A residential water heater usually lasts somewhere between 6 and 13 years. If you’re wondering how long your specific water heater will last there are a handful of contributing factors to help you come to a close prediction. These factors are based on the type of heater you have, the type of water running through it, and whether or not it has received regular maintenance. Tank manufacturers typically recommend maintaining a schedule of draining and flushing the tank at least once a year. As a local Milwaukee plumber that does water heater replacement, we have a thorough inside view of this topic. Keep reading for more details that affect the lifespan of water heaters and signs to look out for that indicate it needs replacing.
A Home’s Water Heater’s Life Expectancy
On occasion, a water heater may be able to outlast the average lifespan. Still, the following trends are helpful to refer to if you want to be as prepared as possible. To determine how long your specific heater will last, consider the following:
Traditional water heaters with thanks usually last between 8 and 12 years. The failure of a traditional heater is usually because the rod that protects the interior lining has corroded. This rod is what helps the heater to keep functioning. Once it’s no longer able to do its job, it will start to fail.
Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. This type of heater tends to last longer because it doesn’t keep a supply of hot water maintained within it or requires the use of an anode rod. However, tankless water heaters can still eventually be impacted by corrosion and need to be replaced.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
It’s usually pretty obvious when the heater has taken a turn for the worse. The most common signs are that you have no hot water coming through your faucet or shower, or dripping and puddles in the area the heater is located. Some additional indicators that the time is approaching include:
- The system is old. If you aren’t sure how old your heater is you can use the serial number to locate that information. If it was moved 10+ years ago, it’s reaching the end of its lifespan.
- Water discoloration. If your hot water looks tinted when coming from the spout, it could be a sign of rust. These signs of wear can eventually result in leaking.
- Popping or gurgling sounds. These noises are the result of a buildup of hard water sediment that is heating up inside of the tank.
Find the Right Water Heater for Your Home
If you live in the Milwaukee area and suspect that you are in need of a new water heater, Flow-Rite Plumbing can help! We perform inspections, repairs, routine maintenance, and installations locally. Our plumbers have extensive experience providing services related to both gas and electric water heaters. We can take a look and let you know the best and most affordable action that needs to be taken based on the condition of your heater.
To request a free quote from our professional Milwaukee plumbers for water heater installation and repair, give us a call today!
