How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it quits heating. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Long Island family with hot water around the clock, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you have and how frequently it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually warms water, so it’s always at the right temperature when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower cost, but they don’t usually run 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 due to a lot of problems, 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 fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will increase at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could last up to 20 years.
In addition to working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. As opposed to storing big amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating water accounts for a large piece of your utility expenses. In reality, it’s the second highest source of energy use in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They can be 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 start showing indications that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to contact a plumbing professional like Matz-Rightway.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could notice heated water running out faster, or that it requires extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water pooling by the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater checked by a pro to stop 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 expected for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should get pro help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use extra energy in the process.
Matz-Rightway Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the irritation of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 631-406-9220 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.
