Filed under Water Heaters · By Michael and the team at The Irish Plumber
How long water heaters last
A typical tank lasts 10 to 15 years. Hard water, high temperatures and no maintenance shorten that. Tankless units can last longer with regular descaling. Check the label on your tank: the serial number usually includes the manufacture date.
Signs your water heater needs replacing
- It's leaking from the tank. Water around the base that isn't from a fitting or valve usually means the tank is failing. It can't be repaired.
- Rusty or discoloured hot water. If only the hot tap runs rusty, the inside of the tank may be corroding.
- Rumbling, popping or banging. Sediment has built up on the bottom. A flush can help, but in an older tank it's often a sign the end is near.
- Not enough hot water. It runs out faster than it used to, or takes longer to recover.
- It's past 10 to 12 years and needs an expensive repair.
When a repair makes sense
On a younger tank, failed elements, thermostats, igniters, thermocouples and valves are usually worth fixing. We'll tell you honestly which you're looking at.
Not sure whether to repair or replace?
Call and tell us what you've got. We'll give you a straight answer.
Choosing a replacement
- Gas tank: the most common choice in Ottawa, with lower running costs where there's a gas line
- Electric tank: fits where gas can't, with no venting needed
- Tankless: endless hot water and space saved, at a higher upfront cost
Size it on your household's actual use, not the biggest tank available. If you're renting your current tank, ask how owning compares.
Don't wait for the flood
A tank that lets go can put dozens of gallons on the basement floor. If yours is showing these signs, replacing it on your schedule is cheaper than replacing it in an emergency.