Top 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail (And What to Do About It)
Cold showers? Weird noises? Rusty water? Your water heater might be crying for help. Don’t wait until it quits. Check out the latest post on The Drip Report — where we break down the Top 5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention and what to do next. #PlumbingTips #WaterHeaterHelp #NoHotWater
PLUMBINGREPAIRSWATER HEATER SERVICES
The Drip Dream Team
4/23/20252 min read
Top 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail
(And What to Do About It)
Is your water heater acting up? Don’t ignore the early warning signs — a small issue today can turn into a cold shower (or a costly replacement) tomorrow. In this post, we’ll cover the top five signs your water heater needs some TLC and what you should do next.
1. Inconsistent or Cold Water
If your hot water turns cold quickly or never gets hot enough, your water heater may be struggling. Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce efficiency and limit heat output.
What to do:
Have a professional flush the tank or check the heating elements. If your unit is aging, it may be time for an upgrade.
2. Strange Sounds Coming From the Tank
A banging, popping, or rumbling noise isn’t normal. These sounds are often caused by sediment hardening at the bottom of the tank, forcing the heater to work harder.
What to do:
Schedule a maintenance flush to clear out buildup. Ignoring it could shorten your heater’s lifespan.
3. Water Around the Base of the Heater
If you notice moisture or puddles near your water heater, that’s a red flag. It could be a minor valve issue — or a sign your tank is starting to crack.
What to do:
Don’t wait. Call a plumber right away to inspect the leak and avoid water damage.
4. Rusty Water or Metallic Smell
Brown-tinted water or a strange metallic taste might indicate internal corrosion or a failing anode rod inside the tank.
What to do:
Have your plumber inspect the tank and test the anode rod. It’s cheaper to replace the rod than the whole system.
5. Your Water Heater is 8+ Years Old
Most conventional water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If yours is creeping up in age, it’s smart to start monitoring for signs of decline — before it quits altogether.
What to do:
Check the serial number for the manufacture date. If it’s getting old, consider a more energy-efficient replacement.
Got a plumbing question we didn’t answer?
Slide into our DMs (or pipes) — we’re always here to help keep the drips where they belong.
Until next time, stay dry, stay curious, and don’t flush anything weird!
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