You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits heating. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to give your Elkhart home with hot water 24/7, and, naturally, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some hints that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you use and how much it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly heats water, so it’s always at the proper temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular due to their more economical cost, but they don’t typically work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of a lot of troubles, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and particles will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters can work as long as 20 years.
Along with working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than keeping huge amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not know this, but warming water accounts for a sizeable chunk of your energy bills. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong 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 start to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing pro like BW/Cook 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 may see hot water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it requires more time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering around the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it may also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater checked by a plumber to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s common for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you need professional support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use extra energy in the process.
BW/Cook Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. There’s also the irritation of not having hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 574-218-6404 to schedule 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.