When it comes to home appliances, few are as essential as the water heater. Whether it’s for a morning shower, cleaning dishes, or doing laundry, hot water is something we rely on daily. That’s why when homeowners in the Treasure Valley consider upgrading to a tankless water heater, they want to know: How long should a tankless water heater last?
Tankless water heaters, often touted as more efficient and space-saving alternatives to traditional tank water heaters, can last significantly longer if maintained properly. However, like any appliance, their lifespan can be affected by various factors, such as water quality, maintenance practices, and usage. So, if you’re asking how long a tankless water heater lasts, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll break down the factors that affect their lifespan, how to maximize their longevity, and what you can expect in terms of replacement or repair needs.
What is the Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater?
On average, a well-maintained tankless water heater can last between 15 to 20 years, which is significantly longer than the typical 10–15 years you might get out of a traditional tank water heater. That said, several factors contribute to how long your tankless system will actually last.
Tankless water heaters have many advantages, including energy efficiency, compact size, and the ability to provide continuous hot water. However, like any home appliance, these systems require proper maintenance to ensure that they continue working effectively over time. A tankless water heater’s lifespan can vary depending on factors like water quality, installation, frequency of maintenance, and the level of demand placed on the unit.
Factors That Impact the Lifespan of Tankless Water Heaters
1. Water Quality
In the Treasure Valley, homes are often affected by hard water, which can be a major contributor to mineral buildup inside your tankless water heater. Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits can clog the heat exchanger, diminishing the unit’s efficiency and leading to potential malfunctions.
While tankless water heaters are generally more resistant to rust and corrosion compared to traditional tank heaters, the accumulation of minerals still poses a threat to their lifespan. Homes in areas with harder water need to take extra care to prevent scale buildup, typically by installing a water softener or using a descaling solution regularly.
Recommendation: For homes with hard water, you should plan on descaling your tankless water heater annually or semi-annually, depending on usage.
2. Frequency of Maintenance
Regular maintenance plays a pivotal role in extending the life of your tankless water heater. While these units are known for their durability, neglecting periodic cleaning, inspections, and component checks can lead to early failures.
Maintenance tasks typically include:
- Flushing the system: This helps remove mineral buildup, especially for homes with hard water.
- Cleaning the air filters: Keeping the air intake clean is crucial for efficient operation.
- Checking for leaks: Regular inspections ensure that small issues don’t escalate into costly repairs.
Recommendation: At minimum, plan to flush your tankless water heater once per year. A professional plumber can handle this task, ensuring that your system stays in peak condition.
3. Usage and Water Demand
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so they aren’t constantly maintaining a reservoir of hot water like traditional tank systems. However, the unit must be able to meet your home’s hot water demands at any given time. If your household experiences high usage—such as multiple showers running at once, large bathtubs filling, or simultaneous laundry cycles—the system will need to work harder.
This increased load can cause strain on the unit over time, leading to reduced efficiency or earlier failure if not managed properly.
Recommendation: Ensure that the size of your tankless water heater matches the demand of your household. For example, larger homes or homes with multiple bathrooms may need a larger capacity tankless heater or multiple units in a cascade configuration.
4. Proper Installation
Installation is one of the most critical factors in determining the longevity of any water heater. Improper installation, whether it’s incorrect venting, inadequate gas line size, or improper positioning, can cause a tankless water heater to fail prematurely.
For instance, a poorly installed gas line may limit the unit’s ability to produce enough hot water, while improper venting can cause overheating and even combustion issues.
Recommendation: Always hire a licensed professional plumber to install your tankless water heater. They will ensure the proper venting, correct gas line sizing, and other critical installation details are handled to prevent future issues.
5. Manufacturer Quality
Not all tankless water heaters are created equal. The quality of the materials used in the manufacturing process, the technology employed, and the design of the unit can all contribute to how long the heater lasts.
High-quality brands such as Rinnai, Noritz, and Takagi are known for their durability and reliability, while lesser-known brands may not last as long or require more frequent repairs.
Recommendation: Invest in a reputable brand known for longevity and reliability. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings in repairs and efficiency will pay off.
What Happens When Your Tankless Water Heater Reaches the End of Its Lifespan?
If you’ve taken great care of your tankless water heater and have done all the right maintenance, you may not need to replace it for many years. However, just like any other appliance, tankless water heaters will eventually wear out. Here’s what you can expect when the unit nears the end of its life:
- Decreased efficiency: One of the first signs that your water heater is wearing out is that it will begin to use more energy to heat the same amount of water. You may notice higher utility bills even though your water usage hasn’t changed.
- Frequent repairs: If you find yourself calling a plumber for repairs more frequently, it may be time to consider a replacement. Common issues with aging tankless water heaters include faulty burners, gas valves, and flow sensors.
- Inconsistent hot water supply: If your unit struggles to provide a consistent hot water supply, it could be a sign that the heat exchanger is clogged or damaged, a sign of wear and tear.
If any of these issues arise and your unit is over 15 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit than continue repairing it. Investing in a new tankless water heater will give you improved efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Tankless Water Heater
To ensure your tankless water heater lasts for as long as possible, it’s crucial to take a proactive approach to maintenance. Here are some key practices to follow:
- Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance: Have a plumber perform a thorough inspection and flushing of your system annually. This helps to catch any potential problems early and ensures that your unit is working as efficiently as possible.
- Install a Water Softener: If you live in a hard water area, installing a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup and protect your unit.
- Pay Attention to Error Codes: Modern tankless water heaters come with built-in diagnostic systems. If you see an error code on the display, don’t ignore it. Contact a plumber right away to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Keep the Area Around the Heater Clean: Keep the area around your water heater free of dust, debris, and other obstructions to ensure that air can flow freely to the unit.
Conclusion: Get the Most Out of Your Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater is a fantastic investment for homeowners looking to save space, energy, and enjoy endless hot water. With proper care, your unit can easily last 15 to 20 years, offering reliable service and improving energy efficiency. Regular maintenance, quality installation, and addressing water quality issues will help extend its lifespan, ensuring that you continue enjoying hot water when you need it most.
At Pristine Plumbing, we recommend staying on top of regular maintenance and working with a professional plumber to install, service, and repair your tankless water heater. By following the golden rule of water heater maintenance, you can enjoy the long-lasting benefits of your tankless water heater for years to come.