You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to give your San Antonio home with heated water 24/7, 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 wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will last depends on what type you have and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the proper temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical cost, but they don’t usually work as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can stop working as the result of numerous problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and particles will build up at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could run up to 20 years.
In addition to lasting longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of storing large amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly utility bills.
You might not be aware, but heating up water is a big chunk of your utility bills. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong 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 to show indications that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing specialist like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may see heated water getting depleted more rapidly, or that you need extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering around the foundation of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it may also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, 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 normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should get pro support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may need added energy in the process.
Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. Not to mention, the annoyance of lacking heated water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 210-404-4233 to request 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 house.