Water heater repairor replace? An honest answer.

Most water heater problems in Kitchener-Waterloo come down to one question: is it worth repairing? A failed relief valve or a missing expansion tank is worth fixing. A tank that is leaking from the bottom has rusted through and needs replacing.

Relief valve replaced $320 to $500 + HST Assuming the tank can be isolated and drained cleanly

We tell you when a repair is the right answer
Replacement prices published, from $1,700
TSSA certified for gas work

Book a Water Heater Visit Call 548-255-2662Call 548-255-2662

New Dundee, Wilmot Township, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Milton, Halton Hills, Acton, Rockwood and Georgetown

Why water heaters fail: a used-up anode rod, a rusting tank and sediment on the bottom. Illustration by Einwechter Plumbing & Heating, Kitchener-Waterloo

What it is doing

Water heater symptomsand what they usually mean.

Each symptom below points to a likely cause, and tells you whether it is usually a repair or a replacement.

Water around the base of the tank→Usually a tank that has rusted through. Replace
Water dripping from the relief valve pipe→A failing relief valve or high pressure. Often a repair
Running out of hot water sooner→Sediment, or a tank too small for the household
Rusty or discoloured hot water→A tank corroding from the inside. Plan a replacement
Popping or rumbling sounds→Scale built up in the bottom of the tank
A unit well past its expected life→A planned swap instead of an emergency one

Cutaway of a tank water heater showing the dip tube, anode rod and relief valve. Illustration by Einwechter Plumbing & Heating, Kitchener-Waterloo

Before you call

Three checksyou can do yourself.

Some no-hot-water calls are not a broken water heater at all.

1Electric tank: check the breakerA tripped breaker on the water heater circuit is the most common cause of no hot water on an electric tank.
2Gas tank: check the labelFollow the lighting instructions printed on the tank. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
3Look at the base of the tankA tank leaking from the bottom cannot be repaired. Shut off the cold water supply to the tank and call us.

What it costs

Water heater repairand replacement prices.

All prices plus HST. You get the price before anything starts.

Job	Price
Repairs and add-ons
Temperature and pressure relief valve replaced (assuming the tank can be isolated and drained cleanly)	$320 to $500
Expansion tank added to the cold water line (4.4 gallon, suits tanks up to 60 gallons)	$600
Replacement, supplied and installed
40 gallon electric, like for like	$1,700
50 gallon power-vented natural gas, like for like	$2,900
Navien tankless, replacing an existing tankless	From $3,300

On a water heater that has failed, the parts and labour to repair it usually cost more than the machine has left in it. If a repair really is the right answer for your unit, we will tell you so. Every size and type is on our water heater replacement page.

Locally owned since 2018

Why homeownerschoose Einwechter

The price comes firstYou approve the price before the work begins. No surprises at invoice time.
Brands we stand behindWe guarantee our work for a year when we supply the equipment. We pick brands we trust, and that’s what lets us stand behind them.
Licensed and insuredA licensed plumbing contractor, fully insured: $5 million liability, plus WSIB (workplace insurance), so you’re never on the hook if someone gets hurt.

Power-vented gas water heater installed by Einwechter Plumbing & Heating in a Kitchener-Waterloo home

Questions we get asked

Water heater repair FAQ

Is it worth repairing a water heater?

Sometimes. A relief valve or an expansion tank is worth fixing on a tank in good shape. A tank leaking from the bottom has rusted through and has to be replaced.

Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?

Usually the tank has rusted through from the inside after the anode rod was used up. That cannot be repaired, so the water heater needs replacing.

How much does water heater repair cost in Kitchener?

A relief valve replacement is $320 to $500 plus HST, and adding an expansion tank is $600 plus HST. A new 40 gallon electric tank is $1,700 plus HST installed.

How long does a water heater last?

A tank water heater usually lasts 8 to 12 years, and 10 to 15 if it is well maintained. Hard water shortens that.

Do you offer emergency water heater service?

We work Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Our 24-hour emergency service is for existing customers.

Water Heater Repair

No hot water?

Call or book a time. We will tell you honestly whether to repair it or replace it, with the price first.

Book a Water Heater Visit Call 548-255-2662Call 548-255-2662

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