How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops working. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to provide your Clearwater household with warm water 24/7, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
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 conclusion, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you have and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously heats water, so it’s always at the right temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their more economical purchase price, but they don’t often last as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to run:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part called an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
Along with working longer, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Rather than storing huge amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating up water takes up a large chunk of your energy bills. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have long-term 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 Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Midway Services.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might have hot water getting depleted more quickly, or that it’s taking extra time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water gathering near the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is broken.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, you should have your water heater inspected by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you should get pro assistance. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need extra energy in the process.
Midway Services Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 727-219-2471 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.