You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it quits working. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to give your Buffalo family with heated water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you have and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper setting when you need 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 long you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of numerous problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive fragments from the water. Down the road, the rod will oxidize, and grit will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life expectancy than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
In addition to working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than retaining large amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not realize it, but heating up water takes up a large piece of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a regular home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They are usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin showing indications that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing professional like Sunbeam Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You may notice heated water getting used up faster, or that it requires extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling by the base of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater examined by a professional to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s common for your water heater to make some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you need professional support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need extra energy in the process.
Sunbeam Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of not having hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 716-427-6807 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.