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 frigid showers. It works hard to provide your the U.S. home with heated water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will give out at some point.

Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you have and how frequently it’s working.

Tank Water Heater

The majority of homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly warms water, so it’s always at the right temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers because of their lower price tag, but they don’t usually run as long as other models.

Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can fail as the result of many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special piece referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive fragments from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and grit will increase at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

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

In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. As opposed to keeping big amounts of water that’s heated constantly, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly gas and electrical expenses.

You might not realize it, but warming water accounts for a big chunk of your energy costs. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a regular home, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains 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 needs to be replaced. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

1. Not Enough Hot Water

This is one of the most frequently encountered signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may notice hot water getting depleted more quickly, or that it requires more time for water to heat up.

2. Leaks

We recommed calling a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water pooling by the base of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is compromised.

3. Water Looks White

If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater checked by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.

4. Weird Noises

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

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

Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. Also, there’s the annoyance of not having heated water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 866-397-3787 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.