The most obvious sign that there is something wrong with your water heater is the lack of hot water. No one looks forward to a sudden blast of ice-cold water in the middle of a shower. There are some other less obvious signs you may miss. For instance, strange noises coming from your water heater. Any popping, cracking, or rumbling is a cause for concern, as is sediment  build-up in your hot water tank.
If your hot water taps are producing brown or rust-colored water, it's crucial to bring in your local HVAC contractor for an inspection. This can signal rust buildup on the tank or pipes and could mean a replacement is in order. Call in your trusted local water heater expert to diagnose if your issues can be resolved with a repair or if you need a new water heater.