Water Heater Guides
Tank or tankless, gas or electric. These guides cover how long each lasts, the maintenance that matters and the signs a unit is on its way out.
Water Heaters Guides
How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last? About 20 Years, and What Gets Them There
Tankless water heaters typically last around 20 years, against 10 to 15 for a tank. Hard water, sizing and yearly flushing decide whether yours gets there. Once a unit shows its age, the question becomes repair or replace.
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No Hot Water in the Shower? Three Clues That Point to the Cause
If the sinks run hot and the shower doesn't, look at the shower valve. If nothing in the house runs hot, look at the water heater. If it starts hot and fades fast, look at the dip tube or the tank size.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons: Four Advantages, Five Trade-Offs and Who Should Switch
Steady hot water and no standby loss are what a tankless heater offers. It also costs more up front, needs yearly flushing and is limited by flow rate in winter. Whether that trade pays off depends on your household.
How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up? Gas 30 to 40 Minutes, Electric 60 to 80
Waiting on hot water? A gas tank heats a full load in about 30 to 40 minutes, an electric tank in 60 to 80, and tankless heats on demand. Four changes can speed up recovery.
How Often Should You Flush a Tankless Water Heater? Once a Year, Twice With Hard Water
Flush a tankless water heater once a year, or every six months if you have hard water. Minerals build up inside the heat exchanger and choke its flow, and a few signs tell you a flush is due.
Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom? Three Causes and What to Do First
A loose drain valve, condensation or a corroded tank causes most leaks at the base of a water heater. Shut off the power and water first. Then use this guide to tell which one you have.
The Seven Parts Inside a Tank Water Heater and What Each One Does
A tank water heater has seven main parts, from the dip tube to the drain valve. Knowing what each one does helps you match a symptom to the part behind it.
Water Heater Elements Last 6 to 10 Years. Here Are the Signs Yours Is Done
Lukewarm showers, hot water that runs out fast and a breaker that keeps tripping can all point to a failing element. Elements last 6 to 10 years, less with hard water.
Power Vent Water Heaters: How the Fan Vents Exhaust and Where You Can Install One
A fan, not a chimney draft, moves the exhaust from a power vent water heater out through a horizontal vent. That lets it go in a basement or closet.