An El Mirage water heater that leaks, runs cold early or gives off rusty water is usually ready for replacement, especially once it is past ten years old. City water here is softer than in much of the Valley, so tanks tend to suffer less scale, but corrosion and age still catch up with them. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in El Mirage.
The City of El Mirage Water Services Division pumps groundwater from nine city wells and also supplies the Original Town Site of Surprise. Its consumer confidence report lists hardness of 4 to 9 grains per gallon, averaging 7. That is on the gentler side for the West Valley, which helps heaters, though sediment still collects over the years. Building permits and inspections are handled by El Mirage Development Services, Building Safety; its page does not spell out water heater rules, so ask your installer to confirm.
What to do now
- Turn off the cold water valve that feeds the heater if you see water.
- Switch the gas control to off, or cut the breaker for an electric tank.
- Open a hot tap to bleed off pressure.
- Put a pan or towels down and move anything stored on the floor.
- Take a photo of the data plate with size, fuel and model.
- If the issue is a gas smell, leave right away and call 911 and your gas utility from outside.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Steady drip from the bottom | Tank corroded through |
| Drip from the top fittings | Loose or corroded connector, often repairable |
| Water too hot or too cool | Thermostat or element failure |
| Tinted or metallic-tasting hot water | Worn anode rod and rust inside the tank |
| Relief valve weeping | Pressure buildup with no expansion tank, or a worn valve |
What affects cost
- Fuel type, gallon capacity and efficiency rating
- Upgrading to tankless or heat pump and any supply changes that requires
- Expansion tank, drain pan or relief line updates
- Permit requirements confirmed with Building Safety
- Access to the heater and disposal of the old one
Because El Mirage water is relatively soft, you may not need a softener just to protect the new tank. A plumber can tell you whether one makes sense for your fixtures and taste. The city is also working to identify service line materials across its system, so if your home is older and you are curious about your line, the city's lead and copper page is the place to start.
When you call, have the tank size and fuel type from the label handy so the plumber can talk through matching options for your El Mirage home.
Water Heater Replacement questions in El Mirage
How will the local water affect a new tank?
Should I add a water softener along with the new heater?
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater here?
Can I switch from gas to electric, or electric to gas?
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