Factors That Affect How Long Hot Water Tanks Last

How long should hot water tanks last?

Hot water is essential for daily life. Without it, Manitoba residents would suffer and potentially have health issues. 

A major benefit of hiring a professional plumbing company is they can help you install a hot water tank in your home. Hot water tanks give you immediate access to warm water and allow you to go about your daily routine without a hitch. 

King’s Services helps Manitoba homeowners maintain a healthy supply of hot water. Our contractors have over two decades of professional plumbing experience and can answer any question you have about hot water tanks. 

The most asked question we get is, “How long do hot water tanks last?” We will answer that question and much more in this in-depth blog.

Importance of Hot Water Tanks 

There are several benefits that a water heater provides to Winnipeg homeowners. 

LOW INSTALLATION COSTS 

One of the principal reasons Winnipeg residents opt for a hot water tank is the low initial costs. While tankless water heaters are tempting, a hot water tank is less costly upfront. 

Hot water is necessary to survive the harsh weather in Winnipeg. If you need warm water now and cannot afford a tankless system, a hot water tank is your best bet. 

GAS LINE CHANGES 

Tankless systems are a nuisance to install. Not only are they more expensive, but many natural gas lines cannot attach to today’s tankless systems. 

The benefit of a hot water tank is it bonds to every gas line without alterations. This factor saves you time and money so you can have hot water today. 

NO CHANGE TO CIRCUITS

Similarly, tankless water heater systems may require additional circuit installations. These installations are time-consuming and expensive. Plus, installing a circuit board is a complex process that comes with a lot of risks. 

Alternatively, hot water tanks can handle most homeowner’s circuit loads. Skip the hassle with a hot water tank installation that is fast and affordable. 

Low Flow Rate 

In plumbing, flow rate refers to how much hot water you need at once. The benefit of a hot water tank is it has an unlimited flow rate, meaning you can use as much as your tank allows. Tankless heating systems cannot handle an overwhelming amount of hot water usage. You will get more immediate hot water with a storage tank heater. 

IMMEDIACY 

Hot water is something that every Winnipeg homeowner needs year-round. It allows you to carry out everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. 

Plus, hot water provides many health benefits such as improving blood circulation, nasal congestion, and more. A hot water tank installation does not take long. Call our team today and have hot water tomorrow! 

Types of Heaters 

There are many storage water heater types from which to choose. 

CONVENTIONAL

A conventional water heater refers to a tank that holds water to heat. With this hot water tank, you never have to worry if your water will be warm or not. The insulated tank ensures your water stays hot at all times. It is the most affordable type of water heater on the market. 

HEAT PUMP

A heat pump utilizes electricity to transfer heat from the ground to the air. Note that this type of heater takes up a lot of space and does not operate well in basements. However, it is efficient and will save you money in the long run. 

SOLAR POWERED WATER HEATER 

If your Manitoba home has solar panels on its roof, then a solar-powered water heater may be your best option. The heat from outside travels through a conductive tube and into your water tank, warming up your water. 

Get the Most Out of Your Hot Water Tank 

But how long do hot water tanks last? There are many things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your water heater. 

MAINTAIN YOUR WATER TANK 

A common problem we see Manitoba homeowners have with their water heaters is a lack of maintenance. Like any other valuable possession, the better you take care of your water tank, the longer it will last. Drain your tank regularly to prevent issues such as rust and corrosion. 

GET AHEAD OF A REPLACEMENT 

No matter how well your water heater is operating, it’s best to have a timeframe in mind for finding a replacement. You do not want to wait until your heater fails before deciding to install a new one. 

Water heater installation can be time-consuming, and you need to prepare a budget to avoid cost surprises. 

CHECK THE TPR VALVE 

TPR stands for Temperature Pressure Release. Every hot water unit has a TPR valve. If water leaks from this valve, you should call us immediately. You may have too much pressure inside your tank or a leaky valve. 

If you catch it early enough, we can patch up the valve. However, if the problem is more critical, you will require a replacement tank. 

You can run a test on your TPR valve by powering down your unit and cold water valve. Then, put a bucket under the valve and lift the tab to release water from the heater. If water continues to run after you let go of the TPR tab, you have a leaky valve, and you should call us to replace your valve. 

BE ENERGY EFFICIENT 

When you leave your home, set the water heater at a reasonable temperature. Doing so will save you money on your monthly energy bill. Similarly, change the temperature on the dial of your water heater to conserve energy. 

In most cases, when you provide your hot water tank with the attention and maintenance it needs, you can expect your tank to last between 8 and 15 years. 

Hot Water Tank Servicing 

We are happy to provide hot water tank services in Winnipeg. Our contractors take a customer-first approach to every project and will not stop until your Winnipeg home has the hot water it deserves. 

We work with the best contractors in Manitoba and are confident in our abilities to resolve your water heater issues. 

We hope you are more confident answering the question, “how long do hot water tanks last?” To inquire about King’s Services’ hot water tank repairs and installations, call our Headingley office at 204-815-5879. We offer emergency services and can take your call 24/7!