For most households, having access to warm, running water is a huge part of the day. However, multiplying the demand with the number of people at home makes you realize how much work the hot water tank puts into making our lives more convenient.
While it may not come anytime soon after purchasing a brand new unit, you will eventually notice signs that your hot water tanks need to be replaced. Below, we discuss its average lifespan, signs that it may need to be replaced, and what you can expect from the replacement process.
What is the average lifespan of a hot water tank?
Even the most durable kinds of hot water tanks have an average lifespan of about 8 to 10 years. With annual preventative maintenance, you can fully maximize this and have your water heater last as long as expected.
What are the signs that indicate a hot water tank needs to be replaced?
#1 If your hot water tank is old
If you do not have your tank checked annually, then we suggest at least looking into it after 8 years of usage. If your hot water tank is already 10 years old or older, we highly recommend getting it replaced, otherwise you run the risk of your heater malfunctioning or causing a leak..
#2 If you notice rust on your tank or in your water
Rust is very dangerous to steel because once corrosion hits the surface, it will gradually spread and eat through the material. Because of this, you can expect to have a few leaks in your water tank should you spot some rusty spots. Moreover, the rust can contaminate your water and cause a health hazard to your home.
#3 If your water tank makes noise
If your tank starts making noises, it could be due to sediment buildup. This can cause the water heater to brittle, function inefficiently, and consume more energy. This is why it is important to flush the tank out annually and drain the sediment below.
#4 If your water tank leaks
Apart from rust, another cause of leaks could be the expansions to the metal. With multiple heating cycles throughout a decade, the inner part of the tank starts to expand and form fractures.
#5 If your water is not heating
If you have double-checked your thermostat and heating element with both functioning fine, then it is most likely an issue with your hot water tank.
How long would it take to replace?
It would take an average of about 2 to 3 hours to replace a hot water tank.
The first part involves draining, disconnecting, and removing the old one, which would roughly take 45 minutes to an hour. The remainder of the time will be spent bringing the new tank in, fixing it to the exact spot, connecting it to a power or fuel source, any venting steps if needed, and finally testing it out.
