#1 Water Heater Repair, Installation & Replacement in San Diego, CA

Professional Water Heater Replacement in San Diego County

Bill Howe Plumbing has provided exceptional installation, repair, maintenance, and water heater replacement in San Diego since 1980. We take pride in having the most experienced San Diego plumbers around and delivering the hometown service you deserve. When you need help with your water heater, turn to the San Diego plumber your friends and neighbors trust for their plumbing needs—Bill Howe.

Water Heater Installation in San Diego

When having a new water heater installed, it’s essential to choose an adequate size to meet your household’s hot water usage. It’s also imperative that you select proven models from trusted manufacturers. Fortunately, Bill Howe’s installation services are performed by knowledgeable and experienced plumbers who can help you make the best decision. 

Our trusted local plumbers have installed thousands of water heaters and repaired thousands more since 1980. We feature reliable water heater brands for conventional tank systems and tankless water heaters. Bill Howe warranties every product we install and guarantees every water heater installation in San Diego meets our and your high standards. 

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair

Bill Howe’s plumbers are water heater experts who offer proven installation and repair services for residential and commercial water heaters. Our plumbers can also help maximize the efficiency of your water heater with regular maintenance. Here are a few of the typical tasks a plumbing inspector performs:

• Testing the T&P valve
• Inspecting the anode rod
• Flushing the water heater tank
• Checking for water and gas leaks
• Calibrating the temperature settings
• Inspecting and cleaning the flame arrestor on gas water heaters

An unmaintained water heater is inefficient, causing higher-than-necessary utility bills. Lack of maintenance over time can lead to water and gas leaks, thermostat and tank failures, and even premature failure. Give your water heater the longest life possible with annual plumbing inspections.

Water Heater Replacement in San Diego

A typical electric water heater can last up to 15 years, and gas models typically last about a decade. High usage, hard water, and lack of timely repairs and maintenance can significantly shorten those expected lifespans. In older tanks, corrosion and rust are two of the most common causes of failure that will require water heater replacement in San Diego.

Some issues are clear-cut signs that it’s time for a new water heater. A water heater that is leaking from the bottom of the tank, for example, must be replaced. If your water heater is inefficient and requires frequent repairs, a replacement is often less expensive than continuing repairs. 

How do you know if it’s more cost-effective to pay for a new water heater instead of paying for water heater repair services? The best way to make the right call for your budget and lifestyle is to have one of Bill Howe’s seasoned plumbers perform an inspection. A certified plumber can help you determine if repairs or replacement is the best option for your needs. 

Why Choose Bill Howe for Your Water Heater Needs?

Customers have trusted Bill Howe for plumbing services like water heater installation in San Diego for over 45 years. Whether you need a new water heater in San Diego or a plumbing repair in Hillcrest, here are a few reasons to rely on Bill Howe.

• Free plumbing estimates
• Friendly and knowledgeable support staff 
• Certified San Diego plumbers and expert HVAC technicians 
• All required licensing and insurance 
• On-demand 24-hour plumbers and HVAC services
• A+ Better Business Bureau rating 
• A 100% satisfaction guarantee

Bill Howe is your one-call resource for plumbing services and water heater repair in San Diego. Experience the high-quality plumbing services you deserve by calling 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or contacting us online today.

When Do You Need a Water Heater Repair Service?

You don’t want to wait until your water heater stops working completely to get it checked out. Often, a water heater will show signs that something is wrong. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should call Bill Howe for water heater service:

• You hear a knocking sound in your water heater.
• The pilot light won’t stay lit.
• You see standing water under the unit.
• The hot water doesn’t get as hot as it should.
• The water from the hot water faucet fluctuates between hot and cold.
• The water heater keeps shutting off.

Any of these can be signs of a significant repair issue. You should call for service right away instead of waiting. These problems don’t get better with time.

Here are the most common issues that may arise with water heaters.

Rust & Corrosion

Rust and corrosion are common issues with water heaters. Usually found on the exterior of the tank, inlet pipes and inlet parts, rust and corrosion are telltale signs that you need your water heater repaired.

Rust on the exterior of your water heater indicates that your system is nearing the end of its life, especially if it is more than 6 years old. If you’ve noticed rust around your water supply, call a professional immediately to have the system replaced. A certified Bill Howe technician can recommend a new system for your home and will haul your old hot water heater away after installing a new one.

Heavy corrosion buildup on water line valves indicates fluctuations in pressure, causing small leaks. Left unchecked, sediment will corrode the inside of the tank and seep into the water supply. Routine system flushes can prevent corrosion from building, extending the life of your system. Bill Howe offers water heater flush services to help prevent corrosion.

Make sure to routinely check for rust to help you catch the problem at the start.

Leaking Water Heater

It is common for water heaters to leak due to fluctuating pressure through the temperature and pressure relief valve. Small drips are not cause for concern. However, homeowners should monitor the size of the leaks.

A water heater that is leaking from the bottom of the tank is failing and should be replaced immediately. If your water heater is in a garage and has leaks, schedule an estimate as soon as possible. Then, remove debris and clutter away from the system. If your water heater bursts, it is smart to avoid water damage to your belongings.

For tank water heaters located inside the home, immediately cut the supply of water to the heater and schedule an appointment to avoid flooding. Bill Howe offers tips on what to do if your water heater is leaking.

Popping Noises

If you hear strange snapping or popping sounds coming from your water heater, there’s no reason to worry. The sounds mean that sediments are mixing together, and the water heater simply needs to be rinsed. Call Bill Howe Plumbing and let our technician get it done for you promptly.

Water Takes Too Long to Turn Warm

Most likely, this indicates an issue with the heating element in your water heater. A specialist can determine if the heating element can be fixed or needs to be replaced with a new one.

Sudden Temperature Change

Have you noticed sudden splashes of cold water while hot water is supposed to be running? If this starts happening, it’s most likely that there’s a crack in the dip tube connecting cold water with your water heater. Request a specialist visit with Bill Howe Plumbing for your water heater repair.

Your Water Heater Isn’t Working – What’s Next?

In the event of a water heater suddenly not working, don’t try to repair it yourself. You might potentially cause more damage that would result in additional work and repair cost. Your safest bet is to call a professional at Bill Howe and have a certified plumber conduct an inspection and make necessary water heater repairs. You can call us anytime to request any water treatment services.

The Decision to Repair or Replace

As your water heater gets older, more issues can arise. Some will be easy fixes, such as replacing the heating element. Others require replacement, such as a leak in the tank. For other issues, decide how much to put into repairs before replacing the heater. We can discuss your options with you to help you determine when it’s time to upgrade your system to a new one.

With new technology, you have more choices for types of water heating systems. You must also consider the size of the system for your household. We can help you choose the right size to ensure enough hot water for everyone’s usage. With a conventional water heater, you will need to decide on the tank size that will provide your family with the amount of hot water it needs. With tankless water heaters, you have hot water all the time.

The two most popular types of water heaters are conventional and tankless. Conventional water heaters include a tank that holds the heated water, and they are the most common systems found in homes. Tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or recirculation systems. They don’t store hot water but heat it as the water comes through the pipes. You can choose gas or electric tankless systems, just as with conventional water heaters.

Heat pumps and solar water heaters are two other systems that use natural resources to heat your water. Heat pump water heaters transfer heat from the ground or the air to the water. Solar heaters use solar panels mounted on the roof to heat the water. Talk to our team about water heater replacement and what works best for your home or business.