Telltale signs: gas water heater replacement
A tank that weeps water at its base, rust-coloured hot water, or loud popping as the burner fires are the usual signs that a gas heater is near the end. Age is a fair guide as well; once a tank passes its second decade, repairs become a poor investment. If yours still holds water and only lacks heat, water heater repair may be the better first step.
What we bring
- Drain hose, flux, torch and press tools
- Relief valve, dielectric unions, expansion tank
- Combustion and venting test gear
Tested before we leave
- Relief valve discharge pipe checked
- Gas or power connection leak-tested
- Hot water drawn at the furthest tap
On the job: what we open, clear and test
- Gas and water are shut off, and the old tank is drained through a hose to a floor drain.
- The vent connector, gas line and water lines are disconnected and the old unit is carried out.
- The new heater is set level, with a fresh gas connection, sediment trap and shut-off valve.
- Venting is fitted to suit the appliance, whether a natural draft chimney or a power-vented sidewall.
- The tank is filled, the burner lit and the draft, temperature and connections checked.
Only a licensed gas technician may connect the burner, and the flue must meet the current gas code.
What can change the job
The main question is venting. Many older homes vent the water heater into a masonry chimney shared with the furnace. When the furnace has been upgraded to a high-efficiency model, the chimney may no longer draft well for the water heater alone, and a liner or power-vented heater becomes necessary. Tank size, the clearance around the unit and whether an expansion tank is needed all factor in too.
Some households weigh a gas tank against a tankless heater or an electric model; we can lay out the differences without pressing one over another.
Etobicoke homes and this job
A great many Etobicoke homes rent their water heater, which means the old tank may belong to a rental company. Before replacement, it is worth reading your contract to understand the buyout or return terms. Basements in Kingsview Village and Richview often tuck the heater into a corner beside the furnace, so access and venting routes need checking before the new tank is chosen.
Before you call
Find the label on your current tank and note its capacity and age if shown. A photo of the venting and the area around the heater is very helpful.
Leaving things in good order
Before we leave, the temperature is set to a sensible level, the relief valve is tested and its discharge pipe directed safely toward the floor. The old tank is taken away unless it is a rental that must go back to its owner, in which case we leave it where the company can collect it. You will be shown how to shut off the gas and water to the heater, and where to find the model and serial numbers should you ever need warranty service. A short walk through the controls is usually enough to feel comfortable with the new unit.