How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Signs It's Time

Nobody thinks about their water heater until the morning the shower runs cold. Knowing roughly how much life yours has left lets you replace it on your schedule instead of in an emergency.

Typical lifespan

• Traditional tank water heaters (gas or electric): about 8 to 12 years.
• Tankless water heaters: often 20 years or more with regular descaling.

Builder-grade tanks in newer subdivisions across the Upstate, from Simpsonville to Duncan, often reach the end of their life right around that 8 to 12 year mark.

How to find your water heater's age

Look at the label on the side of the tank. Many manufacturers print the date; others encode it in the serial number, usually as a letter or digits for the month followed by the year. If you can't decode it, snap a photo of the label and a plumber can tell you.

Warning signs it's near the end

• Rusty or discolored hot water (while the cold water stays clear).
• Rumbling, popping or banging from the tank, a sign of heavy sediment buildup.
• Moisture, rust or small puddles around the base.
• Hot water running out faster than it used to.
• Rising energy bills with no change in how you use hot water.

The 50% rule

A good rule of thumb: if a repair would cost more than half the price of a new water heater, or the unit is over 10 years old, replacement usually makes more sense long-term. We'll always tell you honestly which way we'd go.

Not sure how much life your water heater has left? call us at 864-365-8900 — we answer 24/7. We repair and replace tank and tankless units throughout Greer and the Upstate. Learn more about our water heater services.