Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Your water heater doesn’t care what month it is. When it fails, it fails. Could be November. Could be your kid’s birthday. Could be the coldest morning of the year. One moment you’re stepping into a steamy shower, and then screaming bloody murder in the next.
That’s usually when we get the call.
So here’s something we see all the time at RX Plumbing & Drain: people waiting way too long. You don’t think about your water heater until it’s dead. But by then? You’re on the hook for a fast decision. And chances are, you're stressed, wet, and Googling “plumber near me” in a bathrobe.
We’re not against replacing your water heater in an emergency. We do it often. But if you’ve been thinking about an upgrade, or if your current one is showing signs of old age, we recommend taking a breath and learning what your options are now.
Is It Time For a New Water Heater?
If you’re asking the question, your water heater has probably been acting up. Here’s the short list of signs we tell homeowners to look for:
You run out of hot water often
You notice weird sounds, like rumbling, popping, or a low growl
Your water smells like metal or sulfur
The tank is leaking or sweating
The hot water takes longer than it used to
These aren’t just quirks. They’re red flags. And most of them mean the inside of your tank is wearing down, whether that’s because of age, sediment, or corrosion.
And no, you’re not just unlucky. Most tanks don’t make it past 8 to 12 years. If yours is older than that? You’re on borrowed time.
Tank or Tankless: The Big Question
Let’s get this out of the way. Tankless sounds cool. Endless hot water. Lower utility bills. Sleek wall-mount units.
But is that the move for you?
We install both standard tanks and modern tankless systems because they serve different needs. Not everyone benefits from going tankless, and we’re not going to push it on you if it doesn’t make sense.
Tank Water Heaters
These are the classic units most people have. Big cylinder. 30 to 50 gallons. They keep water hot all day, even when you’re not using it. That means you’ve always got hot water on standby, but you’re also paying to constantly heat water even when you’re not using it.
Tanks are cheaper upfront, but they’re not as efficient long-term. And when you use up the hot water, you have to wait for it to refill and reheat.
Tankless Water Heaters
These heat water on demand. No storage tank. No standby heat loss. Just instant hot water when you turn on a tap.
The catch? They cost more to initially install. And they might need a gas line upgrade or electrical changes to handle the output.
For large families, they’re awesome. For homes with low water demand, they may not be worth the jump. We see and understand both sides. If you’re still interested, we write in depth about tankless water heaters here.
What Happens During a Water Heater Replacement?
People picture a team of plumbers smashing drywall and shouting over power tools. In reality? It’s usually a clean process that only takes a few hours.
Here’s how it goes with RX:
Inspection – We assess the location, venting, hookups, and current unit.
Recommendation – We explain the pros and cons based on your home, habits, and budget.
Removal – We shut off power/gas and drain the old unit. Then we haul it off.
Install – We put in the new one, update connections, and handle all permits and codes.
Test & Explain – We check that everything works and show you how to use it.
No mess. No mystery. No unexpected fees.
Will a New Water Heater Save You Money?
Maybe. Here’s how to think about it.
If you go from an old electric tank to a tankless gas model, you’ll see savings on your monthly bill. If you stick with a newer tank replacement, your efficiency boost may not be huge, but it’ll still beat your failing unit.
The real savings? Avoiding emergency repairs. And avoiding that cold-shower morning when your 14-year-old heater decides to call it quits.
Also: rebates exist! Energy-efficient upgrades often come with federal, state, or local rebates. We stay on top of all that so you don’t have to go digging for it. Check out all of the water heater rebates, giveaways, and incentives here before you continue!
Should You Replace a Water Heater Before It Fails?
That’s the golden question.
If your heater is already leaking, the answer is obvious: Yes! But if it’s just "getting old" or acting funny? That’s where a lot of homeowners hesitate.
Here’s what we tell them:
If your unit is more than 10 years old, start planning.
If your water smells, tastes metallic, or heats slowly, get it checked.
If you’ve had multiple repairs in the last 2 years, you’re throwing money and time away.
Our goal isn’t to scare you, it’s to help you stay in control. Because once the tank fails, you’re stuck rushing the process. And rushing usually costs more.
When Is the Best Time to Replace a Water Heater?
Before the old one floods your basement.
Jokes aside: the best time is when you still have hot water and time to think. That way, you can compare options. Decide if you want to go tankless. Ask about rebates. And schedule on your own timeline.
Fall is a smart season, because the cold weather is coming and that’s when our usage tends to go up. Also, us plumbers aren’t yet overwhelmed with burst pipe calls.
Cumming’s Water Heater Experts
Water heaters aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential. And when they fail, they fail hard.
We’ve helped homeowners across North Atlanta upgrade before the panic sets in, and we’ve done our fair share of “it just blew up” calls too.
Either way, RX has your back. If you’re thinking about a new heater, we’ll walk you through options without the hard sell. Just real advice from a Master plumber who does this every day (with a smile).
If you’re ready for better, or just want a second opinion, give us a ring. We’re in Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and beyond.
FAQ: Replacing Your Water Heater
How long do water heaters last?
Standard tanks last 8–12 years. Tankless units can go 15–20 with proper maintenance.
Can I replace my water heater myself?
Legally? No. Safely? Also no. You’ll need permits, and gas/electrical lines are involved. Always use a licensed plumber.
What size water heater do I need?
Depends on your household size. Most families do well with a 40–50 gallon tank. For tankless, it depends on simultaneous use, like showers, laundry, etc.
Is tankless better than a tank?
Not always. It’s more efficient, but not always worth the extra cost upfront unless you’ve got high demand or want to free up space.
What’s the install time?
Most jobs take 3–5 hours. Longer if upgrades or code changes are needed.
Can I get a rebate for switching?
Yes. There are often rebates for energy-efficient models. We can help you check what’s available, or you can see the water heater rebates here for yourself.
