How Long Should a Hot Water System Last Before Needing Replacement?
How Long Should a Hot Water System Last Before Needing Replacement?
Replacing the hot water system is an exciting opportunity to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home!
Whether planning a renovation, or repair, think about the life span of your current and future hot water system. To figure out how long a hot water system will last, there are a few important things to consider.
The Life of Your System Depends on a Few Factors
Just like any other machine or tool, several things will determine the exact life span of your hot water system. Generally, a hot water system will last between 7-25 years, depending on the following details.
- Type of System You Have
- Water Quality
- Hot Water Demand
- Frequency of Maintenance
The Type of System You Have
The type of hot water system is the most important thing to consider when it comes to life expectancy. The energy source that powers it and whether it is a storage or instantaneous system determines the type of hot water system.
Tank Vs. Continuous Flow
The difference between a hot water tank and an instantaneous system can be quite a long time because storing water breaks down the materials heating it. The average age for a hot water tank is between 7-15 years, and 20+ years for a instant gas system.
Electric, Gas, or Solar
The type of energy your hot water system uses will impact how long each component will last. On average, the life expectancy of a solar-powered hot water system is the longest at 6-20 years.
Water Quality
When your hot water system is constantly heating low-quality hard water, the internal components wear down in much less time which is very common in Perth. Regular cleaning and maintenance reduce the effect of hard water, but it still reduces the life expectancy of your system.
Hot Water Demand
With more water running through your system daily, it’ll break down sooner. Adding people or appliances that require hot water can greatly reduce the life expectancy of your hot water system.
Frequency of Maintenance
Many components require cleaning and replacing to extend the overall life of your system. Frequent maintenance can improve your system’s life expectancy and efficiency and reduce the likelihood of an unforeseen plumbing emergency.
In Summary
On average, you can expect your hot water system to last anywhere from 7-20+ years. This depends on the type of energy they use and whether it is a storage or a tankless system. If you need maintenance services on, or some help choosing a replacement, call the trained and warrantied professionals at Ember Plumbing: 0477777301