Signs your water heater needs replacing
Understanding when to replace your unit is no longer just about waiting for a flood. It’s about recognizing the “silent” warnings of inefficiency and mechanical fatigue. Here is the cold truth about the seven signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life.
1. The Decade Milestone (Age)
In 2026, the first thing any plumber will ask is the age of your unit. Most traditional tank-style water heaters are designed to last 8 to 12 years. If your unit was installed before 2016, you are officially living on borrowed time.
How to find the age:
Look at the manufacturer’s sticker for the serial number.
- Rheem/Ruud: The first four digits are the month and year (e.g., 0526 is May 2026).
- A.O. Smith: The first two digits are the year (e.g., 26 means 2026).
- Bradford White: This is a code. The first letter is the year (e.g., “C”