You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Kansas City home with warm water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some warning signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you rely on and how often it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly heats water, so it’s always at the proper temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their cheaper cost, but they don’t often run as long as other kinds.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special piece 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 in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years.
In addition to running for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. In lieu of keeping big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a large piece of your energy bills. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing pro like Neal Harris Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could see hot water getting used up more quickly, or that you need extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling around the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you might just need to have connections checked or a piece replaced, but it could also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water Looks White
If you live 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 goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater inspected by a specialist to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and rusting it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s common for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should call for pro help. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need more energy in the process.
Neal Harris Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. Also, there’s the irritation of lacking warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 816-787-0500 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.