Water Heater Lifespan 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.
It's generally a good idea to replace a water heater before it fails if it's reaching the end of its expected lifespan (usually around 10-15 years). Replacing it proactively can prevent potential water damage and inconvenience when it does fail.
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.
In answering the question, "How long do water heaters last?" it's typically between 8 and 20 years but can vary significantly based on these factors.
It's generally a good idea to replace a water heater before it fails if it's reaching the end of its expected lifespan (usually around 10-15 years). Replacing it proactively can prevent potential water damage and inconvenience when it does fail.
Next up, reliability. Yes, a 20-year-old water heater is a trooper, but let's face it, it's way past its prime. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and after that, the risk of malfunctions or a total breakdown increases dramatically.
Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and sturdy construction, providing lasting performance for years. In business since 1881, the company has a long reputation for selling quality products for both residential and commercial use.
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.
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.
For a standard water heater replacement, installation usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. The technicians will remove the old unit, install the new one, and ensure everything is connected and working perfectly.
A Corroded Water Heater Could Cause Significant Damage
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.
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.
How Much Hot Water Does a Shower Use? A 40-gallon water heater can provide up to 2 showers in an hour (if you're not using any other water appliances).
How Long Will My Water Heater Last? On average, water heaters can last 8 to 12 years with proper installation and regular preventive maintenance.
The Home Depot partners with local, licensed and insured professionals to help homeowners choose the right water heater for their home. If you live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store and call us before noon at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT, our team offers same-day installation.
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.
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
The average home spends $400-$600 a year on water heating, so the savings can be up to about $200 a year. Purchase and installation prices range from $600 to $5,400, according to our review of online estimates.
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.
Expect to pay $920 to $1,177 for electric water heater installation costs.
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.
But it's helpful to start by determining the service life of the appliance. Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.