When it comes to major plumbing expenses, the replacement of a water heater is among the most significant appliances a homeowner may need to purchase. Since they don’t come cheap, we often get a lot of questions from customers in need of a new one. One of the most common of those questions is how long should a water heater should last.
There are simple answers and more complicated answers to this question, but in a general sense, most of the water heaters we work with last 10-15 years, while some tankless heaters or water heaters with a fiberglass tank can last even longer.
One of the easiest ways to get more years out of a water heater is to avoid two of the biggest problems that typically occur with them, such as:
One of the more common problems that GPS Plumbing service technicians see with failing water heaters is over-pressurization, which means the PSI of the water in the tank exceeds the unit’s suggested specifications. Homeowners can avoid this from happening by keeping the hot water temperature at 140 Degrees Fahrenheit. Or, you can invest in a water heater expansion tank that can expand when the excess water needs someplace to go.
An even more common problem leading to water heater failure is sediment buildup. As sediment builds from chemicals and other contaminants, corrosion and/or rust can damage various parts of the water heater. Your replacement tank should use high-quality materials and offer a good warranty to make sure you get as many years from your investment as possible.
Our experience is that, when maintained properly, electric water heaters can get a couple extra years when compared to many gas water heaters, but that is no guarantee. The reason for this is that gas water heaters feature more components than electric ones, which means more things can ultimately go wrong. When replacing an old unit with a new one, we recommend keeping the same type of unit you had previously unless you have a really good reason to make the switch.
While water heaters are supposed to last 10 to 15 years, there are some that won’t make it that long and others that can last even longer. So how do you know when it’s time to call GPS Plumbing for new water heater installation?
The biggest red flag is when you have a unit that isn’t producing enough hot water, though sometimes that issue can be fixed by a few plumbing repairs on individual components rather than by replacing the entire water heater. If it’s having that issue and is over ten years old, or if it’s also leaking, it probably is time to consider making the switch. Our professionals can give you an estimate for what that may cost, and we’ll make sure the unit is installed in a way that will help it last for as long as possible.
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