Extending Water Heater Life Expectancy
America’s Longest Lasting Water Heater
Our plumbers have worked on many a water heater over the years. We have seen heaters last 8 years, 10 years or even 15 years sometimes. In early 2017 we ran across a water heater that was born in 1987. It was at a yacht at a marina in Nashville TN. It finally did take its last breath and we replaced it.
Life Expectancy of a Water Heater
So many factors are involved that determine how long a water heater will last. The average life expectancy is 10.7 years according to insurance companies. There are definitely things you can do to extend the life of your tank water heater such as draining the tank every couple of years to get rid of sediment. Also proper installation plays a major factor. Using an inexperienced handyman is not the way to go.
Top 4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Tank Water Heater
Yes there are ways to extend the life of your heater. Below we have listed the top 4 ways homeowners can increase the chance of a long living heater.
- Purchase a good quality heater with a lengthy warranty. Some high end water heaters are made with porcelain on the inside to resist corrosion.
- Have a professional to install it – There is a right way and a wrong way to install a water heater. This is not a job for an inexperienced handyman. Saving a few dollars on the front end can significantly reduce the life of your appliance.
- Use less water – This one is obvious, but conservation does matter. There are many ways to reduce water consumption such as taking a shower rather than a bath and installing low water flush kits for your toilets.
- Maintenance – Inspect your water heater for leaks twice a year on your own. Look for rust spots on the top or side. Install a sensor in the drip pan to alert you to a water issue. Have a plumber inspect your heater every 2 years. At that time, has the plumber drain the tank and remove all existing sediment.
Note: If your water heater does leak or stop working, call Kevin at (615) 568-5051. Our plumbers can check to see if your water heater is covered under warranty. You may be entitled to a brand new water heater from the manufacturer. We will work with the manufacturing company to trade the old water heater for the new one and have your new gas or electric heater up and running in no time.
Why Water Heaters Fail
The main reason water heaters fail is from leaking slowly. It can be a slow leak or the heater can eventually burst. Leaks are often the silent killers of water heaters. Often a homeowner cannot tell if the water heater is wearing down because most of the damage of rust and corrosion is happening inside the water heater itself. It may look fine from the outside.
Why You Should Care about Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters may be purchased at Lowe’s or Home Depot for a few hundred dollars, so why worry about anticipating the death of your home water heater? The main risk you have in not maintaining or replacing your water heater is the potential for water damage. Insurance companies estimate that water heaters that fail cost the insurance company nearly $4,500 each occurrence even after the deductible. Think about where your water heater is stored. It could be in your garage, basement, or even your bonus room. Water itself is very damaging to drywall, flooring, and belongings. Also remember if the water heater explodes, gallons of water spray everywhere.
Have questions? We are glad to help. Call or text Kevin. Feel free to text an image or short video of your plumbing issue.
(615) 568-5051