5 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail
🔥 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail (Before You Lose Hot Water)
Your water heater doesn’t last forever. And if you’re living in Silver Creek, The Oaks, Belle Terrace, or anywhere else in Bakersfield — you might notice the signs before disaster hits.
Ignoring them can lead to cold showers, high water bills, or even flooding from a failed tank. Here’s how to catch the warning signs early and save yourself the stress.
1. 🔊 Strange Noises (Popping, Rumbling, Banging)
As sediment builds up in the tank, it hardens and makes the burner work harder to heat the water. This causes popping or rumbling sounds — especially in older tanks.
What to do: Drain & flush the tank if it’s under 8 years old. If it’s older, a replacement may be smarter.
2. 💦 Water Around the Base of the Tank
If you see wet spots, dripping or rust streaks, the inner tank might be cracking — even if the outer shell looks fine. These tanks can burst without warning.
What to do: Call us fast. A leaking tank is usually not repairable. We’ll give you honest options for same-day replacement.
3. ❄️ Hot Water Runs Out Too Fast
Used to last through 3 showers? Now it’s cold by the second? That’s usually a sign of a failing heating element, sediment buildup, or a shrinking tank capacity.
What to do: We’ll inspect the system, test components, and recommend repair or upgrade if needed.
4. ⚠️ Discolored or Rusty Water
Brownish or yellow water — especially from the hot tap — can mean corrosion inside the tank or failing anode rods.
What to do: This one’s time-sensitive. If left alone, your tank could rust through. Don’t wait.
5. 📆 It’s Over 10 Years Old
Most tank-style water heaters last 8-12 years. If yours is past the decade mark, you’re on borrowed time — and replacement is safer and more cost-effective than repair.
🧰 What A3 Plumbing Can Do:
Full pricing transparency
10% off new installs
Water heater code upgrades
Haul-away of old unit
Friendly, local Bakersfield Plumbers (not salespeople)
📍 Local Water Heater Experts in Bakersfield
We’ve replaced water heaters in Silver Creek, Belle Terrace, Laurelglen, The Oaks, River Lakes Ranch, and Quailwood. Whether your tank is in the garage, attic, or closet — we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call Now Before You’re Left in the Cold
We’re open 24/7 and offer fast water heater help when you need it most.
