Is Your Water Heater Trying to Tell You Something?

We’ve all been there. You step into the shower, ready for a rush of hot water, only to be hit with a blast of icy cold. A reliable supply of hot water is one of those home comforts we take for granted—until it’s gone.

As we move into the fall here in Brevard County, it’s the perfect time to pay attention to your home’s unsung hero: the water heater. Many units fail without warning, leading to a messy flood and a costly emergency call. But more often than not, they give off subtle hints that trouble is brewing.

At Burton Plumbing, we believe in proactive solutions. Here are five key signs that your water heater might be on its last legs, and what you can do about it.

1. It’s Reached Senior Citizen Status (10+ Years Old)

Before looking at any other sign, check the age of your unit. Most conventional tank water heaters have a lifespan of about 8-12 years. You can find the manufacturing date on the serial number sticker—the first four numbers usually represent the month and year (e.g., 0315 is March 2015). If your unit is in or past this age range, it’s living on borrowed time, even if it seems to be working fine.

2. Rumbling, Popping, or Banging Noises

Your water heater should operate almost silently. If you start hearing strange popping, banging, or rumbling sounds, it’s a cry for help. These noises are typically caused by a buildup of sediment and mineral scale at the bottom of the tank. As the water heats, it boils underneath this layer of sediment, causing the strange sounds. This not only reduces efficiency but also makes the metal brittle, increasing the risk of a leak.

3. Discolored or Rusty Water

If the hot water coming from your faucets has a brownish, rusty tint, it’s a major red flag. This often means the inside of your water heater’s tank is corroding. The steel tank has an inner anode rod designed to prevent rust, but once that rod is depleted, the tank itself begins to decay. Unfortunately, once you see rusty water, a leak is often not far behind.

4. Inconsistent Water Temperatures

Are you experiencing lukewarm showers or random bursts of scalding hot water? Fluctuating temperatures are a clear sign that a component is failing. On an electric heater, this could be a faulty heating element; on a gas model, it could be a failing thermocouple. While sometimes fixable, in an older unit it often points to a system that is struggling to keep up.

5. Any Visible Leak or Moisture

This is the most urgent warning sign of all. Check around the base of your water heater and its plumbing connections. Even a small puddle or a slow drip indicates a problem. A small leak can quickly turn into a major flood, causing significant water damage to your home. If you see any moisture, it’s time to call a professional immediately.

Don’t Wait for a Cold Shower Surprise

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Being proactive can save you from the headache and expense of an emergency water heater replacement. Our team of licensed plumbers at Burton Plumbing can perform a thorough inspection to assess the health of your unit. We’ll give you an honest recommendation on whether a simple water heater repair is sufficient or if a new, more efficient model is the smarter long-term choice.

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. For trusted, professional plumbing service in Melbourne, FL, look no further than your neighbors at Burton Plumbing.

Call us today at 321-477-4383 or send us a message online to schedule your water heater inspection!