6 Hot Water Heater Failure Signs You Should Never Ignore

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs: How a Failing Hot Water Heater Can Destroy Your Home

A failing hot water heater is more than an inconvenience — it can lead to major water damage, costly repairs, and serious safety risks. When a hot water heater “goes,” meaning the tank or plumbing fails, it will continue pumping water into your home until someone shuts off the main water supply.

If this happens while you’re at work or away, your house could take on up to 500 gallons of water per hour — more than twice the amount in a standard hot tub. That kind of flooding can ruin flooring, drywall, furniture, and electrical systems.

To avoid unexpected emergencies and expensive repairs, watch for these critical signs your hot water heater needs maintenance or replacement.

1. Lack of Hot Water

One of the first signs of hot water heater failure is inconsistent or lukewarm water. If your shower runs cool or it takes forever for the faucet to heat up, sediment buildup may be to blame.

Over time, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a barrier between the heating element and the water. As this sediment thickens, the heater works harder — and eventually fails.

What to Do

Schedule routine maintenance and have a plumbing professional flush the water heater tank regularly. This removes sediment, improves efficiency, and extends the life of your system.

2. Strange Noises From the Tank

Popping, rumbling, or creaking noises coming from your water heater usually signal sediment buildup or hard water issues. Air pockets trapped in the sediment can cause pressure changes that damage the tank.

What to Do

Flush the tank and have a technician inspect the system. If noises continue after a flush, the unit may be close to cracking or leaking — meaning it’s time to consider a water heater replacement.

3. Discolored or Metallic-Smelling Water

Cloudy water or a metallic smell/taste can indicate rust, corrosion, or sediment traveling from your tank into your water supply. These deposits clog faucets, reduce water flow, and eventually cause plumbing damage.

What to Do

If the heater itself is functioning, adding a water filter can help. But rust inside the tank or pipes leads to leaks — so it’s often safer to replace the tank or corroded plumbing before things get worse.

4. Leaking or Faulty Pressure Relief Valve

Your heater’s temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve prevents pressure from building dangerously high. If it leaks or fails, the tank can overheat, burst, or even explode.

What to Do

Place a bucket under the valve and lift the test lever. If water barely trickles — or doesn’t flow at all — call a plumber immediately. A malfunctioning safety valve should be replaced right away.

5. Water Around the Base of the Tank

Pooling water near your heater usually means corrosion has damaged the tank — a serious and urgent problem. A leaking tank can flood your basement or home in hours.

What to Do

Turn off the main water supply and contact a licensed plumber. Sometimes the leak comes from the TPR valve and can be repaired, but if the tank itself is cracked, replacement is the only safe option.

6. Your Water Heater Is Old

Most residential water heaters last 6–13 years. Once a unit reaches 10+ years, failure becomes far more likely — and the risk of property damage increases.

Replacing an older unit with a modern, energy-efficient water heater is often cheaper than repairing damage caused by a burst tank.

Protect Your Home With Preventive Water Heater Maintenance

Ignoring the signs of a failing hot water heater can lead to:

• Expensive structural repairs

• Mold growth

• Damaged personal belongings

• Safety hazards

• Higher utility bills

Regular inspections, flushing, and timely replacements help prevent emergencies — and protect your home.

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a licensed plumbing professional for water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement before a small issue becomes a disaster.