You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits running. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to provide your Waldorf home 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 likely last and some clues that yours is wearing out. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you have and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their more economical price tag, but they don’t typically last as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that extracts corrosive fragments from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and fragments will build up at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters may work as long as 20 years.
Along with running longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than storing huge amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating up water takes up a big chunk of your utility costs. In reality, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show signs that it’s dying. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like A-PLUS Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You may see hot water getting depleted faster, or that you need more time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering by the base of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections checked or a part replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater inspected by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you need professional support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume extra energy in the process.
A-PLUS Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. Also, there’s the annoyance of being without warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 301-747-3140 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your residence.