Tankless Water Heater Lifespan Jacksonville NC | Replacement & Repair Help
If you’ve got a tankless water heater in your home, you’ve probably heard that they last longer than traditional models—and that’s true.
But even the best system has its limits.
I’m Justin Wilder, owner of Wild Water Plumbing here in Jacksonville, NC, and as a veteran and licensed plumber, I get asked all the time: “How long should my tankless water heater last?”
Let’s break it down.
Average Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater
Most tankless water heaters last between 15 and 20 years, sometimes even longer if they’re maintained properly.
That’s one of the biggest reasons people switch to tankless—they’re built to go the distance.
However, just like your car or HVAC system, they require regular maintenance.
Skipping maintenance or ignoring early warning signs can shave years off their life.
Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Is Wearing Out
You don’t have to wait until your unit quits completely.
Here are a few signs it might be time to call a plumber:
🔥 Water Temperature Fluctuates
If your hot water goes from warm to cold and back again, the system may be struggling to keep up.
It could be a failing sensor, clogged burner, or mineral buildup.
💧 Lower Water Pressure
A drop in hot water pressure often means internal scaling.
This is common in Jacksonville due to the minerals in our water.
If the flow is restricted, your system works harder—and wears down faster.
🧼 Strange Smells or Discoloration
If your hot water smells off or looks rusty, it may be time for an inspection.
These are signs your system is corroding inside, especially in older models.
⚠️ Frequent Error Codes
If you’re constantly resetting your unit or seeing the same error messages pop up, something’s wrong.
A few minor repairs might buy you time—but repeated issues may mean your system is reaching the end of its life.
How to Make Your Tankless Water Heater Last Longer
If you want to stretch every year out of your system, regular maintenance is key.
At Wild Water Plumbing, we recommend:
- Flushing the system once a year to remove mineral buildup
- Checking filters and vents for clogs or debris
- Scheduling a yearly inspection to catch issues early
When to Replace vs. Repair
If your tankless heater is over 15 years old and giving you trouble, it might be time to talk about replacement.
In many cases, a new system will save you money on energy bills and prevent the stress of surprise breakdowns.
But if your unit is still within its expected lifespan and the problem is small, a good repair might keep it going strong.
We’ll give you an honest opinion either way.
Call the Plumber Jacksonville Trusts
Whether you need a repair, maintenance, or you’re thinking about replacing your tankless water heater, Wild Water Plumbing is here to help.
We’re a veteran-owned, local company committed to doing the job right the first time.
📞 Call 910-750-2312 today to schedule your tankless water heater inspection or service.
We’ll treat your home like our own—and make sure you never run out of hot water.