Edmonton Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Water heater systems are built to last, and they'll keep on providing hot water for a long time without any input from you, but they're also complex appliances that operate constantly, so they tend to take a lot of wear and tear damage over the years and will eventually need repair, maintenance or replacement from a qualified plumber. Going without hot water is certainly not an option, so it's important to know who to call when your system experiences a malfunction and you need a hot water heater repair. Edmonton homeowners are often unaware of the signs that their unit needs service—or they notice and just ignore the issue until the only viable option left is a complete replacement. If you know the indications that something isn't right, you can call your local plumber to halt the destruction before it degrades further. The occasional repair and regular maintenance are the most effective ways to make your unit last longer and keep it functioning in great shape so you never have to deal with all the issues that can occur with a failing system.

When you call the professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton, you can expect top-level service and excellent workmanship from an experienced plumber. Starting with a full inspection of your unit, our team will find the cause of the trouble with your unit and explain our recommendations for possible remedies.

We Handle these Common Signs that Need an Edmonton Water Heater Repair:

• Not enough hot water
• Too hot or not hot enough
• Weak or overly-strong water pressure
• Heating is excessively slow
• Visible leaks
• Hot water smells bad, is discolored, or has a slimy texture
• Odd noises from the tank unit

Whatever problem you’re coping with, you can expect the service you receive from your local, experienced plumber to be accurate and designed to last. Our Edmonton water heater service technicians will complete the job right, the first time.

Options for Edmonton Water Heater Replacement

If you are told that you need a new water heater, you may not be very excited to hear it—but there are some big advantages to getting a new, high-efficiency model. Aside from all the supply you need, available on demand, you can also expect to significantly increase your energy savings with the help of an experienced plumber.

Conventional Tank-Based Units

A storage tank water heater uses a lot of fuel, whether it's electricity or natural gas, to constantly heat that big tank so it's available whenever you turn on the tap. But it loses efficiency over time and increases its energy consumption, which is reflected in your energy bills. Manufacturers are constantly working to improve the efficiency of their products, so a new hot water tank installation will be a lot more efficient than an old, deteriorated unit—but not as efficient as a tankless or hybrid system.

Tankless Water Heater Systems

Tankless hot water heaters could dramatically decrease energy use because, as the name suggests, they eliminate the need to continuously heat a large tank. Instead, tankless water heaters are natural gas-powered devices that heat water on demand before it exits the faucet. Because it's only heating the exact amount of water you're going to use, when you're going to use it, it saves a very noticeable amount of energy. In fact, depending on the condition and age of your current unit, it could save as much as 60% of your current water heating costs.

Energy-Efficient Hybrid Models

A hybrid unit is a third option that combines the availability of storage water heaters with even better efficiency than an on-demand tankless system. This is a good option for Edmonton homes because you have the security of knowing there's a backup supply available while at the same time reducing your strain on environmental resources and reducing the amount you need to pay on your monthly utility bills.

If you’re concerned about losing your tank but still want the efficiency of a new unit, you may want to consider a hybrid rather than just having another conventional tank-style unit installed to replace your old system. Hybrid systems use two heat sources. The first is electric elements, just like a standard electric water heater, and the second is a heat pump. The heat pump takes heat from ambient air and deposits it into your water heater, kind of like a reverse air conditioner!

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Offers Effective, Efficient Water Heater Repair in Edmonton

When you call a plumbing company, you need to know that the technicians who show up at your door will be able to provide effective, skilled, efficient services with upfront, honest pricing. Our experienced technicians have the skill and equipment to resolve your Edmonton water heater repair problems, as well as help with drain cleaning, fixture installations, and other types of plumbing services. We are committed to courteous, professional behavior and will always treat you and your property with respect.

As a locally owned and operated business, it's important to us that the people of our local communities are able to access the capable, experienced plumbing services they need to ensure the comfort, safety, and convenience of their households.

FAQs About Water Heater Repair: Edmonton

If you'd like to know more about water heater repair in Edmonton or you have questions about our other plumbing services, call us to speak with our reliable customer service staff and get all your questions answered easily. Or, check out our replies to questions we are commonly asked by Edmonton homeowners.

