---
title: "How long does a water heater last?"
description: "A water heater lasts 8–15 yr. Figures by type, how that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/water-heater/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a water heater last?

**Typical lifespan: 8–15 yr**

A tank or on-demand heat exchanger that supplies hot water to a building.

> Typical service life before replacement.

## By type

*Water heaters vary by type, so a single figure would be misleading.*

| Type | Typical lifespan |
| --- | --- |
| tankless water heater | 15–25 yr |

## How that compares

*Water heater against things of a similar time.*

- Car: 8–20 yr
- Water heater: 8–15 yr
- Tiger: 8–26 yr
- Washing machine: 8–14 yr
- German shepherd: 9–13 yr
- Black mamba: 10–20 yr
- Golden retriever: 10–13 yr
- Doberman pinscher: 10–13 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.0909 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 2.7 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a water heater

- [How much does a water heater weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/water-heater/) — 40–100 kg
- [How much does a water heater cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/water-heater/) — 500–2,500 $
- [Water heater vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/washing-machine-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Water heater vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Water heater vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/oven-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Water heater vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Water heater vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a water heater last?

A water heater lasts 8–15 yr. Typical service life before replacement.

### Which type of water heater is the heaviest?

Of the types listed here, tankless water heater is the largest at 15–25 yr.

## Related pages

- [How much does a water heater weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/water-heater/)
- [How much does a water heater cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/water-heater/)
- [How long does a refrigerator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/refrigerator/)
- [How long does a washing machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/washing-machine/)
- [How long does a microwave oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/microwave/)
- [How long does a air conditioner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/air-conditioner/)
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/)
- [How long does a oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/oven/)
- [How long does a vacuum cleaner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/vacuum-cleaner/)
- [How long does a clothes dryer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/clothes-dryer/)
- [How long does a freezer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/freezer/)
- [How long does a coffee machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/coffee-machine/)
- [Water heater vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/washing-machine-vs-water-heater/)
- [Water heater vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-water-heater/)
- [Water heater vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/oven-vs-water-heater/)
- [Water heater vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-water-heater/)
- [Water heater vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-water-heater/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)