Insurance and the age of your water heater: should you replace it?

Did you know that, in Quebec, water damage is the primary source of homeowners insurance claims? In fact, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, this type of damage represents 50 percent of the total amount of claims paid by homeowners insurance providers, and water heaters are often to blame. That’s why insurance companies have become increasingly demanding with regard to certain items in your homeowners insurance coverage, notably your water heater. However, each insurance company applies its regulations according to its own risk estimates.

You should also be aware that, in the event of a leak or rupture of your hot water tank, it will spill an average of 40 to 50 gallons of water, not counting the water coming from the supply valve. Consequently, you can quickly find yourself with several centimeters of water on the floor, which can quickly lead to disastrous and costly damage.

Take care of your water heater to guarantee its longevity and insurability!

Signs that your water heater is on its way out

A water heater won’t last forever: it has a lifecycle of somewhere between 10 and 15 years (around 12 years on average). Here are some signs that you’ll soon need to replace it:

• Your water isn’t as hot as usual
• The water exhibits a yellowish tinge (indicating the presence of rust)
• The hot water runs out quickly
• Your light-colored clothing comes out of the washing machine with stains or a brownish hue
• You notice traces of moisture on the tank
• You find traces of rust on the bottom of the tank (indicating a crack)

Can your insurer refuse to pay your claim if your water heater is too old?

Several years ago, insurance companies lowered the insurable lifetime of water heaters from 20 years to 10 or 12 years. This modification followed that of the manufacturers, which now only guarantee their tanks for a maximum of 15 years.

Furthermore, insurers must consider the increasingly steep financial consequences of water damage caused by a ruptured or leaky tank, as water heaters have become more common in condominiums, which have also become more common.

As a result, most insurance companies require their clients to replace their hot water tanks after 10 years; otherwise, they won’t be covered under their homeowners insurance in the event of water damage. Some companies may allow a water heater that’s up to 12 years old, but with an average deductible of $5,000 in the event of a claim.

Therefore, to meet the requirements of insurers and to continue benefiting from their protection, you must replace your water heater once it exceeds the covered age (10 or 12 years), even if it still works perfectly well.

In any case, you should talk to your insurer to find out the age limits and deductibles in the part of your homeowners insurance related to hot water heaters.

For your peace of mind, whether you want to replace your hot water tank or you just have some questions regarding its condition, call on the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc., and they’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Choosing a plumber to perform work paid by your insurance

Are you dealing with water damage in your home or apartment? Whether it’s a matter of a simple leak stemming from the public water supply, a broken pipe in your bathroom or a water heater that has given up the ghost, your homeowners insurance will take care of the repair work. However, you’ll have to follow their procedures.

You should be aware that, in Quebec, homeowners insurance policies don’t include all types of water damage in their basic coverage. As a rule, basic coverage includes broken pipes, water heaters, heating and air conditioning systems and leaks originating from the public water system or from furnishings such as aquariums and waterbeds. You can also add coverage for things like backed-up sewers, a leaky roof, frozen pipes, floods and more to protect yourself from other possible sources of water damage.

But how do you go about getting a plumber to perform the work your insurance is paying for?

The procedure in the event of water damage

In the case of leaks resulting in water damage, you must first stop the leak as quickly as possible by shutting off the main water supply. Then, depending on the severity of the damage, or in the event that you’re unable to contain the leak, you need to call a plumber. (Make sure you keep all of your invoices and receipts for any emergency repairs the plumbing company performs. You’ll be able to send them to your insurance company for reimbursement once they have accepted your claim.)

Next, contact your insurance company to let them know about the damage. It’s a good idea to take plenty of photos and to prepare a list of damaged materials and furnishings.

Once your insurance company has opened your claim, they will evaluate the damage to your home and the cost of the necessary restoration work before offering you a settlement in accordance with the terms and conditions of your policy.

Choosing a plumber to perform work paid by your homeowners insurance

Restoring your property after water damage has occurred can be complicated. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to hire a qualified, experienced plumbing contractor to perform the work.

To estimate the amount of the payment for the cost of repairs, your homeowners insurance company will ask you to provide them with three estimates from different plumbing companies. Some insurers will even recommend contractors they’ve worked with in the past. In any case, the final decision is yours. You’re free to hire the contractor of your choosing to perform the post-disaster repair work.

But don’t just call whichever plumber has the lowest rates! Remember that your insurance company is paying for the repairs and will generally choose the lowest estimate. Make sure that your estimates are from professional plumbers that are members of the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ) licensed by the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ).

