Ottawa Water Heater Installation

Some homeowners in Ottawa subscribe to the theory that as long as their system is still providing some hot liquid, it's working. But no one wants to have to struggle every day to get what they need from a unit that is obviously on its last legs. There are some big advantages to getting a new water heater installation in Ottawa, such as:

Pay Less on Your Energy Bills

Conventional water heaters use a significant amount of energy because they are constantly heating that huge tank so there's hot water available every time you turn on the tap (in theory). But over time, it becomes clogged with sediment, corroded and damaged from wear and tear. That causes the unit to lose energy efficiency, and it needs more and more fuel to provide the same amount of thermal energy. The increased fuel usage can make a significant difference in your monthly utility bill in Ottawa.

Manufacturers are constantly working on improving their products, so an old unit that is still working will still not be anywhere near as efficient as a new model. Getting a new, energy-efficient water heater installation in Ottawa can save you a noticeable amount of money, and it is more cost-effective in the long run than continuing to run an old unit.

Hassle-Free Hot Water on Demand

Units lose storage capacity over time and can't provide the same amount of fluid that they once did. They also tend to take much longer to heat a tank than their newer counterparts—sometimes several hours. That means if even one person in your household takes a hot shower, it could be a long time before anyone else can take a shower or use a large volume of hot water for anything else. A new water heater installation in Ottawa will be more capable of providing for your family's needs, and it will heat up faster when it does run out.

Take Care of Other Plumbing Problems

When you are getting a plumbing service such as a fixture or appliance installation, it's the perfect opportunity to have your Ottawa plumbing technician check out the rest of your system and make sure everything is in good working order. Our experienced plumbers often notice potential trouble areas that others may miss and can get them taken care of quickly and easily so you have peace of mind knowing that your entire system is in great shape.

Want to save more money on your monthly utility bills? There are two key ways that you can help even a brand-new unit operate more efficiently so it uses less electricity overall.

1. The temperature for your hot water tank needs to be set at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius to prevent Legionnaires disease, but that can affect your overall efficiency and increase the risks of scalding. To counteract the effects of that temperature setting, you can install a mixing valve on the outlet of your tank, so that cold and hot water are mixed before reaching any faucets. That means less water will be drawn from your tank, which boosts your overall capacity and the amount of usable hot water without increasing your energy consumption. This is also a good way to prevent scalding if you have young children or family members with special needs.
2. The second way is to make sure your tank is insulated. It is a simple process that usually just involves fitting your tank with a stylish foil "jacket" that helps it hold in heat better. The insulation causes it to use less energy keeping the storage tank warm, and that saves you money on your utility charges.

The size of the hot water tank you require can vary based on factors such as how many people are living in your household and the number of plumbing fixtures and appliances it needs to serve, among other things. Once we have spoken with you and gotten more information about the performance of your current unit and your family's needs, we will be able to give you an educated recommendation on the best size option for your Ottawa property.

When our technicians handle your Ottawa water heater installation, we'll make sure the tank is filling properly before we leave. But, it's still a good idea to know how to handle the process of filling an electric water heater in case you need to do it yourself in the future.

You should never turn on the electricity to an empty unit. That is called dry firing, and it can cause serious problems for the system such as burning out a heating element. So, the first step is to check the circuit breaker box and ensure the breaker for the unit is turned off. If you're not sure which one it is, turn off the main breaker switch.

Double-check to make sure both the drain valve and release valve are closed and dry them off if they are wet so you can easily see if they are leaking. Then turn on the cold water supply to the tank—you should be able to hear it filling with water. After it has been filling for a while, turn on a hot water faucet to allow air to escape the pipe. When the liquid begins coming out of the faucet, the tank has reached minimum capacity. Finally, switch the breaker for the unit back on. It will begin heating, and you should be able to hear a quiet humming that indicates it is working. It will take time to heat up once the electricity is on.

While some plumbing tasks can be safely and effectively handled by anyone, residential water heater installation in Ottawa is not one of them. When you hire a professional plumber, you can rest assured that all safety measures are being followed, the electrical wiring meets or exceeds local building codes in Ottawa, and the system won't suffer undue wear and tear damage from faulty installation, which would result in additional costs and stress.

Generally speaking, it takes about two to three hours to install a water heater, though it can vary based on the type of installation. For a tank-to-tank installation, it takes about an hour to drain the current water heater's tank and uninstall it, half an hour to position the new tank, and another hour to hook it up. For a tank-to-tankless installation, it can take additional time. New power lines, water line connections, and direct vents will need to be added, and the tank will then be connected. For a tankless-to-tankless installation, expect to wait between one to three hours for installation.

Trust our team of plumbing inspectors to tackle your water heater replacement project! We offer superior plumbing services, including regular maintenance and upkeep. Whether you live in Ottawa or the surrounding communities of Gatineau, Gloucester, Kanata, Nepean, or Vanier, you can rely on our team of skilled plumbers for expert plumbing services, including Ottawa water heater installation and hot water solutions.

We invite you to pick up the phone and give us a call today! Schedule a convenient appointment time or chat with our friendly customer service staff about what your plumbing system needs to be in excellent condition and running smoothly, and what our licensed professionals can do to get it there!