How long does a water heater usually last?

Most tank-style water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last longer, often 15-20 years, with regular maintenance.

Is my water heater rented or owned?

Check your gas or hydro bill for a rental line item, or look for a sticker on the tank with a rental company's name. Rented units are usually serviced or replaced by the rental company, not an independent plumber.

Can a leaking tank be repaired?

No. Once the tank itself is leaking (not a fitting or valve), it needs to be replaced. Leaks from valves or connections on top of the tank can often be repaired.

Water heater replacement vs repair

Not every water heater problem means buying a new tank. This page covers the decision point buyers face before booking: repair the existing unit or replace it outright.

Age of the unit: tank water heaters generally last 8-12 years, and a unit near or past that range is often not worth repairing
Type of failure: a faulty thermocouple, heating element, or pressure relief valve is usually a repair; a leaking tank itself means replacement, since tanks can't be patched
Rented vs owned units: rental water heaters (common in Ontario) go through the rental company, which changes who to call first
Rising energy bills or inconsistent hot water, which can signal sediment buildup or a failing element rather than a tank failure

A plumber will typically inspect the tank, check for rust or moisture at the base, test the elements or burner, and give a straight answer on which route makes sense rather than defaulting to replacement.

What it costs

Repairs like replacing a thermocouple, element, or valve are far cheaper than a full tank swap. Replacement cost depends on tank size, whether it's gas or electric, and whether the new unit needs code upgrades (like an expansion tank or updated venting) that the old one didn't have. Tankless conversions cost more upfront than a like-for-like tank replacement.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for water heater installation & repair.

1. True Service Plumbing
5.0★ · 1220 reviews

95
2. Advanced Plumbing & Drains
5.0★ · 558 reviews

95
3. Grizzly Plumbing and Heating Inc
5.0★ · 489 reviews

95

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FAQ

How long does a water heater usually last?: Most tank-style water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can last longer, often 15-20 years, with regular maintenance.
Is my water heater rented or owned?: Check your gas or hydro bill for a rental line item, or look for a sticker on the tank with a rental company's name. Rented units are usually serviced or replaced by the rental company, not an independent plumber.
Can a leaking tank be repaired?: No. Once the tank itself is leaking (not a fitting or valve), it needs to be replaced. Leaks from valves or connections on top of the tank can often be repaired.

When you submit a quote or contact form through this site, your enquiry may be shared with partner providers who can do the work. We may receive a referral fee for these matches, but our rankings and scores are determined solely by our published scoring method and are never influenced by referral fees.