How long should my water heater last

Q: How often should you replace your hot water tank?

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, its probably reaching the end of its lifespan. Most conventional electric hot water tanks will last 10-15 years maximum. Gas-powered hot water tanks usually breakdown after 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 15 years with regular maintenance.

Experiencing water heater issues can prove highly inconvenient. As such, it’s important to know when your heater requires simple repairing and when a complete water heater replacement is necessary.

Table of Contents Show

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Can a hot water heater last 20 years?
How long will a 50 gallon hot water heater last?
How often should you replace your hot water tank?

In this article, we explore a number of water heater issues that require a water heater replacement as well as some methods to make your water heater last longer. Also included are the factors you need to consider when buying a new water heater.

Signs of A Malfunctioning Water Heater

Some of the signs of a malfunctioning water heater include the following:

Quick Depletion of Hot Water

A water heater’s primary function is basically self-explanatory. So if you notice a lack of running hot water from your shower or tap, then you may need to contact a reliable plumber to have your water heater replaced.

Advanced Age of Water Heater

Naturally, old water heaters tend to be less durable compared to modern water heaters. In addition, they can be less efficient and more prone to damage. If your water heater has been in service for a long time, it’s recommended that you have it replaced with the help of professional plumbing services.

Deteriorating Tank

Poor water heater maintenance can cause the tank to corrode and rust. When this happens, problems such as a water heater leak and even bursting can occur. As such, it’s best to contact an emergency plumber once you notice your water heater tank deteriorating.

Rusty-colored Water

Once the water heater’s tank deteriorates and begins to rust, its water supply can become affected as well. An indication of this is when the water coming from the heater starts to turn orange-brown due to corrosion within its iron structure. Should you experience this, immediately contact professional plumbing services to have your water heater replaced.

Leaking Tank

It’s often possible for a water tank to experience water leaks even without any signs of deterioration. Some leaks can simply be repaired if the water heater is of a newer model. But if your water heater is one that has been in service for a long period, then it might be better to opt for a water heater replacement.

How Long Should A Water Heater Last?

Most plumbers in Singapore expect a water heater to have a life expectancy of eight to twelve years. However, this also depends on the heater’s location, design, installation quality, maintenance schedule, and water quality. If you happen to own a water heater that is more than a decade old, then it may be susceptible to plumbing leaks and malfunctions. As such, it might be better to have it replaced once it experiences issues. Otherwise, if you believe that your heater is in good condition, then you can check if its problems are being caused by electricity-related matters such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker.

Prolonging a water heater’s life expectancy is possible as long as it undergoes regular servicing and plumbing maintenance. This includes draining the water heater twice a year to remove collected sediments which may cause corrosion. In addition, you should also release the pressure-relief valve time and again to drain any excess water into the overflow drainpipe.

Another practice that you should conduct regularly is lowering the thermostat’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, you can avoid any damage to the tank by preventing it from overheating. Contact a licensed plumber in Singapore should you require help with these procedures.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Water Heater Replacement

When choosing a replacement for your existing water heater, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:

Water Heater Type

Water heaters come in many different types such as storage water heaters, electric water heaters, gas water heaters, instant water heaters, and multipoint water heaters. Some of these water heaters may seem more convenient than others depending on your needs. For instance, you might prefer an instant water heater over a gas model in case you’re in need of a quick hot water supply. A multipoint water heater may also be your foremost option if your main priority is to have hot water for washing dishes.

Fortunately, many modern water heaters today are easier to maintain compared to older models. So whichever water heater type you choose, make sure that it serves you well over the long term.

Durability

When purchasing a new water heater, it’s vital to ensure that it remains as durable as possible even after years of usage. This is because some water heaters can corrode due to water minerals reacting with their steel-built structure. Others, meanwhile, may experience water leaks if not maintained properly.

Fortunately, most modern water heaters existing in the market today are energy-efficient and are built with damage-resistant material. These include foam insulation injected between the tank and its outer shell to make it more heat-retentive. There are even glass liners built into some models to make them less prone to corrosion.

To ensure that your water heater remains durable and doesn’t sustain damage while being installed, contact a recommended plumber for proper assistance.

Hidden Costs

Like many other home maintenance services, installing a new water heater can incur some hidden costs. This can be due to the procedures done to bring the heater up to building codes. Installation of additional features such as a drain pan and water heater mounts may also be a possible factor. Overall, make sure to ask your plumber to outline all costs needed for a water heater replacement to avoid going over budget.

Conclusion

If you feel that your water heater needs replacing, then don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Plumber Singapore for assistance. With our team of experienced professionals and our reputable plumbing services, we can guarantee that any water heater-related issues you’re currently facing can be solved as efficiently as possible.

Mr Plumber Singapore provides a full range of plumbing services in Singapore, including plumbing repair, water pipe leak repair, toilet bowl choke, drain choke, clearing clogged sink, water heater installation, toilet bowls, installation & repair of a toilet bowl, kitchen sink, toilet sink, drainage pipe, concealed pipes, etc. We have a team of licensed plumbers who are readily available for emergency plumbing services. We have over 10 years of plumbing experience and have done thousands of plumbing works for both residential (Landed, condo, and HDB plumbing) and commercial plumbing. We are the best-recommended plumber in Singapore, with many satisfied customers and positive plumber reviews over the years both on Google and Facebook. WhatsApp us at +65 8241 0032 for transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your plumbing needs. We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your plumbing needs!

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?

Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water 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.

Can a hot 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.

How long will a 50 gallon hot water heater last?

In general, 40-gallon heaters last for about eight years, while 50-gallon heaters can last 12 years. This is because 50-gallon heaters have thicker tanks. As a result, they are less likely to develop leaks. A 50-gallon water heater will last about 8 to 20 years, which is longer than most water heaters.

How often should you replace your hot water tank?

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it's probably reaching the end of its lifespan. Most conventional electric hot water tanks will last 10-15 years maximum. Gas-powered hot water tanks usually breakdown after 8-10 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 15 years with regular maintenance.