You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it stops running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to provide your Fort Wayne home with warm water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you rely on and how frequently it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually heats water, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical price tag, but they don’t often run as long as other types.
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 frequent. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that extracts corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and particles will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years.
Besides lasting longer, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. As opposed to storing huge amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy bills.
You might not be aware, but heating up water is a large piece of your utility costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have lifelong 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin showing clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Rolf Griffin Service Experts .
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might notice warm water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it requires more time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering near the base of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it could also be a indication the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater inspected by a specialist to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should get specialized support. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need added energy in the process.
Rolf Griffin Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the annoyance of not having warm water. If your water heater is old or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 260-557-1275 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.