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Signs Your Water Heater May Need Replacement
Learn the warning signs that your water heater is failing — before it fails on its own schedule.
Learn the warning signs that your water heater is failing — before it fails on its own schedule.
Most tank-style water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Past that range, a handful of warning signs usually show up before a full failure.
If hot water runs rusty or discolored while cold water runs clear, the tank itself is likely corroding from the inside.
Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank over the years. As it hardens, it can cause popping or rumbling sounds during heating cycles — a sign of reduced efficiency and increasing strain on the tank.
Any moisture at the base of the unit is worth investigating right away. It can be a loose fitting (repairable) or a cracked tank (not repairable).
Check the serial number on the manufacturer's label — most encode the manufacture date. If your unit is past 10 years and starting to show any of the signs above, it's worth having it evaluated rather than waiting for a failure.
⚠️ Water heaters involve gas, electricity, and pressurized hot water. If you smell gas or see a leak from the tank itself, shut off the water/gas supply if you can do so safely and call a licensed plumber.