How long does a house water heater typically last?

Question

I have had my water heater for around 8 years and suddenly, the water isn't warm anymore. I've changed the settins to see if it could just be the kids messing with the k**b but doesn't seem to work. How long does one typically last?

Answer 1

  if it is not leaking.you do not need to replace it.if it is electric.the heating element has gone bad.shut of the power.and replace it.its not a hard job if you want to attempt it your self.if it is gas or propane.see if the pilot light is lighted.if not read the instructions how to light it.they are on the heater.if it dosent stay lighted when you release to button.you need to replace the sensor that allows the pilot to stay on.remember if it is not leaking.it just needs a part.dont let anyone talk you into getting a new one.

Answer 2

Have you seen this website?  It may keep yours going a bit longer and will surely help you keep a future tank going longer.  We assume they are install and forget appliances, but they aren't!

http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/W...

Answer 3

from 6- 12 years depend on your water

Answer 4

I have always used gas. I put my 3rd one in at 28 years. So, on average about 14 years.

Answer 5

At 8 years it MAY be worn out but I doubt it. Check the pilot light, most likely it went out. There should be instructions on your water  heater. Follow those exactly. My first time lighting one (many years ago) I did not follow the instructions and was lucky to get away with only singed eyebrows. If it does not have instructions follow this link: http://www.ehow.com/video_117729_relight... it has a video and I watched it to make sure it was accurate.

If the pilot light is lit it could be that the "dip tube" has a crack in it. The dip tube deposits the cold water in the bottom of the tank so that it does not mix with th hot water at the top of the tank. A crack will put the cold at the top of the tank. The top is what goes out first so you never get any hot water. If you suspect a broken dip tube, take these steps to repair it:

1) Shut off the incoming water valve.

2) Remove the flex line from the incoming cold water to the water heater.

3) Remove the fitting on top of the tank and pull out the dip tube.

4) Buy a compatible replacement and reinstall.

5)Reconnect piping and turn water back on.

Or of course, call a plumber.

For a cutaway picture of a water heater with a broken dip tube see this Link:http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/content...

Also it could be that sediment has built up in the bottom of the tank. This affects gas water heaters more than the electric ones. They both get sediment build up, but electric water heaters have heating elements throughout the tank and in the gas water heater heat comes from the bottom. The sediment can act as an insulator causing you hot water heater to not heat as well. To learn hot to clean out the sediment click here:http://www.wikihow.com/Flush-a-Water-Hea... This websit also has a video but I did not watch this one. The water heater should be flushed at least once a year to prevent this. You are asking this so I would bet you have never done it.

Don't forget you can always hire a plumber, but make sure he checks these thing before you pay him to install a new water heater.

Answer 6

any where from 6 to 12 year . is this electric or gas ?