Is your solar water heater leaking, running short of hot water or ready for a replacement tank? Water Heating Experts helps homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities with solar hot-water tank replacement and associated plumbing service.
Family owned · Master plumber owned · Florida plumbing contractor CFC1426133
Solar water heater tank replacement and plumbing service
A solar hot-water system has several parts, and a problem with one part does not automatically mean everything needs replacing. We start with the existing tank, your hot-water concerns and the work needed to reconnect a suitable replacement.
- Storage-tank replacement: review the existing solar tank, available space and connections before selecting replacement equipment.
- Piping and connection repairs: address tank-side leaks, aging fittings and plumbing changes required for the installation.
- Repair-or-replace advice: compare the condition of the tank, the identified problem and the proposed work.
Our focus is the storage tank and associated plumbing. Work involving rooftop collectors or other solar-system components may require coordination with a qualified solar-thermal specialist. We confirm the scope before accepting the project.
A WHE solar water heater replacement: before and after
This project replaced an older American solar-electric water heater with an A. O. Smith Cirrex solar water heater. The photos show the change in the tank and surrounding plumbing, including reworked copper connections and an expansion tank above the replacement unit.
The close-up views show the original connections and the new copper piping during installation. They document a stage of the work before the expansion tank was fitted.
What matters when replacing a solar water heater tank?
The tank needs to work with the existing solar equipment. Matching gallon capacity alone is not enough. Before recommending a replacement, we review:
- Tank and system compatibility: the current model, collector-loop connections and any heat exchanger.
- Household demand: how much hot water you use and when you tend to run short.
- Access and clearance: the removal route, tank dimensions and room for piping and future service.
- Backup heating: the replacement tank’s electrical requirements and the existing setup.
- Water-side details: pressure, expansion control, temperature control, relief-valve discharge and drainage.
Your estimate identifies the equipment and work proposed for your home.
How a solar hot-water tank works
Solar-thermal collectors capture heat from sunlight for household hot water. An insulated tank stores the heated water. Many systems also use backup heating for cloudy weather or times when solar heat cannot meet demand.
Some solar tanks include an electric backup element. A. O. Smith’s direct solar booster tanks, for example, store solar-heated water and provide supplemental electric heating. The tank is one component of the system; collectors and circulation equipment are separate.
For equipment details, see our guides to the A. O. Smith SUN-80 110 solar tank and SUN-120 110 solar tank. We confirm compatibility and availability for each project.
When to ask about solar water heater service
Contact us if you notice water around the tank, dripping connections, a change in water temperature or less hot water than usual. Tell us when the problem occurs and whether anything recently changed. Photos of the tank, piping and any visible controls help us understand the setup.
If you are deciding whether to keep an existing solar system, we can also discuss hybrid heat-pump water heaters and other replacement options. The comparison should account for the existing equipment, household demand, installation space and overall project cost.
Solar water heater questions
Can you replace the tank and keep the solar collectors?
Sometimes. A compatible replacement tank may be an option when the rest of the system is suitable for continued use. The collectors, connections and other equipment need to be considered before the scope is confirmed.
Can a regular electric water heater replace a solar tank?
A standard electric heater is not automatically a direct replacement for a solar storage tank. Keeping the solar system requires compatible connections and equipment. Converting to a different type of water heater is a separate project that should account for the existing solar equipment.
Will a solar water heater provide hot water on cloudy days?
Many systems use backup heating when solar heat is insufficient. Available hot water depends on the system’s backup capacity, tank size, condition and household use.
What does a solar tank replacement cost?
The price depends on the replacement tank, access, plumbing changes and the condition of the existing setup. Send WHE photos and your service address so we can review the project and discuss an estimate.
Does a solar water heater need maintenance?
Yes. Maintenance depends on the tank and solar-system design. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and have the appropriate professional assess the tank, plumbing and solar components. Tell us the make and model so we can discuss suitable service.
Local help with your solar water heater
Water Heating Experts serves Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, West Palm Beach, Wellington and nearby communities. Send us a few photos and tell us what is happening with your hot water.
Text 561-602-9062 to start the conversation, or request a free installation estimate.
Learn more: U.S. Department of Energy solar water heating overview and A. O. Smith direct solar booster tank information.