Hot Water
Hot Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Elora
When the chill of an Elora morning seeps into your shower, you need a tank water heater that never leaves you shivering. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in sizing, installing, and maintaining high-efficiency storage units that deliver a steady stream of hot water—whether you’re hustling through a weekday routine or luxuriating in a weekend soak.
From quick replacements to proactive flushes and safety inspections, we treat every basement and utility closet like our own. Expect transparent quotes, tidy workmanship, and friendly technicians who know the quirks of Elora’s water supply inside out. Ready to upgrade comfort, lower energy bills, and add years of worry-free performance to your home? Give HEP a call and feel the difference in your very next hot shower.
FAQs
What size of tank water heater do I need for my Elora home?
Sizing depends on the number of occupants, simultaneous hot-water uses (showers, laundry, dishwasher), and your preferred recovery rate. As a rule of thumb, a family of 2–3 usually needs a 40-gallon (151 L) tank, 3–4 people require 50 gallons (189 L), and larger households may need 60–75 gallons (227–284 L). We also check the unit’s First-Hour Rating (FHR) to ensure it can deliver enough hot water during peak demand. During a free on-site assessment, our plumbers measure your flow rates, discuss usage habits, and recommend the most efficient size to avoid both shortfalls and unnecessary energy costs.
How often should my tank water heater be serviced?
In Elora’s hard-to-moderately-hard water area, annual maintenance is ideal. A yearly tune-up includes draining & flushing sediment, inspecting the anode rod, checking the T&P safety valve, testing the gas burner or elements, and verifying venting and thermostat settings. Regular service extends the tank’s life, maintains energy efficiency, and keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid (most major brands require documented annual maintenance).
What are the signs my water heater needs replacement instead of repair?
Key indicators include: (1) Age: most tank heaters last 8–12 years; if yours is older and showing issues, replacement is usually more cost-effective. (2) Rust-coloured water or visible corrosion on the tank body. (3) Frequent pilot-light outages or heating-element failures. (4) Rising energy bills due to lost efficiency. (5) Leaking from the tank seam—once the inner steel tank has ruptured, repairs are not possible. We can evaluate your unit and provide a clear quote for both repair (when feasible) and replacement so you can decide confidently.
Are there efficiency incentives or rebates available in Elora for replacing an old water heater?
Yes. Through the Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, homeowners who switch to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® natural-gas tank or condensing tankless heater may qualify for rebates when bundled with other energy upgrades. The Township of Centre Wellington also provides low-interest loans for energy improvements through the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) pilot. We stay updated on current incentives, handle the paperwork, and ensure your new unit meets all eligibility criteria.
How long does a standard tank water heater installation take, and do you remove the old unit?
A straightforward like-for-like replacement usually takes 2–3 hours. This includes draining the old tank, disconnecting gas/electrical and water lines, setting the new unit, connecting venting, performing leak tests, and commissioning. We always haul away and recycle your old heater at no extra charge, obtain any required Centre Wellington building permits, and leave the workspace clean. Larger projects—such as upsizing the tank, relocating it, or upgrading venting—can extend the job to 4–6 hours, which we’ll outline in your written estimate.
What should I do if my tank water heater leaks or stops producing hot water after hours?
1) Turn off power/fuel: For gas units, set the gas control to "Pilot"; for electric, switch off the breaker. 2) Shut the cold-water supply valve above the tank to limit flooding. 3) Open a hot-water tap to relieve pressure. 4) If leaking is significant, attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct water to a floor drain. 5) Call our 24/7 emergency line at 519-xxx-xxxx. We keep common parts and replacement tanks in stock locally, so most emergencies in Elora, Fergus, and surrounding areas are resolved the same day or night.