Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

Don't wait for the cold shower surprise. Here's how to know when it's time.

I'm Justin Sims, and I've walked into countless homes where the water heater just died—no warning, no preparation, just suddenly cold water and a flooded utility room.

But here's the truth: water heaters almost always give warning signs before they fail completely. You just have to know what to look for.

Let me show you the telltale signs that your water heater is on its way out.

Sign #1: Age

This is the biggest factor. How old is your water heater?

**Tank water heaters:** Average lifespan is 8-12 years with maintenance, 10-15 years with excellent care.

**Tankless water heaters:** 15-20+ years with proper maintenance.

How to find the age:

Look at the serial number on the manufacturer's label. Usually, the first two digits or a letter code indicate the year. For example:

• A serial starting with "1916" might mean 2019, 16th week
• Some use letters: A=January, B=February, etc.

If you can't decode it, Google "[brand name] serial number date" or just call us.

**Over 10 years old?** Start planning for replacement, even if everything seems fine. It's better to replace on your schedule than on the water heater's.

Sign #2: Rusty or Discolored Water

Turn on your hot water tap. What color is the water?

**Clear:** Good.

**Brown, rusty, or murky:** Problem.

If the discoloration only appears with hot water (not cold), the issue is your water heater, not your pipes.

**What's happening:** The inside of your tank is corroding. Once rust starts, it accelerates—and eventually leads to leaks.

**One exception:** If you just returned from vacation and haven't used water in a while, let it run a few minutes. Sometimes stagnant water discolors temporarily.

**Persistent rusty hot water?** Your tank is failing from the inside. Replacement is coming.

Sign #3: Strange Noises

Is your water heater making sounds it didn't used to?

**Popping and rumbling:** Sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Water is boiling underneath the sediment, creating those sounds. This reduces efficiency and stresses the tank.

**Banging:** More severe version of the above. The tank is under strain.

**Crackling or hissing:** Often indicates sediment on heating elements (electric) or moisture hitting the burner (gas).

Some sediment buildup is inevitable, especially with Austin's hard water. Annual flushing helps. But if noises persist even after flushing, the damage may be done.

Sign #4: Leaks Around the Unit

Water on the floor around your water heater is never a good sign.

Check these places first:

• Connections at the top (inlet/outlet)
• T&P valve and discharge pipe
• Drain valve at the bottom

These connections can sometimes be tightened or replaced inexpensively.

**But water coming from the tank itself?** That's internal corrosion, and the tank is failing. There's no repair for a leaking tank—just replacement.

A small weep today becomes a flood tomorrow. Don't wait.

Sign #5: Inconsistent or Insufficient Hot Water

"The water just isn't as hot as it used to be."

"We run out of hot water much faster now."

"Temperature fluctuates while I'm showering."

Any of these can indicate:

• Failing heating elements (electric)
• Sediment insulating water from heat (both types)
• Thermostat malfunction
• Failing burner (gas)

Sometimes these are repairable. But if your unit is also old, repair costs may approach replacement costs—and you're still left with an aging unit.

Sign #6: Frequent Repairs

How many service calls has your water heater needed in the last two years?

• One repair on an otherwise healthy unit? Fine.
• Multiple repairs in a short period? The unit is telling you something.

There's a point where repair costs add up to what you'd pay for a new, efficient, warrantied unit. That's the tipping point.

**My rule of thumb:** If a repair costs more than 50% of a new water heater, and the unit is over 8 years old, replace it.

Sign #7: Pilot Light Problems (Gas Units)

If you're constantly relighting the pilot, something's wrong:

• **Thermocouple failure:** Replaceable, relatively inexpensive
• **Gas valve failure:** More expensive, may not be worth repairing on older units
• **Venting issues:** Can be dangerous—get this checked

Occasional relighting after a wind draft or outage is normal. Frequent issues are not.

Sign #8: Visible Corrosion

Look at the exterior of your water heater:

• Rust on the tank itself?
• Corrosion on connections?
• Deteriorating fittings?

External corrosion often indicates internal corrosion as well. If the outside looks rough, the inside is probably worse.

Sign #9: Your Water Bill Spiked

A leaking water heater can waste hundreds of gallons without obvious pooling—especially if the drain leads outside or evaporates quickly.

If your water bill jumped with no explanation, check the water heater among other suspects.

What to Do When You See These Signs

Don't panic, but don't ignore it either.

1. **Note the symptoms** (what you're seeing, when it started)
2. **Check the age** of your unit
3. **Get a professional assessment** before deciding

Sometimes a repair makes sense. Sometimes replacement is the smarter investment. We'll give you an honest assessment either way.

Replacement Options to Consider

When it's time for a new water heater, you have choices:

Tank water heaters:

• Familiar technology
• Lower upfront cost
• Good for most homes

Tankless water heaters:

• Endless hot water
• Higher efficiency
• Longer lifespan
• Higher upfront cost

Hybrid (heat pump) water heaters:

• Most efficient option
• Higher upfront cost
• May qualify for rebates

We can discuss what makes sense for your home, family size, and budget.

Proactive Replacement: The Smart Move

I know—no one wants to spend money replacing something that still "works."

But consider this:

• Planned replacement = choosing the best unit for your needs
• Emergency replacement = taking whatever's available, paying rush fees

Proactive replacement also means:

• No flood damage to clean up
• No days without hot water
• Better deals (not emergency pricing)