Water Heater Lifespan: How Long Do They Typically Last in Miami?

According to NBC Miami, a recent global ranking placed Miami, Florida, second on the list of the most desirable cities to move to. It beat some of the world’s more well-known spots, such as Paris, New York City, and London.

With Miami’s world-class beaches, breathtaking natural wonders, and a nearly year-round warm and sunny climate, it’s easy to see why.

However, as beautiful and majestic as The Magic City is, the area’s unique climate can affect the lifespan of many structural and integral home components, including water heaters.

So then, how long does a water heater last in Miami, FL?

Join our team at Eco 1 Plumbing as we answer that question and share tips for extending water heater life in this guide.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last in Miami, FL?

According to the Inter­national Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), conventional water heaters in Florida homes typically last six to 12 years. On the other hand, on-demand or instant ones can last up to a decade.

However, as InterNACHI also points out, many components and systems in Florida homes are more vulnerable to premature failure. Factors like the area’s unique and coastal environmental conditions, including sun, heat, and salty air, contribute to this issue.

All those factors, plus a lack of water heater maintenance, can shorten the life of your system. At the very least, they can cause leaks, low water pressure, or no hot water, some of the most common problems and signs of water heater failure.

Can You Extend Your Water Heater Lifespan?

Yes!

Many things can help make the water heater in your Miami home last longer, perform optimally, and avert the costs of premature breakdowns. Plus, they can save you on water heating and consumption bills. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for around 18% of the average energy use in homes.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Exposed, uninsulated water heater components (e.g., tank and hot water pipes) lose heat on standby. The same goes for the heated water that travels from the system to your water fixtures. So, they can contribute to showerheads or taps not producing water hot enough to your liking.

Also, Miami’s “salty” air can penetrate your home and contribute to metal corrosion. Remember: Your water heating and plumbing system consists of many metal parts, including the tank and pipes.

Insulating your water heater, including its tank and hot water pipes, helps reduce heat loss. By minimizing heat loss, you can:

• Improve your system’s energy efficiency
• Reduce the frequency of heating cycles
• Minimize thermal stress on the heater’s tank and components

All those benefits can help you save on water and water heating bills and reduce system wear and tear. The less wear your system faces, the lower its risk of premature breakdown.

Unsure how to insulate your water heater or choose the best insulating material? Call your local licensed Miami plumber. They can help you make more informed choices and perform the installation on your behalf.

Lower Your Heater’s Factory Setting

Check your water heater’s temperature setting to see if it’s at 140° F, the typical factory default for most units. Your system’s thermostat or temperature dial should provide you with this information.

The dial of a gas-powered tank-type model is usually behind an insulated panel. If you have an electric one, it may have two: one at the top and another at the bottom. As for tankless systems, most have LED displays and control panels where you can see and adjust the temperature settings.

If the temperature is set to 140° F, consider lowering it to 120°. Doing so exposes your system and its components to lower heat levels, reducing wear, tear, and damage caused by higher temperatures.

CNET also explains that combining this tactic with other energy conservation methods (e.g., insulation) can yield 4% to 22% energy savings. Lowering the temp may even help prevent scalding injuries since 140° F is hot enough to cause burns.

Flush the Water Heater Tank

Hard water contains many minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Although not a health issue, hard water can cause sediment build-up in your water heater, reducing its heating efficiency. The thicker the build-up, the more energy the system uses, and the more heat (and wear and tear) its components experience, the sooner it can fail.

Miami’s local water supply is “hard,” which is all the more reason to flush your water heater tank once or twice yearly. It involves:

• Draining the water to remove loose sediments at the bottom of the tank
• Filling the tank with fresh water to help loosen sediment build-up
• Draining the tank again to remove the now-loose sediments

You may have to repeat the steps above until the water runs clear.

Schedule Yearly Professional Water Heater Maintenance

Schedule your water heater system for annual professional maintenance. During the service, a professional will:

• Inspect your system thoroughly
• Flush the tank
• Replace the anode rod if needed (if you have a tank-type system)
• Test all system components for optimal operation

If the pro finds any issues with your system, such as leaks or corroded components, they’ll let you know immediately. To prevent the problems from worsening, consider having the expert perform the necessary repairs or part replacement on the same visit. It’s also for your safety, as water leaks, paired with Miami’s humid air, can promote faster mold growth.

Make Your Water Heater Last Longer

If you’ve been asking, “How long does a water heater last in Miami, FL,” now you know that the answer is six to twelve years for conventional systems and up to ten for on-demand ones. However, you also learned that you can extend your system’s lifespan with proper maintenance.

So, if you haven’t had your water heater serviced for over a year, there’s no better time than now to schedule professional maintenance.

Eco 1 Plumbing is your go-to for all residential and commercial water heater and plumbing needs. We’re a local, family-owned and run business in Miami, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the business construction industry.

Call us today, and we’ll happily give you a free quote!