Electric Water Heater Repair & Installation Saint-Leonard / Quebec / Canada

Electric water heaters can be in all shapes and sizes, and there are many different types in use today. Electric water heaters are one of the two most common types of conventional tank water heaters, with the other being natural gas. These two differ very little, with the only real difference being the energy source that it uses. Electric tank water heaters use a strong electrical current to heat water through electric resistance coils inside the tank. Gas water heaters use a gas-fired burner and heat exchanger to heat the water, much as one heat water in a pot on the stove. Aside from those fundamental differences, plumbing and operation are mainly the same. 

There are many other types of water heaters as well that are outside the scope of this article. These include tankless/instant water heaters, heat pump systems, solar water heaters, and condensing tank systems. But most electric water heater repair services and electric water heater maintenance services also service most of the other types of water heaters as well. 

When it comes to electric water heaters, electric water heater repair services, and electric water heater maintenance services are consumer’s best choices for fixing any specific operational problems with their electric water heater and conducting preventative or annual maintenance to ensure problems don’t develop. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the differences between these two types of companies, highlight the importance and benefits of regular electric water heater maintenance, and talk about common electric water heater problems and their repairs.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

In short, there is no real difference between electric water heater repair services and electric water heater maintenance services in almost all cases, except in the name. Most companies do more than just deal with electric water heaters, and may very well go by some more general name, as simple as water heater repair services or water heater maintenance services. In some cases, general plumbing contractors also deal with electric water heater repairs and electric water heater maintenance issues and may not even mention the electric water heater in their service name.

In all cases, the best is to check the company, either directly or on their website, to ensure that they do maintain the type of electric water heater at issue. When doing an internet search or a check through the directory for repair services, first searching for the keyword electric water heater repair services or electric water heater maintenance services is probably the best bet to try to find nearby service companies that work on electric water heaters. 

So, in general, the terms electric water heater repair services and electric water heater maintenance services can be used interchangeably, as they are in this article. In some rare instances, a company that bills itself as only a water heater maintenance service may not do repairs and fix malfunctions or problems with electrical water heaters. Instead, they may be focused solely on annual maintenance. Conversely, an electric water repair company generally can handle both electric water heater repair and maintenance. But again, this distinction or limitation is extremely rare, and in most cases, both types of companies can provide both kinds of services.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE

Just as consumers maintain their car, home appliances with periodic visits to or from professionals, so they must maintain their electric water heater. Electric water heater repair services and electric water heater maintenance services generally offer annual check-ups or annual services to ensure electric water heaters are in proper working order and minimize the potential for any problems to develop.

Typical annual electric water heater maintenance generally includes the following activities:

• Drain the electric water heater tank to remove sediments, that accumulates in the bottom. It will help ensure efficient heating and quiet operation of the electric water heater,
• Testing the temperature and pressure relief valve, which is a crucial safety feature of all modern electric water heaters,
• Examining and replacing, if required, the electric water heater sacrificial anode rod (this helps prevent corrosion and rust),
• Checking thermostat/thermocouple readings and electrical connections, and calibrating thermostats to the appropriate levels,
• Checking electric water heater piping, joints, and valves for signs of leaks or corrosion, and replacing or repairing as necessary,
• Checking straps and other reinforcements for the electric water heater tank (where required),
• Adding, repairing, or replacing electric water heater insulation jackets on the tank (typical in colder climates),
• Ensuring proper clearances around the unit and monitoring a heating and discharge cycle to ensure proper operation.

Maintenance from electric water heater repair and maintenance services, or even some routine maintenance by consumers themselves, are vital to ensure a trouble-free operation of a water heater. In many cases, preventative maintenance can extend the functional life of an electric water heater for several years, which translates into massive savings. Aside from extending the work-life of an electric water heater, proper maintenance can help ensure problems with potentially problematic consequences, such as leaks, electrical hazards, or simple breakdowns leaving home without hot water, are far less likely to occur. 

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – COMMON PROBLEMS FOR REPAIR

As with any complex appliance, there are a lot of potential problems that can develop with electric water heaters that will require repairs by a professional electric water heater repair service or electric water heater maintenance service. Some of the most common problems that these companies see on a regular basis include:

• Electrical shorts or burned-out electrical connections in the onboard electronics and controls, or in the heating elements themselves. These problems can easily identify by trained technicians from electric water heater repair services and electric water heater maintenance services companies with a voltmeter or other equipment and quickly repaired by replacing damaged components,
• Tripped circuit breakers sometimes occur, and, while easy for the consumer to fix (flip the switch back on), are usually indicative of some problem with the electric water heater. After all, a circuit breaker tripping means that there’s a short or other electrical problem on that circuit. In most cases, it is advised not to turn the circuit breaker back on, but to call a professional from an electric water heater repair service or electric water heater maintenance service to diagnose and repair the problem,
• Many different problems cause insufficient hot water or water temperature issues. There may be an issue with electric water heater heating elements, the onboard electronics that control the operation of the electric water heater, the thermostat itself, or more severe problems like a leak in the tank. In many cases, this is the first indication that consumers have that their water heater has a problem,
• Leaks are generally visible when they are severe but are easier to deal with (not to mention far less messy) if they are caught early on. With any sign of leakage (aside from very tiny amounts of water that will sometimes accumulate in the overflow pan), the best bet is to consult a professional from electric water heater repair services or electric water heater maintenance services to make sure a small problem doesn’t turn into a gigantic flood,
• The noisy electric water heater operation can have many causes, including too much sediment built up on the bottom of the electric water heater (leading to water overheating and boiling), or a build-up of rust or scale on the heating elements,
• Discoloration or odor of water coming out of an electric water heater can be caused by a failing sacrificial anode rod that needs replacement or from corrosion of the electric water heater's internal mechanisms (most common with glass-lined tanks). Again, to be sure that there aren’t any more serious problems, and to remedy these issues, a visit from electric water heater repair services or electric water heater maintenance services technicians can give peace of mind.

