When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged? 

You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it quits working. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. family with hot water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will eventually wear out.

Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some indications that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you use and how much it’s working.

Tank Water Heater

Most people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually warms water, so it’s always at the proper setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t typically work as long as other kinds.

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

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can quit working due to numerous issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can run as many as 20 years.

Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of retaining large amounts of water that’s reheated constantly, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy costs.

You might not realize it, but heating water is a sizeable piece of your energy costs. In fact, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Going Bad

Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

1. Not Enough Hot Water

This is one of the most common clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might have warm water getting depleted faster, or that you need additional time to get warm water.

2. Leaks

It’s time to call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water pooling around the base of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it might also be a indication the tank is damaged.

3. Water is Cloudy

If you reside in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater examined by a professional to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and oxidizing it.

4. Strange Noises

It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you need specialized support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume more energy in the process.

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

Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. Not to mention, the annoyance of lacking warm water. If your water heater is old 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 review all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.