You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it gives up heating. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Indianapolis family with heated water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you use and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their more economical price tag, but they don’t often work as long as other types.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of many problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.
In addition to running longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of keeping large amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not know this, but warming up water accounts for a big piece of your utility bills. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a regular home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lasting energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin showing 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 Broad Ripple Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may notice hot water getting used up faster, or that you need additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water gathering near the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it might also be a indication the tank is broken.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater examined by a pro to stop damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should get professional help. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume extra energy in the process.
Broad Ripple Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. There’s also the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 317-527-0271 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the right decision for your home.