Sun City West homes were built through 1997, so many water heaters there are on their second or third replacement, and a leaking or noisy tank is usually swapped rather than fixed. As an unincorporated community, Sun City West follows Maricopa County rules, and the County no longer requires a permit to replace an existing water heater. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Sun City West.
Signs it is time for a new heater
- A damp floor or rust streaks at the bottom of the tank
- Hot water that looks cloudy or brown
- A heater that rumbles or crackles
- Hot water running out sooner than it used to
- A pilot that will not stay lit or an element that keeps failing
- The relief valve dripping into its drain line
A single failed part on a newer heater can be repaired. A leaking tank or a heater well past ten years is usually a replacement.
What is different in Sun City West
EPCOR, a private regulated utility, supplies about 15,600 service connections in Sun City West with groundwater from the West Salt River Valley sub-basin, disinfected with chlorine. Its report lists hardness of 3 to 11 grains per gallon, a wide range that is softer than many Valley systems. Even so, sediment collects in tanks over time. EPCOR also maintains the sewer mains here, and its customer line, 1-800-383-0834, takes emergency and outage calls 24 hours a day.
Maricopa County Planning and Development handles building permits for the community. The County no longer requires one to replace an existing water heater installed to manufacturer specifications; an optional permit is available if you want an inspection, which some owners like for peace of mind.
If the home has gas, the utility is on your bill.
Cost factors
- Size, fuel and efficiency of the new heater
- Shutoff valves, connectors or vent parts that have aged out
- Expansion tank, pan or relief line updates
- The optional County inspection, if you want it
- Heater access and disposal of the old unit
What happens when you call
You will be connected with an independent plumber who covers Sun City West. Let them know the heater's size and fuel and whether water is leaking now. If you are away for part of the year, ask about a model with a vacation setting and where to shut off the water to the heater before you leave.
Replacing an existing water heater in unincorporated Maricopa County no longer needs a County permit, but a fuel change or a new gas line is a different job, so ask the plumber which applies to your home.
Water Heater Replacement questions in Sun City West
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater here?
Who do I call if I can't get the water shut off?
How should I maintain the new water heater?
What size water heater should I buy?
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