How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Your water heater is usually something you don’t think about unless there’s something wrong with it. But, whether it’s taking a shower first thing in the morning or washing the dishes after dinner, water heaters play an important role in our daily lives.

A normal water heater tends to last about ten years. But, in order for it to last that long, you will need to keep up with normal maintenance to keep it functioning properly.

Throughout this article, we will explain how to maintain your water heater and when you need a new one. We will also discuss why you should consider a tankless water heater. So, read on!

How to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer

So you want to extend the life of your water heater and save money on your bills? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips to help maintain your current water heater so you won’t have to replace it.

Test and Replace the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is vital to your water heater. It releases built-up pressure to avoid an explosion. The pressure relief valve can build up rust and mineral salt, so you will need to make sure it is free and clear of any of these accumulations.

The pressure relief valve will be located on the top or side of your water heater. First, put a bucket underneath the discharge pipe of your water heater. Then, raise and lower the valve multiple times. Hot water should release from the discharge pipe and into the bucket. Be careful of any splashing, as the water will be hot! If only a little trickle of water comes out or no water comes out, you will need to replace the valve. You should do this once every six months.

Here is a Rheem Pressure Relief Valve from Amazon. Most valves are ¾ inch in diameter, but make sure you get the correct size for your water heater.

Here’s how to replace the pressure relief valve:

1. You’ll first need to turn off the circuit breaker. You should also set the gas control valve to the “pilot” setting.
2. Turn the cold water valve off.
3. You’ll then need to drain the entire tank. (Scroll down for steps to draining the tank entirely).
4. Once the tank is drained, unscrew the discharge pipe and then the pressure relief valve.
5. Using plumber’s tape, wrap the new threads of your new pressure relief valve and then screw it in.
6. Next, you’ll want to fill your tank back up.
7. Turn the cold water valve back on.
8. Turn your circuit breaker and change the gas control valve back.

Drain Any Settled Sediment in Your Tank

Sediment can build up at the bottom of your tank. This can cause the water heater not to work as well as normal. It will then have to work harder to heat your water, causing a huge spike in your energy and water bills. It’s suggested to do this at least once a year.

Here’s how to drain the sediment:

1. Turn off your circuit breaker and set the gas control valve to the “pilot” setting.
2. Turn the cold water valve off so that no water moves into the tank while you are draining it.
3. Let the water in the tank cool off before you drain it. This may take a few hours, but you do not want to get burned by the hot water.
4. Grab your garden hose and attach it directly to the drain valve. You will find this valve on the side of your water heater. Make sure the garden hose is tight enough to avoid any leaks.
5. Once attached, move the other side of your garden hose to a bucket, drain, or somewhere water can freely flow.
6. Turn on some of your faucets in your house to avoid creating a vacuum.
7. Grab a flathead screwdriver. Using the screwdriver, turn the drain valve on. Make sure you do this step slowly.
8. Drain the tank completely.
9. Next, you’ll want to fill your tank back up with sediment-free water. To do this, turn the drain valve back off.
10. Unscrew the hose.
11. Turn the cold water valve back on.
12. Turn your circuit breaker and change the gas control valve back.

Examine Your Anode Rod

The anode rod is very important to the longevity of your water heater. It attracts corrosive elements in the water. Therefore, it corrodes, and once it corrodes enough, you will have to replace it. You should replace an anode rod at least every three years.

Here’s how to check your anode rod:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker. You should also set the gas control valve to the “pilot” setting.
2. Turn the cold water valve off.
3. Turn on some of your faucets to avoid creating a vacuum.
4. Drain about 10-15% of the water out of the tank.
5. Locate your anode rod. It should be located on the top of your water heater.
6. Using a wrench, remove the anode rod. It should be corroded, but if there is not much left of the anode rod, you’ll need to replace it. Here is an E-SDS Magnesium Anode Rod from Amazon.
7. If you want to replace the anode rod, the next step would be to wrap the new anode rod’s threads with plumber’s tape.
8. Insert the new anode rod and tighten it using a wrench.
9. Turn the cold water valve back on.
10. Turn the circuit breaker back on and set the gas control valve back.

