Gwinnett Homeowners Unaware of Aging Water Heater Risks
Gwinnett County, GA (June 27, 2025) – Rocketship Services, a leading Gwinnett-based plumbing company (RocketshipPlumbing.com), is warning Metro Atlanta homeowners about an often-overlooked threat lurking in their homes: aging water heaters. Many houses built in the 1990s and early 2000s across Gwinnett County – from Lawrenceville and Suwanee to Snellville – still have original or second-generation water heaters that are now well past their prime. The typical tank-style water heater lasts only 8–15 years, meaning units installed during the early 2000s housing boom may be on the verge of failure. Rocketship’s plumbing experts caution that if a home is 15+ years old and the water heater has never been replaced, the appliance is likely “on borrowed time,” with problems like rusty tanks, inconsistent hot water, and small leaks serving as red flags before a major breakdown.
Aging Water Heaters: A Hidden Threat in Metro Atlanta Homes
Industry research underscores the urgency of this issue: by the time a water heater reaches 12 years of service, nearly 75% of units have already failed, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Even more alarming, a burst water heater can cost homeowners an average of $4,444 per incident in water damage (after insurance deductibles). “Homeowners often pay attention to roofs or HVAC systems, but the water heater quietly gets overlooked…until it fails,” Rocketship’s recent blog reported. In neighborhoods like Olde Peachtree Station in Suwanee and Windsor Chase in Lawrenceville, many original water heaters are now “ticking time bombs” at the end of their lifespan.
Common warning signs that a water heater is near the end of its life include:
- Rusty or discolored hot water: Often caused by internal tank corrosion or a rusting anode rod – a telltale precursor to tank rupture.
- Rumbling or banging noises: Loud noises from the tank indicate sediment buildup hardening at the bottom, forcing the unit to work overtime.
- Water pooling around the base: Even small drips or puddles under the heater signal cracked tanks or failing gaskets, which could suddenly give way and flood the area.
- Inconsistent or lukewarm water temperature: If hot water turns lukewarm or takes too long to heat, a heating element may be failing or dip tubes may be clogged, meaning the unit is barely working.
- Visible rust on the tank exterior: External corrosion isn’t just cosmetic – it can compromise the tank’s structural integrity and foreshadows leaks.
“Don’t Wait Until It Fails”: Proactive Replacement Urged
Rocketship Services emphasizes that waiting until a water heater fails can lead to far more damage and expense than a planned replacement. “If your unit is over 12 years old, no matter the type, it's time to consider replacement – or at least inspection,” their experts advise. Many homeowners adopt an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, but a burst water heater can quickly turn into a household catastrophe. Potential consequences of a sudden water heater failure include flooded garages or basements, water-damaged drywall, ruined flooring, mold growth, costly after-hours emergency plumbing calls, and even insurance claims to repair extensive damage.
“We’ve found that too many local homeowners don’t realize their water heater is on the brink of failure until it’s too late,” said Charles King, Owner and CEO of Rocketship Services. “By scheduling a quick inspection and replacing aging units before they rupture, we can save families from the nightmare of coming home to a flooded basement. It’s about staying ahead of the flood rather than cleaning up after.”
Rocketship’s team notes that even minor telltale signs should prompt action. “Don’t wait for water to appear where it shouldn’t,” the company warns in its public guidance. Homeowners with 15+ year-old homes or any of the warning signs above are urged to schedule a professional water heater inspection now rather than risk a surprise failure. By taking a proactive approach, homeowners can avoid emergency repair costs and property damage, and instead plan a convenient, cost-effective replacement on their own timeline.
Expert Plumbing Solutions for Gwinnett County Homes
As Gwinnett County’s trusted plumbing experts, Rocketship Services (dba Rocketship Plumbing) has made water heater safety a top priority. The company specializes in water heater diagnostics, repair and replacement, serving homeowners across Lawrenceville, Snellville, Duluth, Buford, and the entire Metro Atlanta area. Whether a homeowner needs a like-for-like heater swap or an upgrade to a high-efficiency or tankless unit, Rocketship’s licensed plumbers have them covered.
Rocketship’s comprehensive water heater replacement service includes:
- Full removal and haul-away of the old water heater (no heavy lifting or disposal worries for the homeowner).
- Code-compliant installation, including new shutoff valves, expansion tanks and drain pans to meet current safety standards.
- Water quality analysis to ensure the new unit is protected from mineral scale or conditions that could cause early wear.
- Top-quality equipment from leading brands like Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, and Navien, with tankless options available for those looking to modernize.
“We take pride in doing the job right – from installing the proper safety features to hauling away the old tank for recycling,” Charles King added. “Our goal is to make the upgrade seamless and give homeowners peace of mind with a reliable hot water supply for years to come.”
Local residents are already seeing the benefits of Rocketship’s expertise. In a recent 5-star review, Andrea H., a Gwinnett County homeowner, praised the company’s prompt and knowledgeable service.
“Charles was prompt, professional, and very knowledgeable… he quickly diagnosed the problem and had it fixed in no time,” she wrote, adding that she “highly recommend[s] them to anyone looking for quality service”.
Testimonials like Andrea’s echo dozens of others from across Gwinnett, underscoring Rocketship’s commitment to customer satisfaction and fast, reliable solutions.
Special Offer: $50 Off to Encourage Proactive Inspections
To further motivate homeowners to act before a disaster strikes, Rocketship Services is offering a $50 discount off the final bill on any plumbing service for a limited time. This blanket discount applies to water heater replacements, inspections, or any other plumbing work a homeowner may need. “We want to remove any barriers that might make someone hesitate to get their system checked or fixed,” said King. Homeowners in Gwinnett and surrounding areas can claim the $50 off promotion by mentioning the offer when they schedule an appointment through Rocketship’s website or phone line. The company also provides free estimates and upfront pricing, ensuring customers know the cost before work begins.
“Our message is simple,” King said. “Don’t wait for an emergency. Schedule an inspection, save $50 on the service, and gain peace of mind. It’s a small step that can prevent a very big mess.”
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule an inspection, homeowners can contact Charles King, Owner/CEO of Rocketship Services, at (770) 676-1685 or via email at charlesking678@rocketshipplumbing.com.
Media Contact: Jarrod Reque – info@rocketshipplumbing.com
About Rocketship Services
Rocketship Services LLC (operating as Rocketship Plumbing) is a family-owned, Gwinnett County-based plumbing company with over 20 years of industry experience. The company provides a full range of residential plumbing solutions – from water heater installation and leak detection to drain cleaning and emergency repairs – across Metro Atlanta. Known for fast, reliable service and transparent pricing, Rocketship has earned a 5-star reputation among homeowners from Lawrenceville to Suwanee. Under the leadership of CEO Charles King, Rocketship Services is committed to “launching solutions that keep your home safe and comfortable,” delivering quality workmanship and peace of mind on every job.
Written by: Jarrod Reque | atlantadesignco.com
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