Don’t Wait for a Cold Shower (or a Flooded Hallway)
Water heaters have a funny way of calling it quits when it’s least convenient.
Monday morning? Freezing shower.
Family in town? Flooded hallway.
Important meeting? No hot water for laundry.
At My Georgia Plumber, we replace water heaters every day—and most of the emergencies we respond to didn’t have to happen. The signs were there. They were just easy to ignore… until they weren’t.
If your water heater’s a few years old (or older), this is your heads-up. Replacing it now could save you a ton of money and stress later.
How Long Does a Water Heater Last?
That depends on the type, usage, and how well it’s been maintained—but here’s a general idea:
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Tank-style units: 6 to 10 years
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Tankless units: 12 to 20 years (if maintained properly)
Things that shorten a water heater’s life:
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Hard water or poor water quality
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High demand (big family, high usage)
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Lack of regular maintenance (like flushing the tank)
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Poor installation or a budget model doing heavy work
If yours is over 6 years old and hasn’t been flushed or checked? You’re already rolling the dice.
Signs Your Water Heater’s on Its Last Legs
Just because it still puts out hot water doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Here’s what to look for:
Rusty or Discolored Water
If your hot water looks brown, orange, or rusty—and clears up when you run cold—that’s a sign the tank’s corroding from the inside.
Lukewarm or Inconsistent Temps
Running out of hot water faster than usual? It might be sediment buildup insulating the heating element—or a failing element altogether.
Popping or Rumbling Sounds
That noise you’re hearing isn’t normal. It’s hardened sediment bouncing around as the tank heats. It stresses the system and makes it less efficient.
Water Around the Base
Tanks don’t “sweat.” If there’s moisture on the floor or around the bottom, you’re looking at a crack or a slow leak. Either way, it’s time.
It’s Old
If you’ve forgotten when it was installed—or if it came with the house—it’s probably pushing the upper end of its lifespan. Check the serial number on the label. Most manufacturers code the date right into it.
Why Replacing Early Saves You Money
You might be tempted to wait until it dies. But waiting comes with its own price tag:
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Emergency plumbing rates
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Water damage to floors, drywall, and cabinets
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Possible insurance claim denials
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Mold problems
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Rushed installations with limited options
Replace it on your own timeline and you get:
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Time to choose the right size and energy efficiency
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Flexible install scheduling
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Better selection of equipment
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Access to potential rebates or incentives
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Peace of mind (and hot water that just works)
Not Sure What You Need? We’ve Got You
Whether you want the same setup or something new, we’ll help you make the right call.
We install:
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Standard tank heaters (gas or electric)
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Tankless water heaters for endless hot water
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Hybrid models that save energy and money
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Commercial-grade systems for businesses or rentals
We’ll take a look at your home, usage, and water quality—then give you options that make sense. No pressure. No upsells.
What’s Included with a Professional Replacement?
When you hire My Georgia Plumber, you’re not just getting a water heater swap—you’re getting a complete, code-compliant install:
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Removal and disposal of your old unit
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Permit handling (if needed)
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New shut-off valve and expansion tank (if required)
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Drain pan and piping adjustments
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Clean, professional install and testing
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Warranty registration
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Full walk-through before we leave
Don’t Wait Until It Fails
Replacing your water heater might not be the most exciting upgrade—but it’s one of the smartest. A proactive replacement means less damage, more control, and no surprise cold showers.
Call My Georgia Plumber today or book online for a water heater inspection or quote. We’ll let you know exactly where your system stands—and give you real options, not guesswork.
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