You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits running. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to offer your Saint Charles household with heated water 24/7, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what type you have and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most households have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously heats water, so it’s always at the right temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their lower purchase price, but they don’t usually work as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can stop working due to many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will increase at the foundation of your water heater, eating through the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can work as many as 20 years.
Besides working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of keeping big amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model heats water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility bills.
You might not know this, but heating up water is a large piece of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lasting 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 Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin to show indications that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing professional like Golden Seal Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may see heated water getting used up more rapidly, or that you need extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating by the base of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater checked by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should call for pro assistance. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may need more energy in the process.
Golden Seal Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Not to mention, the inconvenience of being without hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 630-246-2698 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 residence.