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Installing a water heater without a permit can result in high fines—as much as hundreds of dollars per day, in some areas. It can also void your homeowners' insurance and cause problems when selling your home because it violates local building codes and safety regulations.

Depending on the brand of water heater, you may need to install an expansion tank in order to meet the conditions for warranty coverage. It’s important for consumers to read the fine print of the warranty to see if an expansion tank is necessary. Even if an expansion tank isn’t required for the warranty, it’s usually mandated by building codes—although not for tankless water heaters.

If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.

The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.