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
