You usually don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops working. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to provide your Fort Worth family with heated water 24/7, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some warning signs that yours is wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you have and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their lower purchase price, but they don’t usually last as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can quit working due to a lot of issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and particles will accumulate at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could run as long as 20 years.
In addition to lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. As opposed to storing big amounts of water that’s reheated 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 expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating up water takes up a sizeable portion of your utility expenses. In reality, it’s the second highest source of energy use in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer 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 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start to show signs that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Stark Services.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have hot water getting depleted more quickly, or that it requires more time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering around the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it could also be a sign 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 likely accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater inspected by a specialist 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 normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should get pro support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could need additional energy in the process.
Stark Services Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 817-668-6689 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the best decision for your residence.