Most plumbers will charge a fee to give you an estimate for insurance purposes, but they will deduct this amount from the final bill if you end up giving them the contract.

After reviewing the estimates, your insurance company will immediately pay you the amount that they deem necessary to cover the repairs. It will then be up to you to make the appointment with the plumber you’ve chosen.

Water damage? Whether your insurance policy covers your plumbing repairs or not, contact the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. We’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

Solutions for a clogged toilet when a plunger isn’t sufficient

There’s almost nothing worse than having a clogged toilet. Most of the time, it’s easy to fix the problem without having to call a plumber. And no: a plunger isn’t the only solution!

Identifying the causes of a clogged toilet

You can solve just about any problem more effectively when you know the cause. This includes plumbing problems! When it comes to a clogged toilet, a number of different things could be responsible:

• Accumulated hard water deposits can reduce the water pressure
• An object that has fallen into the toilet bowl can block the drainpipe
• The flushing mechanism can become damaged
• Over time, the little chain that connects the handle arm to the flapper can wear out and break
• A low-flow toilet connected to a discharge pipe can run into problems if the angle of flow isn’t steep enough

If you’ve noticed a defect in the flushing mechanism, you can check to see if the flapper (the rubber valve at the bottom) closes completely, allowing the tank to refill. On the other hand, if the chain that lifts the flapper is broken, you can simply remove the broken link or buy a new chain at your local hardware store.

What solutions are available to unclog a toilet?

If the water level in your toilet is unusually high, hard water deposits that have accumulated over the years might be the cause. In that case, you’ll need to use what’s commonly known as a “toilet snake.”

Toilet snakes

A toilet snake (also called a plumbing snake) consists of a metal rod attached to a crank. Just corkscrew the end piece into the opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl to snag and dislodge the debris that’s clogging the drainpipe. A toilet snake is particularly effective at dislodging hard water deposits. Because it’s so flexible, a snake can zigzag around the curves of the drainpipe. As a result, it can travel a lot further than a simple wire. The best kind of toilet snake? A toilet auger is perfectly designed to unclog toilets without damaging the toilet bowl. It’s a tool that’s commonly used by plumbers.

Chemical drain openers

It’s recommended to avoid highly concentrated products, as they can damage the pipes. You’ll find a number of different products on the market to help dissolve the debris blocking your toilet. These include enzymes, vinegar, baking soda and degreasers like dish soap. However, you should be aware that these products are only effective in the event that the clog is of organic origin. Unfortunately, this method won’t work on solid objects or hair.

Pour a little dish soap into the toilet bowl
Add some very hot water to help dislodge the clog
Add a box of baking soda, followed by a bottle of white vinegar
Let the mixture sit for a while and then add four or five liters of hot water (for the chemical products to remain active)

Is the toilet still clogged? Call your plumber!

If your toilet is completely clogged, don’t panic! Avoid flushing the toilet, as you’ll just make things worse by causing it to overflow. If you’ve exhausted all your resources and you’re still having trouble unclogging your toilet, there may be problems with the plumbing. This would be the ideal time to call for reinforcements!

Contact Plomberie Roger Chayer for repairs and maintenance on your plumbing system, to get rid of clogs or to defrost your pipes. Available at all times for emergency service, our team of specialists is genuinely attentive to your needs!

Five reasons to opt for natural gas heating!

When it comes to heating, electric systems are currently popular, especially in Quebec, where nearly 92 percent of all homes use this type of equipment. On the other hand, in the West, where natural gas is produced, it’s only logical that gas heating is favored. Used in residential furnaces, dryers, stoves and ovens, gas is certainly a viable option for your home.

Recognized for its affordability, natural gas offers a number of other advantages that could very well convince you to opt for it.

Advantages of natural gas as an energy source

1. Affordability

If you think that natural gas is less expensive than its cousin electricity, you’re right. It’s also far more affordable than heating oil or fuel oil. And once you discover the incomparable value it offers you for your money, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.

2. Reliability

Natural gas can produce non-stop energy, day and night. No more need to panic at the slightest power outage in the middle of winter: the supply of natural gas won’t be interrupted so neither will your comfort.

3. Performance

Gas heating provides gentle, pleasant warmth without drying the air. Why is it definitely the appropriate system for a house? Because appliances that run on natural gas heat up more quickly than their electric equivalents. This efficiency is combined with the possibility of a more precise temperature setting. In other words, everything it takes to ensure optimal, uniform comfort in every room of your home!

