Knowing what an important role a water heater plays in the proper running of the home is one of the reasons we give them special attention during our home inspections. However, like most appliances, a water heater does not last forever. In this blog, we are going to look at the role various factors play in estimating a water heater’s life span.
Usually, you can expect a water heater to last for about 10 years, but this will depend on the amount of use it gets. Naturally, the more water it must heat up, the harder it will work which will add to the level of wear and tear put on it.
Installing the water heater correctly is another key step to expand its life span. In an attempt to keep costs low, many homeowners try to install it themselves. They may quickly find out, though, that the job is much harder than anticipated. This is particularly true when installing tankless gas heaters.
A lot of thought and attention must also be given to the location where you will install your water heater. It needs to be in an upright position and the area should be well ventilated. Be careful you do not choose an area that is prone to flooding as this can cause the exterior pipes of a water heater to rust, therefore reducing its life span. You should also think about future maintenance and repairs by installing the water heater in an area with easy access.
When selecting a new water heater, remember that you usually get what you pay for, meaning that the more it costs, the better quality it will be. Look at the length of time it will be under warranty as well, as this can be an indication of its quality. The longer the warranty generally means it will last for a longer time.