You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it gives up running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Livermore home with heated water around the clock, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you rely on and how frequently it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Many households have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously warms water, so it’s always at the proper temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t typically run as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can fail because of many problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and particles will increase at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may work as long as 20 years.
Along with running longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of retaining huge amounts of water that’s heated constantly, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating up water accounts for a big piece of your utility bills. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption 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 holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to call a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have warm water running out more quickly, or that you need additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water accumulating by the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater checked by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you should get specialized assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use added energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the annoyance of not having heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 925-364-5427 to request 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.