What is the life expectancy of your water heater?

When it comes to newly purchased water heaters, you likely won’t expect for it to break down or have issues for quite some time. Understanding the life expectancy of your water heater can help you prepare for future costs.

How long do water heaters last?

The simple answer to this question is: the average age of a water heater depends on water quality at your location, how often you use it and how often it is maintained.

Factors that affect the life expectancy of a water heater:

• The type of water heater and where you are located:
  • While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located.
  • The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater. If you are in an area with sediment-heavy water, this will greatly depreciate its lifespan.
  • Electric models carry slightly better average life spans.
• The frequency of maintenance of a water heater impacts how long it lasts. A regular maintenance schedule is recommended to ensure it remains in good condition.
• Tank vs tankless: Since tankless heaters don’t handle the stress of storing and heating water (even when not in use), they can last possibly double the life of traditional gas or electric storage heaters.

How do you know when to replace your water heater?

To prevent your water heater breaking down on you, here are some signs that it is nearing its replacement age:

• Gurgling or popping noises: When sediment explodes inside your water tank, these noises will be a warning sign.
• Moisture or puddles of water around the tank: These can be signs of a leak.
• Water quality: If you suddenly notice the hot water you use looking or feeling different—these can often be the first sign of needing a new heater.

When it comes time to shop for a new hot water heater, let Yes! help you make an informed choice in your investment.

For additional information on plumbing services, call our team at 844-216-9300 and speak with a technician today.

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