Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out

The most common signs your water heater is going out are an age of 10 years or more, less hot water than usual or inconsistent temperatures, rusty or discolored hot water, rumbling or popping noises, water pooling around the base of the tank, and higher energy bills without a change in how much hot water you use. A single sign doesn’t always mean the heater is finished, since some problems can be fixed with maintenance or repair, but an older heater showing one or more of these signs is a good reason to start planning.

How Old Is Too Old for a Water Heater?

Age is one of the clearest indicators. Estimates vary by source and by type, with most tank water heaters lasting somewhere between 8 and 15 years. Gas tank water heaters tend toward the shorter end of that range and electric tanks toward the longer end. It’s commonly recommended to start planning for replacement once a tank reaches about 10 years old, rather than waiting for an emergency. Tankless water heaters generally last longer, commonly 15 to 20 years or more with regular maintenance, since there is no storage tank to corrode.

Is Your Hot Water Running Out Faster or Turning Lukewarm?

If showers don’t get as hot as they used to, the temperature fluctuates while you’re using hot water, or the hot water runs out faster than usual, the heater may be struggling to keep up. One common cause is sediment that has built up at the bottom of the tank, which can make it harder for the heater to heat water. A failing water heater can also use more energy to produce the same amount of hot water, which is why a higher energy bill with no change in your usage can be another warning sign.

What Does Rusty or Discolored Hot Water Mean?

Rusty, muddy, or foul-smelling hot water is a warning sign. Rust-colored water in particular can point to corrosion inside the tank or a failing anode rod, which is a sacrificial rod inside the tank that corrodes first to help protect the tank lining. When the discoloration only shows up in your hot water, the water heater is usually the culprit. Some discoloration problems can be resolved with maintenance or a new anode rod, but persistent problems usually suggest the heater is nearing the end of its life.

Why Is Your Water Heater Making Noise?

A water heater should operate quietly. Rumbling, popping, cracking, or banging sounds usually mean sediment has collected and hardened at the bottom of the tank. When the burner or element heats the water, it has to work through that layer of sediment, which creates the noise. Sediment also makes the heater work harder, which reduces efficiency, raises energy bills, and puts extra stress on the tank over time. On gas water heaters, a pilot light that keeps going out is another problem worth having checked.

What Should You Do If Water Is Pooling Around the Tank?

Leaks or pooling water around the base of a water heater are a sign something is wrong and should be addressed right away. Corrosion can cause a tank to leak, and a leak can lead to water damage in your home.

Should You Repair or Replace a Failing Water Heater?

It depends on the heater’s age and the problem. Many plumbers suggest that a minor issue on a heater under about 8 years old can be worth repairing, while replacement is usually the better long-term choice for a heater that is 10 or more years old, leaking, or in need of an expensive part. Frequent repairs are themselves a warning sign. Regular maintenance, such as flushing sediment from the tank and checking the anode rod on the manufacturer’s schedule, helps a tank reach the longer end of its lifespan. If replacement is on the table, sizing the new unit to your household’s peak hot water use helps you avoid repeating the same problems.

Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out: FAQs

How do I know if my water heater is going bad?

Look for the signs above: a unit about 10 years old or older, less or inconsistent hot water, rusty or discolored hot water, rumbling or popping noises, water around the base of the tank, and higher energy bills with no change in usage.

How can I tell how old my water heater is?

Look at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker on the unit. Searching for your brand’s date code will tell you when it was made.

Does rusty water always mean the water heater is bad?

No. If both your hot and cold water are discolored, the problem is more likely in your supply lines or the municipal water supply than in the heater. If only the hot water is rusty or brown, the tank is the more likely source.

Does hard water shorten the life of a water heater?

It can. Hard water tends to push tank water heaters toward the shorter end of their lifespan unless they’re flushed regularly, and tankless units in hard water areas generally need regular descaling.

Water Heater Help in Santa Cruz County

Redwood Pipe & Drain Inc helps homeowners throughout Santa Cruz County with water heaters, including tankless models. If your water heater is showing any of these signs, we can talk through your options and help you decide what makes sense for your home.

Call Redwood Pipe & Drain Inc at (831) 706-5620, or request service online.