How Long Does A Water Heater Last – Factors That Decide The Lifespan

In this guide, we’ll explore how long does a water heater last and when you should upgrade it. The kind of water passing via your container, and assuming you have followed the tank company’s recommendations for emptying and cleaning the tank yearly, always impacts the tank’s lifetime.

A water heater is indeed a crucial component of house infrastructure, but it, like other equipment, has a finite lifespan. It will be beneficial to understand when upgrading your water heater before it bursts and brings discomfort and damage to your property. Meanwhile, you’ll be coping with tepid water when you want a warm shower and the risk of catastrophic harm to your property.

Quick Summary: With regular servicing and upkeep, a water heater lasts 12 years.

Read more about water heater endurance and the elements that might affect its lifetime.

It’s essential to realize that there have been two types of heaters, each varied lifetime. There are two types of water heating systems: portable and container storage. Since they act uniquely, their longevity fluctuates. Tank heaters continually warm water, whereas portable heaters warm the water just when required. Let’s look at how long does a water heater last.

How Long Does A Water Heater Last

All heating systems get built to survive for more than ten years regardless of type. But, it relies on how you maintain the heater. Detecting and resolving fundamental issues early on may significantly increase the longevity of your heater.

How Long Do Tank heaters Last?

In general, traditional tank heaters have 8 to 12 years of longevity. However, it may survive for 15 years or more if utilized and handled correctly. An electrode in the container draws contaminants in water, preventing rusting of the internal lining. With roughly ten years of use, the electrode in the heater becomes eroded, and no more functions correctly. Erosive materials collect on the inside liner of the tank, especially the bottom, and ruin it. The tank might begin to leak at that moment. Discover how to cope with breaches by reading this guide.

How Long Do Tankless heaters Last?

They utilize innovative technology that allows them to outperform tank heaters. These heating systems offer a 20-year estimated lifetime, and on the contrary, several may survive for up to 30 years. The versatility of this kind of heater to warm water as required has given it the title “on-demand heating system.” Unlike other heaters, they do not need to operate continuously to keep water warm, extending their longevity. Tankless water heaters may rust with time, although the process is significantly slower.

How to replace heatying element of Samsung dryers? Read here.

Factors Affecting The Lifespan of a Water Heater

Several factors can influence the answer to the question How Long Does A Water Heater Last in a positive or negative impact.

Water Quality

If the heater warms rough water often, its lifetime will probably decline by around two years. Rough water includes impurities that may cause limescale to develop in your hot water system, limiting its performance. Purifiers can eliminate impurities before they enter equipment such as your heating system.

Servicing Practices

If you do not undertake routine maintenance, your heater might fail after several years. Water heaters that are well-maintained, on the other end, might survive much more than predicted.

Material

Water heaters constructed of high-quality resources, including glass fibers, are likely to endure more than those built of fewer premium alternatives, such as steel.

Energy Source

Based on the company’s requirements, heating systems may get powered by electric power or gas. Electrical water heaters typically last around 1-2 years more than fuel heaters.

Equipment Placement

If you place your hot water system in a chilly slither area, it will have to work more to keep the water at the right temp, and it will quickly wear out and eventually fail. Heating systems placed in temperature-controlled buildings have a longer life expectancy.

Signs of a Faulty Water Heater

When your heater reaches the age of ten, you can readily recognize the indicators that it is about to fail. Let’s explore a few things to keep a check out for a while utilizing heating systems. Whenever you notice any of the following indicators, it’s time to start thinking about getting a replacement heater.

Growling Sounds

As your heating system matures, you may notice weird sounds coming from it while it warms the water. When you’re using warm water in your residence, the pounding noise may grow much louder. The principal cause of this is silt accumulation at the tank’s bottom. It’s particularly prevalent if you reside in a state without a filtration system, such as Arizona. Many industries prefer flushing the heating system once a year to avoid silt collection at the tank’s base.

Rust Accumulation

If the heater starts to erode, it might mean it’s on its way out. Although many tank water radiators are composed of steel material, they may rust with time. Corrosion may eventually damage the tank, rendering the heater inoperable. Soot and corrode may form surrounding the pressure regulator, fluid intake, and outflow connections. Water heaters that have started to tarnish or erode cannot get repaired.

Tepid Water

If your heater starts producing cold or tepid water rather than heated water, it’s time to replace it. A faulty heat source might cause it. When the heat source and regulator fail, the best part is that you might repair them. But, if your heater generates cold water due to consumption that exceeds its capacity, you’ll have to swap it with a larger one.

Bottom Line

Keeping a close look at your heating system can help you determine when it is better to upgrade it. If your heater commences leaking, rusting, or making unusual sounds, focus on saving for a replacement. When shopping for a new hot water system, look for an energy-efficient one to minimize fuel bills.