How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to give your Birmingham family with warm water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. In conclusion, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you use and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continuously warms water, so it’s always at the right setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular due to their cheaper cost, but they don’t often last as long as other types.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and fragments will increase at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining in 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 running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of keeping huge amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This eliminates standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not realize it, but warming water takes up a big portion of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy utilization in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They can be 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 Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin showing signs that it’s dying. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to call a plumbing pro like Norrell Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is wearing out. You may have heated water getting used up more quickly, or that you need additional time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating by the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you might just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater examined by a plumber to stop damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and rusting it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should get pro assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need extra energy in the process.
Norrell Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. There’s also the irritation of lacking heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 205-267-0023 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your residence.
