Sediment buildup, rust, and high water pressure are some of the most common causes of water heater failure. Improper installation or equipment sizing are other commonly found issues. A leak can occur near the supply line which can cause damage to dry wall or flooring.
It can also be ammonia or acids or anything else near the water heater that qualifies as corrosive. If the gas water heater draws corrosive air into the burner, then the fumes created will also be corrosive, and corrode the water heater. This can lead to premature tank failure.
According to IBHS, 69% of water heater failures are a result of a slow leak or sudden burst, causing significant water damage. Not only are these claims frequent, but IBHS also estimates that they cost an average of $4,444 per claim.
Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.
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 your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. 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.
What does it mean if the water heater is not producing hot water? It is possible that the circuit breaker tripped or a fuse blew, so check those first if you are not getting hot water from your water heater. If that's not the issue, then it could be that the heating element has burned out and needs to be replaced.
Does hard water ruin water heaters? Yes, hard water ruins water heaters. The sediment buildup left behind in the water heater can negatively affect the components inside of the unit. Sediment buildup also voids most water heater warranties.
Draining a water heater helps flush out this sediment, usually made up of minerals and other debris, that may cause it to malfunction, says the DIY Network. If you do not properly maintain your water heater, it may not work efficiently or could simply stop working at all.
Whether your water heater is gas-fired, oil-fired, or electric, if it was exposed to flood water, the unit should be replaced. In a gas unit, valves and controls will likely corrode. In an electric unit, the thermostat and controls will likely corrode.
As it's heated over and over again, the sediment will get hard and will start to shift around, causing rumbling or gurgling noises. These sounds aren't a good sign, and can lead to overworked water heaters, leaks, internal damage, and more.
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.
While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained.
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the average water heater replacement cost can range from $810 to $1,656, with the national average around $1,217, depending on the type and size of the water heater. The different types of water heaters include standard tank storage, tankless, hybrid or high-efficiency, and solar.
Rheem hot water systems have a typical life span of between 5 and 15 years depending on water conditions and how well the system has been serviced. You can add years to the life to a Rheem hot water system if you have it serviced every 5 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.
Because of the large amount of water that passes through them, hot water heaters accumulate sediment, minerals, and other small pieces of debris that can affect their performance and shorten their lifespans. The best way to keep your hot water heater operating at its best is to flush and clean it on a regular basis.
If the water heater is working well and you're simply draining it for maintenance, now is a good time to take a hot shower. This can help lower the water level in the tank while removing some of the heated water.
You can remove calcium buildup by flushing your water heater and treating it with a descaling solution. The best way to prevent calcium buildup from occurring is with a salt-based water softener.