You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it quits heating. And you’re faced with chilly showers. It works hard to give your Oklahoma City family with heated water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
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 last depends on what model you have and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly warms water, so it’s always at the right setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t typically run as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can fail because of numerous issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that clears corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last up to 20 years.
Along with running longer, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Rather than keeping huge amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model heats water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs.
You might not realize it, but heating water is a large piece of your energy costs. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy use in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have long-term 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing professional like Gordon's Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could have heated water getting depleted more quickly, or that you need extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water gathering near the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it may also be a sign the tank is compromised.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
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 all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater examined by a plumber to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you need specialized support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may need extra energy in the process.
Gordon's Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Waiting too long for water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. Also, there’s the inconvenience of not having heated water. If your water heater is old or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 405-432-2197 to request 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 home.