When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to offer your Dallas home with warm water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will give out at some point. 

Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you have and how frequently it’s running. 

Tank Water Heater 

Many households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually heats water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you want it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t usually run as long as other models. 

Here’s how much time 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 troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will rust, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank. 

Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater has a much longer life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years. 

In addition to 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 continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs. 

You might not be aware, but warming water takes up a big piece of your energy costs. In reality, 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 offer lifelong energy savings. They are typically 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 Wearing Out 

Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing pro like Levy & Son Service Experts. 

1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water 

This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater is wearing out. You may see warm water running out faster, or that it requires additional time to get warm water. 

2. Leaks 

You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is damaged. 

3. Water is Cloudy 

If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely accustomed 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 examined by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and rusting it. 

4. Weird Noises 

It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you need pro support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process. 

Levy & Son Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy 

Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of lacking warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 469-250-0932 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your home.