A water heater is an essential appliance in every home, with millions of American households using these appliances every day. You can count on them for hot water in various applications, from taking showers after a long day to doing loads of dishes and laundry — but how long does a water heater last?
Like any appliance, water heaters don’t last forever. They can last a couple of decades, but the exact lifespan hinges on the type, usage, maintenance, and water quality. This article delves into the specifics of water heaters, how long they last, and how you can extend your water heater’s life expectancy.
- Tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater, but tankless models are on the rise.
- Most water heaters last between eight and 20 years, although it depends on the type.
- Water heaters usually display a few key signs of failure on their way out, including poor performance, leaks, cold water, and abnormal noises.
Looking for maintenance tips to extend the life of your water heater? Watch our video below to learn about maintaining your water heater.
What Are the Types of Water Heaters and Their Average Lifespans?
Water heaters come in various types, shapes, and sizes, each with its own unique merits. Below we’ll delve into the common types of water heaters, their benefits, drawbacks, and average life expectancies.
Tank Water Heaters
A tank water heater is the most common type of water heater in residential settings. As the name implies, these water heaters feature a large tank that holds water. These are typically gas water heaters, but they come in electric water heater varieties too.
In both types, the pipe brings cool water into the tank, where the heating elements raise the water temperature. The warm water rises to the top of the tank, where the hot water exit pipe pulls the heated water into the plumbing and ships it on demand to wherever it needs to go.
The tank continually heats the water to ensure it remains hot and ready. This translates to lower efficiency, as the system continually uses energy to keep the water hot. However, these systems can deliver a large amount of water in a short period, come in various sizes, and are less expensive than other options.
These systems usually last between eight and 12 years, although the exact lifespan varies based on your situation.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular alternative to their tank-style counterparts, as they provide superior energy efficiency. Unlike tank water heaters, these models produce hot water on demand and never store heated water in a tank.
These models are available in two types: boiler-mounted and standalone. Boiler-mounted models employ your boiler for generating heat, while standalone models complete the process themselves.
When you need hot water, cool water passes through the heater and through the heater’s heat exchanger. Natural gas or electric elements in the system heat the water and send it on its way, ensuring you always have hot water when you need it.
Since these systems don’t store and continually heat water, they’re more energy efficient than tank water heaters. They offer an impressive lifespan of 15 to 20 years, sometimes lasting over double the expectancy of a standard tank water heater. However, they’re usually much pricier and may not keep up in high-demand situations.
You can use a tankless water heater along with a traditional tank water heater in your home. Suppose you want instant hot water in your kitchen sink or master bath. In that case, you can use a tankless water heater to supply it while using a tank water heater for the rest of your home.
Hybrid Water Heaters
A hybrid water heater, also known as a heat pump water heater, offers a different take on producing hot water for your home. These systems combine HVAC with plumbing to create a more efficient unit.
The heat pump draws heat from outside air into the heater’s evaporator coil. This coil contains refrigerant, which allows it to absorb the heat. The heat exchanger inside the system utilizes the heat to warm the water within the tank to the correct temperature before sending it throughout your home.
These systems are incredibly efficient, especially compared to standard tank water heaters. They can last 15 years or longer, although most last between 13 and 15 years. However, they’re not suitable for every climate, as they pull heat from outside to warm water for your home.
Some of our favorite hybrid water heaters are the Rheem Proterra and Performance Platinum water heaters.
Solar Water Heaters
A solar water heater is an eco-friendly alternative to other water heating sources. There are two types of solar water heaters: active and passive. Active systems employ circulating pumps and operate by circulating water through the collectors and into your home or by moving a non-freezing heat transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger.
Passive solar water heaters don’t have circulating pumps. Instead, they feature a storage tank with a translucent material that allows the sun to heat water. The warmed water flows into the plumbing system to ensure you have warm water in your home. These systems can also feature a collector on the roof that heats the water before sending it into your home’s plumbing system.
Since these systems use the power of the sun to heat the water, they offer excellent savings on your water heating bill. These systems can last anywhere between 10 and 25 years, depending on usage and maintenance. However, they’re pricey and may not be suitable for all climates.
