You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Albany family with warm water 24 hours a day, 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 running depends on what kind you have 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 type constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their lower price tag, but they don’t usually run as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can fail due to many problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out 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 last as long as 20 years.
Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility costs.
You might not know this, but heating water takes up a big portion of your utility bills. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it’s dying. Here’s what to watch and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Roland J. Down Service Experts .
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You may see heated water getting depleted faster, or that it requires extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water pooling around the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater examined by a pro to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you need specialized support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could need more energy in the process.
Roland J. Down Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Not to mention, the irritation of lacking warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 518-417-2938 to request a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your residence.