The Newburgh plumbing and heating company says strange noises, rusty water, and puddles near the tank are warning signs Orange County homeowners should not ignore.

Newburgh, NY (PRUnderground) October 22nd, 2026

Creaks, groans, and knocking in the basement are classic Halloween scares. Uppercut Plumbing of Newburgh says that in most homes, the culprit isn't a ghost. It's the water heater. With colder weather on the way, the plumbing and heating company is reminding Orange County homeowners that a tank making strange sounds or acting up is usually warning them before it gives out for good.

The most common "haunting" is a popping or rumbling noise when the heater runs. That's usually sediment, the minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank over the years and trap pockets of water that boil and crackle. Other signs that something is wrong include rusty or discolored hot water, a puddle or rust stains around the base of the tank, a rotten-egg smell from the hot water, and showers that turn cold faster than they used to.

"Every fall we get calls from people who've been hearing their water heater bang for months and figured it was normal," the Uppercut Plumbing team said. "It's not. That tank is telling you it needs attention. Deal with it now and it might be a simple flush or a small repair. Wait until it lets go, and you're dealing with water all over the basement right before the holidays."

Age matters too. Most tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years, and the manufacture date is printed on the label on the side of the tank. Uppercut Plumbing recommends homeowners check that date this Halloween. If the heater is near the end of its life, it's better to plan a replacement now than to wait for a cold-weather failure.

Uppercut Plumbing serves homeowners in Newburgh and throughout Orange County. To schedule a water heater inspection or service, call (845) 674-3616 or visit https://uppercutplumbing.com.