You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops running. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Voorhees home with warm water 24/7, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you have and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their more economical price tag, but they don’t typically run as long as other types.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of numerous problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and fragments will build up at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out 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 could last as long as 20 years.
Along with working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than storing big amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not know this, but warming up water is a large piece of your energy bills. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer long-term energy savings. They can be 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 begin to show signs that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Atmostemp Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You could have heated water getting used up more rapidly, or that you need more time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water gathering by the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you reside in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater examined by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should get specialized support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use additional energy in the process.
Atmostemp Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for 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 outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 856-310-4824 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.