Delaying a Replacement Could Cost You Hundreds More
If your water heater is over 10 years old, leaking, or struggling to keep up, you’re running out of time. New U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum take effect in March, and that means the cost of water heaters, furnaces, and plumbing repairs is about to surge.
Homeowners in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and across Northern Idaho who wait to replace their water heater could pay hundreds more after March—if they can even get a unit at all.
Cold Winters & Aging Pipes Put Extra Stress on Water Heaters
If your water heater is already showing signs of failure, our region’s extreme weather and aging infrastructure could push it over the edge sooner than you think.
- Freeze-thaw cycles stress plumbing systems. Winters in Spokane and Northern Idaho are brutal on water heaters and pipes, increasing the risk of leaks and breakdowns.
- Older homes = older water heaters. Many homes in the area still have outdated plumbing, meaning those water heaters are working overtime.
- Mineral-heavy water causes buildup. Sediment from local water sources clogs heating elements and corrodes tanks faster.
If you haven’t maintained or flushed your water heater, the damage is already happening. And if you wait too long, you could be looking at an emergency replacement at post-March prices.
Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail
Most homeowners don’t think about their water heater until they step into a freezing shower. If you notice these warning signs, you’re already on borrowed time:
- Hot water runs out too fast.
- Takes longer to heat up.
- Popping or banging noises coming from the tank.
- Rusty or discolored water.
- Leaks or moisture around the base.
- System is over 10 years old.
If your system fails in the middle of winter, you’ll be dealing with long wait times, emergency fees, and higher replacement costs.
Why Waiting Will Cost You More
- Steel and aluminum costs are rising, and manufacturers will pass those costs down.
- Emergency replacements are expensive. A sudden failure means paying premium rates for urgent service.
- Supply chain delays could leave you waiting days without hot water.
The best move? Schedule a replacement now and lock in today’s pricing.
Not Ready for a Replacement? Get on Mainstream’s Home Maintenance Plan
If you’re not sure whether your water heater needs replacing yet, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive surprises.
Mainstream’s Service Protection Plan includes:
- Annual water heater inspections to catch problems early.
- Regular maintenance to prevent sediment buildup and extend your system’s life.
- Priority scheduling—no waiting when something goes wrong.
- Locked-in pricing that protects you from rising costs.
If your water heater is already struggling, skipping maintenance could mean a full replacement at post-March prices.
We Are Home Services. We Are Mainstream.
If your water heater is old, leaking, or underperforming, don’t wait until it’s too late. Higher prices are coming, and the cost of inaction is about to get worse.
Call Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing today to schedule a water heater replacement or sign up for our home maintenance plan.
Prices are about to go up. Don’t wait until you’re stuck without hot water.
