There’s a lot that goes into home maintenance, and one complex area is plumbing. One thing that you might not think about often, and even take for granted, is your hot water heater. Like any plumbing fixture in your home, the hot water heater will eventually stop working. This can happen from either old age, wear and tear, or a combination of both.
How Long Will my Hot Water Heater Last?
This is a great question. Traditional hot water heaters with a tank will last, on average, about 8 -12 years. Tankless hot water heaters can last up to 20 years. Either way, variables like the type of hot water heating unit that you have and its quality also affect its longevity. If you take good care of your hot water heater, you will get more life out of it. But even before your heater’s projected lifespan arrives, you might notice signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time to replace the unit. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any leaks, you’re probably due for a hot water heater replacement.
What if I Don’t Know my Water Heater’s Age?
If you know how old your hot water heater is, you have a good idea of when it should be replaced. Sometimes, however, you might be moving into a new home, and the previous homeowner can’t tell you for sure when the water heater was installed. In this case, you can still do some detective work on your own to get an approximate estimate of its age. Every hot water heater comes with a serial number that contains a letter and a combination of numbers. The letter usually indicates the month of the hot water heater’s manufacture date. The lettering system starts with “A” for January and follows in chronological order. The following numbers tell you the year in which the hot water heater was made. You can also try calling the manufacturer with the serial number to get an accurate production date.
Signs of a Problem
Even if your hot water heater is within its projected lifespan, you can still encounter problems. These problems will either need to be fixed – or you’ll need to get a new unit altogether – before you can get a water heater permit Las Vegas. Rust and discoloration are visible signs of premature wear. Tinted water, a drop in water pressure, or a loud banging noise are other signs of an ailing hot water heater.
By keeping an eye on your hot water heater, and making sure to replace it when needed, you’ll have a continual flow of hot water, and you will also benefit from lower energy bills. If you need the advice or assistance of a professional to help install a new hot water heater or figure out when it’s time to get a new one, all you need to do is contact the best plumber in Las Vegas.
