You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits working. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to give your Austin home with warm water around the clock, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some hints that yours is needing to be replaced. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you use and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their lower cost, but they don’t often last as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can stop working as the result of a lot of problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could work up to 20 years.
Along with running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of retaining big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly gas and electrical bills.
You might not be aware, but warming up water accounts for a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling bills. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have long-term 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing pro like Strand Brothers Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You may notice hot water getting depleted more quickly, or that it’s taking additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water accumulating near the base of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater inspected by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to create some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you need specialized support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may use extra energy in the process.
Strand Brothers Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the annoyance of being without warm water. If your water heater is old or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 512-592-3072 to request 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.