4. Safety

Many people mistakenly think that using natural gas isn’t safe. In fact, natural gas is non-toxic, it’s easy to detect if there’s a leak, and it won’t catch fire right away. Did you know that it’s also recognized for its safe production? For the most part, it’s transported via gas pipelines. As a result, it doesn’t generate unpleasant noise, traffic or exhaust fumes. For the regions that aren’t connected to the network of gas pipelines, including Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec, the solution is to refrigerate it at -162° C. The resulting liquefied gas can then be hauled over long distances by truck, train or ship. With this cooling method, the volume of the gas shrinks by 600 times, enabling economy of transport, while still putting safety first.

5.Environmental friendliness

Natural gas burns cleaner than all other fossil fuels. In fact, it produces approximately 30 percent less CO2 than petroleum and approximately 50 percent less than coal. Opponents like to point out that it’s non-renewable, which is a valid criticism. In other words, it could become scarcer in years to come, leading to an increase in its price. Furthermore, its smaller ecological footprint is debatable because of its composition—chiefly methane—which has more of an effect on climate change than CO2 does.

Fortunately, the Government of Quebec is aware of this fact and is making efforts to favor renewable natural gas (RNG), a biogas that is captured from decomposing organic matter (primarily food scraps) and then refined. Another government goal is to continue reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas heating, chiefly through a regulation implemented in 2019 in relation to the quantity of RNG that must be delivered by natural gas distributors.

Are you thinking about converting to natural gas heating?

If you’d like to get further information on natural gas so you can be sure that you’re making an informed decision, you can count on the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer. They’re genuine heating experts who can guide you toward a choice that’s efficient, affordable and responsible.

Sources:
Canada Energy Regulator. What is in a Canadian residential natural gas bill? 2021.
Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Gaz naturel (Natural Gas). 2021.

How to repair a faucet that drips after it’s turned off

Is there anything more annoying than a faucet that drips constantly? Besides the incessant noise this little leak makes, it can end up wasting between 140 and 680 liters of water every day! Suffice it to say that the ecological and financial consequences—especially in the case of hot water—can be significant.

Nevertheless, whether for fear of the difficulty of taking care of the problem ourselves or for fear of the bill for having someone else do it, many of us just let it go. While we can easily correct certain problems, there are others that may require a professional service call. In either case, resolving them will no doubt be beneficial not only for your state of mind but also for your wallet!

What factors are most often at the root of a leaky faucet? And how can it be repaired?

The principal causes: cartridges, washers and scale buildup

Every kind of faucet has its own kind of problem. Mixer taps (with two knobs, one for cold water and one for hot water) and single-lever taps (in which one lever controls both the temperature and the flow) are the two most popular types of faucets in the majority of homes in Quebec.

Mixer taps frequently fall victim to a worn cartridge, which is the part located underneath the mechanism that turns on the water. To replace it, all you have to do is dismantle the faucet. Simple, right? And to make sure that you replace the cartridge with the correct model, just take the old one with you to the hardware store and you’re good to go!

As for single-lever taps, it’s often the washers that give up the ghost. Just like with the cartridge, a simple replacement will do the trick. In some cases, you may have to remove the mineral deposits from the aerator. To do this, unscrew the head of the faucet, remove the screen and submerge it in white vinegar. As far as that goes, there’s nothing preventing you from regularly descaling the head, as the buildup of hard water deposits can be the source of many leaks.

Quality and professionals: your guarantee for reliable faucets

Whenever you purchase a faucet assembly, you should always keep the installation instructions. Yet they’re often the first thing that gets thrown away once the faucet’s assembled! Without the tips and precautions they contain, how can you prevent a leaky faucet? And how can you avoid having to worry about it all the time? By opting for quality. The price may make you think twice before buying a more expensive faucet, but it will prove to be more cost effective in the long run.

For example, in the case of mixer taps, did you know that the cartridges in most high-end models come with a lifetime guarantee? What’s more, if you go directly to a plumber or a plumbing store to get your parts, they’ll most likely have them in stock. The investment makes much more sense when you consider that you won’t have to pay shipping or other surcharges.

Quality, ease and peace of mind: that’s what the team at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. has been offering clients in Montreal and the surrounding areas for more than 70 years. Their full range of services, along with their partnership with Énergir and their CMMTQ (Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec) membership, are your guarantee of reliability and trustworthiness. That’s enough to encourage you to contact them to repair your leaky faucet, don’t you think?

