Rialto homeowners with a cold shower, a dripping relief valve or a heater that won't light usually need a part replaced rather than a whole new unit. A plumber will check the tank's condition before recommending anything bigger. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Rialto.
Who supplies my water, and does it matter for the heater?
In Rialto it depends on the address. The city has three water retailers: the City of Rialto system (Rialto Water Services), West Valley Water District and Fontana Water Company. The city system relies primarily on groundwater from city wells in five adjudicated basins, supplemented by Baseline Feeder water from San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and surface water from the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. Groundwater in the region generally carries a fair load of dissolved minerals, and those minerals settle in a tank as sediment and coat electric elements. Your provider's annual water quality report will list the hardness for your supply, which is useful if you are weighing a softener along with the repair.
Is my heater worth repairing?
Look at three things: the manufacture date on the label, where any water is coming from and how the hot water looks. A tank under about ten years old with a failed thermocouple, gas valve, element or thermostat is usually a sound repair. A leak from the drain valve or relief valve is also fixable. Water seeping from the tank body, rust around the top fittings or rusty hot water from an older unit all point toward replacement. A plumber can also flush sediment and check the anode rod, which can buy years on a tank that is otherwise sound.
Does Rialto need a permit for this?
A full replacement is permitted work, and in Rialto permits come from the City's Building & Safety Division at 150 S. Palm Avenue (909-820-2505), which also offers online permitting through its EnerGov portal. A straightforward part swap generally doesn't change the installation, but confirm with the plumber, who can handle the paperwork if the job becomes a replacement. Earthquake strapping and proper venting will be checked on any new install.
A note on gas safety
If there is a rotten-egg smell near the heater, don't relight the pilot or touch switches. Get everyone outside, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. A plumber can step in once the gas utility has made the home safe.
Water Heater Repair questions in Rialto
What causes popping or rumbling sounds inside the tank?
Why won't the pilot light on my gas water heater stay on?
Does my water heater need earthquake straps?
What should I have ready when I call about my water heater?
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