A Moran Prairie homeowner called us on a December morning with water spreading across the basement floor from a leaking gas water heater. In Spokane, a failing water heater in December is not something that waits. We were on site by 8:00 AM and had hot water restored the same day.
The Call
The homeowner noticed water on the floor near the unit and was not sure whether it was a fitting, a valve, or the tank itself. That distinction matters. A leaking connection is a repair. A leaking tank is a replacement, because once the steel liner fails there is no patching it.
What We Found
Our technician traced the leak to the tank itself, which meant replacement was the only safe option. Water had already spread well past the base of the unit by the time we arrived.
Spokane water is hard enough that sediment builds steadily inside a tank over the years. That sediment traps heat against the bottom of the tank, which accelerates corrosion and shortens the life of the unit. It is the most common reason we replace water heaters on the South Hill.
The Replacement
Our team drained and removed the old unit, then set and connected a new 50 gallon Bradford White natural gas water heater rated at 40,000 BTU. We also installed a pressure expansion tank, which relieves the pressure that builds as water heats and takes real strain off the new tank over its lifetime.
The work was permitted through Spokane County and passed inspection later that month. Hot water was back the same day.
Before and After
Materials and Equipment
- Bradford White RG250T6N natural gas water heater, 50 gallon, 40,000 BTU
- Pressure expansion tank
- Spokane County permit and inspection
Warranty
The tank carries its manufacturer warranty, and this installation is covered by the five year plumbing installation warranty included with the Raptor Titanium membership.
Serving Moran Prairie and the South Hill
We work throughout Moran Prairie and the wider South Hill in southeast Spokane, from Regal Street and E 57th Avenue out past S Hatch Road and the Palouse Highway. If your home sits anywhere in 99223, whether that is near the Moran Prairie Library, Prairie View Community Park, or the newer builds south of 57th, our water heater team can tell you whether you are looking at a repair or a replacement. We also install tankless water heaters for homeowners who want to stop replacing tanks altogether, and we offer financing on full replacements.
Need a water heater looked at?
Water heaters rarely fail at a convenient time. We cover Spokane, Spokane Valley and North Idaho, same day where we can get to you.