Water heaters typically last between 10 to 15 years. There are many things you can do to help your water heater last longer, such as flushing it and making sure it receives regular professional maintenance. You will probably notice some signs if your water heater is getting ready to fail completely. Below are some signs that suggest your water heater is starting to fail, warning signs signaling that you need a water heater repair.

Water Heater Repair Warning Signs

Rusty Water

If you have rusty water, this may indicate there is corrosion in your water heater. Corrosion can seriously damage your water heater. That is why your water heater could possibly fail in the near future if there is corrosion inside of the tank.

Strange Noises

It is normal for water heaters to make some noise. However, strange noises, such as gurgling, swirling and knocking sounds, could be indicative of a serious problem. Strange noises could be a sign that your water heater is working less efficiently, which means it is using more energy.

Gurgling noises may indicate the water inside of the water heater is boiling. If that occurs, you should turn off your water heater and contact a plumber right away for a water heater repair. The water heater could potentially explode if the water inside of it is boiling.

Strange Taste

You may be able to tell something is wrong with your water heater by tasting the water. If the water has a metallic taste, your water heater may break down soon. The metallic taste is caused by the buildup of rust inside of the water heater, indicating that it is time for a water heater repair.

Leaks

A leak is a very obvious sign of a water heater problem. It is also one many people have a tendency to ignore. People often think they should not be concerned about a leak if it is small. However, a leak is often a sign of internal failure in the water heater. That is why you will need to contact a plumber if you notice a leak coming from the water heater.

Smelly Water

If your hot water smells funny, your water heater may be the culprit. It could be a sign that the corrosion by-products are mixing with your water. This could pose a hazard to your health.

A Lack Of Hot Water

If your water heater is not functioning properly, it may still provide you with hot water. However, the water will probably not stay hot for very long. There are several things that can cause your water heater to not produce enough hot water. Something could be wrong with the electrical components or gas burner inside of the water heater. A lack of hot water could also indicate the dip tubes inside of your water heater are eroded or cracked. Even though those components can be replaced, it is better to get the entire hot water replaced if you have an older model. New water heaters are more energy-efficient.

No Hot Water

If your water heater has failed completely, you may not be able to get any hot water. However, you want to make sure you check for power first. Even though no hot water is often a sign of a broken water heater, it could also be a sign of a tripped circuit breaker. It could also indicate the pilot light has gone out.

Dirty Water From Shower Or Faucet

If you notice dirty water coming from your shower or faucet, your water heater could be dying. Dirty water is a sign of mineral buildup inside of your tank. Sediment can negatively impact your system’s ability to produce hot water.

Most people do not pay attention to the water heater until something is wrong. However, it is a good idea to inspect your water heater for problems at least once a month. If you suspect that something is wrong, it is best for you to contact a plumber. Your plumber can identify the problem and determine whether your water heater needs to be replaced.

Here is an interesting video from Myth Busters that depicts how dangerous a faulty water heater can be. Warning: Do Not Try This At Home!