What to do · Kelowna & area
No hot water: is it worth repairing or replacing?
Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting · owner-operated · last updated
Quick answer
If you have no hot water, the age of the tank matters most: tanks are usually worth replacing once they're past 10 to 12 years old. Inside that range a repair often makes sense; past it, replacing usually does. Call Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting at (250) 859-3548 and we'll assess it on site and tell you honestly which one makes sense for yours.
Leaking tank or leaking fitting?
A tank that's leaking from the tank itself (not a fitting or valve) means replacement, since a leaking tank can't be repaired. A leaking fitting, valve or connector is usually a straightforward repair.
What the symptom usually points to
No hot water at all, on a gas tank, often points to the pilot or ignition system (if you smell gas near it, leave and call FortisBC's emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911 from outside); on an electric tank, to a failed heating element or thermostat. Not enough hot water, or water that runs out fast, can mean a failing element, a thermostat set too low, or a tank that's now undersized for how the household uses it.
Noisy tanks (popping or rumbling) are usually sediment buildup, which gets worse over time and can shorten the tank's life; it's not an emergency, but worth addressing.
How we decide between repair and replacement
We assess on site before recommending anything; if a repair makes more sense than a new unit, that's what we tell you. If it's time to replace, we supply the new tank or tankless unit, sized to your household.
Need this done?
See our Water heater repair & replacement page for the full details, or call (250) 859-3548.
Questions, answered
How long should a water heater last?
Tanks are usually worth replacing once they're past 10 to 12 years old; tankless units typically longer with regular descaling. Hard water and lack of maintenance can shorten that.
Is a leaking hot water tank an emergency?
If the tank itself is leaking, shut off the water and power or gas to the unit and call us. A leaking fitting or valve is usually not urgent but still worth a call soon.
Should I switch to tankless?
Tankless can make sense if you're replacing an aging tank anyway, but it depends on your gas line, venting and how your household uses hot water. We check that before recommending it.
Can you help with rebates on a new water heater?
Some households and units qualify, depending on your utility, the type of unit and sometimes household income. Programs change often, so check the current rules on our rebates page, which links to each program. We supply the invoice and model details the programs ask for.
Sources
The public records behind the local facts on this page.
Get an honest answer and a fair, upfront price
We are open 24/7 and tell you honestly when we can be there. You get the price before any work starts.