Water heaters are necessary appliances for all Melbourne, FL, households for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. Unfortunately, water heaters fail too often with little to no warning, and sometimes more misfortune follows, like flooding and water damage.
Some advanced planning may help you determine when to replace your water heater before disaster strikes, but how long does a water heater last in Melbourne, FL? Read on to find the answer and review how to avoid unfortunate circumstances in your home.
The Life Span of Common Water Heater Models
No two water heater models have the same life expectancy, and varying maintenance steps are necessary to get the full use value from the appliances. Reviewing the life span of each water heater type can help you plan ahead and know what to expect and when.
Standard Tanked Water Heaters
Standard tanked water heaters are the most economical models, and they are a popular installation found in most older properties. The average life span for these water heaters is between ten and fifteen years.
These models produce hot water by filling the tank and using a heating element to reach the preferred temperature. The tank refills to accommodate your household’s hot water demands as you use hot water.
At the top of the tank is an anode rod or steel core wire. While these wires are designed to reduce rusting and corrosion, they will rust after years of water exposure. Corroded anode rods are a common cause of water heater failure, but it’s not the only reason these models fail.
Tanked water heaters also fail due to a lack of maintenance. A plumber must drain the tank and check for signs of rust in the tank. If the tank rusts, it could break, allowing many gallons of water to flood your basement or utility room.
Rust-colored hot water flowing into your sink or shower is a sign of tank corrosion. Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can inspect your tanked water heater and anode rod for signs of failure and provide maintenance or repair services.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water when you turn on the hot water without a tank. The models pull water from water pipes and release it after it is heated. The typical life span for tankless water heaters is 20 years.
Signs that your tankless water heater is failing include sudden changes in hot water pressure, the water heater constantly shutting down, inadequate hot water supply, and leaks. Tankless water heater issues are apparent if soap doesn’t dissolve properly in your washer or dishwasher or if your laundry or dishes aren’t clean after washing.
Indirect and Tankless Coil Water Heaters
Indirect and tankless coil water heaters heat water via the boiler heating system in your home in Melbourne, FL. However, unlike a tankless coil, the indirect models require a tank. The life span for these models is between 10 to 11 years.
Geothermal or Heat Pump Water Heaters
Geothermal or heat pump water heaters transfer heat via electricity to produce hot water. You can expect a well-maintained geothermal unit to last between 10 and 15 years. Failing to maintain consistent temperatures, increasing energy costs, and failing to provide enough hot water are all signs that this model is faulty.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters operate via energy stored in solar panels. Some models have a tank installed on the roof to maximize solar power collection and produce ample hot water without using electricity from public utilities. If properly installed, these models can last up to twenty years.
Signs that these models aren’t working as expected are failing to produce hot water, inconsistent temperatures, reduced water flow, and rusty water. Our plumbers can evaluate the water heater and determine if repairs are possible or if it’s time to replace it. Sometimes, repairs can extend the water heater’s life span if you discover them early.
Indirect Water Heaters
Indirect water heaters like tankless coil models use your boiler to heat water. The difference is that the indirect models require a tank to store hot water. The average life expectancy for these water heaters is about 11 years. However, like all models, maintenance is a must.
Look out for water on the floor around the tank, sudden odd water smells, or temperatures over or below the unit’s settings. These signs indicate that it’s time to replace it.
Maintenance and Replacement Tips
All Melbourne, FL, homeowners need water heaters, and the water heater model they choose determines how long the appliance will last. However, you must schedule routine maintenance to avoid common problems and extend the unit’s life span.
Knowing the signs of water heater failure can help you avoid flooding, water damage, and inaccessibility of hot water. If you notice signs of system failure, contact our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and schedule a service call.