When it comes to choosing a new water heater or scheduling routine maintenance for your current model, there are a few misconceptions that are worth exploring before making a decision. Many people worry about whether they need a new water heater, or if their current one is still operating at peak efficiency. They may also worry about getting ripped off when they purchase their next water heater or have maintenance performed on an older model. Fortunately, many of these common water heater myths are false. There are plenty of ways to save money on water heating by researching your options before buying a new heater or by investing in maintenance and repair. Below are some of the most common myths associated with water heaters and how they stack up against the truth.

Water heaters should be replaced every 10 years.

This common myth about water heaters is untrue. Each manufacturer provides usage recommendations on their water heater models based on how much water you use and the type of appliances in your house. For example, if you only use a standard household faucet and shower, a water heater with a 10 year lifespan would be sufficient. However, if you have a family of four and live in a suburban home with two full kitchens, a water heater with a 10 year lifespan wouldn't be enough. Additionally, the average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the quality of the installation, the age of your home, and the efficiency of your water usage. If you are concerned about the age of your water heater, be sure to research the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

Carbon deposits are actually a good thing. Carbon buildup is essentially a microbial process that is supposed to happen. It is a natural byproduct of water heating, and it can help improve the efficiency of your water heater. However, don’t expect a water heater to look like a piece of old leather. Even new units can build up a few carbon deposits over time, and it’s nothing to worry about. In fact, carbon buildup on the inside of a water heater is a normal part of the water heating process. When carbon builds up on the heating element in your water heater, it can cause the element to get hotter than it should. This can also cause discoloration in the tank or burner. If your water is discolored, there’s no need to worry. It’s just another sign that the water is hot enough.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Allowing carbon deposits to build up will cause a water heater to fail soon.

It’s important to remember that carbon buildup is a normal part of the water heating process, and it doesn’t always signify that the water heater is about to break down. While some carbon buildup is normal, excessive buildup can cause problems. If you notice that your water is extremely discolored or has a bad smell, you should have it checked out by a qualified technician.

Bottom line

Water heaters go through a process known as corrosion. As water sits inside the tank, it slowly evaporates. This water then mixes with the minerals in the water, including iron and calcium. Over time, these minerals will build up and create what is commonly known as "water tank scale." This can make water look and smell bad. A water heater must be drained and cleaned yearly to prevent this buildup. The easiest way to do this is to use a water heater cleaning chemical

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.