A water heater failure is an emergency
A tank that leaks through its shell can release dozens of gallons before anyone notices, which is why the first minutes matter. Once the water is off, the questions move to what size and fuel type you want, and whether your venting and gas line are ready for it.
We handle both in one visit when possible. A crew arrives, confirms the size and type with you, and gives a clear price before work starts. After-hours calls are answered the same way, so you are not waiting until a showroom opens.
Repair or replace: a decision guide
| If this is true | Lean toward | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tank is leaking through the shell | Replace | The steel liner has failed and a patch will not hold |
| Tank is more than about ten years old with repeated repairs | Replace | Each repair buys little time on a worn tank |
| Tank is younger and only a part failed | Repair | A new element or thermocouple costs far less |
| Hot water runs out for a growing household | Replace with larger or tankless | Capacity, not the part, is the problem |
| You plan to sell soon | Replace if near end of life | A working, strapped unit removes an inspection issue |
If you are unsure which row you are in, our water heater repair page explains the diagnosis first. We would rather fix a part than sell a tank you do not need.
Tank, tankless or heat pump hybrid
Traditional tank
- Lower upfront cost
- Familiar installation
- Limited hot water supply per cycle
- Standby heat loss
Tankless or hybrid
- Hot water on demand with tankless
- Less standby loss
- Higher upfront cost
- May need gas line, venting or electrical upgrades
Heat pump water heaters are a growing option in California, and some installations qualify for utility or state incentives. We do not promise a rebate, because programs change, so check the current offers before you buy. Our tankless water heater page explains sizing and maintenance for on-demand units.
What a proper replacement includes
- Shutting off and draining the old unit, then hauling it away.
- New flexible water connectors and a shutoff valve on the cold line.
- A temperature and pressure relief valve with a drain pipe that ends 6 to 24 inches above the ground, per the code items in the City of Martinez handout.
- Seismic straps: two straps, plus a third on tanks over 52 gallons.
- A gas shutoff valve and flexible connector, or a correct electrical disconnect.
- Checking the vent for proper rise and clearance to combustibles on gas units.
- Testing for leaks and gas tightness before we leave.
The Martinez handout also notes that every water heater installation needs a permit, and replacements can be issued over the counter. Pleasant Hill may handle this differently, so ask the Pleasant Hill building division. We will tell you what paperwork your job needs before we start.
Tank failed overnight?
Call the 24/7 line and tell us the tank size and fuel. We will line up a replacement visit.
Planning around your home
Garages are the most common location for tanks in this part of Contra Costa County, and the code asks that gas burners sit at least 18 inches above the floor unless the unit is rated for flammable vapor resistance. Closets and attics need extra attention for venting and drip pans.
If your new unit is bigger than the old one, we check that the space, the gas line and the vent can handle it before ordering.
What drives the cost of a replacement
Your price depends on the unit and the home. The usual factors:
Insurance generally covers the water damage from a sudden tank failure but not the replacement tank. Ask your insurer before cleanup begins.
Want your real number? Describe the job on the call and we quote it before work starts.
Where we install
Replacements are scheduled across 94523 and the surrounding area, including 94518 near Concord and 94549 in Lafayette. The Lafayette page explains hillside access details that can affect an install.
The replacement checklist above comes from the California Plumbing Code items summarized in the City of Martinez handout, and the code itself is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Inspectors in your city may add local requirements.
Common questions
Yes. The 24/7 line takes calls any hour, and we book a replacement visit for the same day when a crew and the right unit are available.
Many tank swaps take a few hours when the space is accessible. Tankless conversions and venting changes take longer.
Water heater installations generally need a permit in California cities, including replacements. Ask the Pleasant Hill building division, and we will help with the details.
Yes. Removal of the old unit is part of a standard replacement.
It depends on the number of people and bathrooms. We size by household use, not just by what was there before.
California Plumbing Code calls for bracing so a tank does not tip in an earthquake. The Martinez handout lists the strap layout we follow.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.