In San Tan Valley, hard groundwater is a big reason water heaters wear out, and a tank that leaks, rumbles or delivers rusty water is usually ready to replace. Water service and gas service both depend on your address, so the right emergency contacts vary from street to street. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in San Tan Valley.
Much of San Tan Valley gets water and wastewater service from EPCOR's San Tan districts, the systems formerly run by Johnson Utilities, while the Town of Queen Creek supplies water only to some parts. EPCOR's San Tan system runs entirely on groundwater and its water quality report lists hardness of 15 to 18 grains per gallon. That is hard enough to leave a layer of scale in a tank within a few years. Most homes here were built after 2000 in planned communities, so many heaters are original units now wearing out.
What to do now
- If the tank is leaking, close the cold water valve above it.
- Turn the gas control to off, or switch off the breaker for an electric heater.
- Open a hot water faucet to take pressure off the tank.
- Pull boxes and stored items out of the way and catch water with a pan or towels.
- Note the gallons, fuel and model from the label for the plumber.
- If you smell gas, leave the house before anything else. Homes on City of Mesa gas, which covers portions of San Tan Valley through its Magma service area, call 911 and 480-644-4277 from outside. Homes on another gas utility call 911 and the number on their gas bill.
What the symptoms usually mean
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Puddle at the base | Tank corrosion, or a drain valve or fitting leak |
| Loud popping as it heats | Hard water scale on the tank bottom |
| Short supply of hot water | Sediment filling the tank, or a bad element or dip tube |
| Brown hot water | Anode rod used up and the tank rusting inside |
| Water heater runs constantly | Heavy scale insulating the burner or elements |
Cost factors
- Size, fuel and efficiency of the replacement
- Upgrades to tankless or heat pump, and any gas or electrical work they need
- Code updates such as an expansion tank, drain pan or relief line
- Permit handling: the town took over building processes from Pinal County, which still provides building safety, plan review and inspection services under agreements with the town
- Access in the garage or closet, and disposal of the old tank
- Adding a softener, which many owners consider given the hardness
Water Heater Replacement questions in San Tan Valley
How will the local water affect a new tank?
Who do I call if I smell gas near the water heater?
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater here?
Should I add a water softener along with the new heater?
More plumbing services in San Tan Valley
Water Heater Replacement nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: