Your water heater plays a vital role in providing you with hot, comfortable water. So when it breaks down, it’s important to make sure that you get it replaced as soon as possible.

However, most people are immediately concerned with the cost of replacing their water heater system. This is due to the fact that they might not be informed about the overall cost of the project.

Having a firm idea of what can impact the cost and the average price of the water heater replacement in Calgary can alleviate any concerns. And our guide can explain it all.

What Impacts the Cost of Water Heater Replacement?

The Type of Water Heater

There are numerous types of water heaters, including gas, electric and natural. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, so it ultimately depends on what you want for your home and lifestyle.

The Brand of the Water Heater

Each brand – from Rheem to Bradford White – has its own unique way of manufacturing its tanks, affecting the efficiency, lifespan, warranty and cost. It’s important to consider each of these factors when choosing a brand.

Tank vs Tankless

Water heaters are available in two options: tank and tankless. Both offer pros and cons and have to be installed differently, which can influence the cost of your replacement.

Are you interested to know how much a gas water heater installation costs? Read our guide here!

The Size of the Water Heater

Simple mathematics here: the larger the water heater, the more will cost you. So make sure you consider how large a water heater you want for your home.

The Labour of the Replacement

This is what will most likely have the biggest impact on your price. The quality, experience and workmanship of the Calgary plumbers replacing your heater will affect your total cost. It’s always better to go with industry-leading experts as opposed to the “cheaper” alternative.

Any Additional Work

The removal of your old unit and replacement of your new one will affect the hourly cost of the project, as well as retrofitting any existing connections and hauling away your old water heater and any materials from the replacement.

The Average Cost of Water Heater Replacement in Calgary

It can be difficult to determine the cost of a water heater replacement project without considering the above factors and speaking directly to a Calgary plumber. However, having a rough estimate of the cost can be a useful guide:

Home Advisor says that “installing a water heater costs between $815 and $1,591, or an average of $1,201, including the unit and labor.”
Home Guide offers similar rates, stating that a “Water heater installation costs $600 to $1,800 on average.”
This Old House also says that “A 50-gallon water heater costs around $1,000 for an electric heater and $1,200 for a natural gas heater of the same capacity.”
Finally, The Yellow Pages states that “The cost of replacing a water heater in Canada can range from $105 to $8,300, with the average cost being $1,466.”

Contact a Calgary Plumber and Drains today so you can get a clearer estimate of the overall cost of your project.

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

The Downfall of Poly B and the Rise of PEX

Despite its promising start, poly B has been found to be unreliable, primarily due to two main factors.

The first is that there is a potential for a compromise in the structure before the piping is even installed. UV rays can actually break down the molecular bonds of poly B, meaning that any contact with sunlight prior to installation can be detrimental. The more sun it’s exposed to, the more likely it is that a leak will occur.

The second is that poly B does not react well to chlorine. The piping tends to deteriorate more quickly when dealing with water with higher chlorine concentrations, such as public pools.

The Advantages of PEX Piping

Flexibility

PEX is able to bend into a wide-radius turn if space permits, or utilize elbow joints in tighter spaces. Its flexibility is also a benefit when it comes to impact. Since the piping is able to expand and contract with more ease, it can handle extra pressure and hold up to freezing temperatures.

Resistant To Chemicals

As mentioned above, Poly B is negatively affected by chemicals such as chlorine. PEX, however, does not respond to chemicals, thus ensuring that the liquids it’s carrying do not impact its ability to perform and last.

Reliability

Naturally, the main goal with your plumbing is to have it work properly. Leaking pipes can lead to water damage and create a financial burden that no one wants to deal with. PEX has been used for over 40 years, proving that plumbers trust this piping to do the job well.

Aversion To Corrosion

Water or soil will not corrode PEX piping, regardless of its age.

Environmentally Friendly

PEX is actually the only piping out there that is considered to be environmentally friendly. During production, the mining of ore is not required to complete the fabrication of this product, nor is chlorine added. Additionally, once installed, heat loss and condensation are reduced, with hot water being efficiently delivered through the pipes. With PEX lasting for decades, you decrease the number of replacement parts that end up in the landfill.

If you’re looking for piping you can count on, consider replacing your poly B with PEX. If you are unsure of what kind of piping you have, always feel free to reach out to a plumbing company in Calgary for help and guidance!