Water Heater Services in Ventura

Water Heater Replacement in Ventura County

Living up to our reputation as the number one plumbing contractor in Ventura County, Gallegos Plumbing offers full-service traditional tank and tankless water heater installation, repair, and preventive maintenance.

At Gallegos Plumbing, we believe every household deserves the convenience and luxury of hot water. At the first sign of trouble with your traditional or tankless water, don’t hesitate to contact our plumbing professionals for an inspection and same-day quote. Gallegos Plumbing is certified and insured to keep your water heater in tip-top shape and even install a brand new model in your home.

If you have questions about our water heater services or would like to schedule an inspection, call us today at (805) 243-2622.

Water Heater Repair

You might be wondering how to know when and why your water heater requires professional repair and maintenance. At Gallego’s Plumbing, we urge homeowners and property managers to catch warning signs early on to avoid more costly repairs, damages, and replacements in the future.

Here are a few tell-tale signs that your water heater requires attention:

• Internal Leakage In The Tank
• Heater Drain Valve Build-Up
• High Temperature & Pressure
• Loose Inlet & Outlet Connection

Water Heater Replacement

When your water heater shows more than just one warning sign (as indicated above), it could be time to replace it. For example, when you do not get enough hot water or any hot water at all, your water heater is most likely faulty, and it will be more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than repair it.

When it comes time to replace your water heater, our certified and insured professionals at Gallegos Plumbing will help you choose the best water heater for your household. We are trained and experienced to install the following types of water heaters into homes all over Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters only provide hot water when it’s needed, making them energy efficient and environmentally sustainable–a worthwhile investment that will bring your household long-term savings. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years, exceeding the typical 10-15 years for a traditional tank water heater. They also eliminate the risk of tank leaks and severe water damage to your home.

Tank vs Tankless Water Heater

The main difference between tankless and tank water heaters lies in how they heat and store water.

Tank Water Heaters:

• Storage: These units have a large tank that stores a set amount of hot water, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons.
• Heating Method: They continuously heat the water in the tank, keeping it ready for use.
• Recovery Rate: They can run out of hot water, but they can refill and heat more as needed.
• Energy Use: They can be less efficient because they maintain the temperature of the stored water, leading to heat loss.

Tankless Water Heaters:

• On-Demand Heating: They heat water directly as it flows through the unit, so there’s no storage tank.
• Unlimited Hot Water: They provide a continuous supply of hot water, making them ideal for households with high demand.
• Energy Efficiency: Typically more energy-efficient, as they only use energy when hot water is needed, reducing standby heat loss.

In summary, tank water heaters store hot water and can run out, while tankless water heaters heat water on demand, providing an endless supply.

The Benefits Of Tankless Water Heaters

Whether you need to replace an old, faulty water heater or install a brand new water heater into your house, there are several advantages to opting for a modern tankless water heater, which we’ve included below.

• Hot Water On Demand: Endless hot water means you’ll never run out in the middle of a shower or have to wait for the water to heat up. There are also a few models out there that create instant hot water for your fixtures.
• Compact: Tankless water heaters are mounted onto the wall. Because they do not have a huge holding tank of hot water, they are much smaller than the traditional water heater.
• Cost-Effective & Environmentally Friendly: Because they aren’t constantly working to keep a tank of water hot, tankless options are less wasteful and more energy efficient. The tankless water heaters that offer built in recirculating pumps help give instant hot water, so you waste less water and save more money. The energy savings with a tankless water heater will be reflected in your utility bill, which makes it a quality long-term investment for any homeowner.

Water Heater FAQ

Before calling a local plumbing professional, we understand that you might have some preliminary questions about repairing, maintaining, or installing a new water heater–traditional or tankless. Here are some of the common water heater queries we receive at Gallegos Plumbing.

Can a homeowner install a water heater on their own?

Although most city ordinances and building codes allow homeowners the right to install their own water heaters, we still recommend hiring a licensed plumbing expert to set up your new water heater because they have the tools and knowledge to set up your plumbing system for long-term success. If you’re a homeowner and decide to install a water heater on your own, you will still need to procure a permit and have your water heater inspected for safety once it’s installed.

