How Long Does a Water Heater Last in Seattle WA Salish Plumbing Co

Water heaters in Seattle typically last between eight and fifteen years, with significant variation depending on the water quality in the specific neighborhood, how well the unit has been maintained, and whether it is gas or electric. Seattle's water, drawn from the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt watersheds, is relatively soft compared to many cities, which reduces scale buildup compared to harder water areas. However, https://salishplumbingco.com/about/ Ballard and parts of North Seattle that draw from other supply segments can have harder water, and homeowners in those areas may see water heaters age faster than the city average.Tank-style gas water heaters in Ballard homes generally last ten to thirteen years with proper maintenance. Flushing the tank annually to remove accumulated sediment is the most important maintenance step, and checking the anode rod every three to four years helps prevent tank corrosion. Electric tank units often last slightly longer, twelve to fifteen years, because they do not experience the higher temperatures at the bottom of the tank that gas burners create. Tankless water heaters have a longer expected lifespan, often twenty or more years, but require more complex maintenance including periodic descaling.

Signs that a water heater is reaching the end of its useful life include water that takes longer to heat up than it used to, visible corrosion at the fittings or at the tank's base, water that develops a rusty or metallic taste, and the presence of sediment in the hot water. A unit that is ten or more years old showing any of these signs is ready for assessment.

Salish Plumbing Co | Shoreline, WA | (206) 867-0624Salish Plumbing Co provides honest water heater assessments for Ballard homeowners. If a repair will extend useful service life, the company will recommend it. If replacement is the smarter choice, the estimate will be clear and fair.

Call (206) 867-0624 for water heater service in Ballard and North Seattle.Salish Plumbing Co | Shoreline, WA | (206) 867-0624