A water heater has an average lifespan of eight to twelve years if used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is dependent on the location & design of the unit, as well as the quality of installation and maintenance.
Keeping an eye on your water heater’s health is a significant concern for many homeowners. However, how long will water heaters last?
How long should a customer expect a water heater to last if a water heater breaks down? Is your water heater starting to show its age? It all depends on what kind of water heater you have or how you maintain it.
There are several factors to consider when determining how long a water heater will survive and when to replace it. Water that is discolored, chilly, or clanging sounds are all symptoms that your water heater is on its way out; however, we will get to those issues later.
Proper care and maintenance may extend the life of a new water heater by an estimated 12 years. Some people do not realize that these little-known facts have a significant impact on the lifespan of their water heater.
There is a significant difference between the tank and tank-less water heaters for the time they last. Gas water heaters typically last 8-12 years, but electric ones may last 10-15 years. In addition, there are electric or gas immersion heaters that can vary in longevity.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Water Heater
There are a few telltale symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. If your heater is more than ten years old, it is probably time to replace it if you observe any of the following problems.
Your Tank Is Full Of Sediment
In older appliances, sediment may accumulate at the bottom of the tank and influence the heating components, resulting in inconsistently hot water. Having a lot of silt in the tank reduces the water storage capacity available.
The calcium deposits solidify and produce a thick crust, which causes the heater to generate creaks and rumbling sounds while in operation. This is a telltale indicator of a failing water heater.
You may be able to resolve the problem by having a technician come out, remove the sediment, and perform a system flush. If the appliance is more than a few years old, it may be time to get a new one.
Failure To Maintain The Materials
Constant wear and tear is another prevalent problem, particularly in tanks, which have not been adequately maintained. A leaky water heater indicates that it is out of service and should be replaced as soon as possible.
In addition, if rusty water comes out of your faucets and your water heater is more than ten years old, it’s time to purchase a new one.
Repairing a water heater may be expensive because of the various components that need to be replaced. If it requires more than one repair, it is best to get a new one and make sure you can give it the proper care to ensure its longevity.
There are other indications to be on the lookout for in addition to the three listed above. An experienced plumber should be contacted as soon as any of the below problems arise:
- A pool of water surrounds the heater’s base.
- Building up of limescale in pipes
- Red or yellow colored water
- The taste or smell of hot water is off-putting
How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?
The lifespan of water heaters is one of customers’ most often questioned topics. A tankless heater may last 15 to 20 years with meticulous care and use.
A typical tank water heater is expected to last no more than ten years, to put this in context. In tankless water heaters, the water is heated only when needed.
Whenever we turn on a warm water faucet, the tankless unit will begin to fill with water. As a result, the water will heat up quickly due to the activation of the heating components. The water that comes out of your faucet will be warm in seconds.
Another way is a tank water heater that heats and holds large amounts of water in preparation for when you need it. Your energy expenditures will rise because of water’s constant heating and heating.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Bajaj Splendora 3L 3KW IWH Instant Water Heater, White | 1 year | Upto 20 years |
| RFV1(tm)220V 3sec Instant Tankless Electric Hot Water Heater | 1 year | 15 years |
| AASTIK Tankless Hot and Cold Water | 1 year | Upto 20 years |
| Venus QH33 Tankless Touch-Free Instant Water Heater | 2 years | 10 years |
| Racold Aures 5.5 Kw Horizontal Water Heater, White | 1 year | Upto 20 years |
How Long Do Electric Water Heaters Last?
Today’s water heaters are more efficient than previous types, but they still need to be maintained regularly to extend their lifespans.
A gas water heater should expect to survive between 8 and 12 years, while an electric heater can last between 10 and 15 years with annual maintenance, draining, and cleaning.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Jaquar Elena Prime Storage Water Heater | 2 years | Upto 10 years |
| Crompton IHL 152 1500-Watt Immersion Water Heater | 1 year | 8-10 years |
| Axmon Immersion Rod Water Heater – 1500 Watt Portable | 1 year | 10 years |
| SPAREWARE® Immersion Rod Water Heater | 2 years | 10 years |
| Instant Electric Water Heater | 1 year | 8 years |
How Long Do Rheem Water Heaters Last?
