How long does a hot water heater last? It’s a question we hear a lot, and the basic answer is; it depends. There is no set time as to how long a water heater can last. In the worst case scenarios we have seen hot water heaters that only lasted for a few months, because they were very poorly installed (hint: DIY and a cheap hot water heater from a home store is often a BAD idea). But most of the time, a good hot water heater will last for years.
Water heaters are made to be used at home for lengthy periods of time. However, this will all depend on several factors, including the type of water heater, how well it was installed, the quality of the water it is supplied with, how often it is used, and if it is given regular maintenance, among others.
On average though, you can use it for more than a few years, with some homeowners reportedly even using the same water heater at home for several decades with no real issues. But on average, water heaters are designed to work for at least a decade before they give up; around 15 years is its maximum average lifespan.
Although they are designed to do the same things, some types of water heaters last longer than others. The traditional water heater that many people are most familiar with, the tanked heater powered by either gas or electricity, can work without issue for eight to twelve years, on average. The newer tankless hot water heaters, which use a different system, typically last longer, with some offering service for up to two decades.
Can I Help My Hot Water Heater Last Longer?
This is another very common question. Purchasing and having a new water heater installed is something that people understandably want to do as infrequently as possible.
Despite what the manufacturer might state, how long you can use a water heater without real problems will always depend on a number of different factors:
How Well It Was Installed
You may not realize it – although we did just point it out – but how your water heater was installed actually contributes to how long it will last. If it was improperly done, this can damage your water heater and, as we mentioned, its useful lifespan may end up being very short.
The Quality of Your Water
If the water that passes through your water heater is full of sediment – if it is what is commonly known as hard water – it will have to work much harder and this will shorten its lifespan, especially if it is a traditional water heater that constantly runs even if you are not using it. As hard water also affects a number of household appliances in a similar way – washers, dishwashers, even your shower system, talking to a plumber about a whole home water softener is something well worth considering.
Fluctuations in the Electric Supply
This refers specifically for electric water heaters of course, but for those a reliable electrical connection is a must. If it keeps fluctuating, power surges are inevitable and this is one sure way to ruin your unit. This is usually a problem only in older homes today, but still something to consider and have an electrician check out.
How Often It Gets a ‘Tune Up’
Regular maintenance will prevent most of the problems that water heaters usually experience over time, like leaks, noises, corrosion, and the water no longer heating up to your desired temperature, among others.
Only calling in an HVAC specialist when there’s a problem with your hot water heater can be a huge and costly mistake. You know that you would not expect to keep your car running smoothly without a regular trip to the auto shop, so why would you expect anything different from something that works as hard as the average hot water heater is asked to?