When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits working. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. household with warm water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.

Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some hints that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you use and how much it’s working.

Tank Water Heater

The majority of homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the right setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their lower purchase price, but they don’t typically last as long as other models.

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 as the result of many troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece referred to as an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and grit will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can work as many as 20 years.

Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility bills.

You might not know this, but heating water accounts for a big portion of your energy expenses. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy consumption in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they offer 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 begin to show indications that it’s dying. Here’s what to look for and when to contact 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 have hot water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it’s taking more time for water to warm up.

2. Leaks

We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water accumulating around the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections tightened or a piece replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is compromised.

3. Water Isn’t Clear

If you live in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a specialist to stop damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly growing in the tank and rusting it.

4. Weird Noises

It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you should call for professional support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process.

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

Waiting too long for water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 866-397-3787 to schedule 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 house.