When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged? 

You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits working. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to give your Fort Worth home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point. 

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

Tank Water Heater 

The majority of homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually warms water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common as a result of their more economical purchase price, but they don’t usually run as long as other models. 

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

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

Tank water heaters can quit working due to many issues, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special piece known as an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and particles will accumulate at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank. 

Tankless Water Heater 

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

Besides lasting for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than retaining large amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs. 

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

Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Wearing Out 

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 Calverley Service Experts. 

1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water 

This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice hot water getting used up faster, or that it’s taking additional 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 piece replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is compromised. 

3. Water Looks White 

If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably growing in the tank and corroding 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 should get professional assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process. 

Calverley Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy 

Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. There’s also the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 817-380-5647 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.