How do I extend the life of my water heater?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 06, 2026
Get Familiar With Your Water Heater Maintenance Schedule
- Test the temperature relief valve at least once per year.
- Flush your water heater every 4 months.
- Clean your water heater tank once per year.
- Replace your anode rod every 2-5 years.
- For gas water heaters: check the burner every year.
What can I do to make my water heater last longer?
3 Tips to Make Your Water Heater Last Longer and Work More Efficiently
- Flush the water heater tank once a year. Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. ...
- Check the Anode Rod and Replace it if it's Badly Corroded. ...
- Insulate the Hot Water Heater Tank.
Can a water heater last 30 years?
These heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, some can last for up to 30 years when maintained properly.
What is the average life expectancy for a hot water heater?
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Can a water heater last 25 years?
With the right care, it is possible for your water heater to last for 20 years—or close to it. Learning how to drain your water heater is an excellent start. However, not everyone is up to performing water heater maintenance.
43 related questions foundShould I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
15 Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World
- A.O. Smith. ...
- Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ...
- Kenmore. ...
- Bradford White. ...
- American Standard. ...
- American Water Heaters. ...
- Bosch. ...
- EcoSmart.
Can a water heater last 20 years?
Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Rust deposits or a metallic odor coming out with hot water can signal either rusty pipes or rust inside the water heater. If corrosion is eating away the metal from the inside, leaks are inevitable. Murky water from the tap can also be signs that the water heater will fail soon.
Does turning up water heater make hot water last longer?
Turning up the heat at the water heater causes hotter water to go to the hot tap. If you desire the same temperature, this makes you use more of the cold tap. Therefore, you're using a smaller percentage of hot water for the same total shower flow. This makes the perceived hot water in your tank last longer.
What can you do with an old water heater?
Here are some options on what to do with your old water heater.
- Donate Your Water Heater. ...
- Recycle Your Water Heater. ...
- Put Your Water Heater in the Garbage. ...
- Take Your Water Heater to a Landfill. ...
- Hire a Junk Removal Service to Haul Your Water Heater Away. ...
- Scrap Your Water Heater Yourself.
When should you replace your hot water heater?
Water Heater Lifespan
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.
How long should hot water last in a 50 gallon tank?
A 50 gallon hot water heater with a temperature set around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit will allow you to shower for around 17 minutes before you will run out of hot water.
Why is my hot water not lasting as long as it used to?
Water Heater Runs Out Of Hot Water Quickly: Possible Reasons Why. As mentioned above, several things can cause a home's hot water supply to run out faster than it should. The three most common culprits are sediment build up, a faulty heating element and a broken dip tube.
Why do I only get 10 minutes of hot water?
If you are getting less than a full tank of hot water, the most likely cause is the bottom element burning out. Less likely, either of the thermostats could be faulty, which could be keeping the lower element from turning on.
Why do I run out of hot water after one shower?
If your showers just recently started running out of hot water too quickly, and your family has not changed their water-consumption habits, contact Cabrillo. There could be an issue with your water heater (such as a broken dip tube or failing thermocouple) that is preventing your unit from heating water properly.
How long should a 40 gallon hot water tank last?
For the most part, a 40-gallon water heater should last between 10 and 12 years. Some units come with a warranty, so you should check before buying. The following are a few signs that it may be time to replace your water heater: You are getting less hot water than normal.
Is tankless water heater good?
Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.
Should my hot water heater be hot to the touch?
Even though it's designed to boil water, your water heater shouldn't get so hot that you can't touch it. Water heaters are designed to be well insulated so that heat stays in. A water heater that gets too hot could have one of several issues, including: A blocked flue.
How long do Navien tankless water heaters last?
Tankless water heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water, and they use about as much energy as a light bulb. Navien tankless gas water heaters are well-known for their reliability and efficiency. These devices can last upwards of 25 years if properly maintained and installed by professionals in the industry.
How long do Rheem water heaters last?
6-Year Warranty Rheem Water Heater
These Rheem water heaters come with a 6-year warranty on parts & tank, and a 1-year warranty on labor. The 6-year warranty does not mean the unit will only last that long: your water heater, if properly maintained, should have a life-span of at least 8 years.
What is the difference between 6 year and 12 year water heater?
If you were to buy a 12-year-warranty heater, likely the only difference between it and a 6-year-warranty one would be extra anodic metal: either a larger-diameter hex anode, or a normal one along with a half-length outlet rod in the hot port.
What is the number 1 hot water heater?
Best Overall, Electric: Rheem Performance Plus 50 Gallon Electric Tank Water Heater. The Rheem Performance Plus series offers a combination of features and benefits that homeowners will appreciate in an electric water heater.
Is navien a good brand?
Navien is a solid choice when it comes to tankless water heaters. Their units are manufacturered by a company that takes pride in quality, design, and user friendliness. In fact, there's no shortage of satisfied customers!
What size water heater do I need for a family of 5?
Water Heater Sizes
For example, a family of 3 to 4 people should purchase a 50 – 60 gallon water heater. On the other hand, a household with 5 – 7 people may require a water heater with a 60 – 80 gallon water tank.