When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You usually don’t think about your water heater a lot until it gives up heating. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to provide your the U.S. family with heated water around the clock, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.

Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is wearing out. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you have and how often it’s on.

Tank Water Heater

The majority of people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously heats water, so it’s always at the right setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t often work as long as other models.

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

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can stop working because of many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and particles will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining within 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 up to 20 years.

Along with working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of storing big amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical bills.

You might not be aware, but warming up water takes up a large portion of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a standard residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They are usually 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 Dying

Your hot water heater will begin showing clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out 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 common clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You might have hot water getting used up faster, or that it requires more time to have hot water.

2. Leaks

You should call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering by the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you might 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 a region 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 goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we recommend having your water heater checked by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and rusting it.

4. Weird Noises

It’s normal for your water heater to create some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should call for pro assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may need extra energy in the process.

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

Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is old or showing signs it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 866-397-3787 to get 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 residence.