If your hot water heater is leaking or not heating up, you may be able to repair the existing unit. This is certainly what you would like to happen. That being said, an old hot water heater may need to be replaced instead. How old is too old when it comes to a hot water heater? We’re glad you asked, because we have the answer!

Table of Contents

• How Long do Hot Water Heaters Usually Last?
• Hot Water Heater Repair in Birmingham

How Long do Hot Water Heaters Usually Last?

Nothing is made to last forever. From your television, to your car to yes, even your hot water heater, eventually it will need to be replaced. The question isn’t if, but when. The short answer is that typically a residential hot water heater lasts between six and 13 years. If your hot water heater is more than 12 years old, you are on borrowed time!

That being said, there’s always some variation in that number. Households use their water differently, and different manufacturers and products have a longer lifespan and warranty than others. If you bought the cheapest hot water heater model possible, take six showers a day, and haven’t kept up with regular maintenance, it probably won’t last 13 years. Did you know you’re supposed to drain and flush the tank every year, as recommended by tank manufacturers? Many homeowners don’t!

How many years your unit will get varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule, and water quality. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, leaks around the base of the tank or if it works erratically, it’s probably time for a replacement. Sometimes, it is helpful to think of long-term costs instead of the initial cost of the bill you’ll pay right now. You may also choose to upgrade to a more efficient model to cut your energy expenses, even if your hot water heater has not fully reached the end of its natural lifespan. Would you continue to pay large repair bills at the mechanic for a car that was 20 years old or would you use your money to get a newer car that needed less upkeep? The mindset is the same!

Hot Water Heater Repair

You can trust the team members at Plumbers Cheap to tell you truthfully whether your hot water heaters need to be repaired or replaced. Whichever is needed in your specific situation, we’ll handle the job courteously and professionally, for a price that’s in your budget. After all, going without hot water is certainly not an option!

You can contact us by calling 855-890-7713. If you prefer, you can also email craig.sparks@yahoo.com or fill out the simple contact form on our website. This isn’t something to let go, because a hot water heater left alone isn’t going to get better- only worse!