Your hot water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and also one of the most important.

And like all appliances, your hot water heater will only last for so long, even with regular maintenance and repairs. In Canada, the colder climate and high water mineral content can affect how long a water heater will continue to work efficiently.

Knowing not only how long water heaters last, but also how to recognize the signs of a water heater nearing the end of its life, can help you to start planning for a replacement.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how long hot water heaters, both tank and tankless, can be expected to last in Canada.

Average Lifespan of Hot Water Tanks

A traditional tank water heater in Canada should last between 8 and 12 years. Hot water tanks keep water hot and ready for when it’s needed. Over time, exposure to mineral deposits, frequent heating cycles, and natural wear and tear cause them to heat water less efficiently. The quality of your water, how often you flush it, and how often you use hot water can all affect the lifespan.

Draining the tank and regular maintenance can help a water heater to last longer. That said, if your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s a good idea to start thinking about a replacement, even if it still works.

In areas with hard water, such as Calgary, a water heater may not last as long as average because of constant mineral buildup.

Average Lifespan of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless or on-demand water heaters will last longer, with most lasting between 15 and 20 years. These water heaters have less wear and tear, only heating water when needed. They still need regular maintenance such as descaling to remove mineral buildup. The fact that they last longer can make tankless water heaters a more economical choice in the long run, even with the higher up-front cost.

How To Check the Age of Your Water Heater

To check the age of your water heater, find the manufacturer’s label or sticker on the unit. This label should have the serial number, with the first few digits indicating the month and year it was made. Sometimes the serial number will begin with a letter and two numbers, for example, “A08” will mean January 2008. If yours isn’t clear, call your manufacturer and give them your serial number, and they’ll be able to tell you what year yours was built.

Signs Your Hot Water Tank Needs Replacement

If you think your water heater might be getting close to the end, keep an eye out for these signs.

• Noisy Water Heater: Rumbling or popping sounds when it’s heating water can be caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. A hot water tank making these noises is a sign it’s struggling to heat water.
• Water Too Hot: If your water is suddenly hotter than usual, you might have a faulty thermostat or heating element.
• Old Water Heater: Once your water heater gets up over 10 years, you can expect to have to replace it soon.
• Pilot Light Keeps Going Out: For gas-powered water heaters, a pilot light that keeps going out may mean you have a failing thermocouple or gas control valve.
• Leaking Water Heater: If you have a hot water tank with leaks around the base, that’s a clear sign it’s time for a replacement.

What Shortens Your Water Heater Lifespan?

A few factors can cause your water heater to need a replacement earlier than its expected time.

• Weather: In Canada, extremely cold winters can put a strain on hot water heaters. Insulating your pipes can help mitigate this a bit, but it’s still going to have an effect.
• Lack of Maintenance: Not maintaining your water heater and forgetting to check for corrosion and have it inspected will lead to it eventually breaking down a lot quicker.
• Not Flushing Your Tank: Forgetting to flush your tank at least once a year will cause a buildup of sediment that acts as a barrier between the heating element and the water in the tank. This makes your water heater work overtime.

Get Water Heater Services with Son-Rise

Don’t wait until your hot water heater breaks down.

Contact Son-Rise Plumbing today to schedule your water heater service and relax knowing your water heater is in the best hands possible.

With nearly 40 years of hot water tank maintenance experience in Calgary, respectful and certified technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re here to put your mind at ease. We service, repair, and install both tank and tankless water heaters.

Request an on-site quote today or give us a call to talk to one of our specialists!