How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
- In some cases, if your water heater leaks or doesn’t heat up, you may be able to repair the existing unit. But it’s helpful to start by determining the expected life of the appliance.
- The average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. However, this may vary according to the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, water quality and whether regular maintenance was performed. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, has leaks around the base of the tank or operates erratically, it's probably time to replace it.
- When you replace your water heater, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model to help cut your energy expenses. Look for Federal tax credits and local utility rebates in your area to help with the overall cost.
If you're having trouble deciding which water heater is the right option for your home, our guide will walk you through all the important considerations to help you choose the best one.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Issues with your water heater can seriously disrupt your daily routine, but many are simple to troubleshoot and repair. The information below will help you understand common problems with water heaters and use troubleshooting techniques to diagnose some issues. If you call a professional, the information can also help you better explain the problem. Always defer to the manufacturer’s safety instructions when examining or working on your water heater.
If the water heater is under warranty, you may need to contact the manufacturer for repairs. If it’s out of warranty and you’re not comfortable making repairs yourself or replacing faulty parts, call a water heater repair professional.
There’s Not Enough Hot Water
- If your household frequently runs out of hot water, an undersized water heater may be the problem. However, if the unit has been working fine until now, you can typically rule this out as an underlying cause.
- A malfunctioning thermostat and sediment buildup inside the tank are two issues that can develop over time.
- On an electric model, heating elements are the parts that heat the water. A failing heating element on an electric water heater may prevent normal function.
There’s No Hot Water at All
- If your unit doesn’t heat water at all, check the power supply.
- On an electric model, check the circuit breaker to ensure the appliance is receiving power.
- If you have a gas water heater, make sure the pilot light is lit. If it is, there may be a dirty inlet air screen or a problem with the thermopile or fuel supply. Check your water heater manual for the proper steps to fix these issues.
The Water Is Too Hot
- If your water is too hot and you have an electric water heater, first check the temperature setting and adjust it if necessary. If your thermostat is at the correct setting, a grounded heating element or stuck thermostat could cause overheating. If you suspect this is the case, call a professional for help.
- On a gas water heater, short, back-to-back uses of hot water can cause a condition known as stacking. This means that the appliance is reheating water that’s already hot, raising the temperature above the thermostat setting. A repair technician can fix this problem.
Water Leaks From the Unit
- Faulty valves, loose connectors and internal tank issues are all problems that can cause water leaks within your water heater. Troubleshoot these by visually inspecting connections for signs of leaks. Tighten the connections or change them if necessary.
- Internal issues can cause persistent leaks that require professional water heater repair.
The Water Heating Elements Have Gone Bad
On an electric model, heating elements might corrode or wear out over the water heater lifespan, causing issues like insufficient hot water or no hot water at all. If you have a multimeter and know how to safely use it for electrical testing, you can use it to test the heating elements.
You Notice Rust-Colored Water or an Unpleasant Odor
Discolored or smelly water may be the result of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas. If you notice this problem, consult a professional for a solution. A technician may replace parts, disinfect the water tank or use another technique to fix this problem.
You Hear Tank Noises
Strange noises coming from your water heater typically mean you have sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. You may hear rumbling, popping, banging or even a hissing noise. You can attempt to fix the issue by turning the water heater off and flushing the tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if you feel comfortable doing so. This should help remove the sediment inside. If you continue to hear noises afterwards, contact a pro.
Checking Your Water Heater Warranty
If you’re deciding when to replace a water heater or when to have a water heater repaired, make sure to factor in the warranty. Thoroughly reviewing the warranty lets you know what kind of coverage it offers for hot water heater repair or replacement costs and helps you understand your consumer rights.
Your water heater warranty should also document issues that fall within the coverage, highlight specific conditions and outline any costs associated with invoking the warranty. When you have this information on hand, you can make a more informed decision as to whether you should replace your water heater or try repairing it.
Knowing what to expect from the warranty also helps when you speak with the repair technician or manufacturer, improving the chances of a smooth resolution for issue that the warranty covers.
Considerations When Replacing Your Water Heater
If you're replacing a water heater, you can replace it with the same type of unit. However, you might also consider upgrading to a larger tank or a more efficient water heater.
When looking for a water heater, consider these features:
- Gallon Capacity: Water heaters with 40-gallon and 50-gallon capacities usually deliver plenty of hot water for most households. Larger families and people who enjoy longer showers, however, may want a larger unit.
- Recovery Rate: The higher the recovery rate, the faster you can expect the unit to heat more water for your household needs.
- Dimensions: Consider the water heater installation space and the size you need to accommodate it. Some installations may require a low-profile water heater replacement.
- Energy-Efficiency Ratings: A sticker on the side of the water heater should list the estimated annual cost of operating the unit. ENERGY STAR® certified water heaters can also use less energy.
Before making repairs or purchasing a new water heater, check the nameplate on the side of your current unit. You'll find helpful information, including the tank capacity, insulation R-value, installation guidelines and working pressure, as well as a model number and serial number. If you have an electric water heater, the nameplate will also list the wattage capacity and voltage of the heating elements. Use this information as the starting point in your search for replacement parts or a new water heater. For help choosing a water heater that best fits your household needs, check out our Water Heater Buying Guide.
For detailed steps on how to replace a water heater, read our articles on How to Install an Electric Water Heater and How to Install a Gas Water Heater.
- Make sure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors if you have a gas water heater.
- Be careful when unloading and unwrapping your new water heater.
- A water heater is heavy. You’ll need a helper to install it. You might also need a hand truck or an appliance dolly to safely move the appliance.
Lowe’s can install a new water heater. Schedule your consultation and get started with installation.