How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Like electricity, hot water is something no one wants to do without. At Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing, we want you to know that we are here to help all our friends and neighbors in the Phoenix area if that happens. In the meantime, there are some hints that let you know what to expect from your water heater at different stages. While we don’t have a crystal ball, years of experience have given us an inside track on some of their telltale signs that all is not well. Here are some answers to questions we get asked most often about water heaters.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

How long your water heater lasts depends upon different factors; as with most things, maintenance can positively affect longevity, such as annual draining and flushing of the tank. The type of water in your area and whether it has more minerals that can build up inside the tank may also impact your heater’s useful life. Finally, different types of tanks have different life expectancies, as well.

  • Traditional tank-type water heater This type of water heater generally lasts from 8-12 years. One reason for the limit is the way it heats the water. Traditional tanks use an anode rod to attract the corrosive elements in the water by electrolysis. Eventually, the rod cannot hold anything else, and the excess settles on the bottom of the tank, where it starts to corrode.  Once that happens, the clock is ticking.
  • Tankless water heaters - These water heaters have a much longer life, sometimes more than 20 years with annual maintenance. Because the water is heated as needed, they only have to work intermittently, not continuously like a traditional tank. However, they will also eventually corrode even though they don’t use anode rods.

What Other Factors Affect the Longevity of a Water Heater?

Water quality is another factor that can reduce the useful life of a water heater. Hard water like we have in the Phoenix area tends to take its toll, reducing the useful life by two or more years. The water’s pH levels, minerals, sediment, chlorine content, and impurities can increase corrosion. 

The location of the water heater is also a consideration. Anywhere that is not well-insulated, like attics, garages, or crawl spaces, can wear out more quickly due to the additional effort to keep the water heated adequately. Wide temperature variations are hard on your water heater.

The water pressure in your home can also affect the life of your heater. High water pressure can not only make your system fail, it can become a safety issue. Generally, the pressure should never exceed 80psi. 

How Can I Tell How Old My Water Heater Is?

If you want to verify the heater’s age, for some brands of water heaters, you can determine the age from the serial number. There should be a section on the upper portion of your water heater with the manufacturer and serial number. The first three characters tell you the month and year it was made. For certain brands, months are designated A-L, with A=January, B=February, etc. If your serial number starts with C16, your water heater was made in March 2016.

How To Tell If It’s Time To Replace a Water Heater?

Wouldn’t it be nice if your water heater could talk? That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about a malfunction that causes water to leak into your house or a sudden absence of hot water when you need it the most. While it may not be what you expect, your water heater will try to warn you of an impending problem. It may be a whisper, or it may be a shout, but if your water heater is sending you any of these SOS signals, call us for service:

  • Your water heater is over ten years old - Consider replacing your aging heater with a new, energy-efficient one.
  • No hot water - Your water heater may be failing. If your family has grown, the tank may no longer be big enough to support your family’s needs.
  • The water is not clear - Dark water or water that has sediment in it means that rust and corrosion are in the tank. It is likely time for a replacement.
  • Noise –  If you have a build-up of sediment in your tank, you may hear loud noises like pops, gurgling, rumbling, or banging. It is probably time to replace it. 
  • Water around the tank - Dampness or standing water around the tank indicates a leak. You may need to replace your water heater. 

Don’t wait for your water heater to tell you there is a problem. Having annual maintenance is a good way to head off potential problems and extend your water heater’s useful life. Keeping your water heater maintained also means it works more efficiently. Between the longer life and the energy efficiency, you’ll save money in the long run by keeping your tank well maintained. 

What Type of Hot Water Heater Do I Need?

Before deciding between a tankless or tank-style water heater, you should first ask yourself a few questions, such as:

  • Are you willing to invest more initially for more energy efficiency, or are you looking for a less expensive option?
  • How much water do you need during peak times?
  • How many people live in your home?

A tankless water heater has a longer life and is more energy-efficient. However, it is more of an investment upfront. If you are considering a tank water heater, you can estimate the size you need based on how many people live in your home:

  • 1-2 people - 23 to 36 gallons
  • 2-4 people - 36 to 46 gallons
  • 3-5 people - 46 to 56 gallons
  • 6 or more people - > 56 gallons plus 10 gallons each for every additional person

Another consideration for choosing your optimal water heater is the first-hour rating. This metric lets you know how much hot water your heater can produce in one hour when fully heated. For example, an FHR of 100 gallons means that you can expect to have up to 100 gallons of hot water to use in one hour. To estimate how much you’ll need, estimate at least 20 gallons per person for bathing or showering, 14 gallons for running the dishwasher, or 30 gallons for running a clothes washer. 

When In Doubt, Call the Day & Night Plumbing Professionals

When your water heater is in the last half of its expected life, be sure to watch for the warning signs. Water in the Phoenix area is hard with a lot of magnesium and calcium. That can be hard on your water heater. If your Phoenix area water heater tells you it’s time to replace it, let the team at Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing help. 

Whether you need us to perform maintenance, repairs, or help you choose a replacement for your old water heater, our experienced and highly trained team can take care of your needs. For questions or to schedule service, please contact us today.