Built in 1984? That's a Few Heaters Ago.
U.S. Census data puts the median Tempe home's build year at 1984, the oldest housing of any East Valley city we serve. The Department of Energy puts a tank water heater's typical life at 10 to 15 years, so most Tempe homes are on their second, third or fourth heater by now.
In older neighborhoods like Maple-Ash and Mitchell Park, the heater is often not the only original part left. A replacement is a good time to look at the shut-off valves and supply lines around it, and some older homes still have galvanized lines that rust from the inside.
Tempe's 2025 water quality report lists hardness averaging 12.3 grains per gallon, with readings from 10.4 to 32.6 depending on how much well water is in the mix. That sediment shortens a heater's life when it isn't flushed.
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Signs It's Time, Not Just a Repair
A heater that is done usually tells you:
- Water at the base that comes back after you dry it, or rust on the tank seams
- Rusty or metallic-smelling hot water while the cold stays clear
- Rumbling that a flush no longer fixes, and hot water that runs out sooner every year
- A heater past 10 to 15 years that now needs a major part
If only a part has failed (an igniter, element, thermostat or relief valve) and the tank is dry, repair usually makes more sense. See water heater service. We'll tell you which one you're looking at.
Choosing the Replacement
Three common paths, and what each one involves:
- Same size, same fuel: the simplest and lowest-cost swap. We check the venting, gas or electrical connection, relief valve line and drain pan while the old unit is out.
- Bigger tank: worth it if the household has grown, but check that the closet or garage space, venting and gas supply can handle it first.
- Tankless: endless hot water and about 20 years of expected life (Department of Energy), at a higher upfront cost. Converting often means gas line, venting or electrical changes. See tankless water heater installation.
Rusty water from the cold side too, or pressure that has dropped over the years? That points to the pipes, not the heater. See repiping.
Current Water Heater Offers
$200 off a new water heater installation, or $500 off a tankless upgrade. See all current coupons.
Every replacement starts with our $99 service call. We look at the old heater and its hookups, then quote the replacement upfront. The $99 goes toward the job if you go ahead.