When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. home with heated water 24/7, 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 needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you use and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct setting when you want it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their lower cost, but they don’t often last as long as other types.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail because of many issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and grit will increase at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may work up to 20 years.
In addition to lasting longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of retaining big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not realize it, but warming water takes up a big portion of your utility bills. In fact, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term 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 to show signs that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look 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 typical clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You could see warm water getting depleted faster, or that it’s taking more time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
We recommend calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water accumulating near the base of your water heater. In some cases you might just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater examined by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a symptom you should call for pro help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may need more energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Not to mention, the annoyance of not having warm 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 get 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.