency. Since the tank is working harder to heat the water, it will cause spikes in the energy bills and ultimately fail. Regular cleaning and descaling of the heat exchanger are required to prevent unit failure.
Another common cause of failure has to do with the water quality. Hard water can cause more scaling and mineral build-up in the tankless water heater, thus reducing its lifespan. A good remedy for this problem is installing a water softener or descaler to help prolong the life of the heater.
SIGNS OF A FAILING WATER HEATER
Some common signs that a water heater is failing include:
- Reduced temperature or complete lack of hot water
- Rusty water
- Leaking from either the tank or other connected fixtures
- A variety of noises, including popping, knocking, and rumbling sounds
- Higher energy bills due to the heating element overworking
- Producing water with an awful smell
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
If one notices any of the above signs, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber so they can recommend the best solution. However, one should consider replacing the water heater because, at this point, the plumber may be unable to do anything to save the unit. It’s also best for a homeowner to ensure the water heater is installed correctly in the first place to prevent failure resulting from poor workmanship.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.