"Our electric water heater stopped producing hot water without any warning. The plumber checked the thermostat and heating elements, found the lower element had failed, and replaced it. He tested the system before leaving and explained what had caused the problem."
Water Heater Repair & Installation in Sarnia, ON
No hot water, a leaking tank or a heater that's past its prime? We provide water heater repair in Sarnia for tank and tankless, gas and electric units, and replace old hot water tanks, often the same day, when a repair isn't worth it.
No Hot Water? Common Water Heater Problems
What you notice at the tap usually points to the cause.
No Hot Water at All
On an electric tank, it's often a failed element or a tripped high-limit switch. On a gas tank, the pilot, thermocouple or gas valve.
Hot Water Runs Out Fast
Sediment taking up space in the tank, a failed lower element, a broken dip tube, or a tank that's too small for your household.
Leaking Tank
A leak at a fitting or the relief valve can be repaired. Water coming from the tank itself means it needs to be replaced.
Noise, Rusty or Smelly Water
Popping means sediment, rusty hot water means a corroding tank, and a rotten-egg smell is common with well water and a worn anode rod.
Smell gas near a gas water heater? Leave the house now and call Enbridge Gas or 911 from outside. Don't use switches or your phone indoors.
Water Heater Repair
Most water heater problems come down to one worn part. For water heater repair in Sarnia, we test the unit, show you what failed and usually fix it on the first visit.
Elements & Thermostats
On electric tanks, we test each element and thermostat and replace what's failed, so the whole tank heats again.
Pilot, Thermocouple & Gas Valve
On gas tanks, a TSSA-licensed gas technician fixes a pilot that won't stay lit, a worn thermocouple or a faulty gas valve.
Anode, Flush & Relief Valve
We flush out sediment, check the anode rod and test the relief valve so the tank lasts longer.
If the tank itself is leaking, or the repair would cost more than half the price of a new unit, we'll tell you and quote a replacement.
Water Heater Replacement & Installation
A tank water heater usually lasts 10 to 12 years. If yours is leaking from the tank or past that age, hot water tank replacement is a better use of your money than another repair.
We handle water heater replacement and new installations across Sarnia, gas or electric, tank or tankless.
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1
Sized to Your Household
Tank capacity matched to the number of people and bathrooms in your home.
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2
Venting & Connections Checked
We check the venting, gas line or wiring and shut-off valves before the new unit goes in.
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3
Old Tank Hauled Away
We drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
No Water at All? Frozen Water Line
If no tap in the house works, the freeze is usually in the water service line, where it enters the basement or runs shallow under a driveway. We thaw a frozen water line from inside the house and check the meter and main shut-off for cracks before turning the water back on.
If your neighbours have no water either, the problem is likely in the City's water main, so contact the City of Sarnia first.
(226) 796-5253Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
Both work well in Sarnia homes. The right choice depends on your household and your budget.
Tank Water Heater
- Lower upfront cost and simple, inexpensive repairs
- Keeps a ready supply of hot water, usually 40 to 60 gallons
- Best for: most homes with one or two bathrooms
Tankless Water Heater
- Hot water on demand, so it doesn't run out mid-shower
- Mounts on the wall, frees up floor space and usually outlasts a tank
- Best for: larger households. Needs a gas line and venting check, plus yearly descaling
We handle tankless water heater installation in Sarnia, from sizing to venting. Want one unit for both heat and hot water? Ask about a combi boiler.
Renting Your Water Heater? Buyout vs Buying New
Many Sarnia homes still rent their water heater from companies like Enercare or Reliance, and the monthly fees can add up to more than owning a tank. Here's how to compare a rental water heater buyout with buying new.
Get Your Buyout Quote
Ask your rental provider for the buyout price and any removal fee in your contract.
Compare With a New Tank
We give you a written quote for a new water heater, so you can see which option costs less.
We Install Yours
We install your new water heater and leave the rental tank drained and ready for the provider to collect.
Every rental contract sets its own buyout and return terms, so check yours before ending the agreement.
Water Heater Repair & Installation Reviews
"We noticed water collecting around the bottom of our old gas water heater. The technician inspected the tank and confirmed it was leaking from the body, not a loose connection. He explained the replacement options, installed a new unit, and removed the damaged tank."
"Our tankless water heater kept shutting off during showers and displaying an error code. The plumber checked the unit and found mineral buildup affecting the heat exchanger. After cleaning the system and checking the water flow, the hot water worked normally again."
"The pilot light on our gas water heater wouldn't stay lit. We thought the entire tank needed replacing, but the technician traced the issue to a faulty thermocouple. He replaced the part, checked the burner operation, and made sure the heater was working safely."
"Our water heater was making popping noises, and the hot water wasn't lasting as long as before. The plumber inspected the tank, checked the heating components, and flushed out accumulated sediment. He also explained how regular maintenance could help reduce buildup."
"We decided to replace our ageing water heater before it developed a serious problem. The team helped us choose a suitable tank size, installed the new heater, and checked the water and electrical connections. They cleaned up afterward and showed us the temperature settings."
Water Heater FAQ
How long does a water heater last?
A tank water heater usually lasts 10 to 12 years. A tankless unit that's descaled every year often lasts 15 years or more. The manufacture date is on the label on the side of the unit.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Repair it if it's under about 8 years old and the problem is a part like an element, thermostat or thermocouple. Replace it if the tank is leaking, it's over 10 to 12 years old, or the repair would cost more than half a new unit.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
It's worth it if your household often runs out of hot water or you want the space back. It costs more to install and needs yearly descaling, so for a smaller home a new tank is often the better value.
Can I buy out my rental water heater?
Usually, yes. Your rental provider sets the buyout price, so ask them for a quote first. You can also replace the rental with a new water heater you own, and we'll leave the rental tank ready to be returned.
Why do I have no hot water on a very cold day?
If cold water works but hot doesn't at one tap, a hot line on an exterior wall may have frozen. See our frozen pipes service. On a gas water heater, snow or ice blocking the outside vent can also shut it off.
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Sarnia Neighbourhoods We Serve
- Blackwell
- Bluewater
- Bright’s Grove
- Bridgeview
- College Park
- Coronation Park
- Downtown Sarnia
- Errol Village
- Exmouth
- Heritage Park
- North End
- Oak Acres
- Old Esplanade
- Pandosy/Lakeview
- Rapids Parkway
- Sherwood Village
- Twin Lakes
- Wiltshire