Three things to do and know before calling your plumber
Nothing is quite as luxurious as a hot shower. And when you get in the shower and don’t have water or worse are blasted with cold water, it comes as quite a shock.
Give Red Deer’s Gentlemen Pros a call, and we’ll have our experienced plumbers to your house to get your hot water back in action.
We can repair, service, or replace your gas or electric storage hot water tank or tankless water heater. We bring everything with us (tools and parts) to repair pretty much any issue you might be having.
Before you call us, check a couple of things. It might save you some time.
- Check your hot water heater’s thermostat. Is it set too low for comfort?
- If you have an electric hot water heater, check to make sure a breaker hasn’t tripped.
- If you have a gas hot water heater (which most of us do), check if the pilot light is lit. If not, that could be your problem. Light it and wait to see if your water warms up.
If you aren’t comfortable checking the above or if your thermostat is set at a good temperature and all your breakers are set, or your pilot light is lit and you still don’t have hot water, don’t worry. We’ll help you figure it out.
We will make recommendations on the best course of action for you — repair or replace.
Do I Repair or Replace?
Often, it is obvious when you have to replace your water tank, and our knowledgeable plumbers will let you know.
Other times, our plumbers will be able to repair your hot water heater but will recommend that you replace it. You will have to decide which option to take.
You need to consider:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Think about the cost of repairing it against the cost of replacing it. For example, if you have recently done a repair on your heater and another repair is needed, it might be prudent to replace it rather than to continue sinking money into repairs.
Warranty
Will repairing it void your warranty? Some warranties have clauses that state if a non-certified person tries to repair the hot water heater, the warranty is no longer valid.
Age
The age of your hot water tank. If it is nearing the end of its lifespan, you might want to strongly consider replacing it.
Average Water Heater Lifespans
- Gas storage tank – 8 to 11 years
- Electric storage water tank – 8 to 12 years
- Tankless water heater – 15+ years with regular maintenance
The above are just estimates. How long your water heater will last is also dependent on:
Correct Installation
Your water heater should be positioned upright in a properly vented and ventilated area. This will help prevent a carbon monoxide build-up (with gas-fired water tanks) and reduce the risk of fire.
A poorly ventilated area will also decrease the lifespan of your water heater, regardless of whether it is a tank or tankless model.
It should also be installed in a dry area not prone to flooding. If the area your water heater is in floods and gets into the burner area, the burner will need to be replaced.
You will also want to install your water heater near a floor drain. This will make it much easier when you need to drain the water heater during maintenance, repairs, or replacement.
Finally, you want to locate your water heater where it is easy to access for maintenance.
Usage
How much do you use your hot water? Do you love really hot baths or do six of you shower every morning while running the dishwasher and laundry?
The more it is used, the shorter your water heater’s lifespan. Your water tank has to work harder to heat the water, and the more you use it, the greater the corrosive effect of the water.
Also, the more you use your water heater, the more sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank and makes it less efficient.
Construction Quality
The higher the quality of your water heater, the longer it should last.
Did you know that longer warranty coverage can be a good indicator of a well-built and reliable water heater?
Maintenance
Good regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater.
If you decide to replace your hot water heater, you have a few decisions to make.
Tank vs. Tankless
The traditional water heater most of us are familiar with is the storage tank type. It stores several litres of water in a a tank and heats it. When you use all the hot water in the tank, you need to wait for it to heat another batch.
The other type is a tankless or on-demand water heater. They heat and deliver hot water on an as-needed basis. They don’t store water. As water enters the unit, it is instantly heated as it passes through.
Both types have pros and cons. Our experts will go over them with you and help you make the best decision for your home.
Gas vs. Electric
Hot water heaters use either gas or electricity. Gas is by far the most common fuel used.
Your house usually determines if you need a gas or electric water heater.
Hot Water Heater Size
Once you have decided on the type of water heater and fuel source you want, you will need to decide on the size.
Unlike furnaces, the size of your home isn’t the most important factor. Water heater size recommendations often assume the number of people in a home and their hot water usage.
To decide on the right size, think about:
- People – The more people in your household, the larger water heater you’ll need.
- Uses – Consider appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and showers that require hot water.
- Peak Times – Think about when your household uses the most hot water, such as mornings when everyone is getting ready.
You want a water heater that can handle the amount of hot water needed during your peak usage times.
Also, did you often run out of hot water with your last water heater? If so, you may want to consider a larger tank.
We realize all the decisions that need to be made can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help.
Give The Gentlemen Pros a call, and we will help you determine your hot water needs.
We provide hot water tank repair and replacement in Red Deer, along with tankless maintenance, system flushing, descaling, troubleshooting, and practical recommendations to keep your hot water running reliably.