How Long Do Hot Water Heaters Last?

As unfortunate as it is, your water heater is not built to last forever, even when maintained and cared for properly. That said, it is important to note that the lifespan of your water heater depends on what kind of water heater it is. There are two main types: electric water heaters and gas water heaters. 

Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters 

The most common method you can employ to help you determine what type of water heater you have is by looking for a small blue flame inside your water heater. This is called the pilot light. You can find this pilot light by opening the access panel found on the side of your water heater. If you peer inside and find a pilot light, you have a gas water heater. If you do not find a pilot light, you have an electric heater. 

You can also look for electric or gas pipes. An electric water heater will have an electric supply cord that extends from the top or the side. It is usually thick, and black or gray in color. A gas water heater will have a gas pipe that extends from the bottom of the tank. It is thinner than an electric supply cord and typically black. 

Longevity of Electric and Gas Water Heaters 

The average gas water heater lasts between eight to 12 years before needing to be replaced. In contrast, the average electric water heater lasts for about 10 to 15 years. This lifespan can be shortened if the water heater is not well cared for or if it has experienced any other external damages. 

It is natural for your appliances to experience wear and tear over time. This is not something homeowners can avoid. As expensive as it can be, replacement of worn-down appliances is safer and more cost-effective in the long term, because it can protect against future damages down the road.