How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?

Are you worried about how much longer your hot water system will survive? These objects aren’t cheap to replace, and you want to make sure you get every bit of value you can out of it.

However, you don’t want it to break down while you’re in the middle of a shower. You also don’t want it to cause problems for the rest of your plumbing and lead to more expensive work needing to get completed.

So how long should a water system last? There are several variables that you should know about that can have an impact on its lifespan. But here are the most common factors that can affect it and how you can extend the longevity of one.

How Long Should a Hot Water System Last?

A hot water system’s lifespan depends on whether it’s electric, gas, solar, instantaneous, or something else entirely. Typically, an electric system can last between 10 and 15 years, while a gas one will only survive for 8 to 12 years.

If it includes tank storage, you can expect this lifespan to decrease. The reason for this is that the water stored inside it can cause the system to corrode as time passes by. Instant systems can last a lot longer as it only contains some basic parts and doesn’t keep any water inside it.

What Can Impact a Hot Water System’s Lifespan?

There are some other key factors you need to be aware of that can impact the life of a hot water system.

Quality of the Hot Water System

Naturally, the higher the quality of the system, the longer it’s going to last. You should stick to brands that are trusted and have a reputation for their standards. It does often mean these products are at the higher end of the price range. However, you end up getting what you pay for, and that’s a system with a long lifespan.

Materials It’s Made Of

As corrosion is one reason why your hot water system will need replacing, the materials that it’s made of are also critical to its lifespan. Some copper tanks can last up to 25 years, while enamel-lined ones can struggle to reach ten years. Ask your plumber what the water system is made of to get the best indication of how long you can expect it to survive.

How Often It’s Used

The more strain you put on your hot water system, the sooner it will need replacing. If you enjoy long hot showers multiple times throughout the day or have a large family, then you might not get as many uses out of it. Give your plumber an indication of how often you plan on utilising the hot water, and they should be able to recommend a model that can handle the pressure.

The Quality of the Water

Hard water is one of the worst enemies of a hot water system. Processing this type of water can lead to corrosion very quickly and ultimately reduce the lifespan of it. If you’re already aware of issues with the quality of your water, you should get your system regularly serviced to extend its life.

How Can You Make Your Hot Water System Last Longer?

The key to providing your hot water system with a long life is having it checked and serviced regularly. Like any piece of machinery, frequent maintenance can ensure it’s running to its full potential, and it can catch issues before they become more significant problems.

For example, replacing the anodes in a hot water tank reduces the risk of corrosion. Having a plumber regularly replace these parts can lengthen the life of the hot water system.

How Can You Tell When Your Hot Water System Needs to be Replaced?

There are tell-tale signs when your water system will need to get replaced. If you spot any of these issues, then it’s best to get in touch with a professional to confirm your suspicions.

• The water isn’t as hot as it usually is, or it runs out faster than normal
• You hear a hissing or sizzling coming from the hot water tank
• There is a build-up of rust and sludge on the system

Before you order a new hot water system, check the thermostat, heating elements, and relief valves first. Sometimes the above issues could be related to these parts, and it’s a lot cheaper to fix these problems than replace your hot water tank completely.

Who Can Replace Your Hot Water System?

Unless you’re an experienced plumber, you’ll need to get in a professional to visit when the time comes to replace your hot water system. But before you make the call, find out as much information as you can about your system so that you can be confident that the only option available to you is getting a brand new tank.

Once you’re sure, get in touch with us at All Day Plumbing. We have experience with electric, gas, and solar water systems. We can offer various types of units to suit your needs and budget. We also only provide the best brands like Rheem, Dux, and Wilson, to name a few. Don’t step into a cold shower ever again, contact us today and make sure your hot water tank can go the distance.