Compare Water Heater Costs by Type
Each water heater has its merits, making each type best suited to different applications. The chart below outlines average costs and life expectancies to help you choose the best option for your home.
| Type | Cost | Lifespan |
| Hybrid Water Heater | $1,200 – $5,300 | 13 – 15 years |
| Solar Water Heater | $3,000 – $9,000 | 10 – 25 years |
| Tank Water Heater | $500 – $1,200 | 8 – 12 years |
| Tankless Water Heater | $750 – $2,300 | 15 –20 years |
What Are Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement?
As your water heater nears the end of its years, it will likely show several telltale signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement. Common signs your water heater needs a replacement include the ones we’ve outlined below.
Age
Like most appliances, a water heater’s age can be a helpful indicator signaling it’s time for a replacement. As the appliance ages, you might notice various issues arise, or it might not function as well as it used to. If it’s closing in on the end of its life expectancy or has already surpassed it, you may want to consider a replacement.
Generally, you can determine the age of your water heater by examining the label on the side of your water heater. It should include an installation date that will give you a ballpark idea of how old the system is.
Alternatively, you can check the serial number. The first two characters in the serial code are the manufacturing year, while the third and fourth characters indicate the month (example 2308 = August 2023). You can determine whether the system is at or beyond its life expectancy using the lifespan chart data for each type of water heater.
Leaks
Minor leaks in your water heater system setup are relatively normal throughout the lifespan of your unit. However, as time closes in on the end of the system’s life expectancy, you may notice more frequent issues like chronic leaks.
Check for leaks by examining the system. Look for signs of water damage on the walls or floor around the tank. Inspect the tank and surrounding pipes for signs of rust or corrosion. If you find water damage or rust, there’s a good chance the system has a leak.
Some leaks are easily repairable by tightening loose connections, replacing worn-out valves, or flushing the tank. However, if the leak is significant and the repair is costly, it might be more cost-effective to replace the system. This way, you won’t pour money into something that will likely tap out within the next year or two.
Noise
Your water heater shouldn’t make an excessive amount of noise. While some noise here and there is normal, frequent noise can indicate a problem. For example, humming or banging could indicate there are components coming loose inside the system. Repairing this problem can be as simple as tightening the loose parts.
Hissing, popping, or rumbling noises can indicate other problems. For example, sediment buildup or scale formation can cause unpleasant noises, but repairing the problem is as simple as flushing the tank or descaling the heating elements.
In some cases, loud noises from your water heater could indicate a major problem that entails a costly repair. If the system is at the end of its lifespan, replacing the unit might be the most logical option.
Performance
Like most appliances, a water heater’s performance usually begins to wane as it closes in on its last days. You may notice it doesn’t produce hot water like it used to, leaving your home without an efficient hot water producer.
You might notice telltale performance issues, including insufficient hot water, fluctuating temperature, low pressure, and smelly or discolored water.
You can evaluate the system’s performance by checking the temperature, water pressure, and water flow. If these metrics are far below standard, it might be time to replace the system. Call a professional to check the system if you’re unsure whether your water heater’s performance is up to par.
Sometimes, correcting performance issues is straightforward, and a replacement is unnecessary. It might be as easy as adjusting the thermostat, cleaning the aerator, or replacing the anode rod ― it all depends on the problem.
Remember, you can always contact a professional if you’re unsure whether these signs and symptoms indicate a replacement is necessary. A professional can thoroughly evaluate the system to determine whether it’s time to replace it or if you can squeeze a few more years of use out of it with a repair.
How Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater? (3 Tips)
A handful of factors can impact how long your water heater lasts. If you stay on top of these factors, you can extend the lifespan of your water heater, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase before a replacement is necessary.
Regular Maintenance
Routine water heater maintenance is an integral part of the upkeep of a water heater. By staying on top of routine maintenance tasks, you can reap the benefits of smooth functionality, from improved efficiency to fewer breakdowns requiring expensive repairs.
The exact maintenance routine necessary for your water heater hinges on factors specific to your water heater, including the type, location, and home specifics. In general, you should routinely inspect the system for leaks, listen for abnormal noises, and check for damage and other warning signs. On top of that, ensure you test the pressure relief valve for proper function and drain the tank once a year. These checks and maintenance tasks will help prevent unexpected failures and emergency plumbing costs.
Aside from the basics, you’ll need to complete maintenance tasks specific to your water heater type. For example, if you have a tankless water heater, you’ll need to replace the system periodically. If you have a tank water heater, you’ll need to flush the system to remove sediment when it builds up at the bottom of the tank.
Heat pump cleaning is critical for the hybrid models, and examining the solar panels for solar water heaters is essential for those models.
Water Quality
The quality of the water in your home can impact the longevity and functionality of your water heater. Hard water is notorious for causing issues such as corrosion, scale, or sediment buildup, so it’s not a bad idea to test your home’s water to determine its hardness.
There are a couple of ways to test the water quality in your home, including using a water hardness kit, a pH meter, or a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter. You can use the results of the test to make appropriate adjustments to your water.
You might need to install a water softener, a water filter, or a water conditioner — it depends on the quality of your home’s water. If you’re unsure how to test the water quality or correct the issue, consult a professional plumber.
Energy Efficiency
Lastly, consider the energy efficiency of each unit. Choosing an energy-efficient water heater can be an excellent choice for many homeowners, as it can reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bills, and minimize environmental impact.
There are a couple of ways you can do this, regardless of the type you choose. For example, you could lower the thermostat setting, insulate the tank and pipes to prevent heat loss, use timers or smart controllers, or upgrade to a more efficient model.
If you’re investing in a new water heater, we recommend looking for an ENERGY STAR label. Alternatively, compare the energy factor (EF) or uniform energy factor (UEF) ratings of each model.
How Should You Choose a New Water Heater for Your Home?
Choosing a new water heater for your home requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you shop.
Size
Size is a pivotal deciding factor when shopping for a new water heater. You’ll need a system large enough to keep up with hot water demands in your home, or you’ll end up running out of hot water too quickly. While on-demand water heaters are designed to keep up, sizing is still a critical consideration.
There are a couple of ways to determine the best size for your home. For example, you could use the peak hour demand method. Using this model, you would determine the most amount of water your household uses in a day. For example, you might run the dishwasher while two people shower. The total number of gallons you use in that peak hour will help you determine how large a system you need for your home.
It’s important to note that the best calculation for your home will depend on the type of system you plan to buy. The chart below outlines a general idea of sizes and capacities for various households.
| Gallon Capacity | Number of People in the Household |
| 30 to 40 gallons | 1 – 2 |
| 40 to 50 gallons | 2 – 3 |
| 50 to 60 gallons | 3 – 4 |
| 60 to 80 gallons | 5+ |
Fuel Source
Consider the fuel sources available to you. Natural gas can be an excellent option for those who have access to natural gas lines. However, if you don’t have access to these lines, electricity might be a solid alternative. Propane tanks can also provide fuel to power the water heater and work well in rural areas. If you live in a sunny, warm climate, a solar model might be perfect for you.
The average costs of fuel sources will vary based on your location and other factors specific to your situation. For example, you might pay around $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity and $0.50 for natural gas, depending on where you live in the United States. In this case, it could be cheaper for you to use an electric water heater. That said, it takes more units of electricity to heat water than units of gas. It all depends on factors specific to your situation. Thankfully, a local plumber with experience in your area and knowledge of local gas and electricity rates will be able to tell which option is best for your home.
Installation
Installation is the last piece in the puzzle, bringing the entire setup together into a functioning system. When installing a water heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes to a tee. This will ensure you install the system safely and correctly.
Remember to follow safety procedures, such as turning off the power and water before you get started, safely removing the old unit, and testing the new setup for proper function. While avid DIYers might be able to figure out water heater installation on their own, it’s usually best to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to complete this project. So, get multiple quotes to find the best water heater installation cost.
This way, you’ll get a properly installed water heater that is backed by a warranty and a service plan.
So, How Long Can You Expect Your Water Heater to Last?
Water heaters aren’t designed to last forever. On average, you can expect to get between eight and 20 years out of your water heater, although the lifespan hinges entirely on factors specific to your situation. If you suspect your water heater is on its way out, look for telltale signs that indicate it’s reaching the end of its lifespan.
If you’re unsure whether your water heater has life left in it or if it’s time for a replacement, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
FAQs About How Long Water Heaters Last
How do you know when a hot water heater needs to be replaced?
Water heaters usually display a few signs when they’re on their way out. For example, you might notice poor performance, abnormal noises, or leaks.
How often should you flush your water heater?
Generally, it’s best to flush a water heater every six months. However, if you have hard water, you might want to flush it more frequently.
What is the lifespan of a water heater?
A water heater can last anywhere from eight to 20-plus years. It all depends on the type you choose and how you maintain it.
