Fountain Hills homeowners usually replace a water heater when the tank starts leaking, the hot water discolors or the unit can't keep up anymore. Hard water from EPCOR, at about 16 grains per gallon, is a big part of why tanks here wear down. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Fountain Hills.
Why do water heaters wear out in Fountain Hills?
Age and minerals, mostly. The Town does not run its own water utility; EPCOR's Chaparral City district supplies Fountain Hills and part of Scottsdale with a mix of Central Arizona Project water, Lake Pleasant water and local groundwater, disinfected with chlorine. EPCOR's water quality report puts hardness at about 16 grains per gallon. Water that hard drops calcium and magnesium on the bottom of a tank every time it heats. The scale insulates the burner or coats the elements, so the heater works harder, makes popping sounds and loses capacity. Eventually the steel underneath corrodes through.
Flushing the new tank yearly and keeping an eye on the anode rod slow that process. Many owners here also add a water softener.
Do I need a permit, and from whom?
Permits are handled by the Town of Fountain Hills Building Safety team in the Planning and Zoning Department, through its online system called TOPPS. The Town's page does not specifically list water heater or plumbing permits, so ask the installer to check with Building Safety at 480-816-5123 before the job. Work that involves new gas piping, a different fuel or relocating the heater is the kind most likely to need one.
Who do I call about gas, water or sewer problems?
Southwest Gas supplies natural gas in town. The Town's utility page says to call 911 and 877-860-6020 for a suspected leak; leave the house first and call from outside.
Water and sewer come from two separate providers. For water outages or trouble, EPCOR's line is 800-383-0834. Sewer is the job of the Fountain Hills Sanitary District, a separate special district, which takes calls about broken lines in the public right-of-way or its easements at 480-837-9444. Neither is run by the Town.
One more thing to know
A heater in a hillside home may sit in a garage that is lower than the living space, or in an interior closet. Tell the plumber where yours is and how hard it is to reach, since access affects both time and price. Have the size and fuel from the label ready too, and mention whether you would like a price on a softener or a tankless unit alongside a straight replacement.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Fountain Hills
How will the local water affect a new tank?
Who do I call if I smell gas near the water heater?
Is now a good time to switch to a tankless water heater?
How do I find out who supplies my water?
More plumbing services in Fountain Hills
Water Heater Replacement nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: