Find out if it’s time to replace your water heater
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.
We highly recommend inspecting your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.
The life span of a water heater depends on whether it’s conventional or tankless; tankless water heaters last much longer, but they are most expensive.
A conventional hot water heater can 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 life span. If you have hard water, 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 life span out of your unit.
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).
While most water heaters have an average life span of about 10 years, depending on factors, some can last longer (or need to be replaced sooner).
Water heaters that are used more frequently will have shorter life spans. When the water heater needs to heat up large quantities of water, it needs to work harder to do so. In addition, the greater the volume of water running through the heater, the higher the corrosive effect of water on the appliance. Make sure you have a water heater that is appropriate for the size of your home and estimated regular usage—too small a unit will need to work twice as hard, leading to a shorter life span.
Performing regular water heater maintenance and making repairs as soon as they are necessary can prevent bigger problems from forming—ones that could lead to the water heater breaking down completely.
If you live somewhere with hard water, the higher mineral content can lead to build up and reduce the water heater’s efficiency and lifespan. Regardless of the hardness of your water, be sure to periodically flush the water heater system to remove buildup. Some newer models come equipped with a self-flushing feature.
Correct water heater installation is imperative. A water heater installation expert near you should be able to pick the best location for your water heater, after considering important factors such as ventilation, accessibility, and insulation.
Not every water heater model is created equal. Do your research and buy a brand with good reviews. You should also look for a water heater with a comprehensive warranty; manufacturers should stand by their products. Finally, read about the water heater’s construction materials. Porcelain casing, for example, can protect your unit from rusting and offer higher heat insulation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your power bills are costing you an arm and a leg, it could be 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.
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.
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.
These small steps can increase the life span of your water and save you money on repairs and replacement.
Regular maintenance checks: While it’s important to have a professional perform regular water heater maintenance, it’s a good idea to do your own checks and look for any cracks or leaks that need to be addressed immediately.
Flush the tank: Once per year, flush the tank and have it cleaned.
Check the anode rod: The anode rod prevents the tank from corroding and from rust, but the anode rod itself can become rusty—when this happens, it needs to be replaced before the rust spreads to the rest of the tank.
Insulate: Insulating your water heater will help it work more efficiently.
Buy a water softener: Soft water has fewer minerals, which helps prevent buildup in the water heater.
Most water heaters come with some type of warranty. These warranties typically cover labor, defective parts, the tank’s lining, and the heat exchanger. Depending on the manufacturer and model, water heater warranties usually vary from 3 to 12 years. Tankless models often have longer warranties, ranging between 10 and 12 years. Be sure to research the warranties of each prospective water heater to find one that suits your needs.
Most water heaters last about 10 years, though some high-efficiency and tankless models can last more than 20. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to consider replacing your unit.
No hot water
Tepid or lukewarm water
Water has a metallic taste
Water leaking from the unit
Discolored water when the hot water tap is on
Loud, random sounds coming from the water heater: popping, banging, or rumbling
Higher-than-usual utility bill costs
The average cost to replace a water heater is $850 to $1,700—this is for professional installation and includes the water heater itself. Hiring a professional is always best; DIY water heater installation is an advanced project that inexperienced homeowners should not try to tackle on their own.
Many cities have recycling centers that accept old water heaters. You should always check the recycling center’s website or give them a call to confirm they are able to take the unit. As an alternative, some scrap yards will buy non-functioning water heaters for their scrap metal. The metal in water heaters is not very valuable—they are usually made from aluminum or steel—so you should expect to make less than $50.
