Phoenix water heaters
Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix summers are brutal on water heaters, and older homes often have gas setups that need a safety check. We repair, replace and upgrade water heaters across west and north Phoenix.
- Gas venting checks
- Tank and tankless
- 24/7 for leaks
Gas Water Heaters and Venting
A lot of Phoenix homes, especially older ones, have gas water heaters. Gas heaters are efficient and recover quickly, but they need to vent combustion gases safely up and out of the house.
In older homes, we sometimes find vent pipes that are disconnected, rusted, sloped wrong, or too close to combustibles. Back-drafting, where exhaust spills into the room instead of going up the flue, is a real safety concern because it can bring carbon monoxide into living space. Signs include scorch marks near the top of the heater, a pilot that keeps going out, or rust on the top of the tank.
Every time we work on a gas water heater in Phoenix, we check the venting. It takes a few minutes and it matters. We also recommend a working carbon monoxide detector in any home with gas appliances.
Phoenix Water Heater Repairs
No hot water on a gas unit
Usually a thermocouple, pilot assembly or gas control valve. Often a same-visit repair.
No hot water on an electric unit
Usually a failed element or thermostat.
Leaking tank
If the leak is from a fitting or the relief valve, it may be fixable. A leak from the tank body means replacement.
Relief valve discharging
Can mean high pressure, high temperature or a failed valve. Do not cap it. Call us.
Water too hot or lukewarm
Thermostat issues, a broken dip tube, or sediment buildup.
Replacement in Phoenix Homes
If your water heater is over ten years old and needs a major repair, or the tank is leaking, replacement is usually the right move. Phoenix heat and hard water wear out tanks faster than you might expect.
We replace tank water heaters with fresh connections, a properly piped relief valve, correct venting on gas units, and an expansion tank where the system needs one. We also install tankless units. Our main Peoria water heater page explains tank versus tankless in more detail.
If your hot water is fine but your pressure is low or the water is rusty from every faucet, the issue may be old pipe. See our Phoenix repiping page.
Summer Is Water Heater Season
Many Phoenix water heaters fail in summer. Garage temperatures above 110 degrees stress relief valves, gas controls and any plastic parts. If your heater is on its last legs, the heat often finishes it off.
If yours is older and showing signs like popping noises, rusty hot water or moisture at the connections, replacing it in spring is less stressful than an emergency in July.
Carbon Monoxide and Gas Water Heaters
Every home with a gas water heater should have a working carbon monoxide detector. CO is odorless, and a water heater that is back-drafting can put it into living space without anyone noticing.
Common causes of back-drafting in older Phoenix homes:
- A vent pipe that has separated or rusted through
- A vent that runs uphill the wrong way or has too many turns
- A water heater in a small closet without enough combustion air
- A new, tighter house (new windows, sealed doors) that changes how air moves
- A kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan pulling air down the flue
If your CO detector goes off, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department first. Once it is safe, we can inspect the water heater and venting.
Repair Versus Replace in Older Homes
In older Phoenix homes, replacement also gives us a chance to correct venting, add proper relief valve piping and bring the gas connection up to date. That is often worth more than squeezing another year out of an aging tank.
Hear From Homeowners Around Phoenix
Alex did an excellent & thorough job installing our new water heater. When he arrived he diagnosed the problem & pointed out in detail why we needed a complete new unit instead of just a part or parts. He worked patiently doing the installation in a hot garage. At the end of the process, he demonstrated the annual draining we should do to extend the life of the appliance which will save us money in the long run. Alex does great work for a reasonable price. We’d highly recommend him.
Margaret Ackroyd
I had a nasty leak inside a wall that was unaccessible due to being directly behind my hot water heater. I called Alex at 8am Sunday morning, he answered my call, was at my residence within the hour, and had my leak fixed by 11am. Alex is a true professional!
Tim Garland
Phoenix Water Heater FAQs
How can I tell if my gas water heater is venting properly?
Warning signs include scorch marks near the top, a pilot that goes out, rust on top of the tank, or a CO detector alarm. We check draft on every gas heater we service.
Is it safe to use my water heater if the relief valve is leaking?
A dripping relief valve needs attention soon. Never cap or plug it. Call us so we can find out why.
Do you install tankless water heaters in Phoenix?
Yes. We check gas line capacity and venting first to make sure it is a good fit.
Can you replace a water heater in the evening?
Yes, we are available 24/7.
Beyond Water Heater Work: More for Phoenix Homes
More Phoenix services
- Drain cleaning in Phoenix
- Leak detection in Phoenix
- Sewer line repair in Phoenix
- Repiping in Phoenix
- Water softener installation in Phoenix
- Emergency plumber in Phoenix