Sources :
Canal Vie. Quand le robinet fuit (When the faucet leaks). 2020.
Le Monde. Robinet qui goutte : causes, conséquences, réparation (Leaky faucet: causes, consequences, repairs).

Do outdoor faucets require frost protection?

Like it or not, fall is here, and with it, a certain number of precautions to think about in preparation for the cold days ahead. Among these precautions is protecting your outdoor faucets.

The pipes and spigots are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by freezing. However, whether because winter comes early or our lives are too hectic, we often forget to check them and winterize them. The consequences? The water contained in the pipes and spigots can freeze and expand, causing them to burst. Now, if there’s one thing we don’t want, it’s repairing a frozen pipe or dealing with a flood in twenty-below-zero temperatures! Especially since anything that’s subjected to this ordeal can quickly end up damaged, as well.

So should you frost-proof your outdoor faucets?
The answer is obvious!

Winterizing your outdoor faucets

While a frost-proof faucet is a very appropriate solution for winter, don’t underestimate the value of the following good practices when it comes to helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.

First of all, purge the lines. The process couldn’t be easier. Start by closing the drain valve if you have one. Next, turn on the outdoor faucet and let all of the water drain out of the pipes. Last, turn it off and leave it off until the weather warms up again. As for the hoses, put them away in a dry place that’s sheltered from the freezing cold.

Certain materials such as glass wool and polyethylene foam can be used as an affordable means of insulating your pipes. However, you’ll need to check them every so often to make sure everything stays in place.

Frost protection: an indispensable precaution for your outdoor faucets

Most recently constructed homes are equipped with frost-proof outdoor faucets. If you don’t have them, they’re well worth the expense!

These faucets have an internal mechanism that automatically purges the line after each use. This helps keep your pipes safe from frost and damage. If you want to, you can even use your frost-proof outdoor faucet during the cold weather at no risk. However, remember that your garden hoses will still need to be disconnected and put away during the cold season.

For optimum performance, a frost-proof faucet should be connected to a pipe that’s buried between 50 and 60 centimeters (19 to 23 inches) under the ground and it should be gently inclined toward the outside to ensure that the automatic purge system works correctly and to prevent rainwater from seeping in.

If you need help or advice to frost-proof your outdoor faucets or winterize your systems, you’ll be happy to know that the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. is at your service. Whether you need to insulate your indoor or outdoor pipes or you need any other kind of plumbing work done, they’ll meet—if not exceed—your expectations.

Should you choose hot water or electricity for your underfloor heating?

Are you renovating or building a home and wondering which type of heating system to choose? Are you tired of having cold feet (literally) during the winter? If you’d like your heating system to provide you with the continuous comfort of gentle, uniform warmth throughout your home, you should opt for underfloor heating. This floor heating system is cost effective, efficient and quiet. And it doesn’t blow any air (or dust) around your home. What’s more, it allows your floor to dry in minutes.

There are two main types of radiant floor heating systems currently on the market: electric and hot water (also known as hydronic). Each system offers its own unique advantages.

To help you decide which type of underfloor heating is best for you, here are the main characteristics of each one.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating is the most popular choice. This system works through a network of heating wire (installed on fiberglass mesh) or heating cables (for emitting infrared radiation), which are connected directly to a thermostat.

Even though it can be installed throughout the home, you should be aware that electric underfloor heating is ideal for small rooms, such as bathrooms, entryways and bedrooms.

Advantages

• This type of underfloor heating system offers a lot of value for the price.
• Installation is quick and simple; however, the electrical connections must be done by a professional.
• If your concrete slab is already in place, you can simply install the system directly on top of the concrete and then install the flooring on top of the system.
• It is directly powered through the electrical connection.
• Heating systems of this kind don’t require a mechanical room.
• This type of flooring is maintenance-free.
• The room-by-room thermostat system is less expensive than the one used for hot water underfloor heating.

Hot water underfloor heating

The hydronic or hot water underfloor heating system consists of a series of pipes and pumps installed underneath the concrete slab. The hot water, which has been heated either by a heat pump or a boiler, circulates through the pipes under the floorboards, heating the floor and the room. Therefore, this type of heating system requires a mechanical room, as well as rigorous maintenance.

Hydronic radiant floor heating can’t be installed in a single room. In fact, it wouldn’t really be advantageous to do so. It must cover at least a full storey or the entire basement of the residence. It’s the ideal heating solution for homes under construction.

