How Long Does a Hot Water Heater Last?

Most homeowners are not sure when to replace their hot water heater. They believe that once a heater starts to break down, it is time for replacement. Others keep their water heaters for so long that it becomes too expensive to maintain. The length of time that it takes to replace the water heater differs from one heater to the other as explained below. Water heaters are generally not made to last for more than 15 years. Most brands will start malfunctioning by the end of their tenth year and may need a replacement. Moreover, the longevity of a heater is also determined by the type of material used. The quality of maintenance of the heater also determines its effective life. Heaters that come with tanks made of fiberglass tend to last much longer than the conventional tanks. Some high-end models of this type come with a lifetime warranty. Unfortunately, when the tanks get damaged they cannot be repaired and the whole unit has to be replaced. Most of the low-end heater mod...