Installing a new water heater in Bountiful, UT, is a significant investment. Given that efficient, high-end models can cost several thousand dollars, making them last is important. If you’re on deck for a new water heater, you should know the average lifespan of these appliances.
The Average Lifespan of Standard Tank-Based Water Heaters
Standard tank-based water heaters are the most popular choice for households that use 81 gallons of hot water a day or more. Entry-level models are also available at prices that are budget.
Standard water heaters heat water and hold it until residents turn their hot water taps on. They also reheat stored water throughout the day to keep it at a static temperature.
The expected lifespan of standard tank-based water heaters is eight to twelve years. If your standard water heater has already supplied a decade of service, now could be the best time to replace it.
The Average Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters provide an efficient alternative to storage-based models. These appliances provide on-demand water heating. They heat water as soon as residents turn hot water taps on. Given that they don’t hold and reheat gallons of stored hot water, they use less energy and sustain less wear. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), tankless models could reduce water heating costs by 33% for some households. Best of all, these appliances have expected lifespans of 15 to 20 years.
Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer?
Tankless water heaters develop rust and other corrosion at a slower rate than tank-based models. Without storage tanks, they don’t hold oxidizing minerals, and they’re less prone to heavy buildups of sediment. The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is approximately twice that of a storage-based model. But, tankless water heaters can cost twice as much as their alternatives.
Factors That Can Shorten the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
No matter whether you have a tankless water heater or a standard one, several factors can reduce its lifespan:
- Hard water
- Insufficient maintenance
- Poor installation
- High temperature settings
- High water pressure
- Damp storage areas
Hard Water
Although the state of Utah has moderate hard water, the water supply in Bountiful and the surrounding cities registers as very hard. Lacking water-softening equipment, your water heater could fail much sooner than expected. Hard water causes scale buildup on heating elements and in water heater tanks. Hard water accelerates the formation of rust and other corrosion. It also impedes heat transfer and makes water heaters work harder.
Without hard water treatment, storage water heaters may last only eight years. Tankless heaters might last only 10 to 12 years. These appliances will need more maintenance and repairs. They will also use more energy over time.
Insufficient Maintenance
Flushing your water heater each year removes trapped sediment. This simple step helps extend the life of the tank. Flushing water heaters is one part of professional maintenance. Plumbers also inspect sacrificial anode rods and replace them as needed. These rods attract oxidizing minerals and corrode in place of tanks and other metal components. If you skip annual maintenance, your water heater could fail long before its time.
Poor Installation
Mishandled, installed water heaters have lifespans that are shorter than average. Installation mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your water heater include:
- Incorrect sizing
- Poor placement
- Poorly assembled or faulty valves
- Faulty venting
- Elevated temperature settings and water pressure
By having your water heater installed by a licensed plumber, you can get all the necessary permits and protect its lifespan. You can also make sure that your water heater is the right size for your household.
Installing a water heater that’s too small for your household’s hot water demand causes operational stress. Undersized water heaters work harder, use more energy, and often fail to meet performance expectations. They also sustain more cumulative wear.
Defective temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valves can reduce the lifespan of water heaters. They can also create unsafe conditions. These valves prevent dangerous buildups of pressure. When they aren’t working as they should, water heater tanks can rupture.
High Temperature Settings
High temperature settings shorten the lifespan of both tankless and tank-based water heaters. They cause faster corrosion and wear. Water heaters set to high temperatures build up more scale. This happens on their heating elements and inside their tanks. As such, high temperature settings also decrease efficiency.
As per the DOE, the ideal temperature setting for water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. At this setting, you can avoid scalding, limit your water heating costs, and extend the lifespan of this appliance.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure is bad for all plumbing-connected appliances, and your water heater is no exception. To protect your water heater, keep your home’s water pressure below 80 psi. When water pressure rises much higher than this, it places undue stress on water heater tanks and connections. This could lead to cracks or other structural damage, and it may cause leaks or tank ruptures.
Cold or Damp Storage Areas
If your water heater has a storage area that remains damp, its metal components will corrode at an accelerated rate compared to usual. If your storage-based water heater is in a cold, drafty location, it will take longer to heat water. It will also consume more energy to reheat water over time. This extra work accelerates wear and could lead to a shorter lifespan.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Near the End of Its Service Life
In addition to age, there are several signs that water heaters are nearing the end of their service lives:
- Loud rumbling and popping sounds
- Standing water
- Unpleasant smelling or tasting hot water
- Discolored hot water
- Rising energy bills
As per the DOE, water heating accounts for approximately 18% of the average household’s energy bill. If you have experienced an unexpected spike in your utility costs, your aging water heater is a likely culprit.
Tips To Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Whole-house water softeners are essential installations for nearly every home in Bountiful. If you haven’t done so before, have your water quality and water hardness tested. If you have very hard water, a whole-house water softener can help your water heater last longer. It also protects all your plumbing appliances.
During your next whole-house plumbing inspection, have your plumber test your water pressure. If necessary, install a pressure-reducing valve.
Have a professional perform maintenance on your water heater once every year. When replacing your water heater, work with a licensed local plumber who understands the region’s water quality. This way, you can choose appliances that local conditions have built to last. Your plumber can also install hard water mitigation strategies to protect the lifespan of your new unit.
With 20 years in the industry, Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators offers expert plumbing services to Bountiful and nearby areas. We offer standard and tankless water heaters, as well as water heater installation, maintenance plans, and repairs. We also provide water quality testing and home water softeners. If your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, give Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators a call now!
