What Homeowners in Gwinnett & Metro Atlanta Should Know About Aging Water Heaters

In Metro Atlanta and across Gwinnett County—from Lawrenceville to Suwanee to Snellville—many homeowners are living in homes built between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. And while the roof, HVAC, and siding often get attention during a home inspection or renovation, the water heater quietly gets overlooked… until it fails.

If your home is 15 years or older and the water heater has never been replaced, you're likely on borrowed time. At Rocketship Plumbing, we see it all the time—rusty tanks, inconsistent hot water, leaks under the unit, or worse… a total blowout that floods a garage or basement.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

A standard tank-style water heater lasts 8–15 years, depending on:

• Water quality (high mineral content accelerates failure)
  
• Usage levels (larger families = more wear)
  
• Installation quality
  
• Preventative maintenance (or lack thereof)
  

Homes in Buford, Grayson, Dacula, Norcross, and Sugar Hill—many built during Gwinnett County's 1990s–2000s development boom—may still be running original or second-generation water heaters. These are well past the average lifespan.

Common Types of Water Heaters in Older Metro Atlanta Homes

1. Gas-Powered Tank Heaters

• Found in most suburban homes
• Efficient and powerful, but susceptible to sediment buildup and pilot light issues

2. Electric Tank Heaters

• Common in condos and townhomes
• Slower heating time and prone to thermostat or heating element failures

3. Tankless Units (less common in older homes)

• Efficient and long-lasting but sensitive to mineral scale and installation errors

Signs Your Water Heater Is Near the End

A failing water heater doesn’t always fail suddenly. In most cases, it gives subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that it’s nearing retirement:

Rusty or Discolored Hot Water

Corrosion inside the tank or rusting of the anode rod.
Warning: This often precedes tank rupture.

Noisy Operationn

Rumbling, banging, or popping noises from inside the tank

Caused by sediment buildup that hardens and traps water at the bottom.

Water Around the Base

Even small drips indicate cracks or gasket failure.
Could evolve into a sudden tank burst.

Inconsistent or Lukewarm Water

A failing heating element or clogged dip tube can cause this.

Usually means the unit is working overtime—or barely working at all.

Takes Too Long to Heat Up

Older units may take much longer to reheat water after us

An early sign of element degradation or scale buildup.

Visible Rust or Corrosion on the Tank Exterior

Not just cosmetic. Surface corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the tank.

Local Neighborhoods at Risk

We’ve serviced water heaters across Gwinnett County and know which neighborhoods tend to call us for urgent replacement or leaks:

Olde Peachtree Station (Suwanee): Many homes from the early 2000s now have second-hand or original heaters nearing end-of-life.

Windsor Chase (Lawrenceville): Built in the 90s—original water heaters are ticking time bombs.

Brookwood Manor (Snellville): Homes from the late 90s often show signs of corrosion and sediment issues.
Chadwick Pointe (Duluth): Electric units here tend to degrade slower but show signs of poor heating or rust buildup by year 12–15

Why Waiting Is a Risk

Many homeowners adopt the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. But when it comes to water heaters, waiting until failure can cost far more than replacing it proactively:

Flooded garages, basements, and water-damaged drywall
Ruined flooring and mold from unnoticed leaks
Emergency calls = after-hours rates and potential property loss

Insurance claims and deductibles

Rocketship Plumbing: Water Heater Experts in Metro Atlanta

At Rocketship Plumbing, we specialize in water heater replacement, diagnostics, and upgrades, serving homeowners throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta. Whether you want a direct replacement, an upgrade to a high-efficiency model, or a move to tankless—we’ve got you covered.

We Provide:

Full removal and haul-away of your old water heater
Code-compliant installation with new shutoff valves, expansion tanks, and drain pans
Water quality analysis to protect your new unit from early wear
Top brands like Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, and Navien (for tankless options)

Ready to Replace Before It Fails?

Don’t wait for water to appear where it shouldn’t. If your home is 15+ years old—or your water heater shows any signs of decline—schedule a professional inspection today with Rocketship Plumbing.

Visit rocketshipplumbing.com or call now to speak with our team. We offer free estimates, fast installations, and the peace of mind that comes from staying ahead of the flood.

Rocketship Plumbing – Launching Solutions That Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable.