You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re dealing with chilly showers. It works hard to give your Houston home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you use and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Many people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually warms water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their lower cost, but they don’t usually last as long as other kinds.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can fail because of numerous troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece referred to as an anode rod that clears corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could run as long as 20 years.
Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. As opposed to retaining huge amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly gas and electrical costs.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a sizeable chunk of your utility bills. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will begin showing indications that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Church Services.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have hot water running out more quickly, or that you need extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering near the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections checked or a part replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we recommend having your water heater examined by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should get professional support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume additional energy in the process.
Church Services Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. Also, there’s the annoyance of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 713-396-3760 to request 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 house.