Water Heater Red Flags: Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

When your water heater, a home appliance that heats and stores water for showers, sinks, and laundry. Also known as a hot water tank, it's one of the most taken-for-granted systems in your house—until it stops working. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years, but they don’t just die suddenly. They give you warning signs—red flags you can’t afford to ignore.

One major red flag is rusty water, discolored hot water that looks brown or muddy. That’s not dirt—it’s corrosion inside the tank. If you’re seeing it from your taps, the tank lining is breaking down. Another sign is strange noises, like popping, rumbling, or banging. That’s sediment buildup at the bottom, forcing the heater to work harder and wasting energy. And if your water turns cold faster than it used to, or you’re running out of hot water in the middle of a shower, your heating element or dip tube might be failing.

Don’t overlook leaks. A small puddle under the tank isn’t just a mess—it’s the beginning of the end. Even a tiny drip means the tank is corroding from the inside. And if your water heater is over 10 years old and you’re seeing any of these signs, repair might not be worth it. Replacing it now can save you money on energy bills and prevent a full flood.

You’ll find real stories below—from people who ignored the signs and ended up with no hot water at 6 a.m., to those who caught the problem early and saved hundreds. We’ll show you exactly what to check, what to ignore, and when to call a pro. No fluff. Just the facts you need to decide if your water heater is on its last legs—or if you can still fix it.