This job started with a failed 12-year-old Rheem 40-gallon natural gas water heater that had ruptured and was actively leaking all over the stand. The tank was beyond repair, so a full replacement was needed — along with several safety and code upgrades.

We removed the old unit and installed a new Bradford White 40-gallon natural gas water heater, then upgraded the surrounding plumbing to bring everything up to modern standards.

The original setup had rigid copper supply lines and no expansion tank. We made several improvements:

• Installed a new ball valve for reliable shut-off

• Added a 2.5-gallon thermal expansion tank to protect the system from pressure buildup

• Removed the old copper supply lines and replaced them with 24″ stainless steel flex connectors for safer, more serviceable connections

These upgrades help prevent future leaks, pressure damage, and premature failure of the new water heater.

After the new heater was set, we focused on drainage, safety, and code upgrades. A new plastic water heater pan was installed so it won’t rust or corrode, and the unit was elevated so it won’t sit in water if the pan ever fills. We ran 1″ PVC from the pan to safely direct any future leaks away from the area, and modified the TPR discharge line so it drains properly and meets code.

On the gas side, we installed a new gas flex line and added a sediment trap (drip leg) to keep debris out of the gas valve and ensure safe operation. Once everything was connected, the tank was filled, air was bled from the system, all joints were checked for leaks, and the unit fired right up—delivering hot water in about 40 minutes.

To see more of the work we complete for homeowners across Escondido and nearby areas, visit our full list of recent plumbing jobs.