Do I Need Edmonton Water Heater Repair or a Total Replacement?

If you're currently coping with some hot water-related issues, you may be wondering if Edmonton water heater repair is the best choice, or if it would make more sense to replace the entire unit. Homeowners often ask us about replacing versus repairing, and in our experience, it comes down to a few specific factors such as the age of your old unit and how serious the damage is.

When an older unit is approaching the end of its lifespan and showing some signs of malfunctioning, you could choose to get it fixed. But because the system is so old, another part is likely to fail sooner rather than later and there will be a chain of service calls to keep your unit going when it's on its last legs. In that scenario, it's more cost-effective to just go straight to replacement for an aging unit. But if you have a unit that is only a couple of years old and has one unexpected problem, repair services from a skilled plumber are all you need to get your unit back up and running so you can get plenty more years of service from it.

What Are the Signs I Need Edmonton Water Heater Repair?

Have you ever gotten into the shower, ready to enjoy a torrent of relaxing hot water—only to have it turn ice-cold halfway through and leave you standing there with shampoo in your hair? When a tank doesn't seem to hold as much hot water as it once did, many people just assume that's an inevitable problem that they'll have to live with. That's actually not true, though. It's a warning sign that your system is experiencing difficulties and needs professional Edmonton water heater repair before it gives up altogether.

If you're aware of the telltale signs that trouble is coming down the pipe, you can get the help you need for heater repair before the damage worsens and causes bigger problems for your property. Here are some of the most common symptoms we encounter on repair calls:

• Not Enough Supply: When people think of things that annoy them about their heater unit, insufficient supply is probably right near the top of the list. It's a very common problem, and it can be caused by a build-up of sediment inside the tank that is taking up space that was once available for liquid. This hot water tank repair issue can be fixed by hiring an Edmonton water heater repair professional to flush it out and clean the inside of the tank. This type of buildup can be a particular problem in places with hard mineral deposits. Edmonton's supply is only considered "moderately hard" at about 9-16 gpg (grains per gallon) or 150-200 mg/L (milligrams per liter), but that's still enough to cause sediment build-up and limescale mineral deposits over time that could compromise your unit's ability to provide the same amount of hot water that it used to when it was new.
• Takes a Long Time to Heat Tank: If you've got a few people in the house who love a nice, long shower, it's no mystery why your tank sometimes runs out of its supply—but it should be capable of getting a fresh tank heated up within a reasonable amount of time, so the next person in line can get their bathing done. How long exactly depends on the type of fuel it uses. A natural gas-powered unit should be able to heat up in about 45 minutes, while an electricity-powered unit will take about twice that amount of time. If it's taking significantly longer and you find yourself waiting for hours, your system is definitely crying out for the Edmonton water heater repair service.
• Unusual Sounds: It's normal to hear a quiet humming noise from your tank, but unusual or obtrusive noises such as banging, thumping, grinding, sucking or gurgling are a cause for concern. There are a lot of different possible factors that could be causing weird noises, and your plumber will be able to diagnose and correct the problem once they've given the unit a thorough inspection.
• Water is Discoloured or Has a Foul Odour: Have you noticed that your hot water—but not the cold—is coming out of your faucet looking discoloured or with particles of dirt and rust floating in it? Or worse, does it feel "slimy" or have a metallic taste? Discoloured or rusty water is a clear sign that you've got corrosion on the inside of the tank or noticeable sediment buildup. You may also notice that the liquid has a musty or metallic taste—in these cases, it's really important to get professional Edmonton water heater repair before you consume any more of the liquid or use it for bathing.
• Leaking Tank: It's no secret that a big puddle forming under or near your tank is a bad sign. A leaky tank could cause a lot of damage to your property in a short amount of time, so it's not something that should be allowed to continue without professional intervention. The most likely culprit in this scenario is a faulty or deteriorated drain valve that may need to be tightened up or replaced altogether.

What Caused the Problem With My Unit?

