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Jul 2, 2025
Repair or Replace? Making the Smart Choice for your Home's Water

When you don’t have hot water, you're faced with a crucial decision regarding your water heater system: repair or replace? As experienced plumbers, we've helped thousands of homeowners make this choice. Here's our balanced guide to help you make the best decision for your situation.
When Repair Makes Perfect Sense
Not every water heater issue requires replacement. Here's when repair is often the better choice:
your unit is under 6 years old (most quality repairs will extend life by 3-5 years)
simple component failures that can be replaced for less than 50% of the cost of a new system
a well-maintained water heater is significantly more cost-effective in repairs
When Replacement is the Wiser Investment
Sometimes, investing in a new unit offers better long-term value:
Replacement Considerations
when the unit is over 10 years old and/or a frequent repair need
Declining efficiency
Rust or corrosion signs
energy bills are rising
upgrading to better technology would provide 30-40% better energy efficiency
We're here to help you analyze you make the best decision for you and your family by offering the necessary information that effectively serves your home's needs and your budget. Schedule a consultation today for an honest recommendation based on your specific situation.
Trusted Sonoma County Plumbing.
Real reviews from satisfied customers who rely on us.
5.0
70 Reviews

Gwen R.
Feb 2025
Chris is very knowledgeable, super friendly, prompt, communicates well and follows through. I will continue to use Community Plumbing Services. Thank you Chris!

Becky F.
Feb 2025
Chris responded immediately when we had a concern and offered informed, grounded advice for what to do. We will definitely call him back for future needs!

Tom M.
Jan 2025
Can't say enough positive things about Chris at Community Plumbing. We had an emergency and he fit us in the same day. We'll definitely use him when we next need a plumber and can highly recommend him.

William M.
Jan 2025
Chris from Community Plumbing is such a helpful person. He was able to troubleshoot my leak quickly, resolve it and also talk me through a plan for the future. I'm so glad Community Plumbing is available and I have someone so reliable to call for any future problems or upgrades.

Gabi S.
Jan 2025
Chris has surpassed our expectations. He came quickly for a tricky situation in an old cottage and went beyond the call of duty to figure out the problem…we are so glad we found this outstanding plumbing.

Greg C.
Jan 2025
Chris took care of several issues for us in plumbing our hot water heater, plumbing, double sink vanity moving a gas line and multiple other plumbing issues. I would strongly recommend Chris to anybody that needs any plumbing done at their home or business.

Robert Z.
Nov 2024
As a local property manager in the area Community Plumbing is the first plumber I call for all my plumbing needs. Chris was great. We had a shower valve replaced in our wall and our pipes snaked. Excellent attention to detail.

Alex M.
Jan 2025
Chris is an immensely helpful and smart water and electrical systems technician, top of the line. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brent B.
Jan 2025
Fast and straight forward. Informative and helpful. On time and fair priced. I have used other local plumbing services with less than satisfactory results. I’m very pleased!

Ben L.
Dec 2024
Chris is friendly and competent, good communication and price. Thanks Chris!

Roxanne A.
Oct 2024
Chris did a great job for us. Plumbed a bathroom, kitchen and sauna. Patient, knowledgeable, caring, responsive and attentive to detail. Great job!

Barbara C.
Oct 2024
Chris was professional efficient easy to talk to and highly skilled!! I Highly recommend his services!!

Monica U.
Dec 2024
Chris from Community Plumbing was fantastic. He was very friendly and very professional. I will definitely be recommending his services to all of my friends and family. Thanks Chris!

Jason K.
Oct 2024
When you need an exceptional plumber, I highly recommend Chris. I hired him to support my bathroom remodel based upon an online review and was so glad I did. He was fairly priced and cared to do the job to perfection based on his own intentions to do great work. I was absolutely 100% satisfied.

Kathy P.
Oct 2025
We have hired other plumbers for the same problem and it was not resolved. Each time I felt dismissed and talked down to. Chris at Community Plumbing was the first person who kept pursuing solutions until the problem was finally fixed. I can’t say enough about his expertise and work ethic.

