Most water heaters don't fail quietly. When an old tank finally gives out, it can leak slowly behind a closet door for weeks, or it can let go all at once. Either way, the water heater is usually the cheapest part of the problem. The real cost is everything the water touches.
The good news is that this is one of the easiest home problems to get ahead of. If you know the signs and replace on your schedule, you can avoid the mess, the mold and the emergency call.
Why waiting can cost you more
A typical tank holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. If the tank fails, it doesn't stop at 50 gallons. The cold water supply line keeps refilling it until someone shuts the water off. If no one is home, that can mean hours of water running into your floors and walls.
Water damage can mean:
- Ruined flooring, carpet and subfloor
- Wet drywall and baseboards that have to be cut out and replaced
- Damaged cabinets, furniture and anything stored nearby
- Ceiling damage, if your water heater is in an attic or upstairs closet
A slow leak can be just as bad, because no one notices it. Water soaks into the subfloor and walls little by little until the damage is already done.
One more thing to know: Insurance policies often treat a sudden accident differently from a slow leak that went on for a long time. Check your own policy so you know what's covered.
The mold problem
Mold is the part people don't think about. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wet materials should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. Once mold is inside walls, under flooring or behind cabinets, it can be hard to see and expensive to remove.
Mold can also cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma or other breathing issues. That turns a plumbing problem into a health problem.
Signs it's time to replace your water heater
1. It's 10 years old or older. Most tank water heaters last about 10 to 15 years. Once yours is past 10, start planning. Don't wait for it to fail. Not sure how old it is? The date is usually coded in the serial number on the label. Send us a photo and we'll tell you.
2. There's water or rust around the base. Even a small puddle or rust stain is a warning sign. A leak from the tank itself can't be repaired.
3. Your hot water looks rusty or brown. This can mean the inside of the tank is corroding.
4. It's making popping, rumbling or banging sounds. That's usually sediment built up at the bottom of the tank. It makes the heater work harder and wears it out faster.
5. You're running out of hot water sooner. Your water heater may be losing efficiency.
6. You've needed several repairs lately. Paying for repeat repairs on an old unit often costs more in the long run than replacing it.
Simple ways to stay ahead of problems
- Look at your water heater once a month. Check the floor around it for water, rust or dampness.
- Make sure there's a drain pan. This matters most for water heaters in attics, closets or upstairs. A pan with a drain line can catch a slow leak before it reaches your floors or ceiling.
- Think about a leak detector or automatic shutoff valve. Some will alert your phone or shut off the water if they sense a leak.
- Have it flushed regularly. Flushing removes sediment and can help your water heater last longer.
- Have a pro check the pressure relief valve. This safety valve keeps pressure from building up in the tank, so it needs to work properly.
The benefits of replacing before it fails
When you replace your water heater before it breaks, you get to:
- Choose the right unit for your home instead of taking whatever is available that day
- Schedule the install at a time that works for you
- Compare options and get an estimate without the stress of an emergency
- Avoid water damage and mold cleanup entirely
If you want to save money on a new tank, ask about our scratch-and-dent water heaters. They're brand-new units with cosmetic dents or scratches, often at a lower price.
If your water heater is leaking right now
- Shut off the water. Turn the cold water valve at the top of the water heater.
- Turn off the power or gas. For electric, flip the breaker off. For gas, turn the control to "off" or "pilot."
- If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call your gas company or 911 from outside.
- Start drying the area as soon as it's safe, to help prevent mold.
- Call a plumber.
Don't wait for an emergency
The Water Heater Heroes specialize in water heater repair and replacement across Metro Atlanta. If your water heater is getting older or showing any of these signs, we'll take a look and give you an estimate before any work starts. We offer same-day service.
Call (770) 641-9474 or request service online.