Leaking from the base
Water pooling under the tank means the anode rod has decayed and the tank has corroded. The most common reason we replace heaters, and almost never a repair.
Out with the old tank,
hot water by the afternoon.
Call (619) 663 4328
North County? (760) 517 6900
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When to replace your water heater
Not every problem calls for a new heater. Sometimes a thermocouple or a T&P valve is all you need. But in these cases, a replacement makes more sense than putting money into an aging system.
Age of the heater
Most tanks last 8 to 12 years. Past that range, a planned replacement avoids the emergency call when it finally fails.
Rust colored hot water
Usually a spent anode rod and corroding tank walls. A new anode can help if caught early. If it persists, it's time.
Frequent repairs
More than one repair call in a year on a heater over 8 years old adds up fast. A new heater comes with a fresh warranty.
Not enough hot water
Sediment at the bottom cuts capacity. Annual flushing helps, but neglected tanks may be past what a flush can fix.
Rising energy bills
Older tanks run at about 62% efficiency. Modern units, especially tankless at about 95%, cost less every month.
Tank or tankless?
Both have real advantages. It comes down to how much hot water you use, your budget, and whether you'll add the water softener a tankless needs in San Diego.
| Tank | Tankless | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | About 62% | About 95% |
| Typical warranty | 6 years | 15 years |
| Hot water supply | Limited by tank size (40 to 75 gal) | Unlimited, on demand |
| Lifespan | 8 to 12 years | 15 to 20 years |
| Space | Floor space for the tank | Wall mounted and compact |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, with lower running costs |
| Maintenance | Flush yearly, anode every 3 to 5 years | Flush every 6 to 12 months, or a softener |
| Water softener | Recommended, not critical | Required in San Diego |
Why San Diego's hard water changes the equation
Most companies won't tell you this: install a tankless heater without a water softener, and San Diego's hard water will destroy the heat exchanger in 4 to 6 years. Calcium and magnesium build up inside the unit. We've seen it hundreds of times.
So we talk about water quality before recommending tankless. If you go tankless, budget for a softener. It protects the unit for its full 15 to 20 years.
Replacement prices
Installed prices. Parts are priced separately.
40 gallon Bradford White tank
$2,649+ parts
50 gallon Bradford White tank
$2,799+ parts
75 gallon Bradford White tank
$4,799+ parts
Navien NPE-180S2 tankless
$5,299+ parts
Navien NPE-240A2 tankless
$5,699+ parts
Water softener
$2,995+ parts
See times and book online
Parts are priced separately. The technician confirms the final number before any work starts.
What we recommend
Contractor grade equipment, bought through professional supply houses, with a direct line to support when something goes wrong.
- Top pick, tank
Bradford White
Our go to for tank replacements. American made, quality materials and excellent manufacturer support. Our supplier, Ferguson, stocks every part for same day availability. Not sold at big box stores.
- Top pick, tankless
Navien
Stainless steel heat exchangers, built to be serviced, and many models with integrated recirculation, so every faucet gets hot water straight away without wasting water.
Brands we avoid
We don't install big box store heaters. The retail warranty process is a nightmare: homeowners have told us about 8 hours or more on the phone trying to get warranty service.
The Ridiculous Warranty
Covers labor and parts, with no questions asked. If we can't repair your water heater, we install a new upgraded model for free.
How a replacement works
Streamlined over thousands of installs to be as fast and painless as possible.
- 1
Free on site estimate
We assess your setup and hot water needs, and price it out by equipment, materials and labor. No hidden fees.
- 2
Choose the equipment
We recommend the right unit for your household and budget. Bradford White tanks and Navien tankless ride on our trucks for same day swaps when possible.
- 3
Professional installation
Removal of the old unit, the new heater, an expansion tank (required in California), venting, gas or electrical, seismic straps and all plumbing. Permit by you, or by us for an extra fee.
- 4
Testing and walkthrough
We test everything, set the temperature to 120°F, and show you the shutoff valve, the yearly T&P check and when to inspect the anode rod.
Make your new heater last
Tank water heaters
- Replace the anode rod every 3 to 5 years. It matters more than flushing: the rod attracts the corrosion so your tank walls don't.
- Flush once a year. A 10 minute flush clears the sediment that settles in every tank.
- Swap the factory drain valve for a 3/4 inch full port ball valve, so flushing actually flows.
Tankless water heaters
- Install a water softener. Hard water is the number one killer of tankless systems in San Diego.
- Without a softener, flush every 6 to 12 months. With one, you can skip flushing entirely.
- If a tankless has run 10+ years without a flush, don't start now. Mineral deposits may be sealing small leaks.
Replacement questions
How do I know if I need a replacement?
Should I replace my tank with tankless?
How long does a replacement take?
Which brands do you recommend?
Do I need a permit?
What's included?
Replacement across San Diego County
Central San Diego
(619) 663 4328- Clairemont
- Grantville
- Hillcrest
- Linda Vista
- Mission Valley
- Normal Heights
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
- Point Loma
- Tierrasanta
- University City
- La Jolla
- Coronado
North County coast
(760) 517 6900- Carlsbad
- Oceanside
- Encinitas
- Cardiff
- Solana Beach
- Del Mar
- Carmel Valley
- Sorrento Valley
North County inland
(760) 517 6900- Escondido
- Poway
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
- Scripps Ranch
- Mira Mesa
- Fairbanks Ranch