Advantages

• This type of underfloor heating can be used in the summer and winter as a central heating system, regardless of the type of flooring.
• This type of heating offers over 95 percent energy efficiency.
• It’s an eco-friendly solution that has existed for many years, but has recently enjoyed renewed popularity.
• This system enables greater cost savings on large surface areas than its electric counterpart does.
• The cost is particularly advantageous when the system is installed in a residence under construction or during major renovations.
• The heat it gives off makes your space truly comfortable with a consistent temperature from room to room.

Hot water or electric underfloor heating—conclusion

In the end, the best option will depend on your needs and the project. If you want to install radiant floor heating in just one room, opt for the electric system. On the other hand, if you want to install this type of heating in a large area (the whole house or the basement and a full storey), the ideal solution is hot water underfloor heating.

For the purchase and installation of an underfloor heating system in the Montreal area, you can count on the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer.

What you need to know about bathroom plumbing installation

Are you thinking about building or renovating a full bathroom in your home?

You should be aware that it’s a complex, multi-stage project that requires a lot of organization. In fact, to make a bathroom functional, a variety of plumbing work will need to be performed one job after another.

You’ll also have to consider numerous elements, including the layout, the heating system, the furnishings, the toilet and the permits, among others.

Here are a few fundamentals to help ensure that the installation of your bathroom plumbing goes off without a hitch.

Proper planning

It’s important to know what to expect when having your bathroom plumbing installed. All of the steps must be followed carefully and in the right order.

First, don’t hesitate to call on a professional plumber who can provide guidance and advice to ensure that the work on your dream bathroom is done correctly. A professional plumber also has liability insurance, as well as certification from the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (known by its French initials, CMMTQ), which will guarantee all of the work.

Second, you should draw up plans for the layout of your bathroom. Keep in mind that a bathroom should be welcoming and functional (consider the amount of storage, for example). It should also address your specific needs. Most importantly, it should be constructed using high-quality, durable materials and furnishings.

Third, don’t forget to obtain the necessary permits from your city. A construction permit is mandatory if you’re building a new bathroom. However, if you’re renovating an existing bathroom, you’ll need to check with your city to find out if an improvement permit is required.

Last, the work must be performed in a certain order. For example, the plumber should install the pipes before the electrician does the wiring.

The three stages of plumbing installation

Now that you’ve completed the preparations, the bathroom plumbing installation work can begin.

It will be carried out in three stages:

1. Installation of the plumbing infrastructure

The first thing the plumber will do is install the pipes that will be hidden inside the walls and under the floor. These supply lines and drain pipes will channel clean water to the faucets, bathtub, shower and toilet and channel wastewater to the sewer system.

2. Installation of the bases

The second thing the plumber will do is install the bathtub and the shower base. There are various models of shower bases. For example, they can be recessed, free-standing, tile-ready or raised. The type of shower base your plumber installs will depend on various factors, including the model of your shower (Italian, raised, etc.), the shape of your shower (round, rectangular, etc.) and the type of drain (vertical, horizontal, recessed, etc.).

3. Finishing work

The final step consists of installing the faucets and other plumbing fixtures on the sink, toilet, bathtub and shower. There are many different types of faucets (single-lever taps, mixer taps, thermostatic mixers, electronic mixers, etc.). When choosing your plumbing fixtures, you’ll also want to keep in mind that, these days, they’re a full-fledged decorative element that will define the style of your bathroom.

In order to stay on schedule…

Don’t forget that, in most cases, once you’re ready, you’ll need to let your plumber know three to five days before performing the final step.

For the full installation of all your bathroom plumbing, contact the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer: (514) 590-0666.

How much does a plumber in Montreal charge and why?

The plumbing system is one of the main structural elements of your home. That’s why it’s very important to perform regular maintenance on it. Do you want to know the going hourly rates for plumbers so you can get an idea of how much this work might cost? Discover the various factors that can influence the hourly rate of a plumber in Montreal and find out what a fair price is.

Factors influencing a plumber’s hourly rate

The amount of the invoice for plumbing services will vary according to different criteria:

• The location of your residence (travel expenses, competitor rates, etc.). For example, the hourly rates in Montreal are a little higher than on the South Shore or the North Shore.
• The required number of plumbers. If several professionals are needed to perform the work, the price will naturally be higher.
• The condition of your plumbing system. The older or more decrepit it is, the more expensive the bill will be.
• The need for specialized equipment or materials. A high pressure pump truck, for example, will increase the bill.
• The quality of the products the plumber uses. The better the quality, reliability and durability, the higher the cost will be.
• The plumber’s experience and reputation.
• The plumber’s areas of specialty (water heaters, heating, plumbing fixtures, pipes, etc.).
• The availability of the plumber. The busier plumbers are, the more likely they are to raise their prices, as they always have plenty of work.
• The moment when you need the plumber. If it’s an emergency or night-time service call, it will be more expensive, as the plumber will have to make schedule adjustments or postpone other appointments in order to come help you.

