You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits heating. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. family with hot water 24/7, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some early signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you have and how much it’s on.
The majority of households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly heats water, so it’s always at the right setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular due to their more economical cost, but they don’t often run as long as other kinds.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can fail because of many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that clears corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could run as long as 20 years.
Besides working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of storing large amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly utility bills.
You might not realize it, but warming water takes up a big piece of your utility bills. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use 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 usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it’s dying. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might notice hot water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it requires additional time for water to warm up.
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering around the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken.
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 all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater examined by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly growing in the tank and corroding it.
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you should get pro support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume extra energy in the process.
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the inconvenience of being without warm water. If your water heater is old 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 review all the options so you can make the right decision for your home.
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