The warning signs of a failing water heater are rusty or cloudy hot water, popping or rumbling from the tank, moisture or rust around the base, hot water that runs out sooner than it used to, and a tank that is more than about ten years old. One sign may have a simple fix, but several together usually mean the heater is near the end.
Water That Looks Wrong
Fill a glass from the hot tap and another from the cold. If only the hot water looks brown or cloudy, the inside of the tank may be corroding. A metallic taste or odor in hot water is another hint.
Sounds From the Tank
Minerals settle to the bottom of the tank as sediment. When the burner or element heats the water, pockets trapped under that layer pop and rumble. Sediment also makes the heater work harder. Flushing the tank can help if the buildup is caught early, but heavy, long-term sediment shortens a heater’s life.
Showers That Turn Cold Faster
If your household used to get through several showers and now runs out after one, the heater may have sediment, a failing element, a worn burner, or a broken dip tube, the pipe that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank. Some of these can be repaired, depending on the heater’s age.
Moisture, Rust, and Age
Look around the base and the pipe connections for small puddles or rust stains. A tank that weeps from the bottom cannot be repaired and should be replaced soon. The manufacture date is often on the label or coded into the serial number.
If you see these signs, have the heater tested before it quits completely. Many homeowners also use the visit to ask about the right replacement size for their household. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.