THE SHORT ANSWER
Service life varies with the type of unit, water conditions, maintenance, installation quality and how hard it works. Many conventional tank heaters last roughly 8–12 years, but age alone does not determine when to replace yours. Leaks from the tank are a major warning sign.
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For more context about this type of plumbing issue, read our related Oklahoma City guide.
Read the related VIP plumbing guideEducational information, not a remote diagnosis. The right repair requires an onsite assessment. Plumbing conditions, safety concerns and local requirements vary. Stop using unsafe equipment and seek qualified help for gas, sewage, electricity or flooding hazards. See how we develop and update our homeowner guides.
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