When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing?
You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops working. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. household with hot water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you rely on and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually warms water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t typically work as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can stop working as the result of a lot of problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special piece referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive fragments from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer working life than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.
In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating water accounts for a large piece of your heating and cooling bills. In fact, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have long-term energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start to show clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have hot water getting used up more quickly, or that it’s taking extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water pooling around the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater checked by a plumber to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to create some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should call for professional support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use more energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. There’s also the inconvenience of being without hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the right decision for your home.
