Tankless water heaters offer the convenience of never running out of hot water, but what about their lifespan? How long can you expect them to last, and what factors influence their durability?
Compared to traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless models typically last twice as long. Without a large steel tank prone to leaks, corrosion, and buildup, a well-maintained tankless water heater can endure for up to 20 years.
However, several factors can either extend or shorten this lifespan, which you should consider whether you already own a tankless water heater or are considering purchasing one.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the various factors that impact the lifespan of tankless water heaters and offer tips to maximize their longevity. Let’s dive in!
Tankless Water Heater Life Expectancy By Brand
| Brand | Average Lifespan |
| Rheem | 15-20 years |
| A.O. Smith | 25+ years |
| EcoSmart | 20 years |
| Bosch | 20 years |
| Stiebel Eltron | 20-30 years |
It’s also worth noting that water quality and where you have installed your tankless water heater can affect the lifespan, so let’s talk a bit more about that.
Water Quality
The quality of the water running through your pipes and to and from your tankless water heater can play a major role in how long it lasts.
Hard water is rough on any plumbing system because it causes buildup over time which will make the system work harder.
So hard water, or water that contains high levels of chlorine or other chemicals, could shorten the lifespan of your tankless water heater. If this happens, you may need to replace your water heater sooner than expected.
To avoid this problem, you can look for a tankless water heater that is designed specifically for low mineral-content water. These units typically come with a built-in filter that removes most of the impurities before they reach the heating elements.
Alternatively, you could install a water softener to make sure the water flowing through your system is high-quality water.
Location of your water heater
One of the best things about tankless water heaters is that they are so small and compact and can fit almost anywhere. But you want to make sure you choose the right location to install your tankless water heater so that you can get the most life out of it.
Installing it inside your home would be ideal because it would protect it from direct sunlight and rain, which could cause corrosion and decrease the lifespan of your unit.
Since they are so compact, many people choose to instal them in a closet, cupboard, or even under the sink.
If you want to place your tankless water heater outside, make sure you choose a brand that is built to withstand the weather and comes equipped with a freeze protection safeguard.
Why Is the Tankless Water Heater’s Lifespan Longer than Storage Tanks?
There are several reasons tankless water heaters last almost twice as long as conventional storage tank water heaters. There is less sediment buildup, which leads to less corrosion, fewer leaks, and no risk of explosion, to name a few.
Let’s dive into those in a bit more detail.
Less Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the biggest problems with storage tanks because it weakens the integrity of the tank. It can also cause the tank to leak. When you install a tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry so much about corrosion.
In fact, many manufacturers claim that their tankless models are immune to corrosion. This may be true because the heating element is located outside of the tank. The only thing that comes into contact with the water is the coil. This means that the heating element won’t corrode like the metal tank would.
Sediment buildup occurs from the minerals in the water reacting with the metal parts of your water heater. A traditional water heater’s tank is made of steel, so sediment buildup is inevitable over time. This causes rusting and eventually leaks, which in turn, shortens the lifespan of your water heater.
On a tankless water heater, there is less metal for the water to react with and less sediment buildup overall.
buildup can be slowed/prevented by installing a water softener to remove extra unwanted minerals from the water and also by flushing your water heater regularly.
Fewer leaks
When a tank storage water heater corrodes, it can cause leaking. So, naturally, with a tankless water heater, there is less risk of leakage, making them last much longer, in general, than traditional water heaters.
Rarely, however, leakage can happen in a tankless water heater. These leaks are typically found where two pipes connect or on the bottom of the water heater where the relief valve is.
Leaks can cause serious problems if not fixed in a timely manner, so be sure to take action swiftly if you do find one.
No water tank, no risk of explosions
As I mentioned above, when you have a tank water heater, sediment can build up in the tank over time. This can create pressure in the tank and in rare cases, can lead to an explosion.
Today’s plumbing codes require tank storage water heaters to have a pressure relief valve at the top that is designed to prevent this from happening, but it still happens occasionally.
With a tankless water heater, there’s no chance of an explosion because there’s no tank to fill with pressure.
Ready to ensure your tankless water heater lasts for years to come? Contact Queen B Plumbing today for expert advice on maintenance and care.
Our team is here to help you maximize the lifespan of your water heater, saving you time and money in the long run. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to Queen B Plumbing now!
