When Will My Water Heater Need Replacing?
You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it gives up heating. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to offer your Canada home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some clues that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you use and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower cost, but they don’t usually last as long as other kinds.
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 stop working as the result of numerous troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
In addition to working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of keeping large amounts of water that’s reheated constantly, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs.
You might not know this, but heating up water takes up a sizeable portion of your energy expenses. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy consumption in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have lifelong energy savings. They are usually 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 signs that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could notice hot water running out more rapidly, or that it requires extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water pooling around the base of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you reside in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater examined by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should get pro help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use additional energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the inconvenience of lacking heated water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.