You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up working. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to offer your Philadelphia home with warm water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some clues that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you have and how often it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually heats water, so it’s always at the correct temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower purchase price, but they don’t usually last as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can quit working because of many troubles, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and particles will build up 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 expectancy than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters may last up to 20 years.
In addition to running longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than keeping big amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical costs.
You might not realize it, but warming water accounts for a sizeable piece of your heating and cooling bills. In fact, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start showing clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater is wearing out. You could have warm water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it requires extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water pooling near the base of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should call for professional help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need added energy in the process.
Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the inconvenience of not having heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 215-278-9690 to schedule 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.