How long is the life of my water heater?

First of all, there are several warning signs that your water heater or hot water tank is showing signs of weakness:

• The amount of hot water supplied is decreasing compared to before
• The hot water is not as hot as it used to be either
• Reddish (rust) or white residues appear in the water
• Your water heater is seeping and no longer seems to be watertight

In any case, it is time to think about a quick replacement of your device.

On average, the current life of a water heater is 10 to 15 years.

In practice, however, it can last longer, sometimes up to more than 20 years!

First check the description plate to find out when your device was manufactured.

The type of water in your area and its mineral content

Hard water can promote the emergence of more or less important deposits of limestone that will settle on the water heating elements in your appliance. Remove this layer of limestone frequently if you want it to continue to work properly.

Too much iron in the water

This favours the appearance of rust. Install a water softener to improve water quality as much as possible since you do not control it.

A low-end or high-end water heater

To find out the difference between the two, look at what the manufacturer's warranty offers.

A good quality model will offer a warranty on the tank ranging from 8 to 12 years while a lower quality model will simply offer 1 year warranty on the thermostat and 6 years on the tank.

The installation itself can have an effect on the life of your water heater

Professional installation is highly recommended. It is important to note that some manufacturers extend the warranty on their products in the event of installation by an expert plumber.

There are several safety and electrical standards to be met

Maintenance

This is generally very limited but in some cases, emptying the tank and checking the degree of corrosion is useful.

Activating the safety valve once a year and choosing the right sacrificial anode are also important.

After 10 to 12 years, your insurer may refuse to cover you for damage related to your water heater.