You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops heating. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to provide your Winnipeg home with warm water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you rely on and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the right setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their lower price tag, but they don’t typically last as long as other types.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail because of numerous problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that clears corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters may work as many as 20 years.
In addition to lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of storing large amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating water is a sizeable portion of your energy bills. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have long-term 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 Going Bad
Your hot water heater will begin to show signs that it’s dying. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You could have heated water getting depleted faster, or that you need extra time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water pooling around the base of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater checked by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a sign you should call for professional assistance. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use added energy in the process.
Winnipeg Supply Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Putting off water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your home. There’s also the annoyance of not having hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 204-800-0613 to request 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.