How Long Do Water Heaters Last in Southern California? What Ontario Homeowners Should Expect

Most water heaters don't just fail on their own, without a second thought.

More often than not, there are signs that something is off

The hot water just isn't as hot

you hear strange sounds from the tank

or

a family member asks you, "has the water always taken this long to get hot?"

These are all signs that your water heater may need some attention in the near future.

Unfortunately, you can't just ignore these signs because your life gets busy.

Water heaters don't really improve with age, and if you have one that's been sitting in your garage for the better part of a decade, you may be asking yourself just how much life is left in it.

The truth is, there are a number of factors that determine how long your water heater will last, including its age, the type of water you have, the condition it's in, and how much hot water you use on a daily basis.

If you're a homeowner in Ontario, or the Inland Empire, here's what you should know.

There's No Exact Expiration Date

One of the biggest myths about water heaters is that they last exactly 10 years.

If only that were the case.

We've had plenty of clients who have had their water heaters for much longer than 10 years, and plenty who've had to replace theirs much sooner due to poor maintenance or hard water.

As a general rule of thumb, a standard water heater should last anywhere between 8 and 12 years.

Tankless water heaters have the potential to last much longer, so long as they're well maintained.

Those are just averages, but the bigger question is really not "how old is my water heater?"

It's more important to ask "how is my water heater doing?"

Hard Water In Southern California Can Take A Toll

While there are many perks to living in Southern California, unfortunately for your water heater, it doesn't really get to enjoy the weather.

One of the issues that homeowners in Ontario face is having hard water.

If you've ever had mineral deposits come out of your tap, or seen a white film on the outside of your teakettle, then you're likely familiar with just how damaging hard water can be.

Your water heater is constantly exposed to these minerals, which in turn accumulate on the inside of the tank, eventually forming sediment.

According to the United States Geological Survey, water heaters with sediment have a harder time producing hot water, and usually have a shorter lifespan than their counterparts with soft water.

Little Changes Are Often The Harbinger Of Big Ones

The sad truth about water heaters is that they don't often give up the ghost without warning.

In fact, most of our clients have reported that they didn't even realize something was wrong until it was too late.

The shower just wasn't as hot as it used to be, or the water heater started to make strange noises.

It could also be that the bill for your utility started to climb, with no apparent reason.

Individually, these changes don't necessarily mean that your water heater is going to fail.

However, they all happen at the same time, and they all provide us with valuable information.

If you notice any of these changes, it's usually a good idea to at least have your water heater looked at, rather than wait until it's too late.

Unusual Noises Are Often A Good Indicator

A well functioning water heater usually doesn't make many noises.

If you start to hear popping, rumbling, or cracking coming from the unit, it could be an indication that sediment has accumulated on the bottom of the tank.

When the burner turns on, the trapped moisture escapes through the sediment, producing the strange noises that many homeowners report.

It doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new water heater, but it's a good indication that something may be wrong.

Ignoring these noises can cause more damage in the long run.

Maintenance Is A Big Factor

When most people think about maintenance, they don't immediately think about their water heater.

They think about their car, or maybe their home, but rarely their water heater.

If you're a homeowner in Ontario, you're likely familiar with the fact that many things need to be maintained, even if they're not used on a regular basis.

Water heaters are no exception to this rule.

In fact, a routine maintenance plan is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your water heater.

Even the best water heaters will eventually need some maintenance, and it's always a good idea to have one done if you're planning on having a new one installed.

Check Water Heater Service page or future maintenance page.

Age Is A Factor, But It Shouldn't Be The Only One

Let's say that you have two water heaters.

They're both the same age, and they've both been maintained in much the same way.

One of them has never had a problem, and has provided you with hot water without a second thought, while the other has had multiple issues, and is having a hard time keeping up with your family's needs.

Even though they're both the same age, they're clearly not in the same condition.

That's why it's always important to factor in how well your water heater has been maintained.

When Should You Start Thinking About Replacing Your Water Heater?

Most homeowners don't immediately start looking for a new water heater when their current one fails.

Instead, they wait until it's had a few repairs, or until it starts to show signs of age.

You should start thinking about replacing your water heater when it:

Needs frequent repairs

has rusty water

isn't providing enough hot water

shows signs of corrosion

has leaks

or is becoming less efficient

It's always a good idea to plan ahead, rather than trying to find a replacement on the spot.

Water Heater Repair vs Replacement in Ontario CA

Can Your Water Heater Actually Last Longer Than Expected?

Yes.

With proper maintenance, and a little elbow grease, most water heaters can last longer than expected.

No matter how long your water heater has been in service, there's always the potential to prolong its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a traditional water heater usually last?

Most traditional water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, with regular maintenance.

Does hard water shorten the life of a water heater?

Yes, mineral deposits can build up if the water heater isn't maintained on a regular basis.

Should I replace my water heater just because it's ten years old?

Not necessarily, the condition of your water heater is just as important as its age.

What is the biggest sign that my water heater is wearing out?

The most common signs that a water heater is wearing out include decreased hot water, strange noises, leaks, and frequent repairs.

Don't Wait Until You're Taking A Cold Shower

Most homeowners would rather have a new water heater on their own schedule, rather than an emergency.

If your water heater is getting older, or you've noticed some changes in how it's functioning, having it looked at can give you a better idea of what to expect in the future.

Royalty Plumbing helps homeowners throughout Ontario and the Inland Empire make educated decisions about their aging water heaters, and we can help you decide whether repairs or a full replacement is the best option for you.

If you're wondering how much life your water heater has left, give us a call today, and let us help you make a plan.