Keep Your Water Pressure Below 90 PSI

Of course, you’ll want to have good water pressure, especially in your shower. But, in order to maintain your water heater, it is best to keep your water pressure below 90 PSI. A higher PSI can actually damage your water heater, causing you to have to replace it.

When to Actually Replace Your Water Heater

If you’ve carefully maintained your water heater, it should have lasted for about ten years. After these ten years, things may start to become faulty in the water heater, and thus, it will need to be replaced.

Here are five reasons to replace your water heater:

• Age: It’s been ten years since you’ve gotten a new water heater. Whether or not it is showing any signs of its age, it may be time to replace it.
• No heat: If your water heater is ten years old and not heating up, then most likely, you’ll need to replace it.
• Rusty water: Pay attention to what’s coming out of your faucets and showerheads. If rusty water is flowing, it is time to replace your water heater.
• Noise: If your water heater is making noise, even after you have flushed it for sediment, it’s time to look into a new water heater. A good water heater makes no noise.
• Leak: First, check all of your connections and fittings, and make sure they are all secured tightly. If they are, and your water heater is still leaking, then there is a problem with the actual tank, and it will need to be replaced.

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy a new water heater, it is imperative that you call a plumber to install it. Although costly, a professional should really install your new hot water heater. If you decide to install it yourself, you’ll need a special permit and also have it safety inspected.

Why You Should Consider a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have been becoming more popular as of late due to their cost-efficiency. But, while there are many advantages to these units, there are also some downsides. We will now discuss the pros and cons of buying a tankless water heater.

The Pros of Having a Tankless Water Heater

• Tankless water heaters use about 30-50 percent less energy than a normal water heater with a tank.
• While a normal water heater keeps 40 to 50 gallons of water hot at any given time inside its tank, these “on-demand” units only heat water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, saving you money on your energy bills.
• Tankless water heaters are much smaller than big, bulky water heaters with tanks. They’re so much smaller, in fact, that you can mount them right on the wall and keep them out of the way.
• These units offer a continuous supply of hot water, making it perfect for a shower or a bath.
• Tankless water heaters tend to last much longer than water heaters with tanks. While water heaters with tanks only last about ten years, tankless water heaters can last double that amount of time.

The Cons of Having a Tankless Water Heater

• Tankless gas water heaters need to be vented to the outside.
• Most tankless water heaters can’t heat up enough water to serve two faucets at once, so if you have one, you won’t be able to take a shower and do laundry at the same time.
• Tankless electric water heaters have a high electric power draw since they need to heat water instantly, possibly increasing your electric bill.

Five of the Best Tankless Water Heaters

So you’ve read the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, and you’ve decided to purchase one. Before you do, make sure you’re buying one that is the right size for your hot water needs. You must also make sure the water heater you are buying matches your electrical requirements.

Here are five of the best electric tankless water heaters available on Amazon:

• EcoTouch Tankless Electric Water Heater: With this tankless electric water heater, you can purchase it in black or white, and you also have the option of getting a remote with it to change the settings easily.
• EcoSmart Electric Tankless Water Heater: This tankless electric water heater boasts that you will save 50 percent on your water heating costs. You can also choose whether to purchase just the water heater or bundle it with a scale inhibition system or a service valve kit.
• Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater: This unit is a little more expensive, but offers a seven-year leakage warranty. It also offers many different kilowatt options for your home’s electric requirements.
• Bosch Electrical Mini-Tank Water Heater: You can purchase this Bosch water heater in two different sizes: 4 gallons or 7 gallons. It can also supply up to two sinks at once. It’s mini, so it’s perfect for small spaces!
• Camplux Electric Tankless Water Heater: This unit has a flexible 360-degree installation. It also has a rotatable LED digital temperature display.

Final Thoughts

We tend not to notice our water heaters until they break. Once they do, we panic, thinking we have to buy a brand new one. But, there are certain precautions you can take to maintain your water heater and extend its life span to its full ten years.

Every six months, make sure you test the pressure relief valve and replace it if necessary. Every year, drain the tank for any built-up sediment. Every three years, be sure to replace your anode rod, as it easily corrodes. Also, keep your water pressure below 90 PSI.

After ten years, things may start to become faulty. You may get rusty water or a noisy unit. In these cases, you should absolutely replace your water heater.