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City of TorontoMetro master licence15791Request service

Water heater repair

No hot water, a puddle under the tank or water that goes cold halfway through a shower. Many faults are one part, not the whole heater. We find out which, and tell you straight if repair is not worth it.

Call (416) 489-0000Request service
City of TorontoLicensed & insuredMetro master plumbing licence15791
1212 The Queensway, Etobicoke

Call us when

  • There is no hot water, or it runs out sooner than it used to
  • Water is pooling around the base of the tank
  • The temperature swings while you are using it
  • Rusty water comes from the hot taps only
  • The tank pops or rumbles while it heats
  • The pipe on the side of the tank is dripping
A residential hot-water tank installation.

If the tank is leaking right now

  • Close the cold water valve on the pipe going into the top of the tank. If it will not close, shut off the main water valve.
  • Turn off the heat source: the breaker for an electric tank, or the gas control for a gas tank.
  • Stay clear of the hot water. Water from the tank can scald, so do not try to drain it yourself.
  • Move what you can away from the water, then call (416) 489-0000.

If you smell gas, leave the house and call Enbridge Gas or 911 first.

No hot water: check these first

  • One tap or all of them? If only one tap is cold, the problem may be at that faucet, not the heater.
  • Electric tank: see whether the breaker has tripped. If it trips again, leave it off and call.
  • Gas tank: look at the instructions on the tank's label for the pilot. If you are not comfortable, or it will not stay lit, leave it and call.

Repair or replace?

A thermostat, an element or a valve can often be replaced on its own. A leak from the tank body cannot be repaired, because the tank itself has failed, so that means a new water heater. Between those two, it comes down to the age of the heater, how often it has needed work and what the repair involves. We explain what we found and let you decide.

Rusty water and popping sounds

Rusty water from the hot taps only points to the inside of the tank. If the cold taps run rusty too, look at the pipes instead. See repiping.

Popping or rumbling usually means sediment has settled at the bottom of the tank. The burner or element has to heat through it, so the tank works harder for the same hot water.

A dripping relief valve

The valve on the side or top of the tank is a safety device that lets water out when temperature or pressure gets too high. Water at its discharge pipe means something needs a look. Never cap or plug that pipe. Call us and tell us how much is coming out.

If your tank is a rental

The rental company owns the tank, and your contract may say they handle repairs. Check the contract or the company's name on your bill before you book anyone, and call them first if the tank is theirs.

This page covers water heater repair.

We serve homes in Etobicoke, Mississauga, North York and nearby Toronto communities.

See the work

Watch Michael on the job

Tankless water heaters in Toronto homes

Questions people ask

Who does the work

Michael from Waterworks in a finished shower

Waterworks is owned and run by Michael Yuffa, Owner and Chief Plumber, who has 46+ years of experience with Toronto homes, longer than most of the city's condos have been standing. About our team

  • Metro master plumbing licence 15791
  • WSIB Ontario workplace safety and insurance
  • Insured by Desjardins Insurance
  • Rated 4.8 from 551 Google reviews and 4.9 from 2,273 HomeStars reviews (October 2026)

Written from Waterworks’ service information and the sources named on this page. Last updated November 3, 2026.

Request service

Tell us what is happening and we will call you back to book. For leaks and backups, calling is faster.

(416) 489-0000
Evenings and weekends
Phones answered. Overnight calls booked first thing in the morning.
Office
1212 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1R8

For example M8Z 1R8 or Mimico

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Plumbing help for your home.(416) 489-0000Request

Residential plumbing & drains

Let’s get your home sorted.

Tell us what’s happening. We’ll call you to arrange a visit.

For example M8Z 1R8 or Mimico

How urgent is it?

We only use this to reply about your job. See our privacy page.