Chris Simons
CEO & Founder
The last plumber, you'll ever need.
Chris Simons has over 13 years of experience with residential and custom plumbing solutions in Marin and Sonoma counties.
With dedication to delivering honest, reliable, and cost-effective plumbing solutions, Community Plumbing Services is family owned and operated our of Sebastopol, CA.
2022 NextGen All Stars Top 20 Under 40 Professional Plumbers
Request A Quote
© 2025 Community Plumbing Services | All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Trusted Sonoma County Plumbing.
Real reviews from satisfied customers who rely on us.
5.0
70 Reviews

Gwen R.
Feb 2025
Chris is very knowledgeable, super friendly, prompt, communicates well and follows through. I will continue to use Community Plumbing Services. Thank you Chris!

Becky F.
Feb 2025
Chris responded immediately when we had a concern and offered informed, grounded advice for what to do. We will definitely call him back for future needs!

Tom M.
Jan 2025
Can't say enough positive things about Chris at Community Plumbing. We had an emergency and he fit us in the same day. We'll definitely use him when we next need a plumber and can highly recommend him.

William M.
Jan 2025
Chris from Community Plumbing is such a helpful person. He was able to troubleshoot my leak quickly, resolve it and also talk me through a plan for the future. I'm so glad Community Plumbing is available and I have someone so reliable to call for any future problems or upgrades.

Gabi S.
Jan 2025
Chris has surpassed our expectations. He came quickly for a tricky situation in an old cottage and went beyond the call of duty to figure out the problem…we are so glad we found this outstanding plumbing.

Greg C.
Jan 2025
Chris took care of several issues for us in plumbing our hot water heater, plumbing, double sink vanity moving a gas line and multiple other plumbing issues. I would strongly recommend Chris to anybody that needs any plumbing done at their home or business.

Robert Z.
Nov 2024
As a local property manager in the area Community Plumbing is the first plumber I call for all my plumbing needs. Chris was great. We had a shower valve replaced in our wall and our pipes snaked. Excellent attention to detail.

Alex M.
Jan 2025
Chris is an immensely helpful and smart water and electrical systems technician, top of the line. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brent B.
Jan 2025
Fast and straight forward. Informative and helpful. On time and fair priced. I have used other local plumbing services with less than satisfactory results. I’m very pleased!

Ben L.
Dec 2024
Chris is friendly and competent, good communication and price. Thanks Chris!

Roxanne A.
Oct 2024
Chris did a great job for us. Plumbed a bathroom, kitchen and sauna. Patient, knowledgeable, caring, responsive and attentive to detail. Great job!

Barbara C.
Oct 2024
Chris was professional efficient easy to talk to and highly skilled!! I Highly recommend his services!!

Monica U.
Dec 2024
Chris from Community Plumbing was fantastic. He was very friendly and very professional. I will definitely be recommending his services to all of my friends and family. Thanks Chris!

Jason K.
Oct 2024
When you need an exceptional plumber, I highly recommend Chris. I hired him to support my bathroom remodel based upon an online review and was so glad I did. He was fairly priced and cared to do the job to perfection based on his own intentions to do great work. I was absolutely 100% satisfied.

Kathy P.
Oct 2025
We have hired other plumbers for the same problem and it was not resolved. Each time I felt dismissed and talked down to. Chris at Community Plumbing was the first person who kept pursuing solutions until the problem was finally fixed. I can’t say enough about his expertise and work ethic.

Gwen R.
Feb 2025
Chris is very knowledgeable, super friendly, prompt, communicates well and follows through. I will continue to use Community Plumbing Services. Thank you Chris!

Becky F.
Feb 2025
Chris responded immediately when we had a concern and offered informed, grounded advice for what to do. We will definitely call him back for future needs!

Tom M.
Jan 2025
Can't say enough positive things about Chris at Community Plumbing. We had an emergency and he fit us in the same day. We'll definitely use him when we next need a plumber and can highly recommend him.

William M.
Jan 2025
Chris from Community Plumbing is such a helpful person. He was able to troubleshoot my leak quickly, resolve it and also talk me through a plan for the future. I'm so glad Community Plumbing is available and I have someone so reliable to call for any future problems or upgrades.

Gabi S.
Jan 2025
Chris has surpassed our expectations. He came quickly for a tricky situation in an old cottage and went beyond the call of duty to figure out the problem…we are so glad we found this outstanding plumbing.

Greg C.
Jan 2025
Chris took care of several issues for us in plumbing our hot water heater, plumbing, double sink vanity moving a gas line and multiple other plumbing issues. I would strongly recommend Chris to anybody that needs any plumbing done at their home or business.

