Typical lifespans
Gas tank heaters often last around ten to fifteen years. Tankless units can last longer with maintenance. Both wear out sooner in hard water or without upkeep.
Reading the date
The serial number on the label normally encodes the manufacture date. Manufacturer websites explain the code.
What wears out
- Anode rod
- Burner or elements
- Relief valve
- The tank itself
Signs of end of life
- Leaks from the tank
- Rusty hot water
- Loud noises
- Less hot water
Replacing before it fails
A tank that is nearing retirement can be replaced on a planned day, with water off for only a few hours. A tank that fails without warning can flood a basement first. If yours is past a decade old and showing any sign of trouble, it is worth planning the swap now.
Check whether yours is rented; a rental contract can change how and when it is replaced.
Glance at the tank once a month as you pass the furnace. A dry floor, a quiet burner and no rust streaks below the relief valve are good signs. A white crust around the cold inlet, a damp drain valve or a sooty draft hood are early warnings worth reporting before they turn into a cold-shower morning.
Related
See replacement, flushing and tank vs tankless.
Keep-handy checklist
- Hang a flanged plunger and a pail beside the basement floor drain
- Shine a light under each vanity and kitchen sink every spring and fall
- Pencil the install date on the water heater and the sump pump
- Pull the pop-up stopper and clear the hair every couple of months
Your questions, answered plainly
Can I extend its life?
Yes, through flushing and anode replacement.