We here at Five Star Plumbing get asked the titled question a lot, and your water heater’s lifespan depends on a few factors, which we’ll discuss below. The bottom line is you don’t want to be blasted with cold water first thing in the morning – nobody does – so keeping your heater healthy is crucial in preventing unpleasant awakenings. How long does a heater last? Keep reading.
Tank Lifespan
A traditional heater has a tank and is located in a closet in your home or in the garage. These heaters have been around for a very long time and they are the more affordable option between the two types of heaters available on the market today. A tank-type heater will last anywhere from eight to 12 years, but some last even longer than that with proper maintenance.
Tankless Lifespan
The other type of heater available to consumers is a tankless water heater. This system does not heat and store water in a tank but rather warms water by running it through a heating element, either gas or electric, before the water exits the faucets. Smaller than tank-type water heaters, a tankless heater will last as long as 20 years. Again, with proper maintenance, some can last longer.
How Old Is My Water Heater?
If you just moved into a home that was previously owned you can find your heater’s birthday in its serial number. The serial number is printed on a label on the heater and it should consist of one letter followed by numerals. The alphabet represents the month, A=January, B=February, and so on, and the number the year. For example, A18 means your heater was manufactured in January of 2018.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Dying
Once your heater hits middle-age, you should begin to pay attention for signs it’s dying. These signs include strange noises such as banging or rumbling; dirty yellow, orange, or red water coming out of your faucets; colder than normal water; water heater leaks. Any of these signs indicate water heater trouble in your near future so make sure to call a professional plumber at first notice.
Five Star Plumbing are professional plumbers located in San Antonio, TX. We service and replace heaters, and we’d be happy to help you with your water heater concerns. If you live in San Antonio, TX, call us today to set up an appointment with a professional plumbing technician.
