This is a good question and one that we get pretty often. Water heaters come in all shapes and sizes so there’s bound to be a bit of variance when it comes to their lifespans.
However, there is also a lot of misinformation out there, and you might have neighbors or coworkers that tell you about their “25-year-old water heater that’s still working just fine.” Unfortunately, no water heater is going to last that long without some serious concerns.
But how long is a water heater supposed to last? Is getting your water heater replaced soon a good idea, or should you just save money for water heater services in Boynton Beach, FL?
We can’t really give you specific advice until we get a closer look at your system, but we can give you some general tips on when to replace your water heater, and when it might just need a quick fix.
The Guidelines
In order to understand just how long your water heater is going to last, we need to talk about some of the factors that weigh heavily on its lifespan. Here are just a few that we recommend you pay attention to.
The Type of Water Heater
Let’s get one thing straight: both tank water heaters and tankless systems can last for a long time. But they have different expected lifespans which can impact the decision that a homeowner might make when purchasing a new one.
Storage tank water heaters will last 10-12 years depending on other factors, but they rarely ever last beyond this. A 15-year-old tank water heater is really pushing it.
Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, will last 15-20 years. This is simply due to the fact that they don’t undergo the lifetime effects of storing water.
With minimal water contact, a tankless system can remain in better shape for longer. But tankless systems are also more expensive to have installed, so that might not be worth the cost for many customers.
The Maintenance and Repair Costs
One thing to consider is how problematic your water heater has been in the past few years.
If you’ve needed constant repairs, or your maintenance appointments have run late due to just how many issues the system is dealing with, then you might want to replace it earlier on.
Frequent repair needs are usually a bad sign that the system is on its way out.
Sediment and Hard Water
Hard water can severely wear down a water heating system. The amount of minerals in your water can cause problems like sediment build-up and issues with heat regulation.
If you’ve got hard water in your home, you can assume your water heater might not last as long as others.
Power and Efficiency
If you’re not happy with the power or efficiency of your water heater, then it’s time to replace it with one that does.
It might be the perfect opportunity to replace your old tank water heater with a new and improved tankless system that can cut down your heating bills while providing excellent hot water.
At Admiral Plumbing Services, LLC, you can count on nice people and super service. Call our super-friendly team today!
