Do you remember when you first had your water heater installed? You can often tell by its age because it typically works optimally for about eight to twelve years before you start seeing inefficiency and the potential need for repairs. With regular maintenance, your unit’s lifespan could extend closer to the twelve-year mark, or further, but eventually, it will need repairs and replacement.
Common Issues We Fix During Ottawa Water Heater Repair
Fluctuating Temperature
If your unit doesn’t provide water at a consistent temperature, sediment buildup in your tank might be to blame. Other culprits of fluctuating temperatures include faulty pressure-balancing valves, thermostats or other components that need service from a knowledgeable plumber.
Low Water Pressure
Are you experiencing low pressure during your shower? If it’s not a clogged shower head or a faulty pressure-balancing valve, there could be blockages and buildup in your tank. If that’s the case, your local plumber could help you locate the blockages and conduct a flushing service.
Running Out Of Hot Water Fast
Do you have one or two more people in your home? If so, it means that your tank might be too small to supply additional water to everyone that needs it. One of our plumbing experts could give you details on cost-effective upgrades. Otherwise, if you have never experienced this issue before, it’s worth checking your tank for buildup and scheduling an appointment for routine maintenance and repairs.
Strange noises
If you hear rumbling noises, it could be related to sediments trapped at the bottom of the tank. Often the boiling bubbles manage to break off the deposit, and it floats within your tank. If you’re hearing a loud boiling sound, or any other strange sound, that could be a sign of a serious problem that requires professional attention.
Faulty Pilot Light
A pilot light requires a sufficient amount of gas to work efficiently. If you notice the light is continuously flickering, you might need water heater repair. Ottawa, ON homeowners with gas-powered units should always consult a professional before attempting to complete their own repairs.
Rust
Rust discolouration in hot water is often a sign of rust buildup inside a heater’s tank, but it could also be related to corroded supply lines. If you notice discolouration, check around your heater to see if you can detect rust on the exterior. If you do see rust on your unit, or if you’re unable to find the source of discolouration, it’s best to call a professional for help.
Old Age
Although it depends on the level of maintenance your unit receives, a heater can last anywhere from eight to twelve years. If your existing unit has passed its life expectancy, it’s best to start considering your options for replacement, especially if it needs frequent repairs.
Puddles Around Tank
If you have a water leak, it could be related to a broken drain valve or a temperature-pressure valve, but it could also be related to damage on the bottom of the tank. The former problems can be fixed with repairs, while the latter will likely require replacement. Your local plumber can help determine the cause of your leak or provide the best solution for repairs or replacement. In either situation, it’s crucial that you deal with it fast. Otherwise, you could risk structural damage to your home that requires expensive repairs.
Not Draining Through Drain Valve
Sediment buildup can lead to a clogged drain valve. There are professional ways to unclog or flush the drain valve, but we do not recommend doing it on your own because it involves the risk of hot water burns. If you suspect you have a clog, that calls for professional water heater repair in Ottawa, ON.
Ottawa Water Heater Repair & Maintenance Tips
Before you move to a new home, whether you are purchasing it or renting, it’s a good idea to request detailed documentation on the building’s plumbing system so that you can see what kind of service has been performed for its water heater. Whether you have a gas or electric unit, it’s crucial to view on paper that a certified Ottawa plumber has conducted the installation and even better if they have recently performed maintenance on that unit.
Overall, your system will benefit from periodic maintenance such as flushing or deposit removal. For safety reasons, we recommend having your tank inspected and serviced periodically to detect and prevent potential leaks. The best way to take care of any kind of regular plumbing maintenance is to schedule an appointment with a plumber. By getting that professional service, you reduce the risks of requiring more serious water heater repair in the future.
Why Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Ottawa Water Heater Repair?
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa is your local, courteous plumbing company. Our knowledgeable, friendly team is always ready to provide the solutions you need for Ottawa water heater repair and plumbing services. Whatever the issue is, we've likely seen it before!
The Benefits of Choosing Us
- Bonded, insured professionals
- Highly trained, licensed plumbers
- Friendly, uniformed technicians
- Convenient appointments
- Done Right Guarantee: Guaranteed workmanship and parts.
- Respectful, courteous service
FAQ – Ottawa Water Heater Repair: Ask Us Anything!
