Table of Contents
Determining the Average Life of a Water Heater
Knowing the average life of a water heater is essential for future planning and replacement. The average lifespan of a hot water heater can be influenced by several factors, such as the type of water heater, how often it's maintained, the quality of your water, and how much it's used. These elements contribute to the water heater life expectancy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Overall, the average lifespan of a water heater is typically 8 to 10 years.
- With proper care and maintenance, a water heater can last more than 20 years.
- Learn about the factors that affect water heater longevity and how help your water heater last longer.
What Factors Affect the Average Life of a Water Heater?
The average lifespan of a hot water heater is impacted by several factors. These include:
- Quality of the installation.
- Hardness and quality of your water.
- Frequency of use.
- Regularity of maintenance and inspections.
Installation Quality
A well-installed water heater has a longer life expectancy. It's vital to ensure a skilled professional installs your unit, as a poorly installed water heater can lead to leaks and inefficient functioning, shortening the average life of the water heater.
Water Hardness and Quality
The hardness and quality of your water also influence what is the average life of a water heater. Hard water, rich in minerals, can cause deposits inside the tank and heating elements, which can lead to early failure. Regular descaling or water softening can help prolong the water heater life expectancy.
Frequency of Use
The amount of hot water that you use every day impacts the wear and tear on your water heater. High usage results in more frequent heating cycles, which can decrease the lifespan of your water heater.
Maintenance and Inspections
Regular check-ups and maintenance are crucial for extending the average lifespan of a hot water heater. Problems like sediment buildup, corrosion, and leaks can be identified and fixed during these inspections, preventing major damage or failure.
Signs That Your Water Heater's Life Expectancy is Nearing Its End
Several signs indicate that your water heater is nearing the end of its average life. These include lack of hot water, leaks or puddles around the unit, and unusual noises. If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to consult with a professional technician for a thorough inspection. At Sears Home Services, we offer expert water heater repair services, helping you decide whether to fix or replace the water heater. When it’s time to replace your water, our experts at Sears are ready to help you choose the right water heater to fit your needs.
How to Extend the Average Life of a Water Heater
Regular care and maintenance can significantly extend the average lifespan of a hot water heater. Helpful tips include regularly flushing the tank to remove sediment and minerals, routinely checking and replacing anode rods to prevent rust, and insulating the tank and pipes to minimize heat loss.
Follow the steps in this DIY YouTube video to flush sediment from your water heater’s tank yearly:
Following these steps can help to maximize the average life of a water heater and avoid costly repairs.
Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home
Several factors should be considered when choosing a water heater. These include understanding the different types of water heaters, their energy efficiency ratings, and sizing and capacity considerations. At Sears, we offer a variety of water heaters and our knowledgeable team can assist you in making the right choice for your home, ensuring you get the best out of your water heater life expectancy. Browse our selection of replacement water heater on our Sears.com website and select the model that best fits your needs. Get help from our knowledgeable experts if you need help on deciding which one is best for your home and family.
Estimating the Cost of Water Heater Replacement
The cost of replacing your water heater depends on several factors. These include the type of water heater, its size and capacity, and installation requirements. Additional costs may also arise during the installation process. You may need a new expansion tank or connection accessories. Also, consider the warranty options and coverage provided by the manufacturer. Understanding these factors can help you budget and plan for your water heater replacement, to ensure the average life of the water heater is well utilized.
Reliable Water Heater Repair Services
Sears Home Services offers a comprehensive range of water heater repair services. Whether your unit isn’t heating, leaks or is overheating, our experienced technicians are here to help. We offer same day and next day service appointments in many areas to ensure your water heater is up and running quickly in case of a breakdown. Trust Sears Home Services for all your water heater needs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water heater life expectancy is in expert hands.
Schedule your water heater repair now!
Our technicians possess the knowledge and training to fix your water heater, no matter where you bought it.
Was this information helpful?
Repair Water Heater Resources
Learn about the costs and benefits of replacing or repairing a gas water heater, including key factors, average cost range, signs for replacement, and the advantages of upgrading to a new model.
Learn how a pressure relief valve works in a water heater.
Learn how a gas water heater works and how to maintain it.
Find answers to 'how does a hybrid water heater work?' at Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A thermocouple is a sensor used for measuring temperature, consisting of two different metal wires joined at one end, which generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes.
A K-type thermocouple is a sensor used for temperature measurement, consisting of two dissimilar metal wires that generate a voltage proportional to temperature changes, widely recognized for its accuracy and wide temperature range.
A heat pump water heater is an energy-efficient appliance that uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground into water, rather than generating heat directly.
Common Appliance Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain are a seized gearcase, a broken motor, or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is experiencing the rinse cycle not working are a broken lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.