What is considered old for a water heater?

Author: Ms. Cydney Smith  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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.

How do you know when a hot water heater needs to be replaced?

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.

Should I replace a 7 year old water heater?

As a general rule, a conventional water heater with a tank will have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They can even live up to 12 with a mixture of attentive maintenance and sheer good luck. However, serious dysfunction only becomes harder to avoid past the 6-year mark.

Should I replace a 20 year old water heater?

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.

What are signs of a hot water heater going bad?

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.

All About Water Heaters | Ask This Old House

What are the red flags on a water heater?

A faulty pressure relief valve, cloudy water, popping noises, and a lack of hot water are other potentially dangerous signs. If you see water leakage, contact a plumbing professional right away to detect the problems with your water heating system.

Should I flush a 7 year old water heater?

If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.

Which water heater brand lasts the longest?

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.

Can a hot water heater last 30 years?

On average, water heaters can last 8 to 12 years with proper installation and regular preventive maintenance.

What is the best water heater?

5 Water Heaters You Can Count on, According to Testing
  • Best Overall. A.O. Smith Signature 900 Smart Electric Water Heater With Hybrid Heat Pump. Read more.
  • Best Value. Rheem 50 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater. Read more.
  • Best Tankless. A.O. Smith Signature Series Tankless Water Heater with Scale Prevention. Read more.

How inefficient is a 20 year old water heater?

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.

How long does it take to replace a water heater?

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.

Should I replace the water heater before it fails?

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.

How long does a Rheem water heater last?

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 long should a 40 gallon water heater last for a shower?

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 much does Home Depot charge to install a water heater?

The labor cost to install a water heater through Home Depot ranges between $50 and $150 per hour. On average, you will spend between $100 and $450 because the installation usually takes two to three hours.

Is Rheem or AO Smith better?

Rheem is generally the better choice due to its higher energy efficiency (up to 0.93 UEF), longer lifespan (12-15 years), better warranty (12 years), and advanced features like EcoNet™ technology. While A.O.

What happens if you never drain your water heater?

The longer your water heater goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, this causes scaling. Ever noticed that hard, mineral buildup on your sink faucets and shower heads? That's scale: accumulated mineralization.

How much does it cost to flush a hot water heater?

Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.

How much is labor to install a hot water heater?

Expect to pay $920 to $1,177 for electric water heater installation costs.

Does home insurance cover a water heater?

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.

Who makes the best water heaters?

These are the three water heater brands ranked in the order of our preference:
  • American Standard.
  • Bradford White.
  • Rheem.

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