How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

The average water heater can cost over $1,000, and up to $2,000 or $3,000 for new tankless water heaters. If you are buying a new water heater, stretch your dollars to extend the life of your water heater as much as possible. 

Proper installation is crucial for an efficient and long-lasting water heater. Premier Systems gives homeowners peace of mind with professional water heater installation in Bozeman, MT, that meets the most stringent industry standards.

The Short Answer

How Long Does a Water Heater Last? The most important question is what type of water heater you have. Water heaters with storage tanks for hot water can handle larger volumes of water than tankless systems, but they need more maintenance, are more vulnerable to problems, and do not last as long.

On average, a well-maintained conventional water heater should last between eight and twelve years, with ten years being average. However, those numbers do not tell the whole story. If the homeowner neglects the water heater or if it runs in harsh conditions, it could need repair much earlier. 

Tankless water heaters last longer than conventional water heaters. Many factors contribute to the longevity of tankless water heaters:

• A tankless water heater does not hold standing water, so there will be no sediment buildup.
• There is a smaller volume of water within the heater at any given time.
• The smaller size of tankless systems makes it easier to protect tankless water heaters from temperature changes.

Leakage

Some leaks are not as expensive as others. For example, if water is coming from a leak in the pressure relief valve rather than the tank itself, the repair technician could fix the problem simply by replacing the valve.

The answer to the question "How long does a water heater last?" often depends on how much work the homeowner is willing to put into protecting the system from the various threats that can shorten its life.

Is Your Water Heater Working as Well as It Could?

If your water heater’s performance concerns you, look out for signs that it needs urgent maintenance or repairs. Warning signs for water heaters can include:

• An unusual odor or taste in hot water, which could indicate metals are leaching out of the heater.
• Rust or corrosion on the water heater exterior.
• Hot water that goes cold after a short time.
• Increased water usage without another explanation.

Why Water Heaters Develop Problems

How long does a water heater last? One answer is "until its components fail." 

Valves become clogged or leak. Metal corrodes and weakens. Core components of the heating system, such as the combustion chamber, pilot light, and thermostat, can fail. 

Temperature Changes

In Bozeman, MT, extreme cold can cause water heaters to fail prematurely. The pipes and storage tanks for water heaters expand in high temperatures and contract in low temperatures. Over time, the changes create stress on the water heater that eventually leads to cracks or warping. 

Your water heater will be more susceptible to temperature changes if it occupies a room with inadequate heating and insulation. Insulating the room or enclosure that houses the water heater can protect the water heater from cooling.

You can also wrap insulation around the water supply pipe in insulation. The insulation will prevent them from freezing in cold weather and prevent frigid water from the pipes.

Some models of hot water heaters include features that counteract the effect of cold weather. For instance, some tankless heaters turn on automatically if sensors detect cold temperatures and have separate heating elements to warm up the important parts of the heater.

Sediment

Water from the water supply is not pure water. On its way to your house, the natural water supply picks up minerals, and "hard" water has a particularly high concentration of dissolved minerals.

In water heaters with storage tanks, the sediments precipitate out on the walls and sides of the tank. Sediment buildup can be harmful to the water heater in several ways.

Sediment buildup acts as an insulator, forcing the heating element to work harder to heat the water. The sediment can become loose in the tank, potentially damaging the tank as it rattles around inside.

Sediment can also build up on the intake and outflow valves, preventing water from entering the tank or causing pressure to build up within the tank. Either outcome can damage your water heater. 

Working With Your Maintenance Technician to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

As a homeowner, you do not have to take on the responsibility of protecting your water heater. You can save yourself the hassle and get the best protection by setting up a preventive maintenance plan with a trusted water heater maintenance company.

Your water heater maintenance technician can give you tips on setting the temperature of your water heater and changing your usage patterns for hot water in ways that relieve stress on your water heater and boost its efficiency. They might also offer customized recommendations based on the water heater you have and the condition of the plumbing in your home. 

When you talk with your heater maintenance technician, instead of asking, “How Long Does A Water Heater Last?” ask what you can do to keep your heater running as long as possible.

Professional Water Heater Maintenance and Repair From Premier Systems

Whether you have an older water heater or have recently replaced or upgraded your heater, Premier Systems can help. We’ve worked on just about every type of water heater and know how to spot problems early on, prolonging the lifespan of older heaters.

At Premier Systems, we go out of our way to help our customers become familiar with new heating and cooling technology. Call us at 406 599-8083 to speak with a professional, experienced consultant to learn more about our services for tankless water heaters and other state-of-the-art water heaters. For us, the question "How long does a water heater last?" is a challenge for us to achieve higher levels of quality and reliability.