A water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, but unfortunately they also experience a high failure rate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a water heater is just 10 to 12 years. Thankfully, there are many ways to extend the life of your hot water tank and avoid having to replace it as soon as possible. Here are some common causes of water heater failure and tips on how to avoid them in the future.

Why do water heaters fail while on a long vacation?

Longer vacation times may seem like a great reason to relax, but they can actually be a prime time for water heater failures. If you’re planning to be out of town for a long period of time and don’t want to worry about a hot water shortage, renting a tank is an ideal solution.However, even if you’re only planning a short weekend trip or a week-long vacation, having a long break from using hot water can cause damage to your water heater. This is because water heaters work by keeping water at a specific temperature. When there’s not enough flow, the water tank may take longer than normal to heat up and shut off, which can cause damage to the inside of the tank.

Why do water heaters experience increased operation and maintenance costs?

Water heaters need a certain amount of maintenance throughout their lifetime. This is especially true if you’re using a tank that’s over 10 years old. The reason for this is that older water heaters are more likely to develop problems and need repair.If your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s important to have it inspected and cleaned every year. This will help extend the life of your tank and cut down on the amount of money you spend on repairs.The average cost of water heaters is $799, but the average cost of water heater repairs is $300.

Why do water heaters experience increased CO2 emissions and scale threatening consequences?

Water heaters also emit CO2. While this is a natural byproduct of heating water, it can also have negative consequences. Studies have shown that CO2 emissions can be linked to negative health effects, such as headaches, stress, and irritability. In addition to this, CO2 emissions can cause an increase in the rate of corrosion. Corroded pipes become less effective at transporting water, which can lead to water damage.This is why it’s important to clean out your water heater regularly to prevent scale buildup and reduce the amount of CO2 being emitted.

Conclusion

A water heater is an important appliance that needs constant care and attention to remain in good working order. It’s important to monitor the amount of water you’re using and the temperature of your water to avoid having to replace your water heater too soon. If you notice a difference between your water usage and the temperature of your water, it could be an indication that it needs to be repaired or replaced.If you’re planning a long vacation, renting a water tank may be the best option. However, even if you only take short weekend trips, it’s important to have a professional clean out your water tank before you use it again.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.