5 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail

Nobody thinks about their water heater until they are shivering in a cold shower or walking into a flooded garage. Most units only last about 8 to 12 years. If yours is creeping up in age keep an eye out for these warning signs so you can replace it before it turns into a midnight emergency.

1. Rusty or Cloudy Water If the hot water coming out of your faucets looks brownish or has a metallic smell it usually means the inside of your tank is rusting away. Once that rust eats through the steel lining a massive leak is right around the corner.

2. Strange Popping or Rumbling Noises As water heaters age sediment and minerals build up at the bottom of the tank. When the burner heats up that sediment hardens and starts to rattle around making a loud popping or banging sound. It is not just annoying—it makes your heater way less efficient and eventually cracks the tank.

3. Water Pooling Around the Base Even a tiny bit of moisture around the bottom of the unit is a huge red flag. Check your temperature and pressure relief valve and the drain valve. If the tank itself is weeping or dripping it cannot be repaired and needs to be swapped out immediately.

4. Not Enough Hot Water If your showers are getting shorter and shorter one of the heating elements has likely failed or the sediment buildup has taken up too much space in the tank. You should not have to choose between doing the dishes and taking a warm shower.

5. The Age of the Unit Check the sticker on the side of your tank for the manufacture date. If it is more than 10 years old you are living on borrowed time. Modern units are way more energy efficient and can save you a ton of money on your gas or electric bill.

Pro Tip: If you see any of these signs go ahead and turn off the gas and the water supply to the tank. It is much cheaper to do a planned replacement on a Tuesday than an emergency cleanup on a holiday weekend.