Your water heater works behind the scenes every single day — hot showers, clean dishes, laundry. But most homeowners don't think about it until something goes wrong. Here's how to spot trouble early.

HOW LONG SHOULD A WATER HEATER LAST?

A traditional tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. Tankless units can push 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. But "typical" doesn't mean guaranteed — hard water, poor installation, and skipped maintenance can all shorten that lifespan. Here in Northern Virginia, we see a lot of units struggling by year 9 or 10, especially if they've never been flushed.

1

Your Hot Water Isn't as Hot (or Runs Out Faster)

If you're noticing lukewarm showers or your hot water is running out quicker than it used to, that's usually a sign of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The sediment insulates the water from the heating element, making it work harder and heat less.

💡 P & D Pro Tip: Annual flushing removes sediment and extends your water heater's life. It's a simple maintenance step most homeowners skip — but it makes a huge difference.
2

Rusty or Discolored Water

Turning on the hot tap and seeing brownish or rusty water is a red flag. It usually means the inside of your tank is corroding. Every tank water heater has a sacrificial anode rod that's designed to corrode instead of the tank — but once that rod is used up, the tank itself starts to rust.

⚠️ Don't Ignore This: Rusty water from the hot side often means the tank is corroding from the inside out. A leak or burst is usually not far behind.
3

Strange Noises — Popping, Rumbling, or Banging

Hearing weird sounds from your water heater? That popping or rumbling is typically caused by hardened sediment at the bottom of the tank. As the burner heats water trapped under that layer, it creates steam bubbles that pop and rumble. It means your unit is working much harder than it should be — driving up energy bills and accelerating wear.

4

Visible Leaking or Moisture Around the Base

Any water pooling around your heater needs immediate attention. Small leaks can come from fittings, the pressure relief valve, or the drain valve — all repairable. But if the leak is from the tank itself, that's internal corrosion and the unit needs replacement.

⚠️ Emergency Risk: A leaking tank can release 40-80 gallons of water into your home. If you see active leaking from the tank body, turn off the water supply and call a plumber immediately.
5

Your Unit Is Over 10 Years Old

Age alone isn't a death sentence, but a water heater past the 10-year mark is living on borrowed time. If you're also experiencing any of the other signs on this list, replacement is usually the smarter financial move. Modern units are significantly more energy efficient — a new high-efficiency tank or tankless system can cut your water heating costs by 20-30%.

💡 P & D Pro Tip: Check the serial number on your water heater's label. The first two digits often represent the year it was manufactured. Not sure? We can tell you during a free inspection.

TANK VS. TANKLESS: WHICH IS RIGHT?

If replacement is on the table, you've got options. Traditional tank heaters are the reliable workhorse — lower upfront cost, simple installation. Tankless water heaters cost more upfront but heat water on demand, meaning you never run out and save on energy month over month. We install both and can walk you through what makes the most sense for your home.

WHEN TO CALL A PLUMBER

If your water heater is showing any of these signs, don't wait for a full failure. A proactive inspection can save you from an emergency replacement — which always costs more and happens at the worst possible time.

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER?

Get a free inspection from a Master Licensed Plumber. Honest assessment, no pressure.

📞 Call (703) 939-4473