Ever had a hot shower turn ice-cold halfway through? If it’s starting to happen more often, your water heater might be sending you a message. Like most household appliances, your water heater will start showing signs of failure before it stops working completely. Look for these 8 clear signs your water heater is going out — and keep reading to find out what you can do about it.
Don’t Ignore Water Heater Warning Signs
Your water heater does a lot behind the scenes. When it starts to fail, the impact can range from a mild inconvenience to some major water damage.
Failing to spot issues with your water heater early can lead to:
- Burst tanks or leaking pipes
- Mold growth caused by undetected leaks
- Higher energy bills
- Emergency system replacements (usually at the worst possible time!)
Keeping an eye out for the following 8 signs can help you avoid surprise breakdowns and help protect your home.
8 Signs That Your Water Heater Is About to Break
1. Water isn’t staying hot.
If your hot water runs out faster than it used to (or if it never gets hot enough to begin with), your heater could be struggling to maintain temperature. This is often one of the first signs your water heater is going out.
2. You’re hearing strange noises.
Do you hear banging, rumbling, or popping coming from your water heater? These sounds can indicate that sediment has built up inside your tank. As water in the tank heats, the sediment hardens, creating the noises you hear and putting extra strain on your system.
3. Your water looks rusty or discolored.
Water that comes out with a reddish-brown tint can be a sign that there is corrosion inside your water heater tank. This is especially common in older units and can lead to leaks if left unchecked.
4. You notice leaking around the base of your water heater.
A small puddle near the bottom of your water heater might not seem like a big deal — but it’s a serious red flag. Leaks can worsen quickly, and a full tank rupture can flood your basement or utility closet.
5. You’re experiencing reduced water pressure.
Reduced water pressure, especially for hot water, can signal a buildup inside the pipes or your water heater tank. It can also be a sign that valves are starting to fail or clog.
6. Your water smells bad.
If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, it could be a sign of bacteria inside the tank—especially if the unit has been idle for a while.
7. Your water heater is getting old.
Water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years. If yours is approaching or past that range, it may be more prone to breakdowns. Check the unit label to find the manufacturer’s date of your water heater.
8. Your energy bill keeps rising.
A struggling water heater takes longer to heat your water and uses more energy to do it. If your utility bills are creeping up without another clear cause, your water heater may be to blame.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?
Not every issue requires a full water heater replacement. Minor problems, like a faulty thermostat or heating element, can often be fixed. But if your unit is older, leaking, or showing multiple signs of failure, replacement is sometimes the more cost-effective option.
The licensed technicians at PlumbPRO Services can inspect your system, diagnose the issue, and help you decide whether a repair or replacement is the best investment for your home.
Call PlumbPRO Services for Reliable Water Heater Service
If you’ve noticed any of these signs that your water heater is going out, don’t wait for it to fail completely! We’re here to help you stay ahead of surprise breakdowns.
We offer fast, friendly water heater inspections, repairs, and full replacements for homeowners throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. Fall is a great time to check your system before winter hits—and we’re ready to make it easy. Need help with your water heater? Contact PlumbPRO Services today to schedule your service!