When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits heating. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. family with heated water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you use and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many households have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temperature when you want it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their cheaper cost, but they don’t usually work as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may work as long as 20 years.
Along with working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. As opposed to keeping large amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a large portion of your energy expenses. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy utilization in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have long-term energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start showing signs that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to watch and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might notice hot water getting depleted faster, or that you need additional time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water gathering by the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections checked or a part replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater checked by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s common for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you should call for professional assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use added energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of not having hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts 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 ideal decision for your house.