

has most manufacturer’s date codes (usually built into the unit’s serial number). So how can you tell how old your water heater is? That’s an easy one. The average water heater warranty is about 6 years – so a good rule of thumb is to at least start watching a water hear at 6 years old, but consider replacing it at 10 years (whether it still works or not). Also, some brands go sooner, and some last longer. But there are other factors.įor instance, larger water heaters and electric water heaters tend to last a little longer. According to most associations, the average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years. So before we answer the question in our blog, we should first understand how long the average water heater lasts.
#WHATS THE AVERAGE AGE OF WATER HEATER SERIAL NUMBERS#
With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years. As home inspectors its important to be able to decipher the age from the water heater manufacturers serial numbers so we can report aging conditions and tell. So replacing your water heater before it breaks is important. While today’s water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. Water heaters seem to choose the most random time to break – and sometimes the worst time. The problem is, sometimes those stories are true. They probably ask this because they have either heard horror stories of older water heaters bursting and leaking all over a home, or perhaps they have even seen it first hand. Take a look at your water heater’s serial number to decipher your water heater’s age to determine if it is time for a water heater replacement. When buying a home, many people ask a very common question: How old is the water heater. On average, a water heater’s lifespan is anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
