The average lifespan of a Rheem water heater depends on the type of heater, water quality, maintenance, and usage, but general averages are well established. For a standard Rheem gas or electric tank water heater with a glass-lined steel tank and a 6-year warranty, the average lifespan is 8 to 12 years. For models with 9-year or 12-year warranties that have larger or dual anode rods and better insulation, the average extends to 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance. The Rheem Marathon series, which uses a non-metallic tank that will not rust, averages 20 years or more and is designed for lifetime use. For Rheem tankless water heaters, which do not store water and thus avoid tank corrosion, the average lifespan is 15 to 20 years, significantly longer than tank models, provided they are descaled annually in hard water areas. Factors that shorten lifespan include hard water with high mineral content that causes sediment buildup, never flushing the tank, never replacing the anode rod, setting the thermostat too high above 120 degrees, high water pressure above 80 psi, and installation in a corrosive environment. Regular maintenance such as annual flushing, anode rod inspection every 3 to 5 years, and keeping the temperature at 120 degrees can add several years to any Rheem water heater's life.
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