On average, a water heater should last for at least a decade assuming that it’s properly maintained and installed. However, there are a number of factors that impact how long it will actually last. The primary factor is the type of water heater that you have.
Life Expectancy of Various Types of Water Heaters
Solar water heaters typically last the longest of this type of product because they use the sun instead of other energy sources to operate. This often means that there are fewer parts to operate, which means that there is a lower risk of something breaking or otherwise not working properly. You can typically get up to 20 years of effective operation with a solar water heater.
A heat pump water heater also tends to last longer than a conventional water heater because it operates efficiently. In most cases, you’ll get about 10 to 15 years from this type of product. The other two main types of water heater include tankless and conventional tank heaters.
As the names suggest, a tankless water heater delivers hot water on demand through a pipe whenever you turn on the faucet. A conventional hot water heater will hold around 40 gallons of water that is heated and distributed throughout the house to whichever space needs it. These types of products typically last for closer to a decade.
Signs That a Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced
Unfortunately, many of the signs that a water heater needs to be replaced are hidden from view. For instance, you can’t tell if there is rust or other issues inside of a holding tank that need to be resolved.
However, you may be able to infer the presence of a tank rupture or sediment buildup by what comes out of the faucet. If you see grayish water, it may be caused by sediment in the tank. A buildup may also result in water that can’t be heated or cooled in a consistent manner. Therefore, you may notice that your shower is hotter than you planned or that it’s harder to clean vegetables or dishes in the sink.
You may also notice water starting to pool outside of the water heater itself. The water may be leaking out of the tank or may have been released by the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve. If the T&P valve activates on its own, it may be a clue that there is too much pressure or heat, and this is typically caused by a defect.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Water Heater in a Timely Manner?
Failing to replace a water heater at the first signs of trouble could mean that you’re devoid of hot water with little or no warning. Typically, the heater’s pilot light will just go out or will be put out because of a water leak.
In a worst-case scenario, allowing pressure to build inside of it could lead to an explosion. However, this is a rare occurrence as modern water heaters are designed to minimize the risk of such a thing happening.
Give the Folks at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a Call
If you are in need of a new water heater, you can give the folks at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call right now. We’ll be more than happy to install a new water heater, repair the one that you currently have or help with other plumbing issues that might be ailing your home.