You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits running. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. family with heated water 24/7, and, as expected, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some clues that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what type you use and how much it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their lower purchase price, but they don’t often last 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 quit working due to numerous troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will accumulate at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.
Besides running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of storing big amounts of water that’s reheated constantly, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not be aware, but warming up water takes up a large chunk of your utility bills. In fact, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR¨.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have lasting 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing indications that it's breaking down. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to get in touch with a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You might see heated water running out faster, or that it requires additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommend calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating around the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it might also be a indication 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 probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater inspected by a plumber to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn't normal and is a sign you should call for professional support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume additional energy in the process.
Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. There's also the annoyance of not having hot water. If your water heater is old or showing signs it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at (866) 963-7996 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your home.