Water heaters heat the water before transporting it to your house through pipes. For optimal efficiency, a water heater must be suitable for your house. With regular care, a Rheem heater may survive for many years.
Rheem water heaters typically survive for eight years. This figure, however, might fluctuate based on the quality and frequency of consumption of your water. Rheem water heaters, for example, may last up to 12 months or more with regular maintenance and servicing.
An adequate water filtering system is an excellent method to guarantee that your Rheem heater lasts for as long as feasible. Water heaters may overheat and wear out prematurely if sediment or other material is present in the water.
Having the water heater cleaned and descaled every two years will also assist remove any calcium deposits that may have built up over the years?
If your Rheem heater is not working correctly, you must have it checked out as soon as possible. Lack of hot water, insufficiently hot water, and water leaks are prevalent problems.
A more efficient water heater is one whose temperature is kept below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you will see a decrease in your monthly electricity cost because of this change.
Insulating your water heater is another way to save electricity. The water heater will have to work harder and use less energy. Most home improvement shops sell water heater insulation blankets, which you may get for a reasonable price.
The Energy Factor is an important consideration when purchasing a new Rheem water heater. More efficient water heaters have a higher EF rating.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Rheem 18kW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater | 2 years | 8-10 years |
| Rheem Prestige High Efficiency 9.5GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | Upto 15 years |
| Rheem RTG-84XLN-1 Performance Mid-Efficiency Tankless 84 Outdoor Water Heater | 2 years | 15-20 years |
| Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 10 years |
| Rheem RTGH-RH11DVLN Condensing Tankless Gas Built-in Recirculation Water Heater | 1 year | Upto 20 years |
How Long Do Ao Smith Water Heaters Last?
Over half of all products sold by AO Smith have a warranty of at least ten years. As a result, even when the warranty expires, the makers anticipate your heater to survive for nearly a decade, if not two decades.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| AO Smith BTR-199 Tank Type Water Heater | 1 year | 8-10 years |
| A.O. Smith XCRL-40 ProMax Short Gas Water Heater, 40 gal | 1 year | 8-10 years |
| AO Smith 40 Gallon 40,000 BTU Water Heater | 2 years | 10 years |
| AO Smith 40 GAL 36,000 BTU Water Heater | 1 year | 10 years |
| AO Smith BTN-250A Tank Type Water Heater with Commercial Natural Gas | 1 year | 10-15 years |
How Long Do Navien Tankless Water Heaters Last?
A Navien tankless heater may last 15 to 20 years, and it can survive much longer if you have it maintained regularly. In contrast to traditional water heaters, which heat a storage tank continually, tankless water heaters only heat water as you need it.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Navien Flow Sensor Tankless Water Heater | 2 years | 15 years |
| Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater | 2 years | 20 years |
| Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 10 years |
| Rinnai RUS65eP Propane Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater | 1 year | 10 years |
| Ecosmart POU 3.5 Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 8 years |
How Long Do Bradford White Water Heaters Last?
Built to be the best, Bradford White water heaters are made to last. Proper installation and maintenance of our water heaters may extend their lifespan to ten years or more.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Bradford White BWC RE340T6-1NCWW 40GAL 240V, 20 x 20 x 62 inches | 1 year | Upto 15 years |
| Bradford White BWC RE350S6-1NCWW 50GAL 240V | 1 year | 10-12 years |
| Bradford White 50 Gallon – 40,000 BTU Defender Safety System Atmospheric Vent Energy Saver Residential Water Heater | 1 year | Upto 8 years |
| Bradford White Rinnai 224051, Small, Chrome | 1 year | 10 years |
| Bradford White 40 Gallon | 2 years | Upto 15 years |
How Long Do Indirect Water Heaters Last?
It is possible to have a year-round hot water supply with an indirect water heater that uses your home’s current heating source. It is reasonable to wonder, “How long do indirect heaters last?” if you are thinking about installing one.
However, the frequency of usage, operating temperature, and water quality may affect how long an indirect water heater lasts. The ID water heater’s life expectancy may be extended using a stainless steel tank and coil arrangement.
