How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last

Having a hot water system in the home or on your business property is vital for a number of reasons and when it breaks or becomes less effective, it can have serious impacts on your day-to-day life. Sometimes you can be lucky to get away with a repair but other times, a whole new system may be required.

But how often can you expect your hot water system to last? Here at Parker Plumbing, we’ve put together a guide to how long your system should be working functionally. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to visit our website.

Factors that affect the lifespan of a hot water system

When it comes to the things that will impact the longevity of your hot water system, there are five main influences.

1. Quality of the manufacture

The first and most primary effector when it comes to your hot water system is the quality of the system. This includes its manufacture and its installation. While a high-quality product may seem like a steep upfront cost, it could end up being cheaper than the more affordable alternative in the long term.

The most common cause for replacement is that the tank in the system has corroded from water movement and storage. Better quality tanks and systems won’t usually experience this problem, giving you many more years of use.

2. The materials of the model

As we’ve covered that corrosion of the tank is the most prominent cause of system replacement, you should consider which materials your tank is constructed from. This is because different materials will corrode or wear quicker.

Copper tanks usually last the longest (25+ years), followed by stainless steel tanks (8-12 years) and heat pump tanks (10+ years). You will also find that glass-lined and enamel-lined tanks last the shortest (5-10 years).

3. The type of hot water system

Your hot water system’s lifespan will also be impacted by the type you have. As a rule, tankless hot water systems tend to last longer because they will not suffer from tank corrosion or water storage issues.

Gas hot water systems usually last between 8-12 years while electric systems last slightly longer at 10-15 years. However, it’s important to note that both of these types of systems place different levels of stress on your system, particularly the heating components.

4. How much usage your system gets

It follows to reason that the more you use your system, the faster it will wear and the more strain it will undergo. While the materials in your system will have been constructed to withstand high temperatures and usage, they are still limited and extended use will result in a shorter lifespan.

5. The water quality of your area

There are two qualities of water: hard and soft. These depend on your local area but you can usually work out which one you have by seeing how quickly soap lathers under the water from your tap (faster means it’s soft whereas slower means it’s probably hard).

Hard water contains a lot more minerals and calcium deposits which, over time, will build up in your water tank to form hard sediment, causing more corrosion each time it’s forced through, and reducing the system’s lifespan.

How long do hot water systems last?

On average, you can expect your system to last between 7 and 15 years. However, this will be greatly influenced either way by the above factors. This estimate is also for a system that has a water tank. If you go for a tankless system then you can expect it to last at least three years, if not more, longer than that.

For a more bespoke and accurate estimate for your specific hot water system, it’s important to talk to your plumber and the manufacturer of your system. They will be able to provide a much more detailed and personalised estimate of how long your specific hot water system will last in your household.

How can you make your hot water system last longer?

While there are plenty of things that will reduce your hot water system’s lifespan, which we have covered in this blog, there are also some measures that you can put into place that will extend its life.

Regular check-ups and maintenance will reduce the long term build-up of sediment and corrosion. This will also ensure that any potential faults are detected early and cost you less to repair.

For all of your hot water system needs, visit Parker Plumbing for expert services and advice. We service all across the Ipswich and West Brisbane areas. Get in touch with our customer service team today on 1300 489 897.