You should be aware that, regardless of how long it takes to do the job, the vast majority of plumbers will bill you for at least one hour of work.

Reasonable hourly rates for plumbers

Each year, the Corporation des Maîtres Mécaniciens en Tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) recommends an hourly rate for plumbers. This should give you a good indication.

Here’s a table summarizing the reference prices for residential plumbing services in 2020.

The hourly rate recommended by the CMMTQ is a general guideline, which is adjusted each year (for example, it was $97.23 for the residential sector in 2019). Some plumbers will charge a higher rate, while others like Plomberie Roger Chayer will offer a rate that’s lower than the CMMTQ reference price.

Ask for an estimate on your plumbing work

Given the wide variation in prices for plumbing work, you should be well-informed before having the work done. Get an estimate from at least three different plumbers. Estimates by telephone or over the internet are free. However, if the plumber has to travel in order to give you an estimate, you may be charged a fee (which will normally be deducted from the final bill if you end up hiring that plumber). Compare the services offered taking the plumber’s expertise and experience, the quality of the products used and the available warranties and insurance into account. Don’t base your decision solely on price.

For your peace of mind, entrust the work to a professional plumber who’s a CMMTQ member and who holds a contractor’s license in plumbing.

You can rely on the team of certified experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer for all your plumbing needs in Montreal and the surrounding areas at a fair, competitive price.

Are there advantages to leasing a water heater?

A water heater has a lifecycle of somewhere between 10 and 15 years (around 12 years on average). If you notice that your hot water isn’t as warm as usual, has a yellowish tinge (indicating the presence of rust) or runs out quickly, these are signs that it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.

If you decide to replace your water heater, you have two options: leasing or purchasing. Each of these solutions presents certain advantages and disadvantages. To make an informed choice, there are various factors to take into consideration, depending on your particular situation.

Leasing a water heater

A number of companies, including Gaz Métro Plus, Norco and the most well-known one, HydroSolution, offer water heaters for lease.

The advantages

• The cost per month ranges from $14 to $25. This includes installation, maintenance and repair work. In general, no deposit is required.
• In the event of a problem, you have access to free 24/7 emergency repair services.
• Once your water heater reaches the end of its lifecycle (a maximum of 15 years), a new one will be provided and installed at no extra charge. The companies will generally haul away your old water heater, as well.
• Some lease agreements include an upgrade clause allowing you to change the size of your water heater.

The disadvantages

• The long-term costs are high. For example, if you lease a water heater at $14 per month for 10 years, you’ll end up paying a total of $1,680.
• There’s a limited choice of models, so you need to make sure you verify the energy efficiency of the proposed equipment.
• Most lease agreements stipulate that the leasing company will not be held liable for any damage stemming from problems with the water heater.
• Lease agreements contain numerous clauses related to maintenance frequency, repairs, emergency response times, etc., so you must pay careful attention to make sure you know what you’re committing to.

Purchasing a water heater

The advantages

• This is the most economical solution in the long run. The price of a standard water heater, including installation, ranges from $500 to $1,000.
• You have a vast selection of models to choose from with various options in terms of capacity and energy efficiency.
• You have an ample choice of providers, from plumbers and major home improvement stores to specialized companies.
• Some providers offer financing.
• Financial aid is available when you exchange your natural gas or propane powered water heater for an energy-efficient model.

The disadvantages

• There’s a fee for installation. Even if you install your water heater yourself, a certified plumber has to come and verify the installation.
• You are responsible for maintenance and repair costs. However, you should be aware that typical water heater repairs are fairly inexpensive ($35 on average).
• The warranty on parts and installation is for a limited time only, usually between 6 and 12 months.
• A number of insurance companies refuse to cover damage caused by water heaters more than 10 years old.

Final thoughts on leasing vs purchasing a water heater

Leasing a water heater could be an advantageous solution for rental property owners who aren’t concerned with management and who will pass on the cost of the water heater lease to the tenant through the rent. Otherwise, purchasing a water heater will be your best option, as it’s more economical and won’t require you to enter into a contract with a service provider.

For the purchase and installation of a water heater in the Montreal area, you can count on the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer.