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Most people probably don’t think about their water heater until they find themselves in hot – um, cold – water.
Boilers, like most household appliances or systems, can and do fail. But given that most water heaters are tucked away in basements or closets, they are often out of sight, out of mind for homeowners. However, this does not mean that they do not need attention and maintenance.
And for homeowners who come to the conclusion that they need new boiler – either expected or not – it might be a good idea to know what to look for, how long they’ll last and what you’re likely to pay in the end.
When to change the water heater
If you don’t know when your water heater needs replacing, experts say there are usually some signs to look out for. Among the most common signs? Accumulation of water under the heater itself and particles in the water when you open the tap.
“If you start to see water pooling on the bottom and if you start to get some sediment,” said Brandon Thompson, owner of Circle T Handyman, handyman services in Chicago, IL. While Thompson says the sludge is more or less natural (though not ideal), water heaters can rust, causing water to leak and build up above or below it.
“Slow leaks turn into big leaks, and big leaks turn into big problems,” said Scott Cohen, senior manager of channel marketing at Rheem, a company that makes water heaters, boilers and HVAC equipment. “Consider replacing it if there are any signs of tank leaks, or if it’s older and not up to par – if you run out of hot water during peak usage periods.”
In other words, if you’re running out of hot water, it could be another sign that it’s time to look for replacements.
You also need to consider the age of the water heater. If your water heater is decades old, you should probably consider replacing it, even if there are no immediate signs of wear and tear. Thompson said 20 years is “probably the maximum you’d want to do” with one water heater.
How long should a water heater last?
While Thompson says water heaters can last upwards of 20 years, a typical water heater is more likely to have a life of about 10 years. But again, if you see signs that the tank is on its last legs, you may want to replace it before it fails.
“If well maintained, the average water heater should last 10 to 15 years,” Cohen said. “It will depend on maintenance, water quality in your area, and you can also look at the warranty to get an idea of the minimum life.” But as a general rule, homeowners may want to plan for their water heater to last 10 years.
But keep in mind that there are different types of water heaters, each with their own lifespan and maintenance considerations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the the most common types:
Storage or Tank Boilers
These are the most common types of water heaters and look like, well, a large tank that’s probably hidden in your basement or closet. They tend to last between 10 and 15 years and probably are the cheapest types of water heaters outside the gate. They can also run on electricity or gas, but are usually not efficient. They can cost between $600 and $2,500 depending on data from Angi.
Tankless boilers
Tankless boilers are smaller than their tank-style counterparts and more efficient because they use coils to heat water. Pricing for product and installation starts north of $1,000 in most cases and can go up to $3,500. They also run on electricity or gas, but consumers may lower their utility bills due to the improved efficiency. Tankless water heaters also typically have a longer lifespan, up to 20 years.
Heat pump or hybrid boilers
Heat pumps are having a moment and heat pump technology is also being combined with water heaters to create heat pumps, or hybrid boilers. These are usually the most effective types of water they hate, but also the most expensive — they can cost thousands to purchase and install. But they’re also eligible for tax incentives (more on that below) that can help keep the price down, and should last about 15 years.
“Heat pump water heaters are growing rapidly in the market right now,” Cohen said. “There are a lot of incentives that can bring the price down.”
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
The cost of replacing a water heater varies depending on several factors, but it will mostly come down to the cost of the specific water heater you have chosen as a replacement and the cost of labor in your area. Broadly speaking, however, Angi’s data puts the average cost of a new water heater at just over $1,300, with a typical range between $881 and roughly $1,800.
The size and type of water heater you get will be the main factors in the cost of the heater itself.
But again, many factors come into play – whether you’re buying a newfangled hybrid water heater versus a standard one, and how much plumbers charge for the job of replacing it, chief among them. You may also want to consider whether additional work will need to be done on your home. This may involve a bit of demolition to get the old water heater out or a new one (and subsequent repairs) or any hacking of your existing plumbing to properly set up a new water heater. Also note that this may require permits as well.
Another thing to think about is government incentives. Cohen said homeowners can benefit from specific types of new water heaters federal tax credits this can be as high as $2,000, or 30% of the project cost. In fact, you may be able to get a newer, more efficient water heater and get tax relief too in some circumstances.
How to keep your water heater running
Maintenance is important, and if you want your water heater to keep working past the 10-year mark, basic maintenance done once or twice a year can help keep things running smoothly.
Cohen says a quick visual check of connections and valves for leaks can be easy to do. You may also want to flush the heater itself once a year, which can help get rid of the sludge. “The whole process can take half an hour a year,” he says.
For most homeowners, though, if something looks amiss, Thompson and Cohen say there’s only one thing to do: call a plumber.
“There’s not a lot that a handyman or homeowner can necessarily do on their own” if they suspect there’s a problem with their water heater, Thompson said. “It’s not something you have to flush in your sink.”
So what should you do if you are concerned that the water heater is ready for operation or needs to be checked?
“Find a plumber,” Thompson said.
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