You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it stops working. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to offer your Kitchener household with hot water 24/7, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some early 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 have and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their cheaper cost, but they don’t typically run as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can stop working due to many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will build up at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters can last up to 20 years.
Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of retaining large amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not know this, but warming up water is a sizeable piece of your utility expenses. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy consumption in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will begin showing clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing professional like Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is wearing out. You might see hot water getting depleted faster, or that it requires additional time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating around the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it may also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you are in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater examined by a professional to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you should get specialized support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume more energy in the process.
Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Not to mention, the irritation of not having warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 519-804-1617 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 residence.