(208) 466-3707Have you just moved into a home and you’re wondering how long you can expect your water heater to last? Are you buying a new unit and wondering about the life expectancy of water heaters? Don’t fret, your Boise water heater experts at Dillon Plumbing are here to help. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Will My Water Heater Last?
The lifespan of a water heater is impacted by a variety of factors. The lifespan of the water heater is influenced by several factors, including its age, whether it receives routine maintenance, the quality of the water, and the frequency of use. There are expectations for how long a water heater will last based on type, even though a water heater may be able to outlive average estimates.
For instance, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, while a traditional tank-style water heater may last between 10 to 15 years. However, proper maintenance and regular inspections can help extend the lifespan of any type of water heater.
Lifespan of Conventional Water Heaters
Most conventional water heaters last 8-12 years. If they are well cared for and/or you get lucky, yours may last 15+ years or even more. However, the average lifespan of a water heater comes in right around 10 years. Regular water heater maintenance can help extend the life of your water heater
Lifespan of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters should last at least 20 years. Some units will last 30 years or more, especially if you maintain them regularly. Make sure that you are flushing your water heater and getting yearly maintenance so that it stays in tip top shape!
How Old is Your Water Heater?
Not sure how old your water heater is? There’s an easy way to tell on many units. Find the serial number and look at the first three digits. The first, a letter, usually represents the month the heater was made with a letter A-L. “A” is January, “B” is February, etc.
The next two digits are usually numbers and they are the last two digits of the year the water heater was made. “21” would be 2021, etc.
If you see other digits, you may need to contact the heater’s manufacturer or enter them on the maker’s website to see when your heater was made.
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Regardless of the average lifespan of a water heater, you should replace yours when:
- You need to repair your water heater and the cost of doing so is more than half the cost of replacement
- Your water heater is too small for your water heating needs
- Your water heater is leaking and can’t be fixed
- Your water heater has too much sediment to function properly
There are other signs it’s time to replace your water heater, but if you’re not getting enough hot water, or if the bills are too high, you should probably consider upgrading your unit, especially if it’s over 10 years old!
Get Water Heater Help Today
Whether you’re wondering about the life expectancy of water heaters or it’s time to install a new one in your home, call us at Dillon Plumbing today. We’ll get to you fast and help you find the very best water heater for your home and your needs. We can handle water heater repairs, replacements, installations, and maintenance, so make your appointment today!