There are a number of components in your system that can fail or factors that can impact its ability to function correctly. We won't know what caused the trouble with your system until we're able to examine it in person, but some potential causes of the problem that require Edmonton water heater repair are:

• Anode rod is worn out
• Current unit is too small
• Sediment build-up
• Hard mineral deposits
• Bad heating element or burned-out element
• Rust and corrosion
• Pilot light has gone out
• Pressure relief valve has deteriorated
• Problem with the electrical panel
• Faulty thermostat
• System is aging and needs replacement

Are Natural Gas Units Dangerous to My Household?

A natural gas water heater that is in poor condition does have the potential to pose a threat to your family. That's because it produces carbon monoxide, a colorless, tasteless gas that is extremely harmful or even fatal when it is inhaled in large quantities. Normally the gas is safely vented outdoors where it can't do any harm, but a deteriorated exhaust system can leak carbon monoxide into your home. That's why it's so important to get annual maintenance services to avoid those dangerous consequences. Regular maintenance gives your plumber the opportunity to spot possible trouble zones and correct them long before they can threaten the well-being of your family.

How Long Before I Need a Replacement Hot Water Heater in Edmonton?

Your system is durable, but it can't keep going forever. The lifespan varies based on the amount of maintenance they get over time. Ideally, your plumber will give it a good check-over and tune-up once annually to keep it in great shape and operating smoothly. In general, a unit can be expected to last for about 10 to 15 years before replacement is necessary.

Is Water Heater Replacement Worth It?

You may not be thrilled that you need a replacement, but there is a silver lining. Having a replacement unit installed is definitely worth the effort and cost because of the huge benefits it can offer your household. The advantages of replacement include:

• Reduce Energy Costs: As the years go by, your unit slowly loses energy efficiency as it deteriorates, which means it has to use more fuel than it did before to produce the same amount of heated water. Either their heating performance suffers or they use more electricity or natural gas, causing you to pay more on your energy bills. Manufacturers are constantly innovating new ways to make their products use less energy, and those two factors combined mean a new unit is always going to be more efficient than an old one, and you can save a noticeable amount on your energy costs.
• Increase Household Comfort: Problems such as temperature fluctuations, running out of hot water, foul smells or discolored water are unpleasant and seriously reduce your family's comfort. A new replacement unit will stop those problems from occurring, which makes your home more sanitary and comfortable, as well as saving you and your household from having to deal with stressful plumbing situations.
• Prevent Major Problems: When we're handling a task like a unit replacement, our experienced plumbers sometimes notice issues that others may miss, which could lead to major damage if they're not corrected. That gives us the opportunity to stop trouble before it can get started, saving you the time, money, and stress of dealing with big problems like water damage mitigation.

Do You Offer Financing for Water Heater Replacement?

Yes, we do. You need a fully functioning, safe, energy-efficient water heater and we want to make sure you can get the services and the unit you require without straining your household budget. Any plumbing service over $1,000 is eligible for our financing options with no payments or interest for six months.

How Can I Maintain My Unit to Avoid the Need for Edmonton Water Heater Repair Service?

The best way to avoid needing Edmonton water heater repair in the future is with a professional preventative maintenance plan. When you have an experienced plumber check out your system and handle any minor repairs that are needed, you can avoid the need for more extensive repairs or replacements and extend the lifespan of your system.

If you're looking for ways to save more money on your utility bills, there is a simple way to help your unit avoid heat loss. By covering the tank in an insulating foil "jacket," you'll help it hold in heat much better and it won't need to use as much fuel to keep the tank warm. This is something that you can easily do as a DIY project.

Need Edmonton Water Heater Repair or Replacement? Trust Your Local Plumber at Mr. Rooter

Whether you're in Edmonton or a nearby community such as Sherwood Park or St. Albert, you can rely on the team of plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton for experienced, reliable repairs and other plumbing services, so you never have to suffer through another cold shower.

Pick up the phone and get in contact with us today by calling to book an appointment at a convenient time, or to speak with our friendly office staff and find out more about the other ways we can help with Edmonton plumbing repairs.