When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced?

Most likely, you don't give your water heater a second thought until it stops working. You will also experience cold showers. It takes a lot of effort to keep your Virginia home's water heated throughout the day, so it is to be expected that it will eventually fail.

Here are several indications that your water heater may be on its final legs and how long it should survive. What model you have and how much it runs on will ultimately determine how long your water heater runs.

Tank Water Heater

The tank water heaters seen in most households hold 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type keeps the water heated so that it is always the right temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are the most popular since they are less expensive than other models, although they often don't last as long.

The time frame for yours is as follows:

• 10 years for a gas water heater.

• 12 years for an electric water heater.

There are several reasons why tank water heaters can stop working, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. An anode rod, a unique part of your water heater, removes corrosive particles from the water. Over time, the rod will rust, and pieces will fall off and gather at the bottom of your water heater. This will damage the liner of the tank.

Water Heater Without Tank

The lifespan of a tankless water heater is significantly longer than that of its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could last for twenty years.

Tankless hot water heaters are incredibly energy-efficient and also run for a longer period of time. A tankless type warms water as needed rather than continuously holding large volumes of heated water. By doing this, standby heating and its impact on your monthly utility costs are eliminated.

You might not be aware of it, but a significant portion of your utility bills go into heating water. It consumes the second most energy in a typical home, according to ENERGY STAR®.

Despite costing more than tank water heaters, tankless heaters offer long-term energy savings. According to the U.S., they are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that reserves water. Office of Energy.

There are four indicators that your water heater should be replaced

The indicators that your hot water heater is failing will start to appear. Here are several warning signs and indications that it's time to contact a plumbing expert like HVAC Repair Guide Experts.

1. There is not enough hot water

One of the most common signs that your water heater is failing is this. You may notice that the hot water runs out more quickly or that it takes longer to get warm water.

2. Leaks

If you have water leaks or see water accumulating at the base of your water heater, you should call a plumber. It might be necessary to check connections or repair a part in some circumstances, but it could also be a warning that the tank is vulnerable.

3. The water is foggy

If you don't have a water softener and live in an area with hard water, you're probably used to having hazy water. However, to prevent damaging leaks, we advise getting your water heater tested by a plumber if it suddenly turns from clear to murky or begins to smell like metal. Your water's sudden shifts in clarity indicate that silt is probably building up in the tank and oxidizing it.

4. Weird Noises

Your water heater will likely make some noise when it runs. However, popping and rumbling, however, are abnormal and indicate that you require professional assistance. Your water heater needs to work harder and could use more energy when silt builds up in the tank.