Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement in Your Saskatoon Home

Hopefully you’re reading this before the shower turns icy, but making the right choice between a quick fix and a complete upgrade requires considering a few factors:

• The heater’s age
• The severity of the issue when examined 
• The long-term costs of each option 

At Razor, we’re committed to delivering the highest-quality water heater repair services that Saskatoon residents can rely on. 

We will also be honest when a replacement is the better long-term investment.

Let’s take a closer look at both options.

Repair

The decision to repair a hot water tank often depends on the unit’s age and the nature of the malfunction.

Repair is likely best if:

• Your unit is young: If your water heater is less than 8 to 10 years old, most issues are minor and are typically still economical to fix.
• The problem is easy to find and fix: Broken heating elements, failed thermostats, or minor leaks from valves or connections are typically inexpensive to repair. These components can range from $180 to $500 in Saskatoon.
• It’s a first-time breakdown: If it’s the first time you’ve had a water-heater issue, a single repair is usually more cost-effective than premature replacement.

A good rule of thumb is that if the repair cost exceeds half the price of a brand-new unit (especially if the heater is older), then replacement is likely the better option.

Replace

Traditional hot water tanks in Saskatoon generally last between 8 and 12 years. If your unit is reaching this age, replacing it could prevent future emergencies and save you money in the long run.

Signs that replacement is likely best include: 

• A leaking tank: A leak originating directly from the tank shell, rather than from a fitting, shows that the metal is corroding internally. You’ll need to replace the heater tank immediately. 
• Rusty or discoloured water: If only the hot water is rusty, it can indicate that the tank’s interior or the anode rod is corroding, the tank is failing, and you will need to replace your water heater.
• Frequent repairs: If you’ve needed to contact a professional to repair your water heater multiple times within a year, the total expenses likely justify purchasing a new unit or replacing the current water heater.
• Loud noises: Rumbling, popping, or banging noises result from sediment buildup. This stress lowers efficiency and often leads to failure, signalling a need for replacement.

5 Steps to Take When the Hot Water Stops

When your water heater stops working, taking these five steps can help you stay safe and prepare for the technician who will fix it.

1. Look and Smell

First: make sure your house is safe to be in. 

• Check for Leaks: If you see water leaking (or gushing!) from the main tank body, turn off the water supply and the unit’s power source immediately.
• Sniff Check: If you smell rotten eggs, get out of the house right away!  Don’t flip any light switches or use anything electrical inside. Once you’re safe, call 911 and your gas company.

2. Check Power or Gas Supply

Sometimes, the issue is not the water heater itself, but a simple power interruption.

• Electric heaters: Check your electrical panel for the breaker labelled ‘water heater’ and see if it’s tripped. Switch it off completely, then back on. If it trips again immediately, stop and call a professional, as it indicates a serious electrical problem.
• Natural gas heaters: Check whether the pilot light is on. If it’s out, you can try relighting it according to the unit’s instructions. If it won’t stay lit, call in a pro to inspect it.

3. What’s the Temp?

If the temperature setting is too low, the heater may not be providing enough hot water for your needs. Try resetting or adjusting the temperature slightly. (Your user manual will show you how to do this.)

4. Gather Information

If you can find your heater’s details and have it available when you call to give it to us before we arrive, it can really help speed up the service call:

We’d like to know:

• The brand
• The serial number (typically on a sticker near the controls)
• Year of manufacture
• Any history of service records

*Do NOT  attempt repairs involving gas or high-voltage electricity by yourself. No amount of money saved is worth the danger that DIY places you in.* 

5. Call Razor

If your basic checks haven’t resolved the issue with the hot water, it’s time to call us. We are awesome, and our reviews prove it. 

Call our 24-hour emergency line (306.384.4200) for immediate service.

When you call, be ready to describe exactly what happened (e.g., “It was making a rumbling noise before the water went cold”) along with the info gathered in step 4. 

Planning for the Future: Efficiency and Rebates

If your unit is old and you’ve determined it’s cheaper to buy a new water heater or replace it, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model, which can unlock valuable rebates from SaskEnergy.

The SaskEnergy Residential Equipment Replacement Rebate helps homeowners purchase and install the most energy-efficient equipment available.

The qualifications are pretty simple:

• You must be a SaskEnergy residential customer
• The property must be in Saskatchewan
• A participating SaskEnergy Network Member (which we are!)  must install the eligible equipment

A Shout-Out to the Tankless Option

Tankless water heaters, which heat water only when needed, are becoming increasingly popular and highly efficient.

Costs vs. savings

Although the upfront cost is higher than that of a standard tank, the $1,000 rebate significantly reduces the initial investment, and tankless water heaters usually last longer (up to 20 years!). You’ll also likely see a decrease in your gas bills, as they only heat water on demand, rather than maintaining a constant reserve of hot water in the tank at all times. 

The Choice is Yours

Let’s circle back to our original question: Should you repair or replace your water heater in Saskatoon?

The best choice for you will find a balance between efficiency, capacity, and cost.

At Razor, we are happy to help you explore all the options and determine which incentives might work for you. 

Reach out today to learn more.