Most homeowners don’t prioritize their hot water tank until something goes wrong, and by then, the issue has likely been there for weeks or months with no warning. Fortunately, a hot water tank failure typically presents classic signs long before it fails entirely. 

If you can recognize what those signals are, you’ll have the chance to solve the issue.

You are running out of hot water faster 

If family members’ mornings used to last through a hot water supply and now it only lasts halfway, something has gone wrong inside the tank. This is usually due to sediment accumulation at the bottom of the tank. 

As time passes, minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium) precipitate at the bottom of the tank between the heating element and the water layer. The element must do much more work to heat through the sediment, and the effective capacity of the tank is reduced. 

What was once a reliable supply of hot water becomes unpredictable. This is one of the reasons to consider professional hot water tanks services.

The water doesn’t heat up as it should

Perhaps the water coming from the tank is lukewarm, and the temperature is set correctly. This indicates there is a problem within the system. 

With a gas water heater, this usually means a thermocouple or burner isn’t functioning properly. In an electric tank, it often means the heating element’s temperature setting isn’t producing enough heat to warm the entire tank. 

Both of these issues tend to worsen over time. Try to adjust the thermostat. If the water temperature does not return to normal, it is time to have a professional technician evaluate the heating elements.

You can hear strange noises coming out of the tank

If the hot water tank is in good condition, it will run quietly. However, you should be concerned if you begin to hear some sounds during and after a heating cycle. They include:

• Rumbling
• Popping
• Banging
• Cracking sounds.

The tank is telling you there is a problem that needs attention. These sounds are mostly due to sediment buildup. 

As the water is heated, it produces steam. It forces its way through the accumulated deposits. This causes the sounds you can hear from outside the tank. If you hear noises in your tank that you haven’t heard before, call a professional immediately.

There’s rust or discoloration in your hot water

One of the most alarming symptoms a hot water tank can exhibit is reddish-brown or orange colored water. If your hot water supply is discolored, it’s an almost sure sign of internal corrosion. It could be either:

• The metal is corroding due to rusting of the tank walls.
• The anode rod, which helps prevent the metal from corroding, has been completely consumed. The tank itself is now corroding. 

If the tank has significant internal rusting, it can’t be repaired effectively. It needs to be replaced. 

However, if this is caught in time, a technician can determine if the anode rod can be replaced to extend the life of the tank, or if it is a more cost-effective and feasible option to replace the tank.

You see moisture or pooling water around the tank

If you see moisture around the base of a hot water tank, seek immediate professional attention. A few droplets of condensation are normal in some cases. But if the water is dripping or pooling, there is a leak that will only continue to grow. 

Leaks can happen at fittings and connections, which can be relatively easily repaired. Or from the tank body itself, usually requiring replacement. A leaking tank can cause extensive water damage around the house if it is not monitored frequently enough. 

Your tank is over 10 years old

Age is a major risk factor for hot water tank failures. The average useful life for most conventional tank-type water heaters is 8-12 years, depending on:

• The quality of the tank
• The hardness of the water supply
• The maintenance provided over the years. 

A tank that is approaching or has reached ten years in service without a professional inspection is running at an unknown level of internal wear and significant risk of failure. 

A hot water tank failure during Calgary winter spells an uncomfortable and potentially risky situation. A check at this point will:

• Check the condition of the tank
• Determine if there are any potential problems
• Help you plan in advance.

The pressure relief valve is leaking or has never been tested

Every hot water tank has a safety feature known as the temperature and pressure relief valve. It is designed to relieve pressure if the tank overheats or if the pressure rises above the safe level. This feature prevents a really hazardous situation. 

A valve that has never been tested or exercised, or that is leaking or dripping, is failing. It cannot operate properly when it is needed. This is not a part you can monitor and revisit. It is a safety issue and must be assessed by a professional.

The takeaway

Your hot water tank is one of the most difficult-to-maintain pieces of equipment in your house. Like any mechanical system, it requires expert repair when the warning signals start to show. 

It is nearly always far less expensive to address these indicators early with a professional inspection than to deal with a failing tank, water damage, or an urgent replacement call during a chilly Calgary winter.