The clearest signs your water heater is about to fail are that it’s more than 10 years old, the hot water looks rusty, you’re running out of hot water faster than you used to, or there’s moisture around the base of the tank. Any one of those is worth a call. Two or more together usually means it’s time to start planning a replacement before the tank decides for you. Below are 7 warning signs, what each one means, and what to do next.
Nobody thinks about their water heater until the shower goes cold. The problem is that a failing tank doesn’t always give you a nice quiet warning. Sometimes it leaks all at once, and that’s a very different conversation than picking out a new unit on your own schedule.
1. It’s Past the 10 Year Mark
Age is the biggest clue. The U.S. Department of Energy puts the typical lifespan of a storage water heater at 10 to 15 years. If yours is older than that, even if it seems fine, it’s smart to start planning and budgeting for a replacement.
Not sure how old yours is? Look for the serial number on the sticker or metal plate on the tank. You can look the serial number up online or call the manufacturer to find the age.
2. The Hot Water Looks Rusty or Discolored
If the hot water coming out of your faucets has a brown or orange tint, the tank may be rusting from the inside. Run the cold water to see if it’s clear. If only the hot side is discolored, the water heater is the likely source.
Rust inside a tank doesn’t fix itself, and it’s a sign the tank is breaking down.
3. You’re Running Out of Hot Water Faster
If showers that used to be fine now turn lukewarm halfway through, your water heater is losing ground. On an electric unit it can point to a failing heating element. On a gas unit it might be the burner. In some cases a flush or repair solves it. In an older tank it often means sediment has built up or the tank is simply worn out.
4. There’s Water or Moisture Around the Base
This is the one not to ignore. Water pooling around the bottom of the tank can signal corrosion, which can lead to leaks or a full failure. A leak from the tank body itself generally can’t be repaired, because the tank is the problem.
If you find a puddle, shut off the water supply to the heater and turn off the power or gas to the unit if you can do it safely. Then call us. If you ever smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
5. It’s Making Strange Noises
Healthy water heaters are pretty quiet. Popping, rumbling, or banging usually means sediment has settled at the bottom of the tank and is getting cooked, which makes the heater work harder and wears it out faster. If the noise is new and the tank is on the older side, put it on your watch list.
6. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up
A water heater that’s struggling has to run longer to do the same job. If your gas or electric bills climb without any other change in how you live, an aging or sediment filled tank could be part of the reason.
7. You’re Calling for Repairs Over and Over
One repair on a healthy unit is normal. A second or third repair on a tank that’s already in its second decade is a pattern. At that point, you may be better off putting that money toward a replacement.
So What Should You Do?
If you checked one or two boxes above, start with a professional look. A tech can tell you whether a repair or a flush makes sense or whether the tank is near the end.
If it’s time to replace, you have options. We handle removal, installation, and disposal for water heater replacement, and we specialize in tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand instead of keeping a tank warm all day. They cost more up front, but a lot of homeowners find they pay off over time. Whichever way you go, we offer free estimates on installations and low interest financing, so a failed heater doesn’t have to turn into a budget crisis.
Water Heater Acting Up? Call Aspen Plumbing
We’ve served Jackson since 1981, and we’re available 24/7 because water heaters don’t fail on a schedule. Call us at (517) 750-9913 or fill out our contact form online and we’ll tell you honestly whether you need a repair or a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my water heater is going bad? The most common signs are age over 10 years, rusty hot water, running out of hot water sooner, water around the base of the tank, strange noises, and rising energy bills.
How long does a water heater last? The Department of Energy says a typical storage water heater lasts 10 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters generally last longer when they’re maintained.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired? It depends on where the leak is. A loose fitting or a valve can often be fixed. A leak from the tank itself usually means the tank has failed and needs to be replaced.
What should I do if my water heater is leaking? Shut off the water supply to the heater, turn off the power or gas if it’s safe to do so, and call a plumber. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Should I repair or replace an older water heater? If the unit is past 10 years and needs repeated repairs, replacement often makes more sense. We can look at it and give you an honest recommendation. For more information, check out our blog: When Should You Replace Your Water Heater? 8 Important Signs.
Does Aspen Plumbing install tankless water heaters? Yes. We install, repair, and maintain tankless water heaters in Jackson and the surrounding areas.
Aspen Plumbing Services proudly serves the greater Jackson, Michigan area and the surrounding areas, including Tecumseh, Brooklyn, & Albion. Questions about water heater replacement, repair or any of our plumbing services? Contact our team today.
