When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged? 

You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. family with heated water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually. 

Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some indications that yours is wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you rely on and how often it’s on. 

Tank Water Heater 

Most homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually warms water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t usually work as long as other models. 

Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last: 

• Gas water heater: 10 years 
• Electric water heater: 12 years 

Tank water heaters can quit working due to many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special piece known as an anode rod that extracts corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and fragments will increase at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank. 

Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may last up to 20 years. 

Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s heated constantly, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy bills. 

You might not know this, but heating up water is a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling costs. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®. 

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they offer lasting 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out 

Your hot water heater will begin to show clues that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

1. Not Enough Hot Water 

This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater is wearing out. You might see heated water getting used up more rapidly, or that it requires additional time to get warm water. 

2. Leaks 

It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water pooling by the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections checked or a piece replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is broken. 

3. Water is Cloudy 

If you reside in a region 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 changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater checked by a professional to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and rusting it. 

4. Strange Noises 

It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should call for specialized help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume additional energy in the process. 

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

Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Not to mention, the annoyance of not having warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 866-397-3787 to request 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 home.