Indirect water heaters are suitable with gas-powered boilers but not with forced-air furnaces. When coupled with an energy-efficient boiler or a suitable storage tank, indirect water heaters may supply hot water for a residence at the lowest possible cost.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Turbo Tank Cleaner – Water Heater | 2 years | 10 years |
| AquaMotion Aqua-Flash 70606 Recirculating Pump Kit for Hot Water | 1 year | 15 years |
| Tankless Water Heater Natural Gas, Camplux Instant Hot Water Heater | 1 year | Upto 20 years |
| Ecosmart ECO 24 24 KW at 240-Volt Electric Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 10-12 years |
| Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater | 1 year | 8 years |
How Long Do Reliance Water Heaters Last?
Reliance tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, comparable to other tank choices. Tank-less water heaters have a 20-year life expectancy. Electric heaters have a shorter life than gas heaters.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| RELIANCE WATER HEATER CO 9007884005 Honey Electronic Gas Valve | 2 years | 10 -15 years |
| RELIANCE WATER HEATER CO 9007884005 Honey Electronic Gas Valve | 1 year | 10 years |
| Reliance Water Heater 9007876 Gas Thermopile Assembly, Pack of 1 | 1 year | Upto 8 years |
| Reliance Water Heater CO 100112328 21″ Thermopile Assembly | 1 year | 12 years |
| Reliance Water Heater LIQUID PROPANE Gas Control Valve | 2 years | 20 years |
How Long Do Whirlpool Water Heaters Last?
A lot of thought goes into buying household appliances from a brand you’re not familiar with, from the features it offers to how long it will last. The Whirlpool brand should be at the top of your shopping list if you want a durable appliance.
If you have ever bought from this company previously, you know that the quality and longevity make it well worth the price.
Appliances made by Whirlpool endure longer than those made by most of its competitors do. When it comes to a whirlpool appliance, its lifespan relies on the kind of appliance you choose, its model, or how well you keep it.
For example, about 15 to 18 years is the average lifespan of a Whirlpool Refrigerator. There are 14-year dishwashers and 12-year microwaves on the market.
A whirlpool refrigerator may last up to 17 years, depending on the type. For example, a regular Whirlpool refrigerator has 17 years, whereas a small refrigerator’s lifespan is just 14.
It may be tempting to acquire new equipment regularly, but an investment in a high-quality refrigerator can pay dividends for years to come. Make an informed judgment before you invest your money in one.
Compared to other models, the Whirlpool refrigerator is long-lasting and reasonably priced. It is dependable and inexpensive.
Whirlpool, according to studies, offers the best product quality in a wide range of categories. In terms of pricing and customer service, they have it all.
This company has various styles and sizes to fit your demands and budget. For example, Whirlpool offers a French Door Refrigerator.
The icemaker in this model features a distinctive design with inside LED lights; however, it only offers a few storage choices.
| Water heater model | Warranty period | Usable time |
| Whirlpool Gas Water Heater | 2 years | 20 years |
| American Standard 9075120 Safe-T Heater | 1 year | 15-20 years |
| GESAIL 1000W Electric Immersion Heater, Bucket Water Heater | 2 years | Upto 8 years |
| EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 10 years |
| Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater | 1 year | 8 years |
How Long Do Water Heaters Last With Hard Water?
With hard water, the lifetime of a water heater is predictable. When your water heater first turns on, it produces a steady stream of hot water. It will need some upkeep and probably a few minor repairs along the road. The performance of your water heater will deteriorate with time, and you will come to regret not replacing it sooner rather than later.
However, your water heater may suddenly go wild and develop a severe problem. You may need a new water heater sooner than thought if you have hard water.
Water heaters that do not need a tank are called tankless since they heat water only when it is needed. Because tank-less heaters do not hold water, they tend to survive longer than tank-based heaters.
Hard water tankless systems have a much shorter lifespan if they are not cleaned at least once a year on well water and every two to three years on municipal water. For challenging water locations, they should include sediment filters before the water entry, which will extend the life of their systems.
Conclusion
No one likes to wake up in the morning and discover that the water in his or her shower is not hot enough.
The easiest way to avoid an unexpected breakdown of your water heater is to keep an eye on it. It is a good idea to know how old your unit is and keep an eye out for signs of corrosion or water leaks.
Researching your alternatives, including the sort of water heater you require an area plumbers’ pricing, can help determine the best decision for your house if you need to replace a water heater.
