Hot Water Tank & Water Heater Installation and Replacement In Victoria, BC.
Your hot water tank or water heater are an essential part of your household. When you don't have access to hot water it can be a major inconvenience, and life as you know it comes to a screeching halt when you don’t have any hot water!
If you've ever taken a cold shower because your hot water tank wasn't working, you probably don't want to do it again!
Whether you need to replace an aging hot water tank, want to upgrade to a tankless water heater, or you need a new hot water tank installed in your home addition or a remodel, we can help!
If you have a hot water tank plumbing emergency and need our help right now, please call us immediately at (250) 888-8875 otherwise, please feel free to use our contact form and we'll get back to you right away to schedule a convenient time for your service.
These guys did an excellent job! They had to work around the changing delivery time for our new stove. They were very flexible and I was happy with the service.
Arranged for plumbing repair and found their response to be prompt and the quality of work excellent. Highly recommend!
We have had the privilege of working with Zach and his team at Solid Plumbing for many years, and they are truly exceptional. Their expertise, reliability, and professionalism have consistently stood out in our projects. Both our crew and clients enjoy collaborating with them, and their commitment to quality and customer service always shines through. — Martin Scaia
We hired Solid to replace our aging hot water tank. Zach was very knowledgeable in explaining our options, and the crew that did the install were efficient and professional. We wouldn't hesitate to use Solid again in the future!
Excellent service! They were able to book me in within a very reasonable amount of time, and Gavin did a great job replacing my hot water tank. I will use Solid again if I need any additional work!
As a contractor who frequently relies on plumbing services, I can confidently say that Zach and the Solid Plumbing team sets the gold standard. Their professionalism, reliability, and expertise consistently exceed expectations. Their team is always responsive, communicative, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job is done right the first time.
Solid plumbing did our bathroom build/reno (through MAC renovations) and we were so happy with the work they did. DJ was very professional and kind and even when above and beyond to make sure things were running correctly. Highly recommend!
How To Choose A New Water Heater
Choosing the right size water heater for your home is an important decision
Sizing a hot water tank (or water heater) for a family home involves several factors, including the number of people living in the home, the overall hot water demand, and the peak hour demand.
Here's a general guideline on how to estimate the appropriate size:
Determine the First Hour Rating (FHR): The First Hour Rating is the amount of hot water the heater can supply per hour, starting with a fully heated tank. You'll need to estimate your home's FHR based on the number of people living in the home. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 12 gallons of hot water for each person in the home as a baseline. So, for a family of four, you'd want a First Hour Rating of about 48 gallons.
Peak Hour Demand: Consider the time of day when your home uses the most hot water. This is often in the morning or evening when showers are most likely to occur. Calculate how much hot water you use during this peak hour. For example, if two people take showers, you wash a load of laundry, and run the dishwasher all in this peak hour, your peak hour demand might be higher than the FHR calculated in the previous step.
Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: If you're considering a tankless water heater, you'll need to consider the flow rate instead of the FHR. You'll need to calculate the total flow rate for all devices you'd want to use at the same time (like showers, washing machines, sinks, etc.) and make sure the tankless water heater can handle that combined flow rate.
Fuel Source: The fuel source (natural gas, electricity, propane, etc.) will also affect the size of the water heater. Gas water heaters tend to have a higher FHR and recover more quickly than electric ones, so you might choose a smaller tank if you're using gas.
Remember, these are just estimates. You might have unique circumstances that require a larger or smaller tank, and local building codes can sometimes affect the size you can install. Always consult with a plumbing professional like Solid Plumbing & Gas, Ltd. before making a final decision to ensure your hot water needs will be met effectively and efficiently.
Questions About Water Heaters?
Most water heaters last between 8 to 12 years. You might consider replacing your water heater if it's older than this range, particularly if it's requiring frequent repairs, not heating water sufficiently, or showing signs of leaking or rusting.
The cost to replace a water heater can vary significantly based on the type of water heater (tank, tankless, heat pump), the brand, the size, and the cost of installation, and any necessary modifications to your home's plumbing or electrical systems. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1000 and $3000, including the tank and installation.
While it is technically possible to install a water heater yourself, it is generally not recommended unless you have significant plumbing and electrical experience. Improper installation can lead to water damage, carbon monoxide leaks, electrical shock, or even explosions. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
There could be several reasons for this, including a water heater that's too small for your household's needs, sediment build-up in the tank, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a broken heating element.
Noise from your water heater could be due to sediment build-up in the tank, which causes the water heater to work harder and potentially shorten its lifespan. It could also be due to a faulty heating element. A plumber can flush the tank or replace the element to solve this issue.
If your water heater is leaking, it's important to address it immediately as it could lead to significant water damage. Turn off the power and water supply to the heater and contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
The size of the water heater you need will depend on your household's hot water usage. A general rule of thumb is that you need a First Hour Rating (FHR) of about 12 gallons per person in your household. However, you also need to consider peak hour demand and the types of appliances in your home. A professional plumber can help you calculate the correct size.
A traditional tank water heater stores and preheats a certain amount of water in a tank, which is then available for use when needed. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, providing hot water only as it's needed. This can result in energy savings, but tankless models often have a higher upfront cost.
You can increase your water heater's efficiency by lowering the thermostat (120 degrees is usually sufficient), insulating the tank, flushing the tank annually to remove sediment, and installing low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water use. In some cases, especially if you have an older tank, it might just be better to replace the tank with a more energy efficient model.
It's normal for a water heater to cycle on and off to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank. However, if it's cycling frequently or making loud noises during cycles, it could be due to a problem such as a faulty thermostat, a shorted heating element, or sediment buildup in the tank.
This can depend on the type and size of your water heater, but on average, a 40-gallon tank will typically take about one to two hours to fully heat up.
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