Water Heaters
Water heater replacement
Replacing a tank water heater means draining and removing the old unit, then installing a correctly sized gas or electric tank with current-code venting, a relief valve line, a thermal expansion tank where required, and a drain pan where the location calls for one. Hard water is the main reason Valley tanks wear out early.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- Serving the Phoenix metro
- Quote before work
Most Phoenix-area water heaters live in the garage, some in an interior closet or the attic. Sediment and scale from hard water settle at the bottom of the tank, which makes gas units rumble and electric elements burn out.
Replacement is a good time to fix older installs: missing expansion tanks, a relief valve line that doesn't terminate properly, or a flue with poor clearances.
Water heaters at a glance
- Typical visit
- Same-day swap for like-for-like tanks when stock is available
- Wear factor here
- Hard-water scale and sediment
- Code items
- Expansion tank, relief valve discharge, pan, venting
- Permit
- Many Valley cities require one
Signs you need water heaters
- Water leaking from the tank or pooling in the pan
- Rusty hot water
- Rumbling or popping when heating
- Hot water running out much faster than before
- A tank more than about 10 years old
How the plumber handles it
- 1
Assess
The plumber checks the fuel type, capacity, venting, gas line size and location to size a replacement.
- 2
Remove
The old tank is drained, disconnected and hauled away.
- 3
Install to code
New tank, flex connectors, relief valve discharge, expansion tank and pan as required, and venting checked.
- 4
Start up
The tank is filled and purged, lit or powered, checked for leaks and combustion, and set to a safe temperature.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the plumber finds, so the plumber quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Gas vs. electric
- Capacity (40, 50 or 75 gallons)
- Location: garage, closet or attic
- Code upgrades needed (expansion tank, pan, venting)
- Permit requirements in your city
What you can do, and when to stop
Safe to do yourself
- Shut the cold inlet valve and the gas or breaker if it's leaking
- Flush a few gallons from the drain valve to check for sediment
Call a plumber
- Gas connections and venting
- Replacing a relief valve on a hot, pressurized tank
Frequently asked questions
How long do water heaters last in Phoenix?
Hard water shortens tank life. Many Valley tanks need replacing in the 8 to 12 year range, sooner without softening or regular flushing.
Do I need an expansion tank?
When the home has a pressure regulator or check valve, as most do, code generally requires a thermal expansion tank.
Water heaters across the Valley
Related services
Guides
Need water heaters in the Valley?
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