Mentone water heaters usually need one part replaced, such as a thermocouple, element, thermostat or valve, and a plumber can often do that in a single visit. A tank leaking from its body needs replacing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Mentone.
Local conditions in Mentone
Mentone is an unincorporated foothill community east of Redlands on the south bank of the Santa Ana River, with north-south streets named for gemstones and SR-38 leading up into the San Bernardino Mountains. It sits in the City of Redlands' eastern sphere of influence, and Redlands extends water and sewer service to unincorporated Mentone parcels case by case, so service can vary by address.
Homes on Redlands water get a blend of Mill Creek watershed water, Santa Ana River water treated at the Hinckley Water Treatment Plant north of Mentone, groundwater from wells in Redlands, Mentone and Yucaipa, and State Water Project water when needed. Ask the City of Redlands for its current water quality report to see hardness figures for your supply. Like most local water, it carries minerals that leave sediment in a tank. If your parcel is not connected to Redlands water, ask your provider for its report instead.
Because Mentone is unincorporated San Bernardino County, permits are not handled by a city. Check with San Bernardino County about the permit before a replacement; a plumber who works in the area will know the process and can file it. Any new install will also be checked for seismic straps, proper venting and a relief valve line that drains to a safe spot.
Repair or replace: a quick guide
| Situation | Leans repair | Leans replace |
|---|---|---|
| No hot water | Pilot, thermocouple, element or thermostat | Burner or tank badly corroded |
| Leak | Drain valve, relief valve or fitting | Tank body seeping |
| Noise | Sediment that flushes out | Loud even after flushing |
| Age | Under about 10 years | Older with several problems |
Signs to watch for
- Pilot outages on windy or cold nights
- Showers turning lukewarm early
- Water stains or a damp pan
- Rusty water from hot taps only
Seasonal notes
Foothill winters bring colder incoming water and occasional frost on exposed pipes, so heaters work hardest and fail most often then. A flush and relief valve check in the fall is a good habit, and insulating any exposed supply pipe near a garage heater helps on the coldest nights. For a gas smell, leave first, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.
Water Heater Repair questions in Mentone
Is a permit required for water heater repair or replacement?
Should I call my water provider or a plumber about a hot water problem?
Why won't the pilot light on my gas water heater stay on?
How often should a tank water heater be flushed?
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