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How long should hot water heater last?

In: Plumbing [Edit categories]

Answer:

With Gas (natural, propane, etc) fired - 12 to 15 years
Electric water heater - 16 to 20 years

The real key to making a water heater last is to drain it once every year. This gets all the sediment out of the bottom which will prevent eventual rusting and eventually, leaks.

First answer by Bozidar. Last edit by Bozidar. Contributor trust: 1656 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

How long does hot water heater last?
Depends the quality you buy. They are usually rated for either 5 or 10 years. Sometimes you'll get lucky and they'll last a couple years longer.
How long do water heaters last?
Most modern water heaters will last anywhere from ten to twenty years. You can help prolong this by draining the boiler every year or so, just before the winter.
How hot should hot water be from the water heater?
You should keep your water above 140 F to discourage growth but once you get to 160 F burns can occur in something like 3 secs.
How long do water heaters usually last?
some as long as 80+ years
What hot water heater should You buy?
Bradford White