"My hot water heater stopped working. As it was 8 years old, I thought I would have to buy a new one. But when Guy from Anchorage Plumbing & Heating arrived, he said he could fix it, and he did. I have hot water again, and I didn't have to buy a new one. Saved me a lot of money. This is the company I will use from now on for plumbing and heating problems."
"Moore removed and replaced my water heater in mid November. First class work performed and no issues with it since. Had the duct work cleaned for the first time and while pricey worth knowing they’re clean of debris."
A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, which is nearly double the lifespan of a conventional tank heater. However, their longevity is highly dependent on several factors. With proper installation and regular maintenance, such as descaling to prevent mineral buildup from hard water, you can expect a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Without proper care, a tankless unit may begin to fail in as little as 12 years. Other factors that affect its lifespan include household usage and the quality of the local water supply. While they have a higher upfront cost, their energy savings, smaller size, and longer life make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Tankless water heaters heat water as it passes through the unit instead of storing heated water in the tank. Their ability to produce hot water on an as-needed basis makes them more efficient. However, they are generally more expensive than traditional units. Is a tankless water heater worth it? Most homeowners will save money with a tankless unit in the long run by using less energy.
If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.
The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.
Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater.
Price variations arise from size, type (tankless or tank), efficiency grades, and installation complexity, including labor and materials.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
Who can install a water heater for you? Look to hire a water heater installation pro or a licensed plumber for this job because of the challenges involved.
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.