When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing?
You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it gives up running. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. home with hot water around the clock, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some clues that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you rely on and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly heats water, so it’s always at the right setting when you want it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical purchase price, but they don’t typically last as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to last:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of numerous problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part called an anode rod that clears corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and grit will increase at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of storing large amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model heats water on demand. This eliminates standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating water accounts for a sizeable chunk of your heating and cooling costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to watch and when to contact 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 wearing out. You might notice warm water getting depleted more quickly, or that you need more time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
We recommend calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering around the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it could also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a plumber to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you need pro help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume additional energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. Not to mention, the annoyance of not having hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues 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 ideal decision for your house.
