Sediment buildup: When water is heated, mineral deposits separate and settle onto the bottom of your water heater tank. Sediment builds up over time, reducing your water heater efficiency and eventually causing damage. This is especially an issue if you have hard water.
Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age. If you have an old model or one that's malfunctioning, you may want to consider preemptive water heater replacement to save yourself time, money, and hassle.
Your Water Heater is Getting Old
Most conventional electric hot water tanks will last 10-15 years maximum. Gas-powered hot water tanks usually breakdown after 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 15 years with regular maintenance.
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.
Storage tank water heaters can cost around $500 to $800, but costs vary on the size of the tank. Installing a tank-style hot water heater averages between $650 and $2,100. Tankless water heaters have pros and cons and they have gained popularity as people strive to make their homes energy efficient.
Several factors contribute to what causes a hot water heater to go out. Anode rods get used up over time. Metal tanks can corrode or leak. Heating elements break or stop working.
Regardless of what type of water heater tank you have, every system needs regular maintenance. Usually, you need to check your water heater once or twice per year. Gas, electric and tankless water heaters need to be flushed every 6-12 months. This prevents the buildup of sediment, rust and corrosion.
How much it's going to cost is often the deciding factor when you're choosing to repair vs replace your hot water heater. The general rule of thumb is that if the repair is going to cost 50% or more of the replacement, it isn't worth it.
If the tank rusts through, it could fail catastrophically and flood your home. You can avoid this disaster by replacing your water heater before it fails. A new water heater could lower your utility bills: You must invest in a new water heater, but it will start paying your back immediately in lower energy bills.
With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.
Many homeowners wonder “How often should a hot water heater be replaced?” In a typical situation, you should expect your water heater to last about ten years.
Can a water heater last 30 years? It is unusual for used water heaters to last 30 years. Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
To flush your hot water tank, simply turn on the cold water spigot leading into your hot water tank. Let it run for a few minutes until the water exiting your hose runs clear. This may take a bit. While the water might be running clear and isn't brown, you may still have some sediment.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
The longer your water heater goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, this causes scaling. Ever noticed that hard, mineral buildup on your sink faucets and shower heads? That's scale: accumulated mineralization.
In Australia, the cost of replacing a water heater typically ranges between $800 to $3000, with an average cost around $1500. This cost includes the purchase and installation of a new water heater, in addition to any necessary modifications to the plumbing or electrical networks.
Solar – becoming more and more popular, solar is cheap to run because the sun is free. Many run in conjunction with other systems to ensure hot water is always available.
An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer.
Sediment build up in the tank
Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.
When your water heater is leaking, you can usually take a shower, but it varies depending on the amount of the leak. Most water heater leaks at the drain valve, T&P valve, or delivery pipes, allowing only a tiny quantity of water to escape. If the leak is slight, you can take a shower before repairing it.