We’ve all been there, you’re the last one to hop in the shower and boom…the hot water taps out. Maybe you’ve got a house full of guests, or maybe there’s just one family member who takes Olympic-length showers.
But what about when your hot water starts running low every day, even without guests? That’s usually a sign your water heater might be on its way out.
Your water heater quietly works behind the scenes all day long, for showers, laundry, dishes, cooking, hand washing… it’s basically one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. And like anything else, it can start to show its age.
Here’s how to tell when it might be time to repair or replace yours:
Signs It Might Be Time for a New Water Heater
1. It’s Getting Old
Electric water heaters usually last around 10 years, and gas ones last about 8.
If you’ve been in your home for a while, check the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker, the first two numbers after the letter are the year it was made.
If your heater is creeping up in age (or already past it), consider replacing it before rust, noise, leaks, or no-heat issues start popping up.
2. Things Are Looking… Rusty
Rusty water from the faucet or rust around the valve or base of your heater = trouble.
Rust means the steel is corroding, and once a tank starts rusting, leaks aren’t far behind.
That’s usually your cue to replace rather than repair.
3. It’s Making Weird Noises
Rumbling, banging, or popping sounds are signs of sediment buildup.
You can flush the tank yearly to help, but if it’s still noisy afterwards, the tank may be wearing out and getting more prone to cracking.
At that point, replacement is the safer bet.
4. There’s Water Around the Base
A puddle around your water heater might mean a cracked tank, which can’t be repaired.
Sometimes it’s just a fitting or connection issue (those can be fixed), so get it checked.
But an actual tank crack = new heater time.
5. The Water Just Isn’t Hot Enough
If your water isn’t heating well or the heater runs constantly just to keep up, you’ll want to look into the thermostat or heating element first.
But if you constantly run out of hot water, it may be that your tank is simply too small for your household’s needs, or the heater is aging out.
Thinking About Replacing It? Here’s What to Know
Figure Out Your Family’s Water Needs
- Bigger family? You may need a larger tank (40–50 gallons is common).
- Look at “recovery rate”, how many gallons it can reheat in an hour.
Make Sure It Fits Your Space
Measure the height and width of the area where your water heater lives.
Sometimes you may want a bigger tank, but the space just won’t allow it.
Check Energy Efficiency
Water heaters use a LOT of energy, so look for a good efficiency rating.
That number can tell you what you’ll likely spend each year to operate it.
Tankless vs. Traditional: What’s the Difference?
Traditional Water Heater
Stores and preheats 30–50 gallons of water in a tank.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Works with most home layouts
Cons:
- Can run out of hot water
- Higher utility bills
- Shorter lifespan (~10 years)
Tankless Water Heater
Heats water on-demand, no tank, no storage.
Pros:
- Lower energy bills over time
- Compact and can go in more places
- Lasts 20+ years
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Installation may require upgrades or retrofitting
Bottom Line
If you stay in your home long enough, replacing your water heater is basically inevitable.
Taking care of the one you have now (like yearly flushing and checking for leaks) can stretch its lifespan, but when the signs start showing, it’s better to replace it before it becomes a messy, expensive problem.
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