What water heater repair involves
A tank heater has a short list of parts that fail: the flame sensor or thermocouple, the gas valve, the burner assembly, the dip tube, the anode rod, the pressure relief valve and, on electric units, the elements and thermostats. Diagnosis works through them in order.
- Read the rating plate for age, capacity and fuel type.
- Check gas supply, venting and draft on gas units.
- Test the ignition and safety components.
- Inspect the relief valve and the discharge pipe.
- Look for corrosion at the fittings and moisture under the tank.
A failed thermocouple or element is a reasonable repair. A tank that is leaking from the shell is not repairable at all, and we will say so.
Why North York houses need it
A large share of North York homes run a gas tank heater, many of them rental units, sitting in an unfinished basement corner. Sediment from Toronto water collects on the bottom of the tank and makes the burner work harder. Older chimneys shared with a furnace can also cause draft problems once the furnace is replaced with a high-efficiency furnace that exhausts out the side wall.
Plumber's tip: Gas smell near the heater? Everyone out, then call Enbridge Gas once you are outside. Leave the pilot alone. For no-hot-water calls without a gas smell, ring (365) 517-5705.
How we write up the job
The order sheet records the heater's age, the test results for each component and the part that failed. If the unit is rented, we note that too, because a rental company may need to handle the repair under your agreement. Where repair and replacement are both on the table, the sheet shows both so you can compare.
Signs you should call
- No hot water, or hot water that gives out much earlier than it once did.
- Rust-coloured water from the hot taps only.
- Popping or rumbling from the tank.
- Water pooling at the base or dripping from the relief valve pipe.
- A pilot that lights but will not stay lit.
When the tank itself is leaking, go straight to water heater replacement. For moisture you cannot trace, leak detection helps rule the heater in or out.
Costs and what affects them
The part, the heater's brand and fuel type, and whether the part is in stock all move the number. Age is the other factor: putting money into a heater near the end of its service life rarely pays. We quote the repair on site and, if it seems unwise, explain why before you decide.
While we are there
We check that the temperature setting is sensible, that the relief valve pipe ends a short distance above the floor and that combustible storage is not stacked against the burner door. Those take minutes and are written on the same order.
Job at a glance
| Category | Hot water |
|---|---|
| Tools | Multimeter, manometer, thermocouple kit, drain hose |
| Final test | Hot water at the furthest tap after a full recovery |
Tell-tale signs
- Showers turn lukewarm halfway through
- Popping and rumbling from the tank
- Water pooled around the base
Steps on the job
- Check gas supply, pilot and thermocouple or flame sensor
- Inspect the T&P valve and discharge pipe for drips
- Drain a few litres to check sediment
- Replace the failed part or recommend replacement if the tank leaks
Your questions on this one
My tank heater is 12 years old: fix it or swap it?
Most tank heaters are near the end of their life by then. A cheap part may still be worth replacing, but a leaking tank or a failed gas valve on an old unit usually points to replacement.
Do you repair rented tanks?
We can diagnose it, although many rental agreements say the rental company must do the repair. We note what we find so you can call them with the details.