Five signs your water heater is finished
Water heaters fail slowly, then all at once. These are the signals that the tank is finished and repair is money thrown at a dead unit.
Rust and metallic taste
Rusty hot water that clears after a minute, or a metallic taste, means the anode rod is consumed and the tank is corroding from the inside. Once the shell corrodes, no fitting repair helps.
Puddles and popping
Moisture at the base is a leaking tank, not a loose fitting. Rumbling and popping is sediment boiling under the burner, which means the tank is scaled and running inefficiently.
Age
Tank life is typically eight to twelve years. Past ten, a repair is a bet against the calendar. The serial number on the label dates the unit.
Pressure and temperature drift
Water hotter than it used to be, or a pressure relief valve that weeps, points at a failing thermostat or a tank under stress. A weeping relief valve that has been capped off is a common and dangerous shortcut.
What to do before it lets go
Replace proactively rather than reactively. A tank failure on an upper floor can put forty gallons into a ceiling. Note the shutoff valve location now, not during the flood.
Frequently asked questions
Can a leaking tank be repaired?
Rarely. Once the shell leaks the tank is replaced rather than patched.
How long do water heaters last?
Eight to twelve years for a tank. Less with hard water.
Should I switch to tankless?
Only with the gas supply and venting to support it. Retrofits are frequently more expensive than they look.
Why is my hot water cloudy?
Usually aerated from pressure. If it clears from the bottom up, it is harmless. If it stays, check the anode.