Robert Z.
Nov 2024
As a local property manager in the area Community Plumbing is the first plumber I call for all my plumbing needs. Chris was great. We had a shower valve replaced in our wall and our pipes snaked. Excellent attention to detail.

Alex M.
Jan 2025
Chris is an immensely helpful and smart water and electrical systems technician, top of the line. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brent B.
Jan 2025
Fast and straight forward. Informative and helpful. On time and fair priced. I have used other local plumbing services with less than satisfactory results. I’m very pleased!

Ben L.
Dec 2024
Chris is friendly and competent, good communication and price. Thanks Chris!

Roxanne A.
Oct 2024
Chris did a great job for us. Plumbed a bathroom, kitchen and sauna. Patient, knowledgeable, caring, responsive and attentive to detail. Great job!

Barbara C.
Oct 2024
Chris was professional efficient easy to talk to and highly skilled!! I Highly recommend his services!!

Monica U.
Dec 2024
Chris from Community Plumbing was fantastic. He was very friendly and very professional. I will definitely be recommending his services to all of my friends and family. Thanks Chris!

Jason K.
Oct 2024
When you need an exceptional plumber, I highly recommend Chris. I hired him to support my bathroom remodel based upon an online review and was so glad I did. He was fairly priced and cared to do the job to perfection based on his own intentions to do great work. I was absolutely 100% satisfied.

Kathy P.
Oct 2025
We have hired other plumbers for the same problem and it was not resolved. Each time I felt dismissed and talked down to. Chris at Community Plumbing was the first person who kept pursuing solutions until the problem was finally fixed. I can’t say enough about his expertise and work ethic.

Chris Simons
CEO & Founder

Chris Simons
CEO & Founder
The last plumber, you'll ever need.
Chris Simons has over 13 years of experience with residential and custom plumbing solutions in Marin and Sonoma counties.
With dedication to delivering honest, reliable, and cost-effective plumbing solutions, Community Plumbing Services is family owned and operated our of Sebastopol, CA.
2022 NextGen All Stars Top 20 Under 40 Professional Plumbers
Request A Quote
© 2025 Community Plumbing Services | All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Trusted Sonoma County Plumbing.
Real reviews from satisfied customers who rely on us.
5.0
70 Reviews
5.0
70 Reviews

Gwen R.
Feb 2025
Chris is very knowledgeable, super friendly, prompt, communicates well and follows through. I will continue to use Community Plumbing Services. Thank you Chris!

Becky F.
Feb 2025
Chris responded immediately when we had a concern and offered informed, grounded advice for what to do. We will definitely call him back for future needs!

Tom M.
Jan 2025
Can't say enough positive things about Chris at Community Plumbing. We had an emergency and he fit us in the same day. We'll definitely use him when we next need a plumber and can highly recommend him.

William M.
Jan 2025
Chris from Community Plumbing is such a helpful person. He was able to troubleshoot my leak quickly, resolve it and also talk me through a plan for the future. I'm so glad Community Plumbing is available and I have someone so reliable to call for any future problems or upgrades.

Gabi S.
Jan 2025
Chris has surpassed our expectations. He came quickly for a tricky situation in an old cottage and went beyond the call of duty to figure out the problem…we are so glad we found this outstanding plumbing.

Greg C.
Jan 2025
Chris took care of several issues for us in plumbing our hot water heater, plumbing, double sink vanity moving a gas line and multiple other plumbing issues. I would strongly recommend Chris to anybody that needs any plumbing done at their home or business.

Robert Z.
Nov 2024
As a local property manager in the area Community Plumbing is the first plumber I call for all my plumbing needs. Chris was great. We had a shower valve replaced in our wall and our pipes snaked. Excellent attention to detail.

Alex M.
Jan 2025
Chris is an immensely helpful and smart water and electrical systems technician, top of the line. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brent B.
Jan 2025
Fast and straight forward. Informative and helpful. On time and fair priced. I have used other local plumbing services with less than satisfactory results. I’m very pleased!

Ben L.
Dec 2024
Chris is friendly and competent, good communication and price. Thanks Chris!

