Hot water systems tend to be unnoticed until they stop working. They may quit suddenly, or they deteriorate over time. They also periodically need maintenance to run at peak efficiency. But there are some cases when you’ll have no choice but to go for a replacement. Here are three signs you may need a new hot water system.

It Is Corroding

Corrosion is a bad sign no matter how old the unit is. If you notice corrosion on pipes and connections around the hot water heater, this may mean it is leaking. You could try to tighten fittings. If that doesn’t work or they’re already tight, you may need to replace the fittings. If there’s water on the floor, you could have a leak. Sludge leaking through fittings could be caused by a leak in the body or the fittings, so try tightening the fittings or replacing them. If there’s rust on the hot water heater itself, it needs to be replaced.

One indicator of severe corrosion is the water turning red – this can’t be fixed except by replacing the hot water heater.

Your Hot Water Is Just Lukewarm

As we mentioned before, sometimes the hot water heater doesn’t stop suddenly but deteriorates in performance over time. If your hot water comes out lukewarm, you may need to have the hot water heater replaced. However, you should have the unit serviced, since the issue could be due to a burned-out heating element or faulty thermostat. Don’t pay to replace the whole unit if repairs may be in order.

A related issue is when the hot water runs out incredibly quickly. This could occur because of mineral build-up in the system or a burned-out heating element. Flushing the tank to remove the sediments will solve this problem in the short term. If the problem gets bad enough, the sediment build-up could cause the water tank to leak or burst.

However, there are times when replacement is a good idea even though a repair could solve the issue. Your hot water heater is obviously approaching its end of life or requires repeated repairs, so you’d probably be better off replacing it. You can find a hot water system that is more efficient than your current one while likely fitting in the space occupied by the old one.

The Noise It Makes

If your hot water heater makes a hissing or sizzling noise, this is serious warning sign. It could be due to a faulty relief valve, but that can be replaced. However, it may indicate a more serious problem that only a plumber can diagnose. In these cases, replacement may be the best solution.

Popping and rumbling suggests that the water and an excess of sediment in the tank are heating up. Flushing the system of sediment can remove the mineral build-up. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem or it continues to make the noise, something else is wrong. If you can’t get water to come out when you lift the pressure relief valve, you need to call in a plumber.

We’ve outlined the most common indicators that you need a new hot water system. We tried to provide a few tips for diagnosing and fixing issues yourself, but there are times when you just have to call a plumber or replace the hot water heater.