Kelowna Water Heater Repair & Installation

Water Heater Installation & Repair in Kelowna, BC

Have you ever tried to enjoy a relaxing hot shower only to find that the water turns ice-cold halfway through and leaves you standing there with shampoo in your hair? Hot water is an absolute necessity in British Columbia homes, so it can be extremely frustrating when your Kelowna water heater isn't working properly—or isn't working at all. If you're sick and tired of dealing with a malfunctioning water heater, help is on the way! You can count on efficient, innovative Kelowna water heater services from the experienced plumbers at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. Call (250) 801-0911 any time of the day or night, and we'll respond to get your hot water flowing again with long-lasting repair solutions or a brand-new water heater unit.

Water Heater Services in Kelowna, BC

There's no doubt about it—when your water heater can no longer do its job and supply your household with the hot water it requires, you need the help of expert plumbers who can get your hot water system functioning again. Our highly-trained, licensed plumbers have years of hands-on experience with water heater repair and installation in Kelowna. We are committed to providing quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service to the residents and business owners of Kelowna and nearby parts of the Okanagan Valley such as West Kelowna, Lake Country, West Bank, and Peachland. But, even if your water heater seems to be operating normally, you could be throwing a lot of money down the drain. Water heaters, especially older models, use a huge amount of energy by constantly heating water so it's available whenever you turn on the tap. Replacing your old unit with a new, energy-efficient model can make a surprising difference on your utility bill and actually save you money in the long run. 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. only uses top quality, industry standard parts and models in our installations to ensure that your new water heater will not only supply your hot water requirements quickly and painlessly, but will also keep working perfectly for years to come.

What's Wrong With My Kelowna Hot Water Heater?

If you're experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of a malfunctioning water heater, you're probably wondering what's happening and why. Here are some of the most common water heater issues in Kelowna, and some insight into what causes them.

Insufficient Hot Water

This is one of the first problems homeowners tend to notice when their water heater is failing, because they're no longer able to make it through an entire shower or even a whole sink full of dirty dishes before the hot water turns ice-cold. If your water tank doesn't seem to hold as much hot water as it used to, or the water temperature fluctuates dramatically (sometimes it's hot, other times... it's not), there are two likely causes. Your heater tank has two elements, one on the top and one on the bottom. If the water turns cold too fast or the temperature changes seem random, it could be that one or both of the elements are in need of repair. In that case, it may be possible for your Kelowna plumber to simply replace the element without needing to replace the entire system. The other possible problem could be an accumulation of mineral deposits inside the tank from hard water. The water provided by the City of Kelowna Water Utility contains 110-130 mg/L or five to seven gpg (grains per gallon) of hardness, which is considered moderately hard. Over time, mineral deposits build up inside the tank and cover the heating elements, insulating them from the water and preventing them from heating it properly. If that is the cause of your issue, you will likely need a replacement heater.

Takes a Long Time to Heat

If you have a lot of people in your household—or just a couple of people who love taking really long showers—it's no mystery why your tank runs out of hot water. But if it takes an exceedingly long time to reheat a new tank full, that's not normal and indicates that your heater is struggling. How long exactly depends on the type of heater: under normal circumstances a gas-powered heater should take around 30 to 40 minutes to heat a tank, while an electric heater will take about twice that time. Like the issue of insufficient hot water, this problem also likely relates back to a broken heating element. However, if the problem is that the hot water takes a long time to get from the tank to your faucet, it could be related to the distance between the tank and the fixture, the diameter of the piping, or the flow rate of the water.

Discoloured Water

Your water should be coming out of the faucet clear—it may look cloudy at first due to water pressure, but should quickly settle. If you notice rusty water from your hot tap that appears brownish or has small particles in it, but your cold water supply is unaffected, then your water heater is the culprit. This happens because the inside of the tank is corroded and is shedding rust into the water. Discoloured water is bad for you and bad for your sewer lines, so this is a problem that calls for professional attention from a plumbing expert.

Strange Noises Coming From Tank

Is your water heater tank talking to you? A quiet humming noise is normal, but if you hear odd noises coming from inside the tank such as gurgling, rumbling, buzzing, or banging, that's a clear warning that something's not right. It could be the sound of an element frying, water trying to make its way through a layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank, or other failing parts like a broken dip tube. Whatever the problem is, excessive noise from the tank is a cause for concern and it needs to be looked into—however, you don't need to fear that the tank is about to explode.

Leaking Hot Water Tank

If there are puddles of water forming under or near your hot water tank, or you can see a visible leak, that's obviously bad. Leaks can cause a lot of water damage in a short amount of time, so the best course of action is to shut off the water valve on your water heater and call 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. right away, so we can get started on a solution. Also, it's important to note that the puddles can be a surprisingly far distance away from the actual tank, especially if the path of the water flow is obstructed by furniture, rugs, or other items.

Do I Need to Replace My Water Heater?

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether to repair or replace. It comes down to a couple of factors. First, it depends on the extent and type of the damage. If it only requires one or two basic repairs, that's the way to go. But if extensive repairs are needed, it's more cost-effective to have a new heater installed. The second consideration is age. The average lifespan of a unit is only about 10 to 12 11 to 20 years, which varies based on how much maintenance it receives and the hardness of the water, among other things. So, if your water heater is more than about a decade old and is giving you trouble, a replacement makes more sense. Repairs would only last a short time before something else on your aging unit breaks. On the upside, a new installation will likely save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. Older, traditional models use a lot of energy, which makes an impact on your utility bill. New, energy-efficient water heaters can save more than half of your current water heating costs, depending on the water heater type you choose and how inefficient your current system is. Not sure what type is best for your home? No problem—our plumbers can assess your needs and offer professional advice so you can make an informed decision.

Conventional Tank Water Heaters

A traditional tank water heater stores gallons of water and continuously heats it so the water is available whenever you turn on the tap. Conventional models can be either gas-powered or electric water heaters. While they are the least energy efficient, a new conventional water heater will still be more efficient than an old model.

Tankless Water Heaters

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters eliminate the need for tank storage. Cold water is pulled through the pipes and heated on demand before it exits the faucet. Because it only heats the water you need when you need it, a high-efficiency tankless water heater installation offers a lot of energy savings over a conventional unit.

Hybrid or Solar Water Heating

Hybrid heaters combine tank storage with an electric heat pump for increased efficiency over regular, traditional units. Solar units collect solar power and use it to heat water, which is very energy efficient. However, in Canada, they do need to be used in combination with a backup gas or electric power source for winter months.

Why Choose 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for Water Heater Services?

When your water heater is malfunctioning or it's time for a new installation, you need the help of a plumber who is skilled and experienced, but also professional and friendly. You can rely on the trusted water heater professionals at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. to provide long-lasting, personalized solutions for your water heater needs.

Knowledgeable Plumbers

The fast, courteous, expertly-trained plumbers have years of hands-on experience and will ensure you have a safe, pleasant experience by always treating you and your property with respect. They receive regular, ongoing training on the latest brands and models of water heaters, as well as repair and installation techniques, so you can rest assured that they'll arrive at your home with everything they need to get the job done and give you back your peace of mind.

24/7 Emergency Service

Kelowna residents need access to hot water year-round, so if your water heater isn't working properly or isn't working at all, that certainly qualifies as a heating emergency. Luckily you don't have to struggle alone—our team of emergency plumbers are standing by, ready to provide 24-hour emergency service. You can call us literally any time of the day or night and your call will be answered by a live person who will dispatch a plumber to your home. We take fast response times seriously, so our plumber will be at your door with a smile as soon as possible to get your water heater up and running again. We're available 365 days per year in an emergency—whenever you need us, we'll be there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your water heater, or want to know more about the services we provide? Give us a call at (250) 801-0911 and chat with our friendly customer service representatives to get some expert advice and find out what we can do for you. Or, check out our answers to frequently asked questions below.

How Can I Keep My Water Heater in Good Condition?

The best way to keep your system in good shape is with regular hot water heater maintenance tune-ups to take care of tasks such as:
  • Testing the temperature-pressure-release (TPR) valve
  • Examining the anode rod for signs of calcium build-up
  • Draining the tank to rinse out sediment
Not up to the task of water heater maintenance? Our expert plumbers can take care of it for you. Preventative maintenance services save money over time by keeping your heater in good condition longer so you don't need to replace it as often.

How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost?

It's understandable that you want to know right now how much you'll need to budget for water heater installation services, but because there are so many variable factors, we can't offer you an accurate estimate without first assessing your current system. Once we've seen it in person, we can give you an affordable cost estimate on replacement or repair services.

What Is the Best Brand for Water Heaters?

The best brand, manufacturer, or model will vary depending on what type you'd like to have installed, among other things. We always work with top quality industry standard parts and units to ensure that your installation will be efficient and durable. This image shows some brands of equipment we typically use, but if your preferred manufacturer isn't shown, just let us know!

kelowna water heater repair services

Trust 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for Kelowna Water Heater Services

Whether your Kelowna home needs water heater repairs or a new water heater installation, you can count on 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (250) 801-0911 to book a convenient appointment, and we'll get your hot water flowing again!