You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops running. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Hurricane household with heated water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you rely on and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly heats water, so it’s always at the correct temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower price tag, but they don’t typically work as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of a lot of troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will oxidize, and grit will build up at the foundation of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters can run up to 20 years.
In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. In lieu of storing huge amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a big portion of your heating and cooling costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lasting energy savings. They are typically 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 signs that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing professional like Teays Valley Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You may notice hot water getting used up more rapidly, or that it requires extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling around the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it may also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater inspected by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should call for pro help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use extra energy in the process.
Teays Valley Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. Not to mention, the inconvenience of not having hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 304-760-5088 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your home.