Tucson Water Heaters
Curtis Plumbing has decades of experience replacing and installing water heaters and water tanks in Southern Arizona. Whether you have a leak, a noisy heater, or your heater is just not working – we can either repair or replace your water heating unit. Our experienced service technician will inspect your heater and make a recommendation based on fuel source and size of your household. If a new heater is needed, the technician will discuss your options and give you an estimate. When you are ready, we can provide the unit you select, install it, and make sure that all fixtures and areas around the water heater are up to code. Our technician will also haul away your previous unit. The work area will be left clean, and the technician will answer any questions you might have about your new heater. Same day service is often available.
The cost to replace an older water tank varies. However, an easy swap out of an older unit with a same size unit using the same fuel source can generally be completed for $200-300 in labor + material. You may also call to schedule an on site estimate. There will be a minimum service charge but it will be applied to the contract price if you accept our bid.
Curtis Plumbing is also experienced in new construction and commercial plumbing. If you are remodeling your home, we can consult with you about your water heater options and help you decide the best choice for your situation. We can also consult and install on your office building.
Learn more about water heaters below.
Water Heaters and Water Tanks
A water heater is a storage and heating system for your hot water needs. There are a number of different types of water heaters, and there are various items to keep in mind when maintaining them and/or repairing them.
Types of Water Heaters and Tanks
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are the most common and are found in most residential homes. Water becomes heated faster than with electric heaters, and the cost to run gas heaters is about half of what electric heaters expend to heat the same quantity of water.
Electric Water Heaters
Traditional electric water heaters are generally not as efficient or environmentally friendly as natural gas water heaters. If you currently have an electric heater and gas is available in your area, then you might consider upgrading your heater to a gas heater.
Tankless Water Heater Systems
Tankless water heating systems, often called instantaneous water heaters, heat water on demand as you need it. This design offers both advantages and drawbacks. First, tankless systems can provide a nearly endless supply of hot water. Additionally, they improve energy efficiency because they eliminate standby heating and reduce heat loss.
However, tankless water heaters typically cost more to purchase and install than traditional tank models. If you retrofit a tankless system into an existing home, you will likely need to upgrade your gas line or increase your electrical service capacity. These upgrades often add $1,000 to $2,000 to the total installation cost, so homeowners should plan accordingly.
Water Heaters for Mobile Homes
Code requires specific manufactured water heater for mobile homes to comply with safety issues. If you are calling for quotes on a replacement water heater for a mobile home, please advise the dispatcher of your type of home. This allows them to correctly quote the type and price of the water heater.
Draining Your Water Heater
Draining a water heater helps extend its lifespan. Over time, heated water leaves mineral deposits behind—especially in Tucson, where the water is particularly hard. If you don’t drain your water heater periodically, sediment can build up and clog the drain valve, reducing the unit’s efficiency. For this reason, most manufacturers recommend draining a water heater every 6 to 12 months.
At Curtis Plumbing, we recommend Bradford White water heaters with self-cleaning technology that circulates water inside the tank to minimize buildup. Even so, we still advise draining and flushing the system annually to maintain optimal performance. Curtis Plumbing can handle this service for you through a scheduled maintenance plan.
Replacement and Leaks in Your Water Heater
If you notice that your water heater is leaking, check to see if the leak is coming from the water supply line or look around the base of the water heater. If you notice any water marks or any amount of rusting, you may need to replace the heater.
Flushing a Water Heater
You should flush out your water heater at least once or twice a year. This can keep the buildup of deposits to a minimum. It can help keep your water heater operating more efficiently and help extend your water heater’s life.
