Water heaters
When Should a Water Heater Be Replaced?
Updated · Written by the SteadWell team
Short answerReplace a water heater when the tank itself leaks, when it's around 10 years or older and needs a major repair, or when rusty water and loud rumbling show the tank is deteriorating.
Find out how old it is
The manufacture date is encoded in the serial number on the rating label. Most brands use the first four characters for the year and month or week. Your plumber can read it in seconds.
Signs it's time
- Water leaking from the tank body (not a valve or fitting)
- Rust-colored hot water, but clear cold water
- Rumbling or popping that flushing doesn't fix
- Frequent repairs in the last couple of years
When repair still makes sense
Elements, thermostats, thermocouples, igniters, and relief valves are all replaceable. On a heater under about eight years old with a sound tank, repair is usually the better value.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Read our editorial standards.