Man on a smartphone while looking at his water heater

5 Signs your water heater is failing

5 signs your water heater may be failing. Being aware can help you avoid costly emergency repairs and give you time to plan and choose an efficient replacement.

Water coming out of a bathtub faucet and hand checking the temperature

Sign 1: Lukewarm or not enough hot water

Not getting enough hot water? Or does it take longer to heat up? These could be signs of:

Lightly brown colored water coming out of a sink faucet

Sign 2: Strange noises, leaking, or discolored water

Strange noises: Popping, banging, rumbling, or gargling, may be sediment blocking water from the heat source. This could make your unit inefficient and prone to overheating or damage.

Leaking: Leaks coming from the tank, pipes, or fittings around your water heater are a red flag. Call a professional for help before the leak causes damage or mold.

Discolored water: If the hot water from your tap is rusty or has a metallic taste, it may be a sign of corrosion inside the tank.

Finger adjusting the temperature on a water heater that reads 120 Fahrenheit

Sign 3: Inconsistent water temperature

If your water temperature keeps changing, it could mean there’s a problem with the thermostat, heating elements, or too much sediment in the tank.

Woman holding paper bills and looking at laptop screen

Sign 4: Higher energy bills

If your energy bill has suddenly increased and you are not sure why, it could be a sign that your water heater is not working properly and may be using more energy to heat water.

Rusty and corroded heat pump valve

Sign 5: Your water heater’s age

Most conventional water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is within or past this range, it's more likely to break down or operate inefficiently.

Tablet with the Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Guide on screen

Think about an electric heat pump water heater

If your water heater is failing, think about upgrading to a more efficient electric heat pump water heater that can help you save energy, lower costs and give you more control. Download our Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Guide>>

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