The last thing you want is to step into the shower and be hit with an ice-cold stream of water. At Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter, we want you to enjoy endless hot showers. That being said, we also know that water heaters don’t last forever.

A question we get often from our customers is: How long does a water heater last?

In this post, we’re going to answer that question and more.

First, traditional tank water heaters last, on average, 8-12 years. Many factors affect how long you have until you need to start looking for a new water heater, but maintenance is key. If you’ve maintained your water heater well, you can expect to get more years from it than not.

What Kind of Maintenance Does My Water Heater Need?

We’re glad you asked! Tank water heaters need to be flushed once a year. By draining the entire tank and refilling it, you get rid of built up sediment that can damage interior parts like the burner.

It’s also a good idea to schedule professional water heater services once a year. These services include checking the thermostat, the valve, and other parts that may need replacing due to wear and tear.

Will a Tankless Water Heater Last Longer?

Tankless water heaters have many benefits and longevity is one of them. Tankless water heaters can last upwards of 20 years, which is considerably longer than the average tank heater. The reason for the increased lifespan is there’s less wear and tear on a tankless water heater. It doesn’t refill constantly and it’s smaller so there isn’t as much risk of it getting bumped or being in the way in a storage closet.

My Water Heater Is Leaking. Do I Need to Replace It?

A leaky water heater is never a good sign, but before you get too bent out of shape, consider where the leak is coming from. Is it coming from the bottom of the tank or the top? Sometimes water heaters leak from the top because of a poor pipe connection. Also, water heaters can develop condensation that tricks people into thinking the tank is leaking when it’s not.

A tank that leaks from the bottom is the worst-case scenario. In nearly every instance, you’ll need to replace the tank.

Do you have questions about water heater repair, replacement, or installation? Contact plumbers in Glendale, CA, at Glendale Expert Plumbing and Rooter. We take your calls 24-hours a day!