How much does a water heater inspection cost?

Inspection costs vary according to each plumbing contractor, but at Gallegos Plumbing, we believe in quality services at an affordable cost and offer financing options.

How do you know when/if your water heater needs to be repaired?

Noticing issues with your water heater early on can save you up to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars down the road. These are some tell-tale signs that your water heater requires maintenance and/or repair.

• 10+ Years Old: Most traditional water heaters have a lifespan of about 15 years. To determine how old your water heater is, look at the last 4 digits of its serial number, which typically denotes the month and year it was manufactured. You can also submit the full serial number to the manufacturer to determine your water heater’s age.
• Noticeable Noise: Over time, water heaters collect mineral deposits and sediment build-up at the bottom of their tanks. If you hear any rumbling, crackling, or popping coming from your water heater, this is a sure sign that it is working too hard and/or the built up debris is causing damage inside the tank. At Gallegos Plumbing, we suggest having your water heater serviced and flushed out at least once a year to clear any sediment and mineral build-up.
• Lack Of Hot Water: Whether your water heater is fueled by gas or electricity, if it stops heating water, a variety of factors can be causing this such as: a worn heating element, faulty thermostat, or sediment build-up. With an inspection from a certified plumbing professional, your water heater will receive the maintenance and repair it requires–sometimes you might just need to insulate your tank and pipes.
• Reddish Brown Water: If your water starts to turn a rusty color, this can be a sign that your water heater or pipes are corroded and will require immediate inspection. We suggest having the anode, an aluminum rod at the top of your water heater, inspected annually for any signs of rust or corrosion.
• Leaking: Seeing any water dripping or pooling near your water heater can indicate a faulty pressure valve or a crack in the tank itself. Regular maintenance of your water heater will prevent leaks and ensure that all components are not just in working order, but operating at peak performance.

What is the best water heater brand?

At Gallegos Plumbing, we believe in providing quality solutions with top-shelf materials and equipment. Some of the latest and greatest brands of water heaters include but aren’t limited to: Rheem, Bradford white for traditional or Navien and Rinnai for tankless.

Is it dangerous to have a leaking water heater?

Leaking water heaters can, in fact, present danger to your home and household. More often than not, leaks are caused by or can cause a build-up of pressure, which in turn can lead to an explosion or fire.

How much time does it take to replace a water heater?

To install a brand new water heater in your home safely and thoroughly, it will typically take 2 to 3 hours to complete the job if no further issues arise. When you choose Gallegos Plumbing, you can rest assured knowing that your water heater will be installed securely and correctly the first time around–with no callbacks needed!

Water Heater 101

Water heaters are an integral appliance for a modern home’s plumbing system, so we understand it goes without saying that you need your water heater to function properly at all times. On average, a traditional tank water heater will last about 8 to 12 years. With proper maintenance, homeowners can extend the expected lifespan up to 15 years, but even with the best care, you will eventually need to repair and/or replace your water heater.

We all know that maintaining your water heater is crucial–especially during the winter. If your water heater’s tank appears rusty, this is a surefire sign that your water heater will require maintenance and even replacement. Be on the lookout for signs of muddy water and smell or taste the water to determine if your water heater requires attention. If your home’s hot water has a metallic taste to it, this indicates that the water heater tank and/or your pipes have corrosion. Also, if you hear your water heater making loud cracks and pops, then you will need to contact a plumbing professional to inspect and clear out any build-up of mineral deposits or sediment.

Gallegos Plumbing offers water heater repair and replacement as well as flushing maintenance. If your water heater is 10+ years old, you will need to keep an eye out for any leaks to avoid any dangerous pressure build-up. In the event that your water heater requires replacement, our team will help you find the best fit for your home–whether it’s a traditional tank water heater or tankless water heater. For the comfort and safety of you and your family, do not ignore the warning signs of a failing water heater.