WATER
HEATERS

Tank water heaters (40-75 gallon) are the standard in most Santa Clara County homes. They're reliable, affordable to install, and straightforward to maintain. Lifespan: 8-12 years. Best for: homes with predictable hot water usage patterns and existing tank infrastructure. Brands we install: Rheem, Bradford White, AO Smith.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand — no storage tank, no standby energy loss. They last 20+ years, take up minimal space, and never run out of hot water. Higher upfront cost, but lower monthly energy bills. Best for: homes with high hot water demand, smaller utility spaces, or homeowners planning to stay long-term. Brands we install: Rinnai, Navien, Noritz.

Tank-to-tankless conversion: Upgrading from tank to tankless requires gas line upsizing (most tankless units need 3/4" gas), new venting (direct vent through the wall, not up the existing flue), and potentially electrical work for the control board. We handle the full conversion including permits.

Age: Tank heaters over 10 years old are living on borrowed time. Check the serial number — the first four digits typically encode the manufacture date.

Rusty water: Rust-colored hot water (but clear cold water) means the tank is corroding internally. The anode rod has failed and the tank lining is deteriorating. Replace before it ruptures.

Rumbling or popping sounds: Sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank hardens and causes popping noises when the burner fires. A flush can help if caught early. If the sediment is calcite, the tank is usually past saving.

Leaking from the base: A puddle under your water heater is an emergency. The tank is failing and will eventually rupture. Shut off the gas/power and the cold water supply, and call us immediately.