How Long Does a Hot Water Heater Last?

We all know there’s nothing more annoying than a cold shower in the morning. When your water heater is on its last legs, that may just be what you experience. So, how long does a water heater last? Redman Services shares the average lifespan of water heating equipment and the maintenance steps you can take to help extend the service life of these appliances.

Why Are Water Heaters Important?

A water heater is an important appliance in any household. It is responsible for providing hot water for all of the daily activities that we take for granted, like showering, bathing, cleaning dishes, and doing the laundry.

There are two main types of water heaters – tank and tankless. Tank water heaters are the most common option and use a large tank to store heated water. The water is warmed by either gas or electricity and is then available for use day or night. Tankless water heaters are a newer technology and are quickly becoming more popular. They work by warming the water as it is needed and sending it directly to the tap. In a tankless water heater, sometimes water can take longer to heat up instead of being instantly hot right out of the tap.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Like any appliance, hot water heaters have a limited service life. However, the average lifespan of a hot water heater is a question that plagues many homeowners, and for good reason. A water heater can be a costly appliance to replace, and you want to see as many years of service from this investment as possible!

The average lifespan of a traditional hot water heater tank is 8 to 12 years. However, if you have a tankless water heater, it’s likely to last 20 years or longer.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Maintenance is important to get the most life out of your hot water heater. By properly maintaining your water heater, homeowners are often able to help the appliance last longer than anticipated. Here are some maintenance tips to help you care for this important plumbing appliance.

• It’s important to regularly inspect your water heater regularly for any signs of damage or water heater leaks. If you find any issues, be sure to get them repaired as soon as possible.
• You should flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment and mineral buildup from inside the unit. This will help keep your water heater running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
• Flushing can be done to hot water tank and tankless water heaters, and tankless water heaters also need to be descaled.
• Save energy, prevent burns, and reduce the amount of work required of your appliance by lowering the water temperature at the water heater’s thermostat.
• Replace the anode rod on the hot water heater tank every 5 years or so. The anode rod attracts any corrosive particles in the water supply, causing these particles to attack the rod rather than eat away at the tank. If you don’t replace the anode rod, your tank can start to corrode.
• Clean the fan blower in a tankless water heater every few months to remove debris. You can clean these components using a can of compressed air.

Call Redman Services for Water Heater Services

Many homeowners often ask the professional plumbers at Redman Services about the lifespan remaining in their hot water heaters. To maximize the lifespan of this appliance, be sure to maintain your hot water heater on a regular basis and have repairs made as soon as you discover problems. Call Redman Services today for water heater repair and installation in Columbia City, IN.