Signs your hot water system is on the way out

Rusty water, rumbling, a dripping relief valve or a damp base. The signs a hot water system is failing, which ones are urgent, and what to do next.

A plumber answers 24/7.

Key takeaways

Water leaking from the tank body is the sign that decides it. A corroded tank can't be repaired, only replaced.
Rusty hot water, rumbling, temperature swings, hot water running out early and a relief valve that never stops are early warnings worth a plumber's visit before the tank fails.
Treat a rotten egg smell in the air around a gas heater as a gas leak: get everyone out, no switches or flames, and call 000 or Jemena on 131 909 from outside.
Replacing a failing system on your own timetable beats an emergency swap in winter. A plumber can price the repair and the replacement so you choose.