A standard 40-gallon tank will last between 10 and 15 years while larger tanks (50 gallons) have a lifespan of up to 20 years. If you live in an area with hard water, the life expectancy of your water heater may be much shorter than if you lived in an area with soft water.
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.
The cost to replace a 40-gallon water heater is $600 to $1,600 for an electric unit or $900 to $3,000+ for a gas unit, including installation labor. A 40-gallon water heater costs $400 to $2,000 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, features, energy efficiency, and fuel type.
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.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.
While we recommend 50-gallon heaters for their benefits, we understand that not every space can accommodate the larger size. Our technicians are trained to assess the space available in your home and, when necessary, install a 40-gallon unit if a 50-gallon heater won't fit.
Many clients ask me, "What size water heater is right for this home?" Common rule of thumb is that a 40 or 50 gallon tank is suitable for most 3-4 bedroom and 3 bathroom homes.
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.
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.
When should I consider replacing my water heater? If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.
Bad heating elements
Since the coldest water is on the bottom of your tank, the lower heating element does most of the work. So if you're getting cold water really fast, a bad lower heating element could be to blame. Contact a plumber to test your heating elements for continuity (to see if current flows).
Typically, draining a 40-gallon water heater takes somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes. The overall time is heavily influenced by the size of the unit and the rate at which the water can exit the tank through the drain valve.
If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective water heater, Rheemhas the edge over A.O. Smith. With superior energy efficiency, longer warranties, and better overall performance, Rheem units are designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners.
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.
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.
AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all very dependable brands and are known by professional plumbers for top-quality gas and electric water heaters. Master plumber Eddie Heil put it this way, “AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all great choices in our experience.
Richmond Water Heaters are manufactured by Rheem®, the company which invented water heaters. We put the best materials and workmanship into our Richmond brand to produce water heaters that are exceptional values. Now, we offer you better value than ever, with our all-new Richmond product line.
Electric water heaters from State are known to last up to 20 years, while their gas counterparts typically have a lifespan of around 12 years or more. This longevity is due to State's use of quality materials and innovative designs, such as durable anode rods that protect the tank from corrosion.