7 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
Rusty water, strange noises and leaks can mean your water heater is near the end. Learn the warning signs and when to repair or replace.
A water heater usually works quietly in the background until it does not. Catching the warning signs early can help you plan a replacement instead of dealing with a flooded basement and cold showers.
How long do water heaters last?
The lifespan depends on the type, the water quality and maintenance. Conventional tank water heaters commonly last around ten years or so, while tankless units can often last longer. Check the label on your unit, which usually lists a serial number that indicates the manufacture date. The manufacturer's website can help you decode it.
1. Age
If your tank heater is approaching or past ten years old, start paying close attention and budgeting for a replacement, even if it still works.
2. Rusty or discolored hot water
If only the hot water looks rusty or brownish, the tank may be corroding inside. Run the hot and cold taps separately to tell the difference. If both are discolored, the issue could be your pipes.
3. Strange noises
Popping, rumbling or banging sounds often come from sediment that has built up at the bottom of the tank. Water trapped under the sediment boils and bubbles. This makes the heater work harder and can shorten its life. Flushing the tank can help if the problem is caught early, following the manufacturer's directions.
4. Water around the base
Moisture or pooling at the base can mean a leak. Some leaks come from loose fittings or the temperature-and-pressure relief valve, which can be fixed. A leak from the tank itself usually means the tank has failed and needs replacing. Turn off the power or gas and the cold water supply, and call a plumber promptly to prevent water damage.
5. Not enough hot water, or it runs out fast
Sediment, a failing heating element or a broken dip tube can reduce the amount of hot water available. If your household needs have grown, the unit may simply be too small.
6. Water that is not hot enough, or inconsistent
If the water temperature swings or never gets hot, there could be a failed element, a bad thermostat or a gas burner problem. Some of these are repairable. If the unit is old, repair may only delay the inevitable.
7. Rising energy bills
A heater struggling with sediment or poor efficiency uses more energy. If bills climb with no other explanation, the water heater could be a factor.
Safety first
Never ignore the following:
- A gas smell. Leave the area and call your gas utility or emergency services from outside.
- A tripped breaker or scorch marks near an electric unit.
- Water leaking near electrical parts.
- A relief valve that drips constantly or discharges.
Repair or replace?
As a rough guide, repairs make sense for newer units with minor problems, such as a bad thermostat, element or valve. Replacement is usually wiser when the tank leaks, the unit is near or past its expected lifespan or repair costs are a large share of a new unit's price.
Plan the replacement
When you replace, think about capacity, fuel type and efficiency, and whether a tankless or heat pump model suits your home. Ask a plumber about permits, venting and code requirements, since water heater replacement often requires a permit and inspection. Our guide to hiring a plumber lists questions to ask and how to compare written estimates.
Extend its life
- Flush the tank periodically as the manufacturer recommends.
- Test the pressure relief valve according to the instructions.
- Check the anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion, and replace it when worn.
- Keep the area around the heater clear.
A little attention now can prevent a messy surprise later.