You likely don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up working. And you’re faced with chilly showers. It works hard to offer your Atlanta household with warm water around the clock, and, as expected, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you rely on and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly warms water, so it’s always at the proper setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their cheaper cost, but they don’t often run as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can quit working because of many problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and grit will increase at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may work as long as 20 years.
Besides lasting longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than keeping large amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy costs.
You might not know this, but heating up water accounts for a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling expenses. In reality, 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 offer 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 Hints Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Peachtree Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may notice heated water getting depleted more quickly, or that it’s taking extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water accumulating by the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections tightened or a piece replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater checked by a specialist to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you should call for professional support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may use additional energy in the process.
Peachtree Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. Also, there’s the irritation of not having warm water. If your water heater is old or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 678-235-9699 to request a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.