5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going To Fail

Your home’s water heater is an essential appliance that improves your household’s comfort and overall function. However, all heaters have a lifespan, and yours isn’t going to last forever. If you notice any of these troubling symptoms, they may be signs your water heater is about to fail.

Rusty Water

When you turn on your faucet, the water that comes out should be clear. Brown or rusty-colored water is an indicator that the anti-corrosion coating inside your water heater has worn down.

Don’t live with murky water; replace the heater as soon as the color begins to turn. Drinking contaminated water is terrible for your health, and bathing in it isn’t good for your skin.

Inconsistent Temperature

If you like to take hot showers, a sudden deluge of ice-cold water may be an unwelcome surprise. Does your water temperature swing from hot to cold with no action on your part?

It could be an issue with your thermostat, which is easily fixable. But if it’s not the thermostat, the heating element inside your water heater may be on its way out.

Leaky Tank

Do you have a traditional tank-type water heater? Take a good look at it at least once a month. If you notice water pooling under your residential water heater, check that all valves and connections are closed tight.

Those valves may not be the source of the problem, though. If they’re all properly closed, the tank itself is likely leaking, which means you’ll have to replace the heater.

Unusual Noises

When your water heater is running properly, you shouldn’t be able to hear it. Has it started to make creaking, rumbling, or even popping noises? Sediment deposits inside the tank could be the culprit. If that’s the case, try flushing out your water heater to remove that buildup.

If it’s still making troublesome noises after flushing, the heating element inside the tank may be breaking. A broken heating element is a sign that you need a new water heater.

No Hot Water

If your faucets and fixtures don’t give you any hot water at all, your heater’s valves might be clogged with sediment. Try flushing out the heater completely and scrubbing buildup out of your pipes.

Still no hot water, no matter how far you turn the handle? The heating element may be on its last legs. Consider investing in a tankless water heater to reduce the likelihood of this happening in the future.

Regardless of the age of your water heater, it’s wise to check it regularly for potential problems. If you notice any of the above signs as you go about your day, they may be indicators that your water heater is going to fail. Replace it sooner rather than later to keep everyone in your home comfortable and happy.