Gas water heaters are often preferred for their quick heating ability. They tend to last about 8 to 12 years.
There is little danger in running an ``expired'' water heater past it's expected lifespan. You might wake up one morning to a cold shower, or in worst case a leak will leave water on the floor.
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.
Absolutely! After 20 years, your tank water heater is well past its life expectancy. If you have a tankless water heater, it's approaching its life expectancy. At this point, you should expect additional repairs from wear and tear.
As it turns out, water heaters really can last decades. Larry Weingarten, one of the most knowledgeable hot water experts in the world, wrote this in his new book*: “The average life of tank-type water heaters is nine to twelve years, but with periodic maintenance I've gotten fifty years from them!”
Tankless water heaters have many advantages over traditional tank-style and heat pump water heaters, and this is especially true when it comes to average life expectancy. A new gas or electric tankless water heater will typically last for a minimum of 20 years, and some units may last for 30 years or more.
Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.
It is certainly possible for a water heater to increase your utility bill. Several factors can reduce the efficiency, including a unit that is too small, too old, bad water, or an incorrectly set thermostat can increase the energy bill.
The Lifestory Research 2024 America's Most Trusted® Water Heater ranking is based on 6,547 opinions of people surveyed in the United States over the last 12 months. The most trusted water heater brands in order were Bosch, Whirlpool, Rheem, GE, Kenmore, AO Smith, Ruud, Bradford White, and Rinnai.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
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.
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.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Age of the Water Heater: Insurance companies may reduce coverage for water heaters beyond a certain age, typically around 12-20 years. Older water heaters are more prone to leaks, corrosion, and other issues, increasing the risk of damage.
Gas water heaters typically range from $1,100 to $4,000 for complete professional replacement depending on your area and complexity of installation.
It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically only cover damage to the structure of your home and personal property. They do not include replacement cost coverage for the heater itself.
Most heaters have a lifespan of 8-20 years. The serial number (usually found on a sticker on your unit or in your manual) often includes the date of manufacture. Rust, either on the tank exterior or in the water itself, suggests internal corrosion, a sign the tank may soon start leaking.
Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
A professional can sometimes repair these issues, but if your water heater is older, you'll need replacement. For example, a 20-year-old water heater is nearing the end of its service life and will need to be replaced even if repairs are possible.
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.
Heating elements can gradual breakdown if there is a mineral build up in the heating system. This is because mineral deposits can solidify, encasing the elements and forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This will lead to gradual wear out that will make the heating system have a shorter life span.