Water heaters rarely fail without warning. The problem is most homeowners don't know what the warnings sound or look like — until they're standing in two inches of water at six in the morning. If you catch the signs early, you usually have weeks or even months to plan a replacement instead of scrambling.
If your showers run out of hot water faster than they used to, sediment is building up at the bottom of the tank and reducing capacity. A flush may help; on older units, it's a sign the tank is nearing end of life.
That sound is water trapped under a thick layer of sediment, boiling and pushing through. It stresses the tank walls and accelerates failure.
If only the hot water is discolored, the inside of the tank is corroding. Once corrosion is visible in the water, replacement is usually weeks away.
Any moisture pooling at the bottom is a serious sign. It can be a fitting (cheap fix) or the tank itself (replacement). Either way, call a plumber.
Tank water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. If yours is past 10, you're on borrowed time even if it seems fine.
A failing water heater works harder to produce the same hot water, which shows up on your gas or electric bill before it shows up anywhere else.
If any of these sound familiar, give us a call. Replacing on your timeline is always cheaper than replacing in an emergency.
