There are a few key signs to look out for that may suggest that you could do with an upgrade to your hot water heater – The water that’s coming from your taps or shower is discoloured. This could mean that there’s debris or dirt such as rust in the storage tank. If your hot water heater does not perform to the same standard as when you first purchased it, for example, it takes a long time to heat up. If your hot water bills have been steadily increasing or have recently dramatically increased with no explanation. If you can see leaking around the bottom (or anywhere) from your water heater. Your heater is making more noise than usual on a daily basis.