Storage tank water heaters
The most common type. Heated by gas or electricity, they hold roughly 114 to 283 litres (30 to 75 gallons) — enough for most homes, given the average Canadian household uses 227 to 277 litres (60 to 73 gallons) of hot water a day. Today's models add extra insulation to cut heat loss through the tank walls.
A typical tank is glass-lined steel. Some high-end models are lined with stainless steel — a good choice if you have acidic water or high mineral content.
- Instant hot water at good pressure
- Run the shower, laundry and dishwasher at the same time
- Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years
High-efficiency tank water heaters
Up to 40% more efficient than standard models, with better insulation, heat exchangers and heat traps — plus electronic ignition, so there's no continuous pilot light. There are two kinds:
Direct-vent (sealed combustion)
Draws air from and exhausts to the outside with the help of a blower. Reduced off-cycle losses, and backdraft is impossible — making these among the safest models.
Condensing
Captures heat from condensation to reduce losses. The anti-corrosion materials add cost, but the efficiency more than makes up for it.
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters
A tankless heater fires only when you open a tap, rather than keeping a tank hot around the clock. It can be your home's only source of hot water or work alongside an existing system.
- Can cut fuel use by up to 30%, depending on input and efficiency
- Wall-mounted — no floor space needed
- No energy wasted keeping stored water hot
- Endless hot water
Combination and indirect systems
Combination systems provide hot water and most types of space heating from a single appliance. Indirect water heaters use your boiler to heat both your water and your living space; they cost more than a basic tank, but offer higher capacity, better efficiency and a longer lifespan thanks to stainless steel construction. Great for large homes and hot tubs — and for condos, where fewer appliances saves space.
Sizing a water heater for your household
Getting the size right matters more than the brand. For a storage tank, the number to look at is the first-hour rating: how much hot water it can deliver in a busy hour, such as back-to-back showers in the morning. For a tankless heater, it's flow rate: how many litres per minute it can heat at once. In winter the water entering your home is cold, so a tankless unit has to work hardest exactly when you want the hottest showers. We size for that.
We'll ask how many people live in your home, how many bathrooms you have, and whether you have a soaker tub, a hot tub or a large family's laundry schedule to plan around. Then we'll recommend a tank or tankless unit that keeps up without paying to heat water you'll never use.
Water heater service, repair and installation
Service and repair
No hot water, leaks, noises or smells. We repair tank and tankless heaters of all makes, including Rheem, Rinnai and Bradford White.
Installation
Tank, tankless, combination and indirect systems, sized for your home. Same-day installation is often available.
Why choose Eco Master
- Certified gas fitters licensed by Technical Safety BC
- Honest advice on tank versus tankless for your home
- Same-day replacement is often available
- Permits handled for every installation that needs one
- Serving Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley
Water heater questions
Tank or tankless: which water heater is better?
It depends on your household. A storage tank usually costs less up front, delivers hot water at good pressure, and can run the shower, laundry and dishwasher at once. A tankless heater only fires when you open a tap, so no energy goes into keeping stored water hot. It can cut fuel use by up to 30% and frees up floor space, but it needs to be sized for your peak demand.
How long does a water heater last?
A storage tank water heater typically lasts around 10 to 13 years. Signs it's wearing out include rust or corrosion, a leak around the base, a drain valve that won't drain, and water that's only warm. Tankless heaters generally last longer than tanks, especially with regular maintenance. Your heater's age and condition are the best guide to when to start planning a replacement.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank is only a few years old, a repair is often the way to go. If it's nearing the end of its 10 to 13 year life, replacement usually makes more sense, since new models can be up to 20% more efficient. Once minerals have corroded a tank enough to leak, it can't be repaired. We can often install a new water heater the same day.
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten-egg smell that only comes from the hot taps is often caused by bacteria in the tank reacting with the anode rod. It's usually more unpleasant than dangerous, and fixes range from flushing the tank to replacing the anode. If you smell rotten eggs in the air near the water heater rather than in the water, treat it as a possible gas leak.
Does a water heater need regular maintenance?
Yes. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations, which usually means a yearly check. For a tank, that typically includes flushing sediment, testing the pressure relief valve, and checking the anode rod and venting. Tankless units may need periodic descaling to clear mineral buildup. As with any gas appliance, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid problems.
