How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to offer your Wheeling household with hot water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some clues that yours is wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you have and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually heats water, so it’s always at the proper setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their cheaper price tag, but they don’t usually work as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can stop working because of many issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will oxidize, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could work as long as 20 years.
In addition to working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. In lieu of keeping huge amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating water is a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling bills. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they offer long-term energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will begin showing signs that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Comfort Masters Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is wearing out. You could see heated water getting used up faster, or that it requires extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering by the base of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater checked by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should call for professional help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume more energy in the process.
Comfort Masters Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the annoyance of being without heated water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 847-250-6729 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.
