Obviously, hot water heaters that see a ton of usage won’t last as long as those that are only used sparingly. If you have a growing family, you can expect your hot water needs to change as your kids grow, and this can impact the life of your hot water heater. Furthermore, if you live in an area with hard water, the mineral buildup inside the tank can clog plumbing lines and may shorten the life of the unit. If either of the above applies to you and you have been experiencing trouble with your hot water heater, it may be time to replace it.
Most residential water heaters are sold with a 5-year or 10-year warranty, so a new heater should last at least that long. However, if you live in an older home with an aging hot water heater, even common problems could be an indication that it is time to replace it. A hot water heater that is more than 15 or 20 years old and is clanging or knocking, failing to produce hot water, unable to produce hot water consistently, or unable to maintain a constant water temperature has probably reached the end of its life.
Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy fix for a leaking hot water tank. If you notice standing water anywhere near the unit, call a professional right away – you will need to replace the tank as soon as possible to prevent flooding or other damage to your home.