Water Heater FAQ

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Traditional & Tankless Water Heater Questions Answered

At Keith’s Plumbing, we understand that choosing, maintaining, or replacing a water heater can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to reliability and warranties. Whether you're using a classic tank-style heater or considering a tankless upgrade, here are the answers to your most common questions

Classic (Tank-Style) Water Heaters

  • How long do traditional water heaters last?

    Most tank-style water heaters last 8 to 12 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and local water quality. Regular flushing and annual inspections can extend lifespan and maintain warranty coverage.

  • Do tank water heaters come with a warranty?

    Yes. Most manufacturers offer 6-year to 12-year warranties on tank-style water heaters. The warranty typically covers the tank, heating elements, and manufacturer defects. At Keith’s Plumbing we back our installations with a workmanship guarantee too.

  • Why is my water heater making banging or popping noises?

    This is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. It traps air and causes percolating sounds when the water heats. Flushing the system can restore performance and help keep the unit within warranty standards.

  • Why does my hot water run out so quickly?

    Your water heater may have a worn heating element, broken dip tube, or internal sediment buildup that reduces usable capacity. We’ll diagnose the issue and determine if it’s repairable or covered under warranty.

  • What size tank do I need?

    The right size depends on household usage. Typical tanks range from 30 to 80 gallons. We’ll recommend a properly sized unit and help ensure your new system is installed to manufacturer specs for full warranty protection.

Tankless Water Heaters

  • How do tankless water heaters work?

    Tankless systems heat water on demand, without storing it in a tank. When you open a hot water tap, the unit activates and heats water instantly as it flows through — giving you continuous hot water and reduced energy use.

  • Do tankless water heaters come with a warranty?

    Yes. Most tankless water heaters come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 10 to 15 years on the heat exchanger and 1 to 5 years on other components. Proper installation and routine maintenance are required to keep the warranty valid — and Keith’s Plumbing takes care of both.

  • Will I need utility upgrades to go tankless?

    Possibly. Many tankless systems require larger gas lines, dedicated circuits, or updated venting. We’ll assess your setup and make any necessary upgrades to ensure your unit operates safely — and meets all warranty requirements.

  • Are tankless systems more efficient?

    Yes — tankless water heaters can be up to 30–40% more energy-efficient than tank models, especially in homes with moderate water usage. They only heat what you use, so you’re not wasting energy on standby heat.

  • Can I run out of hot water with a tankless unit?

    Technically no, but if too many appliances run at once, the system may not keep up. We help you choose the right flow rate and capacity to meet your household needs and protect your warranty by installing to spec.

Protecting Your Investment with Manufacturer Warranties

At Keith’s Plumbing, we only install water heaters from reputable brands with strong manufacturer warranties. Plus, we:


  • Install all units to manufacturer specifications
  • Offer our own workmanship guarantee for added peace of mind

Got More Questions? We’re Here to Help.

From sizing to troubleshooting, repairs to replacements — Keith’s Plumbing is your trusted local expert for both traditional and tankless water heaters in The Antelope Valley. Have a warranty question? Need a second opinion? Just give us a call.

Call us today at (661) 533-6106 to schedule your appointment! Or Send us an Email