When to Replace Your Water Heater

How long water heaters actually last

A standard tank water heater lasts about 8 to 12 years. Tankless units last longer, typically 15 to 20 years, because there is no tank to corrode. If your unit is within a couple of years of those marks, it is worth planning ahead rather than waiting for a failure.

Warning signs you should not ignore

• Rusty or discolored water coming from hot taps
• Rumbling, popping, or banging noises from the tank (usually sediment buildup)
• Water pooling around the base of the unit, even a small amount
• Inconsistent water temperature or running out of hot water faster than usual
• A noticeable jump in your water heating costs

Repair or replace?

A common rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, or the heater is already past 8 years old, replacement is usually the better financial call. A cheap repair on a 3-year-old unit makes sense. A $400 repair on a 10-year-old tank usually does not.

Plan it instead of reacting to it

Water heaters rarely give much warning before they fail completely, and a burst tank can cause real water damage. Tracking the install date and condition of your equipment means you can budget for a replacement on your terms, not in an emergency.

Halemere tracks your home's equipment and builds a maintenance schedule automatically, so tasks like these do not depend on remembering a blog post.