When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing? 

You usually don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops working. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. household with heated water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.

Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will last depends on what type you have and how frequently it’s running.

Tank Water Heater

Most homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their lower cost, but they don’t usually work as long as other models.

Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can stop working because of numerous issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will rust, and fragments will increase at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining in the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could run as many as 20 years.

Besides lasting longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than storing big amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly gas and electrical costs.

You might not realize it, but warming up water takes up a big portion of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive 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 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out

Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to call a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water

This is one of the most frequently encountered signs that your water heater is wearing out. You might notice warm water getting used up more rapidly, or that it’s taking extra time to get warm water.

2. Leaks

We recommed calling a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating near the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is broken.

3. Water is Cloudy

If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, you should have your water heater examined by a plumber to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and corroding it.

4. Odd Noises

It’s common for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you should call for professional assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use more energy in the process.

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

Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Not to mention, the irritation of being without hot water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to get 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 house.