How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
In some cases when 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 service life of the appliance.
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality. 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 your water heater.
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 walks you through every step to help you choose the best one.
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 water heater repair.
Knowing what to expect from the warranty also helps you talk with the retailer or manufacturer, improving the chances of a smooth resolution for problems the warranty covers.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Issues with your water heater can seriously disrupt your daily routine, but many are simple to troubleshoot and repair when you don’t want to replace your water heater. This guide helps you recognize common problems with water heaters and use troubleshooting techniques to diagnose the issues. It’ll also help you perform water heater repairs. If you call a professional, the information can help you to better explain the problem. We’ve got general tips below, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific 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 and replacing faulty parts, call a water heater repair professional.
There’s Not Enough Hot Water
An undersized water heater may be the problem when you don’t have enough hot water. However, if the unit has been working fine until now, you can typically rule this out as an underlying cause and look at other possible problems.
- A malfunctioning thermostat and sediment buildup inside the tank are two issues that can develop over time.
- A failed heating element on an electric water heater can cause you to have some hot water, but not enough for your normal activities.
Troubleshoot the issue by checking thermostat settings and flushing the tank according to the instructions to remove sediment. If you still have issues after troubleshooting or calling a professional for a water heater repair, consider upgrading to a larger-capacity unit.
We can install your water heater. Schedule your consultation and get started with installation.
There’s No Hot Water
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 getting power. In addition, electric water heaters will stop heating water correctly when they have a faulty heating element.
- 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, first check the temperature setting on your water heater thermostat and adjust it if necessary. If your thermostat is at the correct setting, a grounded heating element or stuck thermostat on an electric water heater could cause overheating.
On a gas water heater, short, back-to-back uses of hot water can cause a condition known as stacking. The appliance heats water that’s already hot, raising the temperature above the thermostat setting.
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.
You’ve Got Bad Heating Elements
On an electric model, heating elements are the parts that heat the water. Over the average water heater lifespan, these components might corrode or wear out, 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. If the device identifies faulty elements, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to turn off the water heater properly, drain the tank and replace the water heater elements.
You Notice Rust-Colored Water or a Foul Odor
Discolored or smelly water may be the result of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The gas may in turn be the result of bacteria, particularly if you’re on a well water system or haven’t used the hot water in a long time. Hydrogen sulfide can lead to deterioration of metal components and can create a foul odor. Consult a professional for a solution. The professional might replace parts, disinfect the water tank or temporarily increase the temperature of the water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and then turn off and flush the unit.
Make sure the water temperature is no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit before using.
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 hissing and sizzling noises. You can attempt to fix the issue by turning off and flushing the tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should help remove the sediment inside. If you continue to hear noises afterwards, you may have a failing heating element or a cracked tank.
Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters typically require some maintenance steps, and your manual should outline them for you. The tips below might help prolong the life of your water heater, but always follow the procedures for your specific appliance. See How to Maintain a Water Heater for more maintenance tips.
- Drain the water heater twice a year to rid it of collected sediment that causes corrosion. This procedure can also increase water heater efficiency.
- With a bucket under the overflow drain pipe, test the pressure relief valve. Lift the relief valve handle and close it again. Use caution — the water will be hot and opening the valve with too much force can damage it. Opening the valve should release a burst of water into the overflow drain pipe. If it doesn’t release water, have a new pressure relief valve installed.
- Keep the temperature setting on the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you have a gas water heater with an air screen at the bottom of the unit, it may need periodic cleaning. Follow the instructions in your manual for cleaning the screen.
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 fit it. For instance, smaller spaces like under-counter or vanity 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 as well as the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). A higher UEF value indicates a more efficient water heater. High-efficiency models and 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. Here 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.
Be careful when unloading and unwrapping your new water heater.
A water heater is heavy.
You’ll need a helper. You might also need a hand truck and an appliance dolly to safely move the appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Repair
The answers to a couple of common water heater repair questions can help you plan your project.
What’s the Typical Cost for Hot Water Heater Repair?
Water heater repair costs vary based on your location, the cost of parts, the extent of the problem and, for professional repairs, the labor cost. Minor water heater repairs, such as replacing a faulty thermostat or pressure relief valve will usually be the least expensive and may cost just a few hundred dollars. More involved repairs like replacing the heating element or gas valve typically run higher. Major issues such as leaky tank fixes or faulty heat exchanger repairs may cost you up to $1500 or more.
What Tools and Materials Are Required to Repair a Water Heater?
Water heater repair and replacement requires several tools — some common and some specialized. An adjustable wrench loosens and tightens connections to water supply lines and fittings, while screwdrivers remove and tighten screws on water heater panels and components. You also need a pipe wrench to loosen and tighten fittings and pipes with threading and a multimeter to perform electrical troubleshooting. Next, you need plumber’s tape to seal threaded connections and a hose to drain the tank. Lastly, you need the replacement parts necessary for your water heater repair, such as heating elements and thermostats.