When to Replace Your Water Heater

Freshly installed residential gas water heater with clean copper piping

Most homeowners don’t think about their water heater until it fails. A typical tank-style unit lasts 8 to 12 years, but age isn’t the only signal. Rust-colored water, rumbling sounds, and unexplained spikes in your gas or electric bill are all warning signs worth knowing. This guide walks through the key indicators so you can plan a replacement on your terms, not your heater’s.