When your water heater stops working, you know it. But long before that morning shower turns ice cold, your system often sends out warning signs. Catching these early can save you from a major flood and an expensive replacement.
1. Strange Noises
If your water heater sounds like a percolating coffee pot or you hear popping and rumbling, it’s a sign that sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. In West Texas, our water can leave behind heavy deposits that harden over time.
2. Rusty Water
When you turn on the hot water and it looks discolored or smells metallic, your tank may be rusting from the inside out.
3. Not Enough Hot Water
If your hot water runs out faster than it used to, it could be a failing heating element or a sign that sediment has reduced the tank’s capacity.
4. Puddles Around the Base
Any water pooling around the base of your water heater is an emergency. It could be a leaky valve, or worse, a crack in the tank itself.
5. Age of the Unit
Most standard tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If yours is older, it’s time to start planning for a replacement before it fails unexpectedly.