Rheem gas water heater
Widely available, with atmospheric and power-vent models.
Gas water heater repair and replacement
Gas Water Heater San Antonio
Gas tank leaking, slow to heat or hard to light? An experienced local plumber can repair it or replace it with the right size.
Call (726) 268-4856- Natural gas and propane
- 30 to 75 gallon tanks
- No obligation to hire
Last updated November 8, 2026
Most common size
40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
At a glance
- A 40 gallon gas water heater suits most 2 to 4 person households.
- Gas tanks recover faster than electric tanks of the same size.
- Every gas tank needs a proper vent, gas shutoff, sediment trap and combustion air.
- Call (726) 268-4856 to be connected with an independent local plumber.
A 40 gallon gas water heater is the most common tank in San Antonio homes. Because a gas burner reheats water faster than electric elements, a 40 gallon gas tank often keeps up with a household that would need a 50 gallon electric tank.
A gas water heater burns natural gas or propane under the tank and vents exhaust through a flue to the outside. Atmospheric-vent models use the existing metal vent; power-vent models use a fan and can vent through a side wall with PVC.
We connect you with an independent plumber who repairs and replaces gas water heaters in your area.
Larger households
50 Gallon Gas Water Heater and 30 Gallon Gas Water Heater Sizes
Choose a size by household and the first-hour rating on the label, not by the old tank alone.
| Size | Typical household | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 gallon gas | 1 to 2 people | Short tanks fit under counters and in tight closets |
| 40 gallon gas | 2 to 4 people | The most common replacement size |
| 50 gallon gas | 4 to 5 people | Taller or wider; check closet height and door width |
| 75 gallon gas | 5 or more, large tubs | Often needs a larger vent and gas supply |
A 50 gallon gas water heater suits larger families or homes with a soaking tub. Going up a size may need a larger vent, so the plumber checks before installing.
Fuel
Natural Gas Water Heater vs Propane Water Heater
Gas water heaters are built for one fuel. A natural gas water heater cannot burn propane without a manufacturer conversion kit, and the reverse.
Natural gas
Supplied by CPS Energy in most of San Antonio. A 40 gallon natural gas water heater is the standard swap in city homes.
Propane
Common on the outskirts and in rural areas. Needs a propane-rated unit and a correctly set regulator.
Repairs
Gas Water Heater Repair
Gas water heater repair usually involves the pilot and thermocouple, flame sensor, igniter, gas control valve, burner or venting. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility first. See the water heater repair page for common symptoms.
Gas water heater acting up? Call a local plumber.
Call (726) 268-4856Brands
Rheem Gas Water Heater and Other Brands
Bradford White
Sold through plumbers; many gas models use a sealed combustion design.
A.O. Smith and State
Common in plumber supply houses, with standard and high-efficiency gas tanks.
Homeowner questions
Gas Water Heater FAQs
How long does a gas water heater last?
Commonly about 8 to 12 years. Hard water, sediment and a worn anode rod shorten that. Yearly flushing helps.
Can I replace a gas water heater with an electric one?
Yes, if a 240-volt circuit can be run to the location. Electric tanks recover more slowly, so many households go one size larger.
Why does my gas water heater pilot keep going out?
A failing thermocouple or flame sensor, a dirty pilot, draft problems or a faulty gas valve. A plumber can test each.
Do gas water heater installations need a permit?
Generally yes in San Antonio, because gas and venting are involved. Ask the contractor whether the permit is included.
Do you sell or install gas water heaters?
No. We are a free referral service. We connect you with an independent local plumber who supplies and installs the unit.
Get Connected With a Local Plumber
Tell us the size and age of your gas water heater and what it is doing. We will connect you with an independent local plumber. No obligation to hire.