When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits working. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to provide your the U.S. household with heated 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 indications that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you use and how frequently it’s running.

Tank Water Heater

Most people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously warms water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical purchase price, but they don’t often work as long as other types.

Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:

• • Gas water heater: 10 years

• • Electric water heater: 12 years

Tank water heaters can stop working because of numerous problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that removes corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and grit will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.

Tankless Water Heater

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

Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. As opposed to keeping large amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical costs.

You might not know this, but heating water takes up a large chunk of your energy costs. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have long-term 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 start to show signs that it’s dying. Here’s what to watch and when to call a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

1. Not Enough Hot Water

This is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could notice warm water running out faster, or that it’s taking additional time for water to warm up.

2. Leaks

We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken.

3. Water Looks White

If you live in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater examined by a specialist to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.

4. Strange Noises

It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a symptom you need specialized assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume added energy in the process.

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

Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the inconvenience of not having hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.