how long should the water heater last?

[n175h]

I have a Jarco 700K btu heater, 1983 model. It still works fine. No leaks. How long should these things last? What has been your experience?

Thanks,
David

[CharlieS]

I just pulled a Jarco 900K that was at least 20 years old and still working just fine. I just wanted something more efficient.

Those things are tanks. It could last another 10 or 20 years, or fail tomorrow.

Charlie

[Anonymous]

I pulled a Natco about 18 months ago, it was installed in 1957.

[Ken]

As long as not leak,they should last forever!
Older one may not be very efficient but easy to work on.
I took out a leaking AO Smith last year,it was made in 1959,my serviceman took to junkyark,he got $30 for it.I still have 5 coil model AO Smith, they are from 10-20 years old.Do the new heater really save a lot money?How reliable are they?

[MichaelCa]

Even though the W.H. itself may last decades, doesn't the *Coil* inside need replacing ?

Its my understanding that the Coils can get clogged-up and become less efficient - is that right ?

[Gary C]

I just replaced my tank type W/H with a cast boiler. It has a life time warrenty. Other than the burner I should be all set.

Gary

[Ken]

Coil and heat exchanger are very expensive parts,cost over $1000 each,most people just fix the leak in my area.
If your area has very hard water,some people delime their washer heater's coil but it may cause the heater leak or add water sofner.I have never done that.When I took my old heaters out,cut coils open,they looked ok.
Over heat , cold and lime kill old water heater,otherwise they should last for a long time.