No Hot Water: Who Should You Call?
Urgency: UrgentUpdated 2026-08-31
Short answer
Check whether the tank is rented — if it is, the rental company repairs it at no cost and you should call them first. Otherwise, on an electric tank check the breaker and the reset button; on a gas tank check the pilot or igniter. If neither restores hot water, call a licensed plumber. A tank leaking from the base always needs replacement, not repair.
Who to call: A licensed plumber for tank and supply issues; your rental provider first if the tank is rented.
What to do right now
- 1Look for a rental sticker on the tank — Enercare, Reliance and similar providers cover repairs on rented units.
- 2Electric tank: reset the breaker, then press the red reset button on the upper thermostat panel.
- 3Gas tank: check that the gas valve is on and the pilot or igniter is lit.
- 4If water is pooling around the base, shut off the cold supply valve on top of the tank immediately.
Most likely causes
- Failed heating element or thermostat
- On electric tanks the lower element typically fails first — you get a little hot water, then cold.
- Pilot light or thermocouple failure
- A gas tank that will not stay lit usually needs a new thermocouple.
- Sediment build-up
- Hard GTA water lays down scale that insulates the burner from the water and shortens tank life.
- Tank at end of life
- Most tanks last 8–12 years. Rust-coloured water or leaks from the shell mean replacement.
What it typically costs in the GTA
$150–$350 for an element, thermostat or thermocouple replacement. $1,300–$2,600 for a new tank installed. $3,500–$6,000 for a tankless conversion including venting and gas line work.
Ranges are typical market pricing for the Greater Toronto Area and vary with access, age of the home, and time of year. Always get the scope in writing before work starts.
Rented versus owned — check first
A large share of GTA homes still have rented water heaters. If yours is rented, calling an independent plumber means paying for a repair you already cover in your monthly bill, and can breach the rental agreement. The sticker on the side of the tank tells you who to call.
Lukewarm water instead of none
Lukewarm water usually means one of two electric elements has failed, or the tank is undersized for how the household now uses hot water. A plumber can test both elements in minutes.
When to replace instead of repair
If the tank is over ten years old and the repair costs more than about a third of a new unit, replacement is usually the better call — especially given that a failed tank floods a basement.
Get the right pro on it
Describe the problem in your own words. We’ll work out which trade you need and connect you with suitable local pros. Free, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
- How long should a water heater last?
- 8 to 12 years for a conventional tank in the GTA, less if the tank was never flushed and sediment has built up.
- Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
- A leak from the shell means the tank is corroding through and can fail suddenly. Shut off the supply and arrange replacement rather than repair.
- Should I switch to tankless?
- Tankless makes sense for households that run out of hot water regularly or want the floor space back. Expect a higher install cost because of venting and gas line upgrades.