How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace | Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
Lifespan by type, and where the numbers come from
No single number is official, so here is what each source says.
- Storage tank: 10 to 15 years (U.S. Department of Energy).
- Gas tank: about 10 years; electric tank: about 11 years (NAHB, 2007).
- Tank: 8 to 12 years (Rheem, a manufacturer).
- Tankless: more than 20 years (Department of Energy, NAHB); 15 to 20 years or more with proper care (Rheem).
Signs yours is near the end
ENERGY STAR lists these warning signs. Age matters too: past 10 years, it says it's time to start thinking about a replacement, because a sudden failure can mean a rushed choice or water damage.
- Visible corrosion on the unit or around the water lines
- Leaks from joints, seals or seams
- Rusty hot water
- Less hot water than usual, often from sediment
- Rumbling or unusual noises
How to find out how old it is
Look for the brand and serial number on the tank label. The manufacture date is sometimes printed there. If not, ENERGY STAR says to decode the serial number using an online water heater industry resource.
What helps it last
Rheem recommends flushing a tank every year and replacing the anode rod every 3 to 4 years. NC State Extension suggests checking the water heater for signs of leaking or rusting as part of routine home maintenance.
No Hot Water in House? What to Check First
Common questions
Is a 15-year-old water heater too old?
Do electric water heaters last longer than gas?
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Last verified 2026-11-03
- U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver Guide (2022) — Most storage water heaters last 10-15 years; tankless can last more than 20.
- NAHB / Bank of America Home Equity: Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (2007) — Gas tank about 10 years, electric tank 11, tankless 20+; figures are a general guideline.
- ENERGY STAR: When Should You Replace Your Water Heater? — Consider replacing at more than 10 years; warning signs; finding the age from the serial number.
- Rheem: Water Heater Lifespan, When to Repair vs. Replace — Manufacturer statement: tank 8-12 years, tankless 15-20+ with care; annual flushing and anode rod replacement.
- NC State Extension: Preventative Home Maintenance — Check the water heater for signs of leaking or rusting.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.