Knowing when to replace your water heater can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and maintain efficiency. While most water heaters last 8-12 years, certain situations require proactive replacement.

Watch out for these signs:

• Your system is over ten years old, which is the typical lifespan of most units
• Rust-colored water from your hot water taps suggests internal tank corrosion
• Water leakage around the base of the heater indicates tank failure 
• Insufficient hot water or the water doesn’t get as hot as it used to
• Unusual noises, such as rumbling or banging from the water heater as sediment builds up
• Frequent repairs signal that it is more cost-effective to replace rather than repair
• Water temperature fluctuations without any changes to settings
• Cloudy water with an odd smell, indicating mineral deposits affecting the water quality
• Rising energy bills due to the inefficiency of an aging water heater