Perris water heaters that stop heating, leak at a valve or rumble while running can usually be repaired with one part and a flush. Homes on the hardest local water see sediment problems sooner. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Perris.
Perris water and your heater
Eastern Municipal Water District took over the former City of Perris water system and now serves the whole city. EMWD's water is a mix of imported Colorado River and State Water Project supply plus local groundwater, and the hardness varies a great deal by source. Its 2023 Consumer Confidence Report lists Mills plant water at an average of 4.7 grains per gallon and Perris plant water at 9.9, while the Perris Valley wells, which serve a limited area along Perris Boulevard near the Ramona Expressway, average about 20 grains per gallon. Homes on that well water can see tanks fill with scale far faster than elsewhere in town. Whichever source reaches your street, flushing sediment from the tank once a year or so is a sensible maintenance habit in Perris, and it is worth asking the plumber to check the anode rod at the same visit.
What to do right now
- Smell gas? Leave the house, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.
- For a leak, shut the cold-water valve on top of the heater and turn the gas control to off or switch off the breaker.
- Catch drips with a bucket and move anything that could be damaged.
- Check the label for the manufacture date and fuel type.
- Note whether the pilot is out, the breaker tripped or a tankless unit shows an error code.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rumbling or popping | Heavy sediment, common on very hard water |
| Hot water runs out quickly | Failed lower element, broken dip tube or scale buildup |
| Pilot goes out | Thermocouple, dirty pilot or draft trouble |
| Water at the base | Drain valve, relief valve or a failing tank |
| Sulfur smell from hot water | Anode rod reaction in the tank |
Cost factors
The bill depends on the failed part, how long the heater takes to drain and flush, and whether heavy scale has damaged elements or the burner area. Replacements bring added work for venting, straps and a permit, which the City of Perris Development Services Building section issues through its online Accela portal; the plumber can apply. EMWD customers with a leak on the utility side can report it at 800.698.0400.
Water Heater Repair questions in Perris
How does the local water hardness affect my water heater?
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
Can a tankless water heater be repaired?
Why would an electric water heater suddenly stop heating?
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