Water Heater Repair, Maintenance, Installation, and Replacement

How Long do Natural Gas Water Heaters and Electric Water Heaters Last?

An average water heater lasts between eight to 12 years with routine maintenance. However, tankless water heaters (systems that heat water supply when required) may last for over 20 years. You may check the serial number of your heater units to identify their age and decide when it is time for a replacement. 

 

Additionally, other variables affect the lifespan of a heater unit, including the quality of installation, unit design (some manufacturers offer energy-efficient units built to last), and frequency of maintenance. 

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What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

The most effective way to calculate water heater size involves calculating peak hour demand (the time of day that sees the most hot water usage). Additionally, you should consider the number of people using the supply (i.e., family of four). Each measurement should center on first-hour ratings (the gallons of water supplied by a heater within an hour).

 

Generally, most water heaters provide the following capacity:

• 40 gallons: one to four people

• 50 gallons: four to six people

• 75 gallons: six to eight people

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How Do You Flush a Water Heater?

It is essential to keep water heaters well-flushed to maintain them in top working order. The systematic flushing process eliminates sediment build-ups that may otherwise clog water lines and compromise the performance of your units. 

 

A basic flushing process involves a six-step approach:

1. Locate the tap of your heating system

2. Connect a hose to the tap and ensure a tight fit

3. Lay out the hose and align the other end of the hose to a suitable water catchment area (i.e., drain)

4. Turn on the tap and use safety equipment (i.e., gloves) for added insulation from hot water flow

5. Alternate three cycles of five-minute water flows and non-flows from tap to flush the system

6. Turn off the valve for safe removal of the hose

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For additional details and photos, visit How to Flush a Residential Water Heater

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What Are the Signs That Your Hot Water Heating Elements Are Going Out?

Sometimes it seems like heating elements go out without notice, but you can prevent that wanted surprise of cold water if you keep an eye out for various indicators that it is time to install a new unit. These include:

 

Signs of Rust: 

These may appear on the exterior of heater units water tank or corrosion from within the installation. In the latter, you can identify the problem through metallic-tasting or discolored water running from the tank.  

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Heater Age: 

In Reno NV, standard heating units last eight and 12 years, while tankless installations may operate slightly over 20 years. Keeping units around longer than their service lifespan could result in poor temperature regulation or injuries (i.e., explosions due to pressure buildups) in worse cases.

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Leaks:  

You should hire a plumber to replace leaking heater units quickly as these lead to water wastage and high energy consumption fees. Most leaks originate from the base of the heating appliance, especially for older units. 

 

Unusual Noises: 

Cracking and clanking sounds indicate the build-up of sentiment within the heating unit. When left unattended, these sediments will gradually erode the interior lining of your heater, rendering it non-functional.