You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops working. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to give your Champaign household with warm water 24/7, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some hints that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you have and how much it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly warms water, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you want it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their lower purchase price, but they don’t typically work as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can stop working because of a lot of issues, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that clears corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and particles will increase at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.
Along with working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than retaining huge amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy bills.
You might not know this, but heating water accounts for a sizeable chunk of your utility bills. In fact, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are usually 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 Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin to show clues that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could see hot water running out more quickly, or that it requires more time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating around the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is broken.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you are 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 unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater examined by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to generate some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you need professional support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need more energy in the process.
Chief/Bauer Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. Not to mention, the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 217-689-2469 to schedule 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.