You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to give your Knoxville family with hot water around the clock, and, as expected, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you have and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the right setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their lower cost, but they don’t typically run as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can quit working because of a lot of problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will build up at the foundation of your water heater, eating through the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can run as long as 20 years.
Besides running longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of storing big amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model heats water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly gas and electrical expenses.
You might not realize it, but warming water is a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling expenses. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start showing indications that it’s dying. Here’s what to watch and when to call a plumbing professional like R & M Climate Control Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered signs that your water heater is wearing out. You could see heated water running out more quickly, or that it’s taking additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water pooling around the base of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it might also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater examined by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to create some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should get pro help. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use more energy in the process.
R & M Climate Control Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 865-229-6176 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the best decision for your home.