Roxanne A.
Oct 2024
Chris did a great job for us. Plumbed a bathroom, kitchen and sauna. Patient, knowledgeable, caring, responsive and attentive to detail. Great job!

Barbara C.
Oct 2024
Chris was professional efficient easy to talk to and highly skilled!! I Highly recommend his services!!

Monica U.
Dec 2024
Chris from Community Plumbing was fantastic. He was very friendly and very professional. I will definitely be recommending his services to all of my friends and family. Thanks Chris!

Jason K.
Oct 2024
When you need an exceptional plumber, I highly recommend Chris. I hired him to support my bathroom remodel based upon an online review and was so glad I did. He was fairly priced and cared to do the job to perfection based on his own intentions to do great work. I was absolutely 100% satisfied.

Kathy P.
Oct 2025
We have hired other plumbers for the same problem and it was not resolved. Each time I felt dismissed and talked down to. Chris at Community Plumbing was the first person who kept pursuing solutions until the problem was finally fixed. I can’t say enough about his expertise and work ethic.

Gwen R.
Feb 2025
Chris is very knowledgeable, super friendly, prompt, communicates well and follows through. I will continue to use Community Plumbing Services. Thank you Chris!

Becky F.
Feb 2025
Chris responded immediately when we had a concern and offered informed, grounded advice for what to do. We will definitely call him back for future needs!

Tom M.
Jan 2025
Can't say enough positive things about Chris at Community Plumbing. We had an emergency and he fit us in the same day. We'll definitely use him when we next need a plumber and can highly recommend him.

William M.
Jan 2025
Chris from Community Plumbing is such a helpful person. He was able to troubleshoot my leak quickly, resolve it and also talk me through a plan for the future. I'm so glad Community Plumbing is available and I have someone so reliable to call for any future problems or upgrades.

Gabi S.
Jan 2025
Chris has surpassed our expectations. He came quickly for a tricky situation in an old cottage and went beyond the call of duty to figure out the problem…we are so glad we found this outstanding plumbing.

Greg C.
Jan 2025
Chris took care of several issues for us in plumbing our hot water heater, plumbing, double sink vanity moving a gas line and multiple other plumbing issues. I would strongly recommend Chris to anybody that needs any plumbing done at their home or business.

Robert Z.
Nov 2024
As a local property manager in the area Community Plumbing is the first plumber I call for all my plumbing needs. Chris was great. We had a shower valve replaced in our wall and our pipes snaked. Excellent attention to detail.

Alex M.
Jan 2025
Chris is an immensely helpful and smart water and electrical systems technician, top of the line. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brent B.
Jan 2025
Fast and straight forward. Informative and helpful. On time and fair priced. I have used other local plumbing services with less than satisfactory results. I’m very pleased!

Ben L.
Dec 2024
Chris is friendly and competent, good communication and price. Thanks Chris!

Roxanne A.
Oct 2024
Chris did a great job for us. Plumbed a bathroom, kitchen and sauna. Patient, knowledgeable, caring, responsive and attentive to detail. Great job!

Barbara C.
Oct 2024
Chris was professional efficient easy to talk to and highly skilled!! I Highly recommend his services!!

Monica U.
Dec 2024
Chris from Community Plumbing was fantastic. He was very friendly and very professional. I will definitely be recommending his services to all of my friends and family. Thanks Chris!

Jason K.
Oct 2024
When you need an exceptional plumber, I highly recommend Chris. I hired him to support my bathroom remodel based upon an online review and was so glad I did. He was fairly priced and cared to do the job to perfection based on his own intentions to do great work. I was absolutely 100% satisfied.

Kathy P.
Oct 2025
We have hired other plumbers for the same problem and it was not resolved. Each time I felt dismissed and talked down to. Chris at Community Plumbing was the first person who kept pursuing solutions until the problem was finally fixed. I can’t say enough about his expertise and work ethic.
Request A Quote
Dedicated Service
Chris Simons has over 13 years of experience with residential and custom plumbing solutions in Marin and Sonoma counties.
With dedication to delivering honest, reliable, and cost-effective plumbing solutions, Community Plumbing Services is family owned and operated our of Sebastopol, CA.
2022 NextGen All Stars Top 20 Under 40 Professional Plumbers


Chris Simons
CEO & Founder
The Last Plumber You'll Ever Need
Request A Quote
CA LIC. #1115150
401 Vine Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472

