If you asked anyone who fixes water heaters for a living, “How long do water heaters last?” they would most likely say that it depends. The average homeowner doesn’t think about the longevity of their water heater until something goes wrong. It makes sense, as a water heater’s function affects showers, cooking, and washing dishes and clothes. However, if you’re reading this, we’ll safely assume that you’re not the average homeowner.
Expected service life for different types of water heaters
Tank water heaters have an expected lifespan of between 8 to 13 years, while a tankless system should last 15-20 years. To achieve the upper-end of those ranges, it’s important to keep up with maintenance to prevent corrosion and excess wear and tear.
Traditional water heaters usually come with a warranty of about 5 to 6 years, allowing you to account for any wear and tear that may arise. That is until your warranty expires. Maintaining your home’s water heater for the following 5 or 6 years can be tricky, even with the best-laid budget plans. You can always get a lifetime warranty. However, you’ll eventually have to replace your water heater based on the severity of its wear and tear.
If you want a water heater with a longer life expectancy, get a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters last about 20 years and don’t corrode like more conventional units. Plus, most tankless water heaters have a ten-year warranty, so if your budget allows, it may be a worthwhile long-term investment.
Ways to extend a water heater’s service life
Once minerals begin to corrode the inside of a tank water heater, there’s very little that can stop it. At best, you can probably slow down the process by using your drain valve to flush out the unit every year (removing deposits that have built up since the last draining).
You can also replace parts like the anode rod, which is a sacrificial part that rusts away to protect other water heater parts. Finally, installing a water softener system can counteract the corrosive elements of hard water, which benefits all plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home.
Water heater installation in Evansville, IN
Longevity is just one of many facets to consider when buying a new water heater for your home. At Baylor Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we’re here to answer all your water heater questions and help you choose the optimal solution that will keep your family and budget happy. To schedule a consultation and free estimate, call us today at (812) 425-8435.
