Symptoms and what they usually mean
- No hot water on a gas tank: pilot out, thermocouple or flame sensor, or the gas control valve
- Runs out fast: sediment taking up space or a failed dip tube
- Rumbling or popping: sediment layer on the tank bottom boiling under the burner
- Water at the relief valve: pressure or temperature issue, or a worn valve
- Rusty water or a wet tank base: the tank itself may be corroding
How we troubleshoot
We check the venting and burner first on gas units because safety comes before hot water. Then we work through the controls, the relief valve, the anode and the sediment. If the tank body is leaking, no part will fix it, and we say so straight away rather than replacing parts on a heater that has to go.
- Check venting, gas supply and combustion air.
- Test the ignition and controls.
- Inspect the relief valve and discharge pipe.
- Look at age, sediment and the condition of the tank.
Rented heaters
Many Brampton homes have a rented water heater. Look for a rental sticker on the tank; if there is one, repairs are usually the rental firm's job, so phone them before us. We are glad to weigh in if you are tempted to end the contract and own your next heater.
Tools, access and testing
| Tools we bring | Combustion analyser, manometer, pipe wrenches, torch |
|---|---|
| What we open | Burner door, flue collar, drain valve, anode port |
| What we test | Gas pressure, draft at the hood, T&P valve, temperature |
Where in Brampton we do this
We take water heater repair calls right across the city, including Downtown Brampton, Sandringham-Wellington, Bram East, Mount Pleasant and the streets around them.
Questions we get
What lifespan should I expect from a tank?
A gas tank in Peel water usually gives ten to fifteen years of service. Age alone does not mean replacement, but past that range, repair spending deserves more thought.