You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up heating. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to provide your Hilton Head Island household with heated water around the clock, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some hints that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you use and how much it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously heats water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t usually last as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can quit working due to a lot of problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part called an anode rod that extracts corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will build up at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters can work as many as 20 years.
Along with lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. As opposed to keeping large amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy bills.
You might not be aware, but heating water is a large piece of your utility expenses. In reality, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are usually 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 Dying
Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to watch and when to call a plumbing pro like Epperson Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You might have hot water running out faster, or that you need extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating by the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it may also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you are in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater checked by a professional to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to create some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should call for specialized assistance. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume more energy in the process.
Epperson Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. There’s also the inconvenience of not having heated water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 843-619-3781 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your residence.