Water heater lifespan: how long does it last?
Water heater: 10 to 15 years on average, so around 12 years in normal household use. Regular maintenance routinely pushes past the top of that range.
An electric water heater (hot water cylinder) lasts 10 to 15 years on average. Its life depends directly on water hardness and on the condition of the sacrificial anode.
In a very hard-water area, a cylinder that is never descaled may not pass 8 years: scale insulates the element, which then runs hotter and eventually burns out.
Signs it is reaching the end
- Hot water runs out far faster than it used to
- The water comes out cloudy or reddish (corroded tank)
- Kettling or banging noises come from the cylinder
- Water seeps from the safety group outside heating periods
- The circuit breaker trips repeatedly
The maintenance that extends its life
Descale the tank and check the anode (by a professional)
How often: every 2 years
Operate the safety group so it doesn't seize
How often: monthly
Check the set temperature (55 to 60 °C)
How often: once a year
Check for leaks around the cylinder
How often: every 6 months
Repair or replace?
An element or a thermostat is modest to replace and worth doing on a cylinder under 10 years old. Once the tank itself leaks, however, no repair is possible: replacement is the only option.
A water heater is not covered by the French repair bonus, which is reserved for everyday electrical and electronic equipment. See the list of covered appliances.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an electric water heater last?
Ten to fifteen years on average. Descaling every 2 years, together with an anode check, gets you to the top of that range, particularly in hard-water areas.
My water heater is making noises, is that serious?
Kettling or banging usually indicates scale building up in the bottom of the tank. It isn't immediately dangerous, but it hurts efficiency and wears the element: a descale is due.