How long do tankless water heaters last? – REAL facts here!

Inevitably, the answer is often, “It depends on many factors.”

Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

For the past years, the tankless water heater has become a valued choice for some owners. But not everyone knows what a tankless water heater requires, how it works and especially, how long they last.

Manufacturers can only predict the life expectancy based on normal wear and tear and average maintenance. Tankless water heater maintenance requisites are not so time consuming, but they are very important.

Tankless water heaters are not as exposed to corrosion as regular water heaters. Tank-based heaters are exposed to dampness 24/7 but tankless water heaters do have issues with the basics.

Tankless Water Heater lifespan

In terms of lifespan, a tankless water heater usually lasts longer. They can last up to 20 years, while a traditional water heater will last around 10 to 12 years.

As tankless units heat water fast, they are also referred to as energy on-demand or endless hot water heaters. They offer homeowners the flexibility of having hot water as needed, without requiring a heavy tank to hold water in storage. The compact tanks (water heaters), along with their supply of hot water, are two obvious reasons behind their popularity.

 Removing lime scale from a tankless water heater

According to licensed plumbers, a steady requisite is to make sure your heat elements are exempt from lime scale buildup. If left unattended, such buildup can cause longer burner cycles, leading to a strained system and a shorter lifespan.

As time goes by, a tankless unit can accumulate minerals that can corrode the inner walls inside of your tank. To maintain and clean tankless water heaters, it is essential that you remove the sediment deposits at least once a year.

The sediment collection depends on the quality and composition of the water. collection being used, the amount used, where the house is located, frequency and type of water heater.

Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of your tankless water heater when it comes to flushing or draining:

This procedure may take up to 45 minutes.

Here are the items needed:

•  Sump/utility pump
• 2.5 gallons of undiluted white vinegar and cold water
• 5-gallon bucket
• 3 hosing lines (may vary depending on the operation manual)

As a good practice, electric or gas water heater tanks also needs purging once a year. The Corro-Protec powered anode will solve this issue by considerably reducing the limescale buildup at the bottom of the tank. Another reason to consider is the energy efficiency.

Another upside to owning a tank water heater is that you can take care of repairs yourself. The anode replacement is quite easy to perform and so much more economical and save money on labor. There are many energy savings hot water tanks on the market as well.

Another maintenance requirement – An Unusual Smell Near Your Tankless Water Heater

Sediment buildup and corrosion can trigger corrosion. If a musty smell is detected near your tankless water heater, it is always important to check closely. If these issues are present, you should have your tankless water heater serviced by a professional.

To ensure your equipment (tank or tankless water heaters) is running smoothly, it is important to carry out regular maintenance spotchecks. This will help to reduce the amount of energy it uses, which can help you save money in the long run.

The water could appear to show an amber or rust colored. If a rotting smell is noticeable near your water heater, there might have a leak. Occasionally, tankless water heaters can leak due to improper maintenance.

Look around and inspect the area for water damage, remove any materials organic matter, and get repairs if needed. That way, you can prevent allergy symptoms and other health problems like asthma, fatigue, eye irritation or headaches. Unfortunately, the tankless heater do not have a dedicated port to install anodes against corrosion.

A hot water heater tank needs to be changed more often than a tankless one. To optimize the life of your tank, you should check your sacrificial anode every year. If you don’t like tedious maintenance checks, there is a solution. The Corro-Protec powered anode can provide long-term maintenance-free protection for your standard water heater.

The Bottom Line

When choosing the best water heater for you, take these facts into consideration to help you make your decision. If space is an issue, you can buy a tankless heater since they take up less room than traditional tank. It always depends where the water heaters are located.

On the other hand, you wish to save money, purchasing a new water heater, tank-style heaters might be best. Install a Corro-Protec powered anode to protect your hot water tank against corrosion, limescale buildup and smell.