A properly functioning water heater is essential to so many creature comforts, from taking a hot shower to washing your hands with warm water when it’s cold outside. If yours has been around for a while or is beginning to act strangely, you might wonder exactly how long do hot water tanks last?
This guide will tell you the expected lifespan of hot water tanks (and their tankless counterparts), as well as the signs it might be time to replace yours and how much it’ll cost to do so.
On average, hot water tanks' expected lifespan ranges from eight to 12 years, but they can last as long as 15 years with proper care and regular maintenance. For example, you can occasionally hire a professional water tank technician in your area to perform check ups to prevent issues from developing—and bring your attention to them when they do.
Types of Water Heaters and Their Lifespans
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There are two main categories of water heaters: tank and tankless options. Find out more about each, including their expected lifespans, below.
Tank Water Heater
This type of water heater uses an energy source (usually gas or electricity) to heat water within a tank. The process of heating water takes time, so these options don’t necessarily deliver results on demand. If your shower takes a few minutes to heat up, you know what we’re talking about.
In general, hot water tanks last between eight to 12 years, and they require regular maintenance to meet their maximum lifespan.
Tankless Water Heaters
Unlike hot water tanks, tankless water heaters deliver hot water on demand by heating it directly at the source, so you don’t have to wait for your shower to be the perfect temperature. These options are also more eco-friendly than their counterparts because they use less energy, and they have a much longer lifespan—up to 20 years with proper care—but they’re also significantly more expensive. A tankless heater costs an average of $1,200 to $3,500 compared to $600 to $2,500 for tank heaters, according to HomeAdvisor.
4 Tips to Lengthen the Life of Your Water Tank
Although the average lifespan of a hot water tank is between eight and 12 years, you can use the following tips to help them last longer.
If you’re picking a place to install your new water heater, make sure to choose a spot where it can quickly and efficiently heat up. If the surrounding area is especially cold, for example, your water heater will have to work twice as hard to heat up—and live half as long as a result.
Hire a Pro for Check-Ups Once in a While
Even if your water heater seems to be working just fine, it’s still a good idea to have a professional check it out from time to time. They can do things like reduce the sediment build-up or install add-ons to protect your tank from hard water—like limescale inhibitors or water softeners—to ensure they meet their full potential.
Reduce Sediment Build-Up by Draining Your Water Heater
Draining and flushing water tanks once or twice a year is a must to keep sediment build-up to a minimum. If you'd rather not spend money on a pro, you can do this job yourself in about an hour.
First, you should determine whether your water heater runs on gas or electricity. Let your tank cool for about half an hour before you flush. Be prepared for water to quickly flow out when you reopen the water supply. This maintenance job might get you a little wet, so wear gloves and old clothes while you work.
Inside every water tank is a metal rod called an anode which attracts minerals and ions that would otherwise harm the tank. The anodes themselves deteriorate after two to three years (sooner with more frequent use and later with less frequent use) and need to be replaced to keep your tank from corroding.
5 Signs to Replace Your Water Tank
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Look for these signals to determine if your water heater needs replacement.
Visible Damage or Decay
If your water tank is rusty in spots, this may also be a sign of larger issues like interior corrosion. Hire a pro to assess your situation and determine if they can fix it.
Unusual Noises
Although we’re all familiar with the trope of noisy water tanks, the truth is that it shouldn’t actually be making that much noise. While a bit of crackling or hissing is usually nothing to worry about, any loud banging is a sign that you should get it checked, repaired, or replaced.
Leaking
A pool or puddle of water around the base of your tank is a sign that you need to replace it as soon as possible. Unlike some of the other issues on this list, this one is easier and less expensive to replace than fix.
Water Isn’t Heating Up
If the water from your tap isn't heating, no matter how long you let it run, there may be an issue with the thermostat on your water tank. Have a pro take a look to find out if it's fixable or if it will need to be replaced.
There’s Rust in Your Tap Water
Rust in your tap water means that there's a lot of rust and corrosion inside of your water tank, and this issue is a sign that yours is on its last leg. Once rust forms in your water tank, it’s time for a new one.
Cost to Replace Hot Water Tanks
The average cost for a hot water tank replacement ranges from $830 to $1,700, but you could pay anywhere from $350 on the low end to $15,000 on the high end for large, tankless water heaters, according to HomeAdvisor.