How long can a water heater last? A quality water heater can be a major investment, especially if you spring for a tankless or high-capacity unit. Naturally, homeowners want to get the most out of these systems. Learn about the lifespan of a water heater, the factors that affect this lifespan, and signs that your system will soon need replacement from a professional plumber near you in Macon, GA.
Average Lifespan of a Water Heater
A hot water heater’s lifespan depends on several factors. One of the main considerations is the type of unit you have — tank-style or tankless.
Traditional tank water heaters
Traditional, tank-style water heaters are a common option across Georgia and beyond. These units are relatively simple and low-maintenance compared to their tankless counterparts. However, because they rely on a constant reservoir of hot water in a metal tank, they have a shorter lifespan than tankless models — about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance and occasional repairs.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless water heater installation is typically more expensive, but the trade-off is a virtually infinite hot water supply, improved energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan. When properly cared for, these convenient, on-demand water heaters can last 20 to 30 years before needing replacement.
Factors That Affect Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
Beyond the type of water heater you have, a few other factors affect your water heater’s lifespan.
Fuel type
A significant factor in determining how long a hot water heater should last is the type of fuel it uses. Electric water heaters are the most common. These systems use electric elements to heat water in both tank-style and tankless systems. You can expect a tank-style electric water heater to last 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced.
The other fuel option is a gas-powered water heater, which combusts natural gas to heat water. While gas offers better energy efficiency, the more complex nature of these systems and the safety risks of using an outdated gas burner system mean that gas-powered units have slightly shorter lifespans — about 10 to 12 years for tank-style units.
Water quality
Macon residents experience moderately hard water. Over time, excess minerals and sediment buildup collect in the water heater. While most buildup is cleared out during annual maintenance such as, flushing the tank or having your tankless unit professionally serviced, it still affects the system.
If your water supply is particularly mineral-rich, it can significantly shorten your water heater’s lifespan. To prevent this problem, consider increasing the frequency of maintenance, cleaning, and tune-ups, or invest in a water softener to reduce the mineral content of the water in your unit.
Maintenance frequency
Have your water heater professionally maintained once a year. Regular maintenance helps you catch small problems early, prevent severe buildup in the system, and avoid issues with energy efficiency and component wear. Beyond standard maintenance, perform annual tank flushing and change the sacrificial anode rod every few years for a tank-style unit.
Usage
Another factor that impacts water heater lifespan is your typical usage pattern. If your water heater is undersized for your home and the amount of hot water you use in a day, it forces the system to work harder. This causes excessive wear and tear on components, leading to premature failures and reduced system lifespan.
Unit quality
While we only work with trusted, reputable brands at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, some homeowners might choose low-quality brands or models because of a lower upfront cost. Ultimately, you’ll pay the difference when your unit breaks down prematurely.
Installation
The final factor is the quality of your installation. If even one aspect of the installation is done incorrectly, it can force your water heater to run harder than it needs to, leading to damage, component wear, and premature breakdowns.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Near the End of Its Life
It’s important to understand the signs that your water heater is about to fail. By familiarizing yourself with these symptoms, you’ll be better prepared for extensive repairs or installing a new system. Here are the signs to watch out for:
- Consistently running out of hot water
- Inconsistent temperatures, switching between scalding hot, lukewarm, and cold
- No hot water at all
- Water leaks
- Strange noises from the water heater
- The system is overheating in summer weather
- Water is discolored or has a strange taste or odor
- High water bills
How To Tell If Your Water Heater Is Working Properly
A properly functioning water heater will do the following:
- Provide consistent hot water when you need it
- Supply water that’s appropriately hot, not scalding or lukewarm
- Run without making much noise
- Supply clear water that tastes and smells the same as your cold water supply
- Function without leaking any amount of water from the unit
- Function at a normal energy efficiency level without big spikes in power consumption
- Have no signs of visible damage or corrosion
With routine maintenance each year, your system should reach its maximum lifespan without incident.
Get the Most Out of Your Hot Water Heater
Whether you’re dealing with an acute water heater issue or simply want support to maintain your system over the years, the team at Ricky Heath has you covered. Our plumbing technicians have decades of experience helping homeowners protect their investment, home, and health from the risks posed by a failed water heater. Contact us for more information or to schedule preventative water heater maintenance today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a hot water heater last in Macon?
With proper maintenance, water heater lifespans in Macon are comparable to most other places in the US. For tank-style units, expect an electric unit to last 10 to 15 years, a gas unit to last 10 to 12 years, and a tankless unit to last over 20 years.
How do I know if my water heater is going bad?
Signs your water heater is failing include diminished hot water supply, leaks, poor water quality from taps, and loud noises from your system. Contact a professional to determine whether the issue can be repaired or if it makes more sense to replace the unit.
Does Macon’s hard water affect water heaters?
Macon’s water supply is considered moderately hard, meaning it contains moderate levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Keep up with periodic tank flushing and system cleaning to prevent mineral buildup that could damage your water heater.
