Hot water heaters are not only a necessary appliance but are also expensive to replace. For this reason, it’s important to properly maintain your water heater to extend its life and prevent costly repairs in the future. The average lifespan of a hot water tank is 10 to 15 years, but that can vary based on how often it is used and what it is used for. Here are some tips for extending the life of your water heater so that you don’t have to replace it any time soon.

Change the water filter regularly

Like every other part of your home, hot water tanks need to be changed on a regular basis to prevent harmful bacteria and other organisms from growing inside. The best way to do this is by changing your water filter regularly. You can usually find instructions on how to change your water filter at the bottom of the tank or on a label near the spigot. If you’re in doubt, contact your local utility company and they can help you determine the best filter size and schedule for your home.

Turn it off when you don’t need it

Hot water heaters are not appliances that you want to be left on all the time. Instead, it is recommended that water heaters be turned off when not in use to avoid wasting energy and incurring unnecessary expenses on your electric bill. Hot water heaters can lose anywhere between 10% and 40% of their water through evaporation. This means that if you leave your water heater on all day, it is going to use more energy and cost you more money. Instead of having your water heater running all day long, it is recommended that you turn it off when you aren’t using water or using the hot water for long periods of time.

Only use the hot water when needed

Hot water heaters should only be used to heat water when it is needed. It is recommended that you use cold water for washing dishes, bathing, and washing clothes. While it might be tempting to use hot water for these tasks, it is better for your appliances and the environment if you use cold water whenever possible. If you do not use hot water for these tasks, your water heater will not have to work as hard and will last longer.

Only fill the tank to 80 degrees

Hot water heaters are designed to heat water to a certain temperature, which is usually around 80 degrees. If you fill your water heater too high, it can damage not just the tank but also the pipes inside your house. If the water in your tank is too hot, it can lead to scalding, which is a very serious injury. If the water in your tank is too cold, it can lead to frozen pipes, which can cause a lot of damage to your home. To avoid scalding or frozen pipes, it is recommended that you only fill your water heater to 80 degrees.

Conclusion

Hot water heaters are necessary appliances in every home. However, they can become damaged or inefficient over time. By following the tips above, you can extend the life of your water heater and prevent costly repairs in the future. With these simple tips, you can prevent a ton of money from going down the drain.

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.
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 hot 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.
  • 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
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.
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.)