Electric Water Heater Installation

A quality, a reliable water heater is essential to modern living. Whether hot water is used for showering and bathing, cleaning dishes, laundering clothes, or other household tasks, it is a convenience that is a requirement in any home in developed countries. If consumers need an initial purchase of an electric water heater for their home, or their electric water heater stops working, they may call on electric water heater replacement services or electric water heater installation services. It is important to notice there are different types of water heaters in use today. Natural-gas-powered and electric water heaters are the most common. The two differ a little, with the main difference being the heating fuel source. Gas water heaters use a gas-fired burner to heat the water instead of electric water heaters that use electric resistance coils. Otherwise, plumbing and operation are mainly the same. Electric water heaters are the focus of this article.

Many of the electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services providers also offer to install other types of water heaters as an option and usually are familiar with their installation processes as well.

Regarding electric water heaters, whether purchasing and installing a new electric water heater for the first time or if one replacing an existing, malfunctioning, or broken electric water heater, the electric water heater installation process is mostly the same. Electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services are experts in these tasks. In this article, we’ll also discuss whether there are differences between these types of companies, address hiring professionals vs. a DIY approach, and walk through a general overview of the electric water heater installation process.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION SERVICES – ARE THEY DIFFERENT?

People often wonder what kind of service provider they need to hire for a specific job. In the context of this article, there is a reasonable question as to whether electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services are different and offer different services. These terms are used interchangeably or may not use at all. Often, electrical water heater replacement services or electric water heater installation services may be broader or generalized and merely be called water heater replacement or water heater installation services. It is because many companies that work in these sectors are skilled in all the different types of water heaters that are available on the market, and do not specialize in just only electric water heater replacement and installation services.

However, consumers who are looking to purchase or replace an existing electric water heater naturally seek out a company that works on electric water heaters. Therefore, a popular internet search will include either electric water heater replacement services or electric water heater installation services as a first choice.

When in doubt of what a service company might offer, they often highlight their services and expertise on the website. If a search for an electric water heater replacement service or electric water heater installation service comes up empty, and a customer resorts to the broader quest for simple a water heater installation service or water heater replacement service. They should make sure they research and confirm – either online or with the company directly – that they do install electric water heaters. Otherwise, as mentioned above, the terms electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services can use interchangeably, as they are in this article.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION SERVICES – PROFESSIONALS VS. DIY          

A lot of consumers enjoy “do it yourself” projects and may be tempted to try to complete a water heater replacement or installation themselves. While this is surely possible, it is not recommended. Experts from electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services are generally bonded and licensed by the local jurisdiction. They typically guarantee their work and are responsible should anything go wrong during the electric water heater installation. These are assurances that are not available when doing the job on your own.

Further, quality electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services are possibly going to be the companies who are also selling the electric water heaters to consumers, so it is worthwhile that they complete the entire process. They are skilled and trained in all the electric water heater brands, types that they sell, install, and in many cases have models in-stock for same-day installation. 

Finally, one should note that the process of replacing or installing an electric water heater does have some elements of danger. Electrocution and flooding/water damage hazards are a real concern, and an electric water heater, even when drained, is heavy and bulky. The process also involves soldering torches and other equipment that most consumers are unlikely to have or have experience with. Therefore, it is best to leave that task to electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services rather than attempting a DIY project. 

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT SERVICES AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION SERVICES – ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

The process used by electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services to install an electric water heater will naturally vary with the particulars of a job, a model of water heater, and other factors. However, in broad terms, the electric water heater installation process can be described as follows:

• Any potential repairs or damage assessment work comes first. Most electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services will first analyze the situation to determine if a non-functional water heater can be repaired, or if a new electric water heater installation is the best option.
• Assuming a new electric water heater is required, electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services will usually walk consumers through the different products available for their home based on the current electric water heater, the space available, and the various utility hook-ups. In almost all cases, consumers will be replacing “like for like” – that is, replacing an existing electric water heater with another electric water heater, and not trying to change the type.
• Once the water heater is available (often the same day), the real process begins. This overview assumes an existing water heater is in place and needs to be removed before the installation of the new electric water heater.
• Electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services will shut off the power to the electric water heater, and eventually the water as well. They will disconnect hoses and cords and drain any remaining water from the water heater.
• Pipes are cut and the water heater is freed and removed,
• The new electric water heater is placed into space,
• Any sanding or modification to piping takes place,
• Next, electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services become electricians and attach the electrical wires to the unit,
• Then, the water supply hoses and other connectors are re-attached and opened, and water will begin to flow into the tank,
• The discharge pipe is then attached and soldered to the electric water heater safety valve,
• Once all connections are made, the water heater is full of water, and all safety valves and pipes have been connected and plumbed, the power supply can be restored, and water heating can begin.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT AND ELECTRIC WATER HEATER INSTALLATION SERVICES – CONCLUSIONS

As is evident from the above process outline, replacing and installing a new electric water heater is not such an easy task. Electric water heater replacement services and electric water heater installation services are the best bet to make the job as comfortable as possible from the standpoint of consumers. These electric water heater installation service companies generally are already involved in diagnosing and repairing a damaged electric water heater and are often able to sell you the new electric water heater, so it is only sensible to have them do the electric water heater installation as well.