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How long does a water heater last?
A tank water heater usually lasts 8 to 12 years; a tankless one 15 to 20. Hard water shortens both. Start by finding out how old yours is: decode the serial number.
Warning signs
- Rust-coloured hot water, or rust around the base or the fittings on top.
- Water pooling under the tank. A leaking tank cannot be repaired.
- Popping or rumbling while it heats (sediment on the bottom).
- Running out of hot water sooner than it used to.
Making an older tank last
Drain a few gallons from the valve at the bottom once a year to clear sediment, and check the anode rod every few years. The anode rod is a metal rod that corrodes so the tank doesn't. Replacing it before it is used up can add years to a tank that isn't leaking.
Most tanks come with a 6-year warranty, some 9 or 12. The warranty length is usually on the label, and it's a fair guide to how long the maker expects the tank to last.