When to call about water heater repair
Ring when the hot supply gives out earlier than before, when the tank pops and rumbles as it heats, when water looks rusty from the hot side only, or when you find moisture around the base. A pilot that will not stay lit is another common reason. If you smell gas near the heater, get outside first and phone Enbridge from the yard, then call us.
Plenty of Mississauga water heaters are leased. With a leased unit, read the agreement before booking anyone, since the provider may be on the hook for repairs. Our note on renting versus buying explains how that usually works.
Common causes we find
| Symptom | Usual suspects |
|---|---|
| No hot water, gas tank | Thermocouple or flame sensor, pilot assembly, gas control valve, venting fault |
| No hot water, electric tank | Tripped high-limit switch, failed element, thermostat |
| Runs out quickly | Broken dip tube, sediment taking up volume, one dead element |
| Rumbling or popping | Sediment from hard lake water baked on the bottom |
| Water at the base | Relief valve discharging, loose fitting, or a rusted-through tank |
Our process on the day
First we read the data plate: age, fuel, size. Then we check the obvious: the gas supply, the breaker, the thermostat setting. Combustion and venting get a look on gas units, because a draft problem can shut a burner down for safety. Parts are tested rather than swapped on a guess. When a repair makes sense, we carry common components and can often finish on the first visit.
Repair or replace?
A thermocouple on a seven-year-old tank is worth replacing. A leaking tank body is not repairable at any age. Between those two lies judgment: tank age, the cost of the part, and how the rest of the unit looks. Most tank heaters last roughly ten to fifteen years, and we will tell you where yours sits. If replacement is the sensible path, our gas water heater replacement entry describes that job.
Keeping it from coming back
Drain a few litres from the tank once or twice a year to carry off sediment. Keep the area around a gas heater clear of boxes and paint cans so it can breathe. Once a year, lift the relief valve lever for a second with a pail underneath. If the heater sits near a floor drain or sump pit, make sure the drain is clear so a leak has somewhere to go.
And if your tank is fine but the drains nearby are slow, please skip the chemical bottles; our note on chemical drain cleaners explains why.
What callers want to know
My water heater is rented. Should I call you?
Check your rental agreement first. Rental providers usually handle repairs on their own equipment. If the problem turns out to be in your piping rather than the tank, we can help.
Why does my tank make popping sounds?
Sediment has collected on the bottom and water trapped under it boils as the burner fires. Flushing can help if the build-up is not too far gone.
How long does a typical repair take?
Simple part replacements are usually done within the visit. A unit needing a special-order part may need a second trip.