How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

If you’re a homeowner in Austin, you’ve probably wondered how long you can expect your water heater to last. And the truth is, it’s often not so easy to tell. While most water heaters carry a manufacturer's warranty of about 6-years, and it’s true that some water heaters can last significantly longer, really and truly, the longevity of your water heater depends on many factors which you may or may not have control over.In this short blog, read about the factors that impact how long your water heater will last, and find out how to keep it running as long as possible.

What Factors Impact How Long A Water Heater Lasts

In truth, there are a wide range of factors that can impact how long your water heater lasts. This includes obvious factors like age of your water heater and the quality of its parts, as well as lesser known factors such as water pressure, water hardness, and the type of water heater you have installed.Water pressure is a big component. In areas where there’s greater water pressure, like Austin there’s a greater chance that things will break. Moreover, the “hardness” of the water, which refers to how much calcium and magnesium is concentrated in it, can also play a role. In fact, in places like Austin, where hard water is plentiful, you can almost guarantee that there is already sediment buildup in your water heater.Finally, the type of water heater you have installed can also play a role in determining its lifespan. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than a traditional tank water heater.

How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

Regular maintenance can play a huge role in extending the life of your water heater. In fact, if you follow these recommendations, you could almost double its life.Here’s what we recommend to maintain your water heater in Austin:

1. Schedule a water heater flush at least once a year

If you have a standard tank-type water heater, schedule a water heater flush at least once a year. This helps prevent hard water deposits like calcium and magnesium from building up in the bottom of your heater, which could lead to decreased water heater efficiency over time, shortening its life.If you have a tankless water heater, you should also schedule a regular system flush at least once a year. In a tankless system, there’s a very narrow heat exchanger that the water path flows through, and if it gets clogged with mineral deposits, it could significantly shorten the life of your water heater.

2. Install a water treatment system

While it’s true that a water heater can last for a decade or longer—and that tankless water heaters can last up to twenty years or more, these claims are based on homeowners’ who also have quality water treatment systems. By installing a whole home water treatment system, such as a water softener, you can treat your water before it enters your water heater, enabling it to run smoother and longer, thereby extending its life.https://youtube.com/shorts/eDpUbi7zJGQ?feature=share

Choose Stan’s for Your Austin Water Heater Maintenance and Repairs

Want to ensure that your water heater lasts as long as possible? Short of a complete water heater replacement, repairing and maintaining your water heater system is one of the best ways to extend its life. That’s why Stan’s is proud to offer both professional water heater repair services in Austin, as well as our very own water heater maintenance program* that’s second to none.

Contact us today to learn more about our water heater services or to schedule your water heater repair today!

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*About Stan’s Water Heater Maintenance Program

‍Stan’s is proud to offer our Gold Plumbing Membership for those who want long-term protection for their plumbing pipes and parts! With an annual water heater flush and comprehensive maintenance inspection, we’ll keep your water heater healthy and your plumbing system problem-free all year. You can also save 15% on water heater repair in Austin, and receive priority scheduling—so you get your problems fixed as soon as possible. Contact us today for details!