A water heater is an essential appliance in Layton, UT homes and throughout the rest of the country. Hot showers, clean dishes, and easy laundry are just a few of the everyday comforts your water heater provides. However, like any appliance, a water heater will fail. Understanding the time frame you’re dealing with can help you plan for replacement. There are many features and models to consider when replacing your water heater. Our staff at Smedley Service is knowledgeable and can help you take on this household project.
Conventional Tank-Style Water Heaters
A water heater with a tank typically stores anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of water at a time. This storage, as well as frequent heating and cooling cycles, can lead to wear and tear. Minerals can accumulate on the inside of the tank and on interior components. Corrosion can damage the lining of your tank. Generally, a conventional water heater will last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. In some cases, you can achieve a lifespan of up to 15 years. This will require regular inspections and maintenance.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water whenever you need it. This avoids the constant stress of storing hot water. If you have minimal space to work with, you don’t have to worry about the location of a storage tank. Because you’re not storing water, there isn’t a risk of mineral buildup or corrosion. You do want to keep up with descaling your tankless system on an annual basis, however. With proper care, expect your tankless water heater to last approximately 20 years or more.
Hybrid Water Heater Units
Combining water tank storage with heat pump technology offers exceptional efficiency. However, you’re still at risk of dealing with tank-related wear. In most cases, a hybrid system will last for 10 to 15 years.
Factors That Impact Water Heater Life
The exact amount of time that your water heater lasts will depend on several factors. In some cases, the quality of manufacturing can impact longevity. However, water quality tends to be one of the biggest contributing factors when it comes to water heater failure. Hard water with high levels of calcium and magnesium accelerates mineral buildup inside the tank. This has the potential to reduce water heater efficiency and cause corrosion.
It’s recommended that you schedule professional maintenance for your water heater at least once annually. This process includes inspecting important components, servicing parts, and draining/flushing your tank. Removing sediment buildup and hard minerals can add time to your water heater’s life. The anode rod inside your tank is sacrificial. It collects sediment and minerals before it can corrode the inside of your tank. Failing to have this rod inspected and replaced will shorten equipment lifespan. In some cases, lack of routine maintenance can reduce your water heater’s life expectancy by three to five years.
How frequently you use your water heater will impact longevity. If you live in a large household where many people are using hot water each day, this causes system stress. Tankless systems tend to be a better option in this scenario.
Professional installation is always recommended. Poor installation of a water heater can lead to incorrect venting and improper pressure relief valve setup. Premature failure is common with these issues. Not to mention, professional installation ensures adherence to local building codes.
Consider the location of your water heater. If it is in a damp basement that doesn’t experience humidity control, this can lead to rust formation. It’s common for water heaters that are installed in an area with climate control to last much longer.
Spotting Water Heater Issues
If your water heater is many years old, you may be anticipating replacement soon. In some cases, you may be able to put off replacement by scheduling repairs. Catching problems early is ideal, whether through professional inspection or from homeowner assessment.
If you see rusty water coming out of your faucets and fixtures, this indicates corrosion inside your tank. The same may be true if the water tastes or smells bad. Maintenance may fix these issues. In some extreme cases, replacement may be necessary.
If you hear rumbling or popping sounds coming from your tank, you may have a substantial amount of sediment or minerals built up. Routine maintenance may fix the problem. If your tank is also leaking, corrosion may be extensive and warrant a replacement.
Inconsistent water temperatures can indicate a problem with heating elements, the ignition system, or the thermostat. However, there may be extensive problems that require professional replacement. Don’t ignore signs of water heater malfunction or failure. This can lead to leaks and water damage in your home.
Tips to Extend Water Heater Lifespan
Schedule professional inspections and maintenance for your water heater on a yearly basis. This includes draining and flushing your water tank each year (if you have a tank-based system). The anode rod should be replaced every three to five years to protect your tank from corrosion. Tankless models require descaling every year.
Consider insulating your water heater and the pipes that are attached to it. This can reduce system strain and lower your monthly utility bills. Lastly, install a water softener if you have high levels of hard minerals in your water where you live. Reducing the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals that travel through your water heater can extend equipment lifespan. A water softener also protects your plumbing system and other water-using appliances in your home.
Consider Repair Versus Replacement
If a minor issue occurs, repair is usually cost-effective and practical. Such is the case with thermostat failure or a minor leak. However, replace your unit if it is 12 years old or older and experiencing frequent problems. In this scenario, replacement is usually more cost-effective. In some cases, broken parts can compromise the safety of your water heater. We may recommend that you replace your unit to avoid an unsafe level of pressure in the tank or scalding.
Keep in mind, newer models tend to be more efficient than older versions. You can save a lot of money long-term by investing in a new water heater before yours completely fails. You can also save money by upgrading to a tankless water heater. The upfront cost tends to be higher, but you’ll save more energy over the course of many years.
Get Expert Water Heater Help
The longevity of your water heater depends on things like water quality, frequency of maintenance, and usage. Our team at Smedley Service can help you care for your water heater so you get as much use from it as possible. Don’t delay reaching out if you notice that something is wrong with your water heater. Prolonging repairs can lead to equipment failure that would have otherwise been avoidable. Contact us today at Smedley Service if you would like to learn more about water heater longevity or need help with installing a new unit in Layton.
