Short answer: shut the cold-water valve on the heater and call a plumber. Check your water bill for your supplier, since West Covina has several, and tell your landlord in writing if you rent. For water heater leak repair near you, our main page lists the questions to ask before you approve work.
Several suppliers, so check your bill
West Covina does not have a single city water department. The city’s utilities page lists Suburban Water Systems and Valencia Heights Water Company as providers without defining service areas, and Walnut Valley Water District and Azusa Light and Water each serve portions of the city. The practical advice is simple: look at your water bill to see who your supplier is, then check that supplier’s annual water quality report for hardness and pressure information.
| Topic | What we found | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Water suppliers | Suburban Water Systems and Valencia Heights Water Company (city utilities page); Walnut Valley Water District and Azusa Light and Water serve portions | Your water bill |
| Permit office | City of West Covina Community Development, Building Division, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue South, Room 215, (626) 939-8425 | The city’s Building Division page |
| ZIP codes | 91790 and 91791 appear on city offices. Other ZIP codes serve parts of the city but were not verified. | USPS lookup |
| Electric | Southern California Edison appears on an SCE service list for the city, although the list is old | Your electric bill |
If you rent
Hot water is generally part of a rental’s habitability requirements in California, so a leaking water heater should be reported to the landlord or property manager right away and in writing, with photos. Do not hire your own plumber to replace the heater without checking your lease. If you are in a multi-unit building, a leak can reach neighbors, so tell the manager. While you wait, close the cold-water valve to the heater if you can reach it, and follow the steps in our emergency leak checklist.
If you own: permits and replacement
Homeowners who need a replacement should expect a plumbing permit through the city’s Building Division, plus the bracing state law requires. Ask whether the quote includes both. See water heater replacement for what a compliant installation includes.
Condensation, valves and what to rule out first
Not every wet floor is a failed heater. Before assuming the worst, check the top fittings and the relief valve pipe; connector and valve leaks and relief valve leaks are cheaper problems than a tank replacement. If the water is from the tank base with dry fittings, see tank corrosion.
Need a plumber for this? Say whether you own or rent when you call, since that changes who decides on the repair.
Call +1 (909) 760-1466Nearby
West Covina borders Walnut, where Walnut Valley Water District supplies much of the water. For the main guide to professional water heater leak repair across Diamond Bar and nearby cities, start on our home page.
Frequently asked questions
Who is my water supplier in West Covina?
It varies by neighborhood. The city lists Suburban Water Systems and Valencia Heights Water Company, and Walnut Valley Water District and Azusa Light and Water serve portions. Your bill names yours.
My water heater is leaking and I rent. What should I do?
Close the cold-water valve on the heater if you can, photograph the leak, and notify your landlord or property manager in writing right away. Do not pay for a replacement yourself without checking your lease.
Who issues water heater permits in West Covina?
The City of West Covina Community Development Department’s Building Division. Ask the plumber to confirm the permit is part of the quote.
Do you have a West Covina office?
No. We are a referral service with no public office. The independent plumber who takes your call confirms coverage for your address.
Sources and further reading
Related guides
- Emergency water heater leak repairWhat to do in the first ten minutes, how to find where the water is really coming from, and when to call right away.
- Water damage after a heater leakWhat to do about wet floors and walls, what professional extraction and drying involves, and why timing matters.
- Replacing a leaking water heaterWhen a leak means replacement, what a California-compliant installation includes, and how permits and bracing fit in.