You likely don’t think about your water heater much until it quits running. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to give your Dallas family with warm water 24/7, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some warning signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you have and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously heats water, so it’s always at the right temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their cheaper cost, but they don’t usually last as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of numerous problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and fragments will increase at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could work as many as 20 years.
Along with lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of retaining huge amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility bills.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a sizeable piece of your heating and cooling costs. In actuality, it’s the second biggest 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 lifelong energy savings. They are usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Levy & Son Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice hot water running out more rapidly, or that it’s taking more time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water pooling around the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it might also be a indication 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 likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we recommend having your water heater examined by a specialist to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Odd 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 symptom you should get professional help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use added energy in the process.
Levy & Son Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. Not to mention, the annoyance of being without warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 469-250-0932 to request a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.