115 E. Plata St.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Open 7am - 7pm Monday - Friday
Open 8am - 3pm Saturday
Closed Sunday
Our Water Heaters
Gas Water Heaters
Gas Water Heaters are the most common Water Heaters in Southern Arizona because they are more cost effective than Electric Water Heaters. They are characterized by the large (3" - 4" in diameter) exhaust pipe on top of the tank that extends up through the roof or out through a wall. Gas Water Heaters generally last about 8 years in the Tucson area. We carry both Rheem and Bradford White Gas Water Heaters. Visit our Gas Water Heater page for pricing information.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric Water Heaters are usually installed where natural gas is not available in Southern Arizona. Electric Water Heaters cost more than twice as much to operate when compared to a Gas Water Heater. Electric Water Heaters also have a shorter life span (about 5-6 years) as they tend to have lime buildup on the bottom of the tanks, which causes corrosion of the tank. The Marathon Electric Water Heater from Rheem is one Water Heater than does not have a metal tank and will last longer. We carry both Rheem and Bradford White Electric Water Heaters. Visit our Electric Water Heater page for pricing information.
Water Heaters For Tucson
Water Heaters are appliances that keep our hot water hot. There are many types of water heaters today, from solar, natural gas, propane gas, electric, tankless and instantaneous. Most people that replace a water heater choose to replace it with what was in there before. It is usually the most economical way to go. There are tax credits available for installing more energy efficient water heaters. These more energy efficient models do not cost that much more. Be sure to check into these models. Southwest Gas is offering a $75 rebate if you install a gas water heater in Tucson that has a .62 EF rating.
Online Water Heater Ordering
If you're ready to replace your existing water heater with a new one, we have online ordering available. We can usually install the same day depending on the time you place your order. Once we receive your order, we will contact you and schedule the installation time.
Long Term Cost Of Water Heaters In Tucson
| Water Heater Type |
Efficiency (EF) |
Install Cost |
Yearly Energy Cost |
Maint. Cost (10 years) |
Life (years) |
Total Cost (10 years) |
| Gas (Natural) | .60 | $700 | $350 | $0 | 8 | $4375 |
| Gas (Natural) higher Eff. | .62 | $700 | $339 | $0 | 8 | $4265 |
| Electric | .90 | $700 | $513 | $150 | 6 | $6447 |
| Tankless Gas | .82 | $2000 | $256 | $400 | 10 | $4960 |
| Solar with electric back-up | 1.20 | $4,800 | $175 | $500 | 10 | $7050 |
| Heat pump Water Heaters | 2.20 | $1600 | $190 | $200 | 8 | $4100 |
| Vertex Gas Water Heater | .96 | $2300 | $218 | $0 | 8 | $4480 |
These numbers reflect our field experience within the Tucson Water Heater market. Heat pump water heaters are the best value, however, they are hard to come by. We do not know of a major water heater manufacturer producing Heat Pump Water Heaters. For Tucson, Arizona it looks like your most economical and available choice is the Gas High Efficiency water heater.
Repair or Replace?
Do I repair or replace my water heater? This may be the first decision you come across if your water heater is not working properly. As a general rule, gas water heaters last about 10 years and electric water heaters about 8 years in Tucson, Arizona. If your water heater is leaking from the tank, it's a pretty simple decision, you need to replace it. Tucson has some of the hardest water around and it tends to eat away at the metal water heater tanks.
Now if the tank is not leaking but the water heater just isn't working, you may have to make a value judgment here. You probably don't want to repair a water heater that is only going to start to leak in the next year or two. So, if your water heater is within about 2 years of reaching its life expectancy, we recommend replacing it. However, if the water heater has more than 2 years of life left in it, we recommend at least having a technician evaluate it.
Simple swap out.
If you plan to just change out your existing water heater with a similar model. You will have to gather this information:
- Size of the water heater: For
tank water heaters you will need the gallons. For
tankless heaters you will need the gallons per minute.
- Fuel Type: Natural gas, Propane
or Electric, Oil or Solar.
- Size of the water heater: You will need the height and width of the heater. Many models come in a standard height and a short height. The size does not have to be exact, but just make sure the new heaters dimensions will fit into the old water heater's space. Newer models tend to be a bit larger because of their increased insulation.
This will be about all the information you will need to gather before placing your water heater order.
Cost to repair a Water Heater.
Usually repairing a water heater is a pretty quick process. A technician can usually repair a water heater within an hours time. Repairs can range from $59 to $150 depending on extent of the repairs. Repairing a water heater is usually done on an hourly basis, plus materials. A technician may be able to give you a flat rate if you ask him before he starts to do the job. You can also call our office, someone may be able to give you an estimate.
Should I go Tankless?
There is a lot of buzz about the tankless water heaters these days. If you are thinking about choosing a tankless water heater as a replacement, do your research well. Most tankless water heaters will not swap straight out with an existing tank water heater. This is mostly because of the gas or electrical requirements that the new tankless water heaters require. These units are also not a good choice if your home has a hot water recirculation system. Tankless heaters are very popular in Europe, but our homes in the states have not been designed for the tankless models. Tankless water heaters also run about 3 times the cost of a regular tank water heater, but may save you around 25 percent on your water heating bill. If you gas meter is within about 10 feet of your existing water heater or your electric supply panel is close to your electric water heater, then a tankless water heater may make since.