When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced?
You usually don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops running. 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, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some warning signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you have and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t usually last as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can stop working because of many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece known as an anode rod that removes corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and grit will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years.
In addition to working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of keeping big amounts of water that’s heated constantly, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy bills.
You might not be aware, but warming up water takes up a big chunk of your energy expenses. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin showing signs that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might have warm water getting depleted more quickly, or that it requires additional time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating around the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater checked by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you need specialized support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could need extra energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of lacking warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 866-397-3787 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.
