How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
As a company that has been servicing Wichita, Kansas homes since 1996, we know exactly how frustrating it can be for homeowners to experience a damaged water heater. It’s not just about missing out on hot water. Ruptured water tanks can release dozens of gallons of water, damaging floors and flooding walls. If left unchecked, it can lead to mold and expensive repairs. That’s why Comfort Systems provides 24/7 emergency services 365 days a year.
As a company that provides in-house financing alongside licensed and bonded technicians and installers, we promise we’ll be there when you need us most. However, as a homeowner, there are several signs it’s time to replace your water heater. So, how long does a hot water heater last? More importantly, what are the signs that it’s time to replace your water heater?
Key Takeaways
How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
Comfort Systems supports, services, maintains, and installs both traditional water heaters and tankless water heaters. The average lifespan of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. Some may last longer, but relying on a water tank past 12 years comes with considerable risk. For tankless water heaters, 20 years or longer is the norm.
For traditional water heaters, sediment buildup in the tank can reduce the efficiency of the unit and shorten its life. However, while sediment buildup is typically a sign of an older water heater, corrosion can become an even greater and more frequent concern as the unit ages.
At Comfort Systems, our water heater maintenance services are designed to maximize the life of your home’s water tank. That means providing preventative maintenance services that detect the most common causes of premature tank failure and taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact.
Ultimately, it’s important to be aware of the age of your water heater rather than simply waiting for it to fail. By staying mindful of your water heater’s age and taking advantage of our maintenance services, you can avoid the high costs of a sudden and catastrophic failure.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
There are several signs to pay attention to when assessing the condition of your water heater to avoid a serious failure. First, always be aware of your unit’s age. Once it approaches 10 years old, older water heaters frequently start to develop problems.
Second, if you start to notice that you don’t have enough hot water throughout the day, it could point to an issue with your water heater. As a unit reaches the end of its lifespan, it often encounters issues with its heating components or sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, negatively impacting performance.
Third, rust or discolored hot water is a clear sign that something is wrong. This typically indicates that corrosion inside the tank is causing a rusty or discolored appearance in the water. Fourth, water pooling in and around the bottom of the tank indicates leaks. Over time, a tank can deteriorate, leading to cracks that allow water to escape.
Other warning signs include strange noises. If you hear rumbling sounds while your water heater is running, it could be caused by hardened sediment at the bottom of the tank. Finally, unexpected spikes in your energy bills serve as another common warning sign.
When combined with a water heater nearing the 8- to 10-year mark, these warning signs strongly suggest that the unit should be replaced.
Water Heater Services From Comfort Systems
Ultimately, deciding whether to replace or repair your water heater is much easier when you know its age. Newer water heaters with minor issues should be repaired by our team. However, if repairs become more frequent and the age of the unit advances, it becomes a choice between replacing it with a new, more efficient model or continuing to pay for repairs.
For homeowners, Comfort Systems is always the go-to solution. From professional inspections, installations, troubleshooting, and maintenance to helping you choose between new models, our services are designed to save you money while ensuring your home’s comfort. Our team will work with you to find the right solution at the right price, supported by flexible financing options.
If you are concerned that your home’s water heater is nearing the end of its life, or if you want to benefit from our routine maintenance services, contact us today.
Not Sure How Old Your Water Heater Is?
Comfort Systems can inspect your water heater, confirm its age and condition, and help you decide between repair and replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How long does a water heater last?
Traditional water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters often last 20 years or longer.
+What are the main signs a water heater needs to be replaced?
An age nearing 10 years, not enough hot water, rust or discolored water, water pooling around the tank, rumbling noises, and rising energy bills are all signs worth taking seriously.
+Why is my water heater making rumbling noises?
Rumbling noises are often caused by hardened sediment that has built up at the bottom of the tank over time.
+Should I repair or replace an aging water heater?
Newer water heaters with minor issues are usually worth repairing. As repairs become more frequent and the unit gets older, it becomes a question of whether continued repairs make sense or a new, more efficient unit is the better investment.
+Does Comfort Systems install tankless water heaters?
Yes, Comfort Systems supports, services, maintains, and installs both traditional and tankless water heaters.
+How do I schedule a water heater inspection with Comfort Systems?
Contact Comfort Systems directly; their licensed and bonded technicians can inspect your water heater and help you decide between repair and replacement.
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