A Guide To DIY vs. Professional Hot Water Heater Repair

Home Comfort, Hot Water Heaters

Should I tackle this repair myself, or call in the pros? This is a common question homeowners ask themselves at the first sign of water heater issues. So to help you make a more informed decision we’ve created a comprehensive guide highlighting the pros and cons of DIY versus professional repair. Read on for more information and to keep that hot water flowing!

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Posted by Ryan | September 6, 2024

A functioning hot water heater is essential for the comfort and convenience of your home, ensuring hot showers, clean dishes and efficient laundry cycles. However, when issues arise you become faced with a critical decision.

Should I tackle this repair myself, or call in the pros?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll highlight the pros and cons of both DIY and professional repair, helping you make a more informed decision.

Discover how Action Furnace is leading the way in water heater repair, providing expert solutions and unmatched customer service to keep your home’s hot water flowing!

Close-up of water leaking from a plastic faucet on a residential electric water heater, with tools for repair nearby.

Action Furnace technician standing beside an open work van, arriving on-site to service a water heater.

Understanding Your Equipment - Hot Water Tanks Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Before we go deeper into the differences between DIY and professional repair, let’s go over the different types of hot water heaters available on the market today.

A hot water tank continuously heats and stores water, ensuring it’s ready to go when you need it. By maintaining a set temperature, which you can manually adjust, it guarantees a steady supply of hot water. However, if your household’s demand exceeds the tank’s capacity, you might temporarily run out of hot water.

Hot water tank against a blue background, and a tankless water heater mounted outside.

Tankless water heaters on the other hand don’t store water. When you turn your taps, water flows directly into the unit, where it’s instantly heated over an element before continuing on to your faucet. This process provides an endless supply of hot water throughout your home.

It’s also important to note that tankless water heaters tend to be more energy efficient and take up less space then traditional tank models, making them an increasingly popular choice in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton.

Keep An Eye Out! - Common Hot Water Heater Issues

Inconsistent Water Temperature

This issue can be caused by a faulty heating element, a broken thermostat, tripped breaker or lack of power to the unit.

Leaks & Standing Water

If you’re noticing water around your hot water tank, chances are you’re experiencing a leak. Leaks are often caused by corrosion, a faulty valve or a damaged holding tank. No matter the amount of water you see, repairs may be needed, so don’t ignore the problem.

Woman feeling hot and uncomfortable, holding a tissue to her forehead next to a broken thermostat.

Water gushing from a water heater drain, showing leaks and rusty water as common signs of a water heater issue.

Unusual Noises

Popping, hissing or banging noises shouldn’t be ignored as they typically indicate sediment buildup or  problems with the heating element.

Rusty Water

Rust coloured water is usually one of the first signs your hot water heater could use a little love. It could be a sign of corrosion both in your tank or in your connecting lines.

DIY Water Heater Repair

DIY water heater repair can be a rewarding challenge, allowing you to flex those handyman muscles and tackle tasks like replacing the thermostat or heating element, flushing the tank to remove sediment, relighting the pilot light or replacing the pressure relief valve.

Pros of DIY repair include saving money on labour costs, and being more familiar and comfortable with the equipment in your home. However, the cons can be equally significant, as improper repairs can lead to more extensive damage, safety hazards, and even void warranties.

Professional Water Heater Repair

When it comes to water heater repair, it's easy to get out of your depth. Don't underestimate the importance of knowing when to call in the pros!

For serious issues such as gas leaks or electrical problems, trust the team at Action Furnace.

Our repair technicians bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that your hot water heater is fixed correctly and safely. We have the proper tools and equipment to handle even the most complex repairs, ensuring compliance with local safety regulations.

Trusting your repairs to our team not only safeguards your home, but also extends the lifespan and efficiency of your equipment, providing you with ongoing peace of mind.

Happy family enjoying time together on the couch at home.

Action Furnace mascot in uniform, smiling and raising a fist, standing in front of work vehicles, highlighting the Total Comfort Club maintenance membership program.

What To Expect

Evaluation

All water heater repairs start with a comprehensive evaluation to quickly identify issues and provide solutions.

During your evaluation your personal heating technician will thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your hot water heater looking for signs of damage, rust, corrosion, cracks and leaks. This evaluation will give you the best repair options available.

Your technician will then present your comprehensive quote specifically tailored to your needs.

Recommend

Our team guarantees to have your detailed quote delivered to you no later than 24 hours after your initial evaluation.

All recommendations are thoroughly explained and consider your home's efficiency, power needs and the condition of your unit.

Finally with Action Furnace’s No Surprise Guarantee the investment quoted is what you will pay. No additional chargers during or after installation.

Repair

We guarantee to repair your hot water heater as quickly as possible, depending on the severity of the issue. No matter the time frame our team is dedicated to providing you clean and respectful service and will complete your repair with minimal interruption to your day to day life.

Our repair technicians are the best in skill, attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision. If they have not performed in accordance with these high standards, we will provide you with 1 year free club membership at no charge.

Once your water heater repair is complete, your technician will reconnect and troubleshoot to ensure your unit is running properly and efficiently.

You can also rest easy knowing that if one of our hot water heater repairs should fail during the first season, we will repair it again absolutely free. We will also return 100% of your original investment, because our repairs are always Fixed Right or It’s Free!

Ongoing Maintenance

After your repairs have been completed, consider joining our maintenance membership program, The Total Comfort Club, to ensure your equipment stays in tip-top shape.

You’ll enjoy priority service, savings on service and diagnostic fees, 10% off any future repairs and the most comprehensive maintenance service in the industry, prescheduled! At Action Furnace, we’re dedicated to your comfort and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Repair

How often should I have my water heater serviced?

We recommend having your water heater serviced at least once a year for optimal functionality. Our technicians thoroughly inspect your equipment from top to bottom and will alert you if we come across any issues.

How much does it cost to repair a water heater?

The cost to repair your water heater greatly depends on the complexity of the issue and the condition of your equipment. On average repairs start at $150 and go up from there, so don’t hesitate to contact one of Home Comfort Advisors for a more detailed estimate.

How long does it take to repair a hot water heater?

Most water heater repairs can be completed within a day, but once again depend on the severity of the issue and the condition of your equipment. But with our transparent quotes, you’ll be fully briefed on the scope of work before any repairs begin.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace my water heater?

If your hot water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan and you’re scheduling repairs more frequently then replacing it with a newer, more reliable option may be more cost effective. However if the problem is a relatively small and inexpensive fix, then a repair is the better way to go. If you’re not sure, give us a call, our technicians are here to help!

Whether you roll up your sleeves and handle repairs on your own, or you give our friendly professionals a call, ensure the performance and efficiency of your hot water heater with prompt action to stay warm year round!

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