7 Warning Signs You Need a New Water Heater

Your water heater works quietly in the background until the day it does not. Catching the warning signs early can save you from a cold-shower surprise and expensive water damage.

Watch for rusty or discolored hot water, rumbling or popping noises from the tank, water pooling around the base, and hot water that runs out faster than it used to. Any of these means your unit needs attention.

If your heater is more than 10 years old and showing these symptoms, replacement is usually the smarter investment. Modern tankless and heat-pump units are dramatically more efficient and can last twice as long.

Not sure whether to repair or replace? We give you honest, upfront options — never a hard sell.