Common Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
It doesn’t always start with a flood. Sometimes it’s just weird sounds or your water smells off, like gas. Sometimes you run out of hot water fast, or the heater starts leaking slowly.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Leaking from the tank or underneath
- Rust-colored or smelly water
- Popping, banging, or rumbling noises
- Hot water running out too fast
- Pilot won’t stay lit (on gas units)
- Higher electric or gas bills for no reason
- Visible corrosion around fittings or valves
- Sulfur smell or “rotten egg” smell near the heater
If you smell gas, leave the house first. Then call the gas company, or call 911 for the fire department.
Sometimes it’s a bad heating element. Sometimes it’s the anode rod that’s completely used up, it’s supposed to catch calcium and extend the life of your tank, but when it’s gone, corrosion takes over. Call us, we’ll inspect it and tell you what’s really going on.
Water Heater Replacement: 6-Year, 9-Year & 12-Year Options
Not all water heaters are built the same. We install professional-grade models from licensed plumbing supply houses not big box stores.
We install:
- 40-50 gallon gas or electric water heaters
- Units in garages, closets, attics, or outside
- Expansion tank replacements
We’ll help you pick the right size and warranty level and we always install to code with a new pan, gas/electric shutoff, expansion tank (if needed), and earthquake strapping where required.
Why Water Heaters Leak And Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Leaks usually start slow a small drip here, puddle there. But a full tank holds 40+ gallons. And when it fails, it dumps everything.
Even if your attic unit has a drain pan and line, we’ve seen them overflow or clog, and that water ends up pouring through ceilings and walls. One client had a slow leak for weeks before noticing the ceiling sagged.
If your heater is 8-10+ years old, even a small leak is a warning sign. Don’t wait until it ruins your drywall or insulation. Let us swap it out before it becomes a flood.
We Don’t Just Swap Tanks We Do It Right
- Check for city code compliance
- Install new flex lines and shutoffs
- Replace pan and drain line if needed
- Secure the tank with proper strapping
- Test pressure/temperature relief valve
- Add or replace expansion tank if required
- Haul away your old unit
Clean, safe, code-compliant install, no shortcuts.
Water Heater Problems: Common Questions We Hear
Why is my water heater making loud popping sounds?
That’s usually sediment buildup inside the tank. It traps water, which then boils and makes noise. A flush might help, or it could be time to replace.
Do I need to replace my water heater if it’s leaking?
If the tank itself is leaking, yes: it can’t be repaired. But if it’s just a fitting or valve, we might be able to fix it.
How long do water heaters last?
Most standard water heaters last 6 to 12 years, depending on the model, installation, and maintenance.
Need Emergency Water Heater Help in Frisco, Plano, or McKinney?
No hot water? Tank leaking bad? We’re ready 24/7 even nights and weekends.
Call or text FPP Plumbing. We’ll get your info fast and send a licensed plumber without the usual games, no call centers, no waiting.