Water heaters use a high amount of energy to provide you with warm showers and hot baths, not to mention clean dishes. It might be time to look at your unit to check for potential faults or think about helpful maintenance services that will extend its life. Before you get started with any kind of service though, it’s important to have all the information you need. If you have questions about Ottawa water heater repair, our experts can answer them!
What Kind Of Water Heaters Do Ottawa Homes Typically Have?
Many homes have the traditional tank version, which was the most common one when houses were built 20 years ago. However, some homes have a tankless system instead. There are also different types of power that your system can run on. The two most common power sources for water heaters are gas and electricity. Both tankless and tank-based units come in gas and electric varieties. There are also hybrid systems, also known as heat pump water heaters, that essentially combine the functions of a tank and a tankless system.
Gas Vs. Electric — Which Do I Choose?
Gas water heaters are more expensive to install and may require more maintenance, including removing deposits and checking gas lines for leaks. Gas-fired units also have a higher flow rate than electric ones. Electric water heater units are generally more energy efficient, but you may pay more for power than you would for gas. Depending on the current market, it could so end up affecting your overall energy consumption. There are also environmental factors to consider when it comes to choosing between electric or gas, where electric is often considered the more environmentally conscious option.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but it’s important to keep in mind that switching from gas to electric or vice versa can be a challenging task, as creating new gas lines might involve drilling and cutting within your home, as well as other modifications that could drastically increase your installation costs.
What Are The Costs For Water Heater Repair and Replacement?
The cost of Ottawa water heater repair can vary based on the work required and the status of your current system. Replacement costs have many variables too, such as the type of hot water tank you have and the type you want to install. The best way to get an estimate for hot water tank repairs or replacement is to schedule an appointment with your local plumber.
Can I Perform My Own Ottawa Water Heater Repair?
DIY repair may be possible, however, depending on your unit type, the work involved could include electrical wiring, piping and dealing with heating elements that pose a safety hazard. If you’re comfortable or experienced with plumbing work, attempting your own Ottawa water heater repairs could result in injury or further damage to both your plumbing systems and your home. For those reasons, we recommend hiring a licensed plumber to complete your Ottawa water heater repairs for any broken water heater issues, so that you can rest assured the job will be done correctly and not lead to future complications.
Why Is My Water Heater Not Turning On?
There could be a few reasons why you're not getting power to your water heater. First, you'll want to verify your hot water tank is getting the correct voltage. If it's not getting the desired voltage, there may be issues with your home's electrical system. Next, check the circuit breaker or fuse box. Your breaker might have been tripped, or the fuse might have been blown. If so, things things will need to be replaced. But whatever the issue, just call our team of service professionals and our plumbers will take a look to determine the issue!
How Long Does Will It Take A Plumber To Fix My Hot Water Heater?
It depends on the exact issue with the hot water heater. But, generally it will take between two to three hours to fix the unit. However, if there are unforeseen circumstances, repairs or maintenance issues to be made, your Ottawa water heater repair service professional might need to come back the following day. But, for tank-to-tank installation, it should take between that two to three-hour mark — an hour to drain, disconnect and remove your old unit, 30 minutes to position the new unit and about an hour to secure the new unit and ensure that all parts of the new water heater are up to code.
Experiencing Inconsistent Water Pressure and Temperature? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Water Heater Repair in Ottawa, ON
Trust our team to get your Ottawa water heater service and repairs done! Whether you are in Vanier, Gatineau, Lower Town or another part of the greater Ottawa area, you can rely on the licensed plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa for a wide range of expert plumbing services, including everything from Ottawa water heater installation and repair to routine plumbing repairs in Ottawa.
We want you to know that when you call Mr. Rooter of Ottawa, we're a company you can trust. We guarantee exceptional customer service. From the moment you call us to the completed service, you can expect excellent service, courteous treatment and service you can depend on! We believe our customers come first! That's why we make ourselves available for whenever is best for you. Whether during regular work hours, evenings, weekends or holidays, you can rely on us for any of your Ottawa hot water replacement and plumbing needs.
Pick up the phone and give us a call today to schedule a convenient appointment or chat with our friendly customer service staff about what your Ottawa water heater repair needs to be in excellent condition and running smoothly.