Hot Water Heaters?

Question

How long should a HOT WATER Heater last.............Mine is only 6 years old and last night and this morning I got no hot water

Answer 1

There are some with 6-year warranties, but it is probably either full of sediment or the thermocouple is bad.

Try draining the unit to clear out any sediment. If that does not work, it is best to contact a licensed plumber.

Answer 2

If it is a gas heater, check the pilot light.  If lit, turn up the thermostat and check it the heating ring ignites and stays lit.  If not, most likely it is the thermocouple.  If an electric heater, first check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If okay, go to the heating element(s). Shut off the power to the heater, open the access panel(s) and you will see the element(s).  Disconnect the wiring from one side of the element and using a continuity meter, put the probes on both element screws.  If the needle does not move, the element is burned out and needs to be replaced.  If it moves, the thermostat is probably bad and needs to be replaced.

If it is one or both elements, the water needs to be drained out before attempting the element removal.  As to longivity of heaters, I have lived in my present house 45 yrs and am using my second water heater (the first one began leaking at the bottom).

Answer 3

There is no specific answer.  I can tell you, you get what you pay for.  Less exspensive units will not last as long as more exspensive ones

Answer 4

You just need a repair.Water heaters can last as long as 25 yrs.If it's gas you may have a pilot out or if it's electric the elements may need replaced or a breaker blew.You usually only need to replace them when the tank leaks.

Answer 5

It should last longer than that.  If it is not leaking you can repair it.  If it's an electric the problem is most likely the lower heating element.  Cut the power to the unit and open  the little hatch toward the bottom of the tank.  Remove one of the wires and check continuity with an ohm meter.  If it reads infinite resistance (open) it is bad. Turn off the water supply and drain the water from the tank with a garden hose hooked to the spigot at the bottom of the tank (open a hot water tap somewhere in the house to allow air into the tank as the water escapes.  Remove (unscrew) the bad element and take it to a hardware store/lumber yard etc. and get a replacement.  s***w it in and reconnect the wires, Turn the water back on and let the tank fill.  When it is full turn the power back on and you should be in business.

If the lower element is OK check the upper.  If it's OK then the problem is probably the thermostat.  I don't have space to tell you how to trouble shoot that.

Good luck!

Answer 6

standard unit will last 10 yrs.....the elements r not under such warranty, only one yr.......there r 2 elements, an upper and lower, easy to check with a meter to see if they r working.....

lic. gen. contractor