How Often You Should Be Replacing A Hot Water Heater To Avoid Disaster

The hot water heater in most homes gets little attention until it malfunctions or fails completely. We need hot water daily, so the ideal situation is to replace an old water heater before things get to this point. Once the device is near the end of its expected life or you notice signs of wear, swapping it out is the best way to avoid disaster.

Age is one of the biggest cues that it is time to replace your water heater. The life expectancy of a water heater varies depending on whether you have a water heater with a tank or a tankless model. Tank water heaters have a shorter lifespan and can be expected to last between eight and 12 years. These water heaters have an anode rod inside the tank that can corrode. They also might experience buildup of sediment and minerals in the bottom of the tank that causes damage.

With a lifespan of 20 years or more with good preventative maintenance, tankless water heaters generally last about twice as long as traditional water heaters. However, these hot water heaters have a higher upfront cost. Whichever model you have, you can maximize its life and performance when you avoid the common mistakes that are shortening the lifespan of your water heater.

Replacing your water heater before the end of its life can help you avoid the inconvenience of a sudden breakdown. The age of the water heater can be one indication, but this is not always an exact science. You may not even know how old it is if it was there when you bought your home. Other factors can also influence the expected life of a hot water heater, such as your water quality and how well the equipment was maintained, making this a loose guide at best.

Watching for signs that it's time to replace the hot water heater can help you get ahead of any potential problems. Some of the signs of wear include leaks in the tank, knocking sounds, rust colored water, a metallic odor, and cloudy water. These signs, combined with the age of the unit, are good indications that the hot water heater should be replaced. Putting off replacement can result in a sudden loss of hot water or damage to your home if the tank fails.

A well-maintained tankless water heater may last beyond 20 years. The unit may need to be replaced if you have noticed frequent error codes, inconsistent water temperature, water pressure issues, or leaks. When the time comes for a new unit, be careful to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when buying a water heater.