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.
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!”
Sometimes, you'll just need repairs, but serious issues call for replacement. For example, a 30-year-old water heater certainly needs to be replaced, but a younger one with a minor problem may be able to get by with some simple repairs.
Common signs that it's time to replace your water heater include its age (usually 10-15 years), rusty or discolored water, strange noises, leaks or pooling water around the tank, and insufficient hot water supply.
This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.
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.
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.
Avoid a Water Heater Disaster
Probably the biggest motivation to be proactive with your water heater replacement is to avoid a water heater disaster. An aging water heater can develop leaks, which can lead to costly water damage and avoidable repairs to flooring and walls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional storage water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price.
If your hot water is no longer coming out hot or is only hot some of the time, it may be time to replace the heater. Sometimes the devices and mechanisms inside will wear down or break, causing your heater to stop heating. In some cases, this may require a simple repair.
Water Heaters May Be Covered as Personal Property
In some rare cases, the water heater itself may be covered as personal property. This means that it can be replaced or repaired if a loss occurs due to a peril that's covered by your insurance policy, such as: A fire in your home. Hurricanes or tornadoes.
In most cases, the water heater is the exact same whether it comes with a 6-year, 9-year or 12-year warranty. Any money spent buying a 6-year heater versus a 12-year heater warranty is much more like insurance than investing in a better product.
Naturally, tanks that heat more gallons of water typically have a higher price point, so the larger the tank size, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the average 40-gallon water heater installation cost runs between $1,000 and $2,500, while its 80-gallon counterpart runs between $2,650 and $3,910.
Water Heater Quality
The units available at a retail store or online typically are not the same as those sold through a local plumber. Low retail prices are often possible due to lower product quality and the use of less durable components.
The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater. The basic installation fee at Lowe's is around $320. But, before the contractor can set up the heater, they'll need to come to your home to check the conditions and determine the best location for it. This inspection will cost you an additional $34.
Believe it or not, there are still water heaters alive today that have been around for 30 to 40 years, though the vast majority are under 15 years.
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.
The good news is that most standard home warranty plans will cover your water heater.