How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Should You Replace the Unit?
If your morning shower suddenly becomes ice-cold, you may need a new water heater
Highlights
Your water heater won’t last forever.
If it’s older than 10 years, it likely needs to be replaced.
If you’re running out of hot water, you might need to repair it.
If your hot water heater is in a bad location, you may need to get a new one or relocate it.
Tankless water heaters last longer than conventional water heaters.
There’s nothing like a hot shower to start your morning off right, and sinking into a bed of freshly washed sheets at the end of a long day can be the most relaxing feeling in the world. You can thank your trusty water heater for these little luxuries. To continue to enjoy these perks, uninterrupted, you’ll need to keep up with water heater maintenance and repair—and recognize when it’s time to replace the unit entirely. So how long does a water heater last, and what are the signs it’s on its last legs? We’ll walk you through this and more below.
How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
The life span of a water heater depends on whether it’s conventional or tankless.
Conventional Water Heater
You can expect a conventional hot water heater to last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, but its life expectancy can vary widely depending on many factors. Larger families place a higher demand on water heaters, which can shorten their lifespan. If you have hard water, then your system may accumulate sediment more quickly and wear down faster. By keeping up with regular water heater maintenance, you can ensure you get a longer lifespan out of your unit.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters last much longer, often up to 20 years. A common issue for conventional water heaters is the failure of the tank itself; this isn’t an issue you have to worry about with a tankless water heater. Keep in mind, though, that a tankless water heater costs about $2,500 on average—roughly double the average cost to install a water heater with a tank ($1,300).
6 Common Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
Water heater problems could mean a simple fix, but they might also require complete replacement. Here are six signs that it’s time to replace your water heater.
1. It Has Outlived Its Life Expectancy
All water heaters reach their limits eventually, some faster than others. This is especially true if your system hasn’t been well-maintained, such as by flushing and draining the hot water heater at least once a year.
Tank-type water heaters have a limited life span and a matching warranty of six, nine, or 12 years, which is a good indicator of what to expect. So if your hot water heater has aged past its prime—for whatever reason—then it’s probably a good idea to replace it.
2. You’re Running Out of Hot Water Too Quickly
If you find that you’re running out of hot water before you can get those dishes washed, the laundry done, or the kids bathed, then you may need a replacement or repair.
If your family requires a lot of hot water each day, then the issue could be that your tank capacity is simply not large enough to meet the demand. In that case, you might choose to replace your standard tank heater with a tankless model.
On the other hand, if your hot water heater is relatively new and has been well-maintained, you might be able to resolve the issue with some fairly simple repairs. You could just have a buildup of sediment, which can usually be resolved just by draining and flushing the system.
Then again, you might have a slightly more complex issue, such as a problem with the heating element. In that case, you should call in a local plumber. In addition to inspecting and replacing heating elements as needed, a plumber can also check your tank and pipes to ensure everything is clear and running smoothly. On average, hot water heater repair costs $600.
3. Your Water Heater Is in a Bad Location
If you find that it takes an eternity for your water to get warm, then it could be that you need to relocate your tank. When it comes to getting ample hot water fast, water heater placement really does matter. The closer your tank is to the points of service, such as your faucets, clothes washer, and dishwasher, the shorter the distance your hot water will have to travel through the pipes. And that means the hot water will reach you faster.
But that’s not the only reason placement matters. If your water heater sits in a hard-to-access area, then you’re going to have a hard time inspecting it, maintaining it, or spotting and repairing leaks when they occur. And that can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs.
If your water heater is hard to reach or too far removed from your points of service, then you might want to place it in a better spot in your home, such as an easily accessible garage or basement close to bathrooms, the kitchen, or the laundry room.
“Better than relocation, another way to solve this problem is to install a recirculation pump,” says Joseph Wood, Expert Review Board member and Boston-based Master Plumber. "They provide instant hot water and cost very little to install or operate.”
You can install a recirculation pump and access hot water faster for about $200 to $400.
4. Your Utility Bills Are Outrageous
If you find that your power bills are costing you an arm and a leg, it could be either that your water heater isn’t working properly or that you need a more energy-efficient model. If your existing system is already designed to be energy efficient, such as having an Energy Star label, then it could mean that your system needs a repair.
For instance, if contaminants are clogging your tank or pipes, then your system will need to work harder, driving up your energy costs. If flushing and draining the system don’t work, then you should consider calling in a local water heater repair contractor for an inspection and repair.
If your hot water heater isn’t designed for energy efficiency—and most older models are not—then it may be worth your while to replace your system with one that is.
5. The Water Has a Rusty Color
If you notice brown or reddish water when you turn on the faucet, the inside of your water heater tank may have started to corrode. If that’s the case, hire a plumber to investigate. They may be able to repair the tank by installing a new zinc anode rod, but if the tank is getting up there in age, it likely makes more sense just to replace the unit entirely.
6. The Water Heater Is Leaking
Regularly check your water heater for signs of water pooling around the base. If you notice standing water, this could be a sign of a leak. However, water may also simply be condensation or simply another leak (for instance, a leak from outside into your basement—a problem in and of itself).
However, if your water heater is leaking, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
What to Do When You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
When you need to replace your water heater, the first thing you should do is check to see if your water heater is still under warranty. Many manufacturers offer warranties that cover full replacements and/or parts replacements, so if yours is covered you may not need to pay for the replacement out of pocket.
If your water heater isn’t covered, you’ll need to pay for the replacement yourself, but rebates and energy incentives in your area may help reduce the cost. Contact a water heater pro to discuss your options. They can recommend the best replacement based on your budget and individual electrical, plumbing, and gas connections. A qualified pro will also ensure that the replacement is installed properly and safely.
Key Considerations When Looking for a New Water Heater
When looking for a new water heater, several factors should be considered, which can help you make the best choice for your home.
Capacity: Residential water heaters typically range from 30 to 80 gallons; the larger the gallon capacity, the more water that can be heated at a given time. So if you have a larger household that uses lots of water, you’ll need a large tank to accommodate it. Smaller households can get away with a smaller tank.
Energy Efficiency: Check the Energy Factor rating of prospective water heaters, which usually ranges from .50 to .98. Higher ratings indicate more efficient units, which can save you money on your energy bills over time. The most efficient water heaters will also have Energy Star certification, so keep an eye out for that as well.
Fuel/Energy Type: Water heaters operate using various energy sources, including propane, natural gas, electricity, and solar. Each type varies by energy efficiency, price, and installation requirements, so research the type that works best for your needs.
Cost: Consider both the upfront and long-term costs of prospective water heaters. Water heaters with high energy efficiency tend to cost the most upfront, but they also have lower operating costs, so they can save you money on your long-term energy bills.
Warranty: Most water heaters come with some type of warranty. Warranties vary by length and coverage, so research the warranties of each prospective water heater to find one that suits your needs.
Installation Requirements: Make sure that any water heater you choose can fit within the space constraints of your home. You should also consider whether you’ll need to make home modifications to accommodate a new system, like upgrading your electrical systems. A qualified pro can help guide you through this process.
Recovery Rate: A water heater’s recovery rate measures how quickly it can heat up a new tank of water. Gas water heaters tend to have the highest recovery rates compared to electric and solar water heaters.
Timothy Moore contributed to this piece.