You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it gives up heating. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Tulsa home with warm water around the clock, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you use and how often it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly heats water, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their more economical cost, but they don’t often last as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of a lot of problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may last as long as 20 years.
Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Rather than keeping big amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not be aware, but warming up water accounts for a sizeable chunk of your energy expenses. In fact, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They can be 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 begin to show clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Jack Nelson Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have warm water running out faster, or that it’s taking extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering near the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections tightened or a piece replaced, but it may also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater inspected by a specialist to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to create some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should get pro assistance. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use more energy in the process.
Jack Nelson Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. There’s also the irritation of being without warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 918-212-8927 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your residence.