How Long Does Hot Water Heaters Last

It's almost impossible to part without a properly working h2o heater. You probably rarely—if ever—think about your h2o heater. Even so, it's all you lot can recall nearly when it stops working.

A bad water heater can wreak havoc as yous try to practice simple tasks, such as taking showers or doing dishes. When your heater goes bad, it seems like everything is a problem.

Sometimes, yous can simply conform the thermostat. Other times, you may need to replace the heating element.

Alternatively, you may simply need to learn how to bleed a water heater. Either way, your water heater must role properly at all times.

Read on to learn whether a hot h2o heater can final 20 years.

How Long Does a H2o Heater Last?

If you accept care of your water heater, you can make sure that it lasts every bit long as possible. Withal, you likewise demand to know when it's time to buy a new i. Accordingly, you should know how to perform bones tasks such as how to affluent your water heater or relight the pilot.

Still, some people aren't comfy working with their water heater. In this case, you need to connect with a plumbing specialist who tin can make sure your hot water heater stays in top shape.

You lot should at least know about your water heater force per unit area relief valve. If your water heater builds upwardly excessive pressure, the relief valve will open to release the pressure.

If this device isn't functioning correctly, your tank can build up too much pressure level and explode. Accordingly, you should know how to drain a hot water heater to keep it operation properly.

Whenever y'all work with your water heater, vesture protective vesture. For case, you should accept safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and heavy wearable that will protect you from burns.

Likewise, you lot must plough off the electric and gas before extinguishing the pilot calorie-free. You must too close off the common cold water that's running into your house.

How to Affluent a Water Heater

Over time, sediment can impact the performance of your water heater. Sediment reduces your h2o heater's energy efficiency. It can also clog your water lines.

Y'all can increase the lifespan of your h2o heater and avoid problems by flushing the tank every time you lot bank check your water heater pressure relief valve.

To brainstorm, connect the hose to the tank drain valve and point information technology somewhere where draining water won't cause damage. With the pressure relief valve open up, open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely.

Now, shut the drain valve, disconnect the hose, and so close the relief valve. Open up all the hot water fixtures and plough on the common cold water to the tank.

Tip: When you come across hot water coming out of the fixtures, close them. Now yous can turn on the electricity and then the gas.

Reigniting the Pilot

To reignite the pilot, turn the gas valve to "On" and the control knob to "Airplane pilot." A light should blink when the h2o heater lights.

You lot tin can confirm that y'all've lit the pilot by viewing the minor flame through the windowpane. Now, set the temperature to around 120-degrees.

Tip: Y'all should always read the manufacturer's directions for more details most lighting your pilot.

If you accept a newer water heater, it may have a small pilot calorie-free that's hard to see. If so, plough out the lights and wait through the sight drinking glass to make sure that you've lit the pilot.

When yous first light your water heater, condensation may get together. Condensation is normal and will go abroad in one case your water heater warms upwardly.

When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

On average, a water heater should last from eight to twelve years. The lifecycle of your h2o heater, notwithstanding, will vary depending on the pattern of your water heater and where you live.

The lifecycle of your water heater will also vary depending on how well the plumber installed information technology besides as how well you have care of it. The quality of your h2o may also affect the lifespan of your water heater.

If a h2o heater is x years or older, y'all should starting time thinking about replacing it. At the least, y'all should keep a closer eye on it. For example, if you come across leaks around the base of your h2o heater, it'south probably time to replace it.

Before you retire your old heater, however, bank check for other bug. For case, make sure a blown fuse or tripped breaker is non causing your h2o heater to malfunction.

Many people believe that they need a new water heater when the h2o isn't as hot every bit they similar information technology. Even so, a lacking thermostat or heating chemical element is often the culprit. A plumbing specialist can ostend this for you lot.

If your h2o isn't hot enough, make sure that your water heater is getting ability and reset the thermostat. Y'all can also endeavor insulating the hot water pipes, replacing the heater chemical element or raising the temperature.

Tips for Choosing a New Water Heater

With proper intendance, you may stretch the life of your water heater past up to 20 years. Withal, there'due south no guarantee.

You must determine the size of your new h2o heater by estimating the needs of your household. For example, if there are four people in your family, you'll need to think about how much hot h2o you need for showers, dishes, laundry, and other tasks.

For a family unit of four, water usage of 100 gallons a day isn't unusual. However, that doesn't mean that you need a 100-gallon h2o heater.

What you need to determine is the first-60 minutes rating that yous need for your new water heater. In other words, yous'll need to figure out how much hot water your water heater must evangelize in an hour during height usage. The U.S. Section of Free energy's website can provide you with more than information on how to perform this calculation.

Finally, make sure that your new water heater will fit. Your h2o heater may have more height or width than your onetime one, and so take measurements earlier you buy. Alternatively, yous may choose to go with a tankless water heater that will take up much less infinite.

Tip: A bonus with tankless h2o heaters is that they do typically terminal almost twenty years!

Hire a Pro to Make Sure the Job Gets Done Right

Plumb Time Plumbing & Drain Services can help you lot get the most life out of your water heater. With the right intendance, it is possible for your h2o heater to last for twenty years—or shut to it.

Learning how to drain your water heater is an excellent commencement. However, not anybody is up to performing h2o heater maintenance. No worries, nosotros have you covered.

Whether you need h2o heater maintenance or need a replacement, our experienced specialists can help you restore hot water to your home. Nosotros've helped homeowners in greater Columbia, Due south Carolina maintain their plumbing and bleed systems for nearly iii decades

Contact Plumb Fourth dimension online or give united states a call at (803) 988-9020. Manny and Tanya are standing by and waiting to answer your questions or help you lot schedule repairs.