When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to offer your San Antonio home with warm water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point. 

Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you use and how frequently it’s working. 

Tank Water Heater 

Many people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly 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 purchase price, but they don’t usually run as long as other models. 

Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work: 

• Gas water heater: 10 years 
• Electric water heater: 12 years 

Tank water heaters can stop working due to numerous troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will rust, and grit will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank. 

Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could run as long as 20 years. 

Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than keeping big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy costs. 

You might not be aware, but warming water takes up a big piece of your energy costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®. 

Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains 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 watch and when to contact a plumbing pro like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air. 

1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water 

This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You may see warm water getting used up more quickly, or that it requires extra time to get warm water. 

2. Leaks 

You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is damaged. 

3. Water is Cloudy 

If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and rusting it. 

4. Weird Noises 

It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you need pro assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process. 

Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast 

Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 210-404-4233 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your home.