Water Heater Replacement in Mentone, CA

Mentone conditions first

Mentone is an unincorporated foothill community east of Redlands, on the south bank of the Santa Ana River and at the gateway to the San Bernardino Mountains along SR-38. Its north-south streets are named for gemstones. Being unincorporated means there's no city building department; check with San Bernardino County about the permit, and expect the installing plumber to handle the application.

The City of Redlands provides water to the Redlands and Mentone area. Some Mentone parcels receive Redlands water and sewer through out-of-agency service agreements approved case by case, so service can vary by address. Not every property is necessarily on city sewer. Redlands draws from the Mill Creek and Santa Ana River watersheds, local wells in Redlands, Mentone and Yucaipa, and State Water Project water when required; its Hinckley Water Treatment Plant sits north of Mentone. Hard water is common in the area, so check the Redlands water quality report and plan to flush the new tank yearly.

Being near the foothills, Mentone sees cooler winter nights than the valley floor. Heater piping in garages or exterior closets should be insulated.

Choosing the replacement

Signs it's time

• A leak from the tank body
• Rusty hot water
• Rumbling or popping during heating
• Hot water that runs short
• Corrosion around the top fittings

Seasonal timing

Winter is when weak heaters usually quit, since colder incoming water makes them work harder. Replacing in the fall gives you time to compare quotes and get the permit sorted. During windy stretches, take a look at the vent cap on the roof or wall; a loose or damaged cap is worth mentioning to the plumber, since it can affect how a gas heater drafts. Ask each plumber whether the quote includes the County permit, straps, any vent corrections and removal of the old tank. SoCalGas is the gas utility; if you smell gas, leave right away, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe place.