When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing? 

You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it quits heating. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. home with hot water 24/7, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.

Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some clues that yours is needing to be replaced. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you have and how often it’s on.

Tank Water Heater

Many people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually 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 price tag, but they don’t usually run as long as other kinds.

Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can quit working because of numerous issues, but an oxidized tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will rust, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining in the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.

Besides running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than keeping big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model heats water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical costs.

You might not be aware, but warming water takes up a large piece of your heating and cooling bills. In fact, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have lifelong energy savings. They are usually 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 Wearing Out

Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water

This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might see warm water getting used up more quickly, or that you need more time for water to warm up.

2. Leaks

You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling by the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is compromised.

3. Water is Cloudy

If you live in an area 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 like metal, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a pro to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and oxidizing it.

4. Strange Noises

It’s expected for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you need specialized support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume extra energy in the process.

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

Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. There’s also the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.