At All About Plumbing & Septic, we get this question all the time: How long do water heaters last? The quick and easy answer is that you can generally expect a water heater to last for about 10 years before needing replacement. However, as you might expect, there are various caveats that can decrease or increase the potential lifespan of your home’s water heater.
Continue reading to learn how long different types of water heaters last and what can be done to extend their lifespan. And remember, if you’re located in North Carolina and need experienced professionals to repair or replace your water heater, reach out to the experts at All About Plumbing & Septic today!
How Long Do Water Heaters Last On Average?
As previously mentioned, the average lifespan is about 10 years. More specifically, most water heaters kick the bucket after about 8 to 12 years. However, the lifespan of your water heater will largely depend on the type you have and how much you invest in maintaining it. We’ll go into more detail on both of these factors in the sections below.
Types of Water Heaters
There are two primary types of water heaters for residential buildings: tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. Whether your water heater has a physical tank or not, it can also be subcategorized by the energy source. In other words, tank and tankless water heaters can use gas or electricity to heat water for your home.
Tank Water Heater
A conventional tank water heater will have a set capacity, often maxing out at 80 gallons. This is the amount of hot water it can store. This means that when you turn on the faucet, shower, or washing machine, the tank will begin draining that hot water. It will need to use its energy source (gas or electricity) to refill the tank.
Tank water heaters are more common, but they tend not to last as long. You can generally expect a tank water heater to give out after about 10 years, but depending on usage and a variety of other factors, it could need replacement in as little as 5 or 6 years. Common issues that can cause your tank water heater to break include sediment build-up, corrosion, and a lack of regular maintenance.
Tankless Water Heater
As the name implies, a tankless water heater does not store water in a tank. In fact, it doesn’t store water at all. Whenever you turn on something in your home that requires hot water, the water flows through the device (often mounted on a wall), which quickly heats the water “on demand.” Since tankless water heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water, they are often sized for the specific needs of the home.
On average, tankless water heaters outlast their tank-based counterparts by a wide margin. You can expect a tankless water heater to last anywhere between 15 and 25 years. Even though they’re more efficient and last longer, tankless water heaters are less common in American homes because they require a higher upfront cost. Additionally, like tank water heaters, they require regular maintenance to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Get Water Heater Help From the Experts
Is your water heater nearing the end of its life? Are you looking for professionals to check, maintain, or replace your water heater? Finally, are you located in North Carolina? If so, the experts at All About Plumbing & Septic are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or get a quote!