When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing? 

You likely don’t think about your water heater much until it quits running. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. household with heated water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.

Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some warning signs that yours is wearing out. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you use and how often it’s working.

Tank Water Heater

The majority of homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually warms water, so it’s always at the proper setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their cheaper cost, but they don’t typically work as long as other types.

Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can stop working as the result of many issues, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and fragments will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years.

Besides working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than storing big amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs.

You might not know this, but heating water takes up a big portion of your energy bills. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a standard residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer lasting 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 Dying

Your hot water heater will start showing clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to be on the lookout for 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 frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You could notice heated water running out faster, or that you need extra time to get warm water.

2. Leaks

It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering near the base of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is damaged.

3. Water is Cloudy

If you reside in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and corroding it.

4. Odd Noises

It’s expected for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you should call for pro support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume more energy in the process.

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple

Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to request 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 residence.