Water Heater Repair and Installation - New Westminster, B.C.

Taking a cold shower or trying to accomplish routine cleaning chores with cold water is never pleasant. That’s why builders equip homes with water heaters. Hot water is essential, especially during times when constant cleaning is required to stay healthy. However, water heaters don’t last forever. They often need repairs and, if the repairs aren’t practical, it will be necessary to replace the existing water heater.
 
It’s generally less expensive to fix an existing water heater than replace it, so the New Westminster water heating professionals always look for ways to fix a problem. Electric and gas water heaters each have unique repair issues, but our experts are always prepared to deal with either type of unit.

Electric water heaters have heating elements and thermostats that fail. Both of those are relatively easy (and inexpensive) problems to take care of. Gas water heater owners may need to replace an ignitor or thermocouple. Again, those problems are fixable, and the costs are far lower than purchasing a new water heater.

What to do when there is a leak to the water heater

In the event a water heater starts to leak, a replacement is necessary. It’s virtually impossible to safely fix water heater tanks once leaks develop. If you spot any water leaking around the water heater, it’s a good idea to shut off the water supply and turn the water heater’s power source off. Electric water heaters should have a power disconnect located near the water heater. If not, shut off the power at the main service panel. Gas water heaters will have a shutoff valve in the supply line. If you’re unsure how to proceed, call New Westminster water heating plumbers for advice before proceeding.

If the water heater is not repairable, there are more decisions to be made. Most homes still have traditional water heaters with large storage tanks. That’s starting to change, and many homeowners are finding newer tankless and hybrid water heaters offer better options. However, there are also other factors to consider. 

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What to consider when replacing the Water Heater
 
First, before merely replacing an existing unit with a similar water heater, it’s essential to determine if the result will meet the home’s needs. In a smaller home with only one or two people, a smaller water heater makes more sense than an 80-gallon unit.
 
The size and configuration of the home also come into play. Most homes have a single water heater installed in an area near major water-using appliances. That’s understandable, but many homes have bathrooms far from that water heater. That’s wasteful and inconvenient, as users must wait for hot water to reach those remote bathrooms.

Installing a recirculating system to keep the water in the supply lines hot is one solution to consider, but another is to install a second water heater close to that distant bathroom. The New Westminster water heating experts will recommend solutions that make sense and improve the home’s water delivery system.
 
So, if you need a new water heater, which type is the best? The answer to that question isn’t easy to answer. There are simply too many variables to consider. How much space is available for the water heater? Is it in a closet or an open area? Are gas and electric hookups close? Which would you prefer? The New West plumbers asks the questions that matter when helping clients choose the best water heater for a specific home.

If there is no shortage of space, there are more options to check out. If it’s called for, even that 80-gallon water heater will fit with no problem when the space is available. On the other hand, if the water heater is in a small closet, there are far fewer choices.
 
If the existing unit is electric, it might be costly to change to gas if there are no hookups near the intended location. If a gas unit is currently in use and you’re considering converting to an electric unit, an electrician will need to run new wiring to the space. Since all codes must be complied with, making this type of conversion requires professional assistance.
 
Remember that remote bathroom? If our plumbing expert recommends an additional water heater, where will it go? A tankless unit doesn’t require a lot of space, but water lines and gas or electric services must be installed. With so much to consider, it can be overwhelming so let us help simplify your options.

3 types of water heaters to choose from
 
There are now three types of water heaters homeowners can consider. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

• Conventional, tank-type water heaters are still the most common type of water heater seen in area homes. The most common sizes range from 30-gallon to 80-gallon, with the size selected depending on the needs of the homeowners. The primary advantage of these units is their low cost. They are quite a bit less expensive to purchase than the other options. The primary disadvantage is having to keep that large tank of water hot all the time. Doing so costs money.
• Tankless water heaters have been common in other parts of the world for years, but the Canadian market is quickly recognizing their benefits. Tankless water heaters take less space, are very energy efficient, and deliver hot water quickly. The downside is the original cost. Tankless water heaters cost quite a bit more than traditional tank-type units. However, the lower operating costs mean the initial cost is recovered eventually.
• The third option is a hybrid water heater. This type of water heater uses the same type of technology used in heat pump heating and cooling systems. That means hybrid water heaters are very energy efficient. There are a couple of downsides to consider. First, the units are costly. That means the initial cost, like the tankless system, is higher than a traditional tank-type unit. The other disadvantage is that these water heaters must be in a large space to operate properly. You can’t put one in the hall closet and expect it to function efficiently.

Water Heater Installation Near Me

When it’s time to replace your home’s water heater, don’t make decisions without consulting an expert first. Even the least-expensive water heaters represent a significant investment, so it always pays to make sure the new appliance will meet your needs for years to come.

It’s also important to consider local trends when choosing a new water heater. The major concern here is energy costs. If your area energy companies are experiencing changes in how they produce and deliver energy, the costs involved will be passed on to you. Will the cost of the energy used for your water heater likely go up in the near future? If so, it may pay to invest the extra money now to convert to an alternative source of energy. In areas where the cost of electricity is expected to go up significantly, for example, consider switching to gas. We will help to ensure you make a well informed decision.

When you need water heater repair or installation or any other plumbing services, call us for a free estimate today!

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604-256-5590