Neglecting the Signs of Water Heater Failure Might Cost You Thousands Wednesday, April 07, 2021

If you notice rusty water, noises coming from your water heater, or your hot water runs out faster than usual—act fast. All the above are signs your water heater may be failing, and the consequences of delayed action can be steep.

Don’t wait. Contact our sister company, True Plumbers, to replace your failing water heater. If it's already too late, though, you can count on our team at True Builders. We’re one of the top water restoration companies in Central Florida.

Water heater damage can do irreparable damage to your home.

Your average water heater holds between 40 and 120 gallons of water. If your tank fails, that water can do unimaginable damage to your home very quickly. Water can damage your floors, furniture, wiring, electronics, and more. It can also cause irreparable damage to things like drywall and wood flooring, meaning they will need to be replaced after you get a new water heater. The longer building materials are exposed to water, the more likely restoration will no longer be a viable option.

If you don’t begin the water restoration process quickly enough, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary damage from mold and mildew. Mold removal requires the care and knowledge of an expert who has the tools to remove it safely. Mold removal and remediation services can also be expensive and time-consuming. Once mold spores begin to grow out of control, getting rid of them is an entirely separate issue in your home.

How often do water heaters need to be replaced?

On average, water heaters make it approximately ten years before they begin to have issues. They may not fail completely at that point but often require more frequent repairs beyond the ten-year mark. An older water heater will also generally be less efficient. While it may seem more cost-effective to keep your water heater as long as possible, that’s not always the case. By attempting to keep it around for a few more years, you will likely wind up paying for much more expensive repairs down the line.

On average, insurance claims as a result of water damage from broken water heaters cost more than $4,000, while the cost of a new water heater is only around $1,200—and that doesn’t even factor in the cost of repairs over the years, increased maintenance, and higher energy costs.

How to Prevent Water Heater Damage

To get the most out of your water heater and avoid water damage, it’s imperative to keep up with proper maintenance. Regularly check your water heater for signs of leaks or water damage near the tank, and make sure that your water pressure is below 80 psi to prevent pipe and appliance damage. You should also check the pipes leading in and out of your water heater for rust. Rust is a sign that water is somehow reaching the outside of the pipes where it doesn’t belong.

It could be leaking out of your water heater or be a result of condensation, but either way, it’s a sign of a problem. If there's rust on the pipes, there's also likely water damage behind and under the tank, which could lead to mold the same way a full-system failure could.

Already Have a Leaking Water Heater? Call us today!

While a watchful eye for problems, proper water heater maintenance, and timely replacement are the best ways to avoid water heater failures, sometimes, even when you do everything right, you could end up with a utility room or basement full of water.

If you’re already dealing with water damage, our team is here to help. At True Builders, we’ve offered top-tier water restoration services to Plant City, Lakeland, and other parts of Central Florida for over a decade. Give us a call at (863) 647-1800 today.