While a water heater is a long-term investment, it will not last as long as your home. In fact, depending on the type of water heater you own and your water supply, you may need to replace your water heater three times or more over the span of a 30-year mortgage. However, by knowing what affects how long a water heater lasts, you can extend the life of your unit.
Type of Water Heater
Whether you have a traditional or a tankless water heater significantly impacts the lifespan of the appliance. Tank water heaters go through frequent heating cycles, even if you don’t immediately use the water. Tank water heaters also last for a shorter time if your have certain minerals present in your water.
Tankless water heaters heat the water as needed, reducing the strain on their systems, allowing for a longer lifespan.
Generally, a tank water heater can last up to a decade. This pales in comparison to the almost 20 years of life that a tankless water heater will give you.
Water Mineral Content
Calcium and magnesium are good minerals to include in your diet. However, when these appear in your home’s water, they can cut the life span of your water heater. In tank water heaters, the heat causes these minerals to separate from the water and sink to the inner surfaces of the heater. Over months and years of regular deposits, the water heater builds up a layer of scale on its heating elements in electric models, reducing its efficiency. In fact, your water heater could even develop holes in its structure from scale, further shortening its life.
Due to not holding a tank filled with heated water, tankless water heaters have a lower chance of developing damage from scale than tank models, contributing to their longer life.
Water Heater Fuel Source
Lastly, the fuel source makes a difference, especially in tank models. An electric water heater lasts for less time than a gas-fueled model because the heating elements in the former can sustain damage from the scale.
A New Water Heater Lasts Longer: Contact Best Service Plumber Today for Installation
Today’s water heaters have greater efficiency. Plus, if you pair this appliance with a home water softening system, you can increase how long your water heater lasts. For both upgrades, contact us at Best Service Plumber. We can also help you if you have any other needs for plumbing repairs, remodeling, or upgrades.