15 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Installing a Water Heater

We’ve all been there at least once in our lifetime! We’re talking about standing in the shower in winter and feeling the hot water rapidly run out. That usually means one of two things. Either your water heater needs repair or a complete replacement. If the above scenario keeps playing, you need a replacement water heater.

Let’s talk about some essential questions to ask your plumber in Toronto before installing a new water heater.

1. Tankless or traditional water heater?

One of the most vital questions is whether you need a tankless or a traditional water heater. The difference is simply the amount of hot water available at any given time. Tankless systems heat the water when needed, while traditional water heaters consistently hold hot water in large quantities.

If you have multiple people living in your house with several bathrooms and want to take hot showers simultaneously, you need a traditional water heater.

2. What size tank do you need?

The tank’s size must be pre-established before buying and installing a new water heater. The size will depend on how many people use hot water simultaneously.

4. Will it be energy-efficient?

Energy efficiency is essential with today’s growing energy costs. Newer models are generally already energy-efficient, but it’s a good idea to ask your plumber.

5. How long will the installation take?

Whether it’s an emergency replacement of your water heater or a new installation in your new home, you must know how long the process will take.

6. How do you dispose of the old water heater? Will the plumber do it for you?

Who will be responsible for disposing of the old water heater? Most plumbers in Toronto will charge an extra fee and do it for you.

7. Which brand names are available to choose from?

You will want to know which brands to choose when installing a new water heater. This way, you can do your research online and weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding on one.

8. Does it come with a warranty? What is the validity period?

New water heaters will come with warranties, but it’s still good to ask the plumber for the exact warranty details. You would want to know how long the warranty lasts, how to claim it, and what it covers. It’s important to see if it will only cover the cost of the unit or labour costs as well.

9. How much will it cost?

You need to know how much the new water heater will cost after they calculate all the costs. That includes the cost of the water heater as well as all the labour costs. Make sure you know the total before you sign any paperwork.

10. What is the estimated lifespan of the water heater?

Ultimately, how long a water heater lasts will depend on the usage and wear and tear. However, it’s a good idea to ask the plumber in Toronto how long that particular brand usually lasts.

11. What are the maintenance requirements of the water heater?

If your new water heater requires any maintenance, you would want to know about it. In essence, you want to know how much the water heater will cost you in the long run so you can base your decision accordingly.

12. Is the water heater compatible with renewable energy sources?

Some newer models of water heaters are compatible with solar power or other renewable energy sources. It is good to know you can switch from the electrical grid to a solar panel system in the future.

13. Is financing available?

Whether you are on a budget or not, it is good to be aware of available financing for the new water heater. You might pay for the unit and the labour costs upfront, but it is always nice to have an option.

14. Are rebates or incentives available to upgrade to a more efficient water heater?

Another beneficial fact is whether any rebates, incentives, or subsidies are offered at the municipal or provincial level for upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater.

In most cases, the plumbers already have this information on hand and will be able to inform you. In other cases, they will direct you to find that information online. It is a good idea to have this information handy when deciding on a water heater so you can choose the best available option.

15. Is the plumber licensed and insured?

It is always a good measure to double-check if your plumber in Toronto is licensed and insured in your city. You can either find that information on their website or simply ask them. Knowing this fact gives a certain level of comfort that the service you will get will be up to par and that there will be some accountability.

16. Is there a permit required to install the new water heater?

Lastly, you want to find out if the latest energy-efficient water heater requires a permit from the city. It would be relevant in the case of a solar-capable water heater or a completely new technology.

Hot water is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Ultimately, asking these questions and getting satisfactory answers is vital to choosing the best water heater possible for you and your family. Let us help you make that decision with confidence and peace of mind!

For more information or to get a quote, call Brothers Plumbing at 800-741-8471 or contact us here.