Where are water heaters typically located?

Water heaters tend to be tucked away in the garage, basement, crawlspace or attic and sometimes in their own closet. Its placement in the house affects how fast the water will heat up in the kitchen or bathroom.

Are water heaters inside or outside?

Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter. On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters have exterior models installed outside. You can also install electric tankless water heaters outside with some sheltering recommended to protect the unit from the weather.

Can a water heater be inside the house?

It’s crazy but for decades building practices allowed furnaces and water heaters to be inside the home. … Because natural gas, combustion and potentially carbon monoxide are right inside the home. In the case of furnaces with air returns below the closet, this can be a potentially dangerous situation.

How do I know what water heater I have?

What is an outdoor water heater?

Outdoor Units

An outdoor tankless water heater is installed outside of the home and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. … With proper protection, an outdoor tankless water heater can withstand quite a bit. Such protection typically includes protecting the water pipes and air vents.

Can you put a heat pump water heater in a closet?

Unlike other types of water heaters, you shouldn’t install an HPWH in a small closed closet because it wouldn’t have enough warm air to power the heat pump. Most manufacturers recommend a space that’s at least 100 square feet.

How do I find out the year of my hot water heater?

Check the label

Check for a manufacturer label on the side of your water heater — this should include the installation date. If the label is missing, or the installation date is not listed, you can use the serial number to determine the age of your unit.

How do you know if your electric hot water heater is on?

How do I know if my electric water heater is on?

Start by looking for an access panel on the side of the water heater. If you remove it and see a blue flame, that’s a pilot light, which only gas models have. Connected pipes are also indicators of gas, while an electric water heater will simply have a cord going into the top or side of the unit.

How long should a water heater last?

about eight to 12 years
How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

What is the life expectancy of a water heater?

8 to 12 years
The type of water heater and where you are located: While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located. The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater.

How often should a hot water heater be replaced?

Water Heater Lifespan

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater’s warranty for the most accurate timelines.

What are the signs of a water heater going bad?

Here are six common signs that your water heater is going bad.
  • Your Water Heater is More Than 10 Years Old. …
  • Water Heater is Leaky. …
  • Water is Discolored. …
  • There’s Not Enough Hot Water. …
  • Water Heater is Making Unusual Noises. …
  • You’re Constantly Having to Have Water Heater Repair.

What are the signs of a failing hot water heater?

7 Tell-tale signs of a Water Heater not working
  • You don’t have enough hot water. …
  • You have varying water temperature issues. …
  • You have a leaking water heater. …
  • You notice reduced water flow. …
  • You’re hearing some concerning sounds. …
  • You have smelly or discolored water. …
  • Your water heater is on the older end of the spectrum.

How likely is it for a water heater to explode?

Water heater explosions are rare but when they do happen, they can be devastating. Do not wait for a catastrophe. Here are a few signs your water heater will give before going burst. The pressure relief valve is usually located at the top of heater, on the side.

What happens when a water heater fails?

A broken water heater may leave you without hot water for several days. No one wants to take cold showers or go through the hassle of heating water and transferring it to the bathtub just to wash up. It may take several days of waiting for professionals to come to your house to install a new heater.

Does a water heater need to be cleaned?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.

Can a water heater explode if its off?

While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained.

Will a leaking hot water heater explode?

Water heater explosions are terrifying, and they can happen. … Anything that causes excess pressure on your water heating system, such as a poor anode rod, or a lot of sediment buildup, can all cause your water heater to explode. A gas leak can also cause your water heater to explode because it is a tremendous fire risk.

Can water heater explode if turned off?

If this valve is leaking, it indicates that the pressure is too high inside the water tank, and can explode if too much builds. The water heater should be turned off immediately if you notice this. … This indicates that enough sediment has built up inside for it to become a blockage, and can cause an explosion.