Electric
Cost less to buy and to repair, but more to run. Replacing one is straightforward, and you can often go up a size without extra labour if there is room.
Most tanks under 10 years old can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Gavin tells you honestly which one yours needs.
No call centre and no sales team. The person who answers is the person who shows up.
Call Gavin403-988-4411Often not. Most water heaters can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of replacement, and Gavin would rather fix yours than sell you a new one. The main exception is a tank leaking from the bottom, which likely can not be saved.
If it does need replacing, the price covers parts, labour, warranty and disposal of your old tank, and you get it up front, with options, before anything starts.
One customer was told by everyone they asked that they needed a new heater. Over the phone Gavin said it did not, was in and out in 30 minutes, and it cost less than he quoted.
Straight from Gavin's own notes on the four types he works on, including his honest take on tankless.
Cost less to buy and to repair, but more to run. Replacing one is straightforward, and you can often go up a size without extra labour if there is room.
Vent through a draft hood into the chimney. Newer building codes can call for a larger vent, which affects the install. For more hot water, two tanks side by side can be more economical than one bigger tank.
A fan pushes the exhaust out the side of the house. Roughly double the cost of a natural draft replacement, more when converting. Not more efficient; mainly used when a modern furnace no longer needs the chimney.
The most efficient, because it only heats water when you need it. But it needs direct venting and a large gas supply, so installs are expensive, and hard water means yearly maintenance. Customer feedback on them is very mixed.
Two quick questions. Most of the time the honest answer is a part, not a whole tank.
A rough guide built from the most common causes, not a diagnosis. Gavin will tell you which one it actually is.
No call-out fee when he does the work, during regular hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Tell Gavin what is going on. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
With a fully stocked truck, and often the same day. Happy Pipes aims for same-day service.
Parts and labour included, so there are no hidden fees. Nothing starts until you say yes.
He cleans up after himself, and every job is covered by the 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Had a hot water heater issue. I did some asking around and everyone was telling me I needed a new heater. Over the phone Gavin said the hot water heater did not need to be replaced. Right on time he was in and out within 30 mins. Cost me even less then he quoted.
Gavin was great to work with. Very easy to get an appointment to look at our leaking water heater. After a quick but thorough assessment, he determined the heater needed replacement and was able to get a new one installed same day. A few days later, Gavin called to let me know that he had looked into the ruined heater, found that it was under warranty still, and that the warranty money would be discounted from the price.
He is someone who comes across as professional, knowledgeable and always sees the job to completion with very reasonable pricing. He helped us through a lot of issues we were having with our hot water tank and took a systematic approach instead of making assumptions.
Gavin is hardworking, honest, efficient and with out a doubt the best person to pick if you require heating or plumbing services. I could not speak more highly of his work, ensuring my heating was fixed in a cold snap at a reasonable price.
We had a number of jobs for him to complete (kitchen faucet install, shut off valve installation in all bathrooms, bathtub leak repair, etc.). He also was on time for the consultation and scheduled work (didn't keep us waiting at all). We found his prices VERY reasonable, and would absolutely use his services again.
My toilet clogged and I could not unclogged with anything. Gavin came and fixed it in less than an hour for best rate than anyone I have called in Airdrie or in Calgary. He will even give you call ahead before he will show up.
Punctual, great job done, was honest about the work, informed me as to why I had the problem so that it wouldn't happen again, and then charged me a whole lot less then I dreamed of.
I had Gavin come in and fix, permanently, a "homemade husband repair" and he didn't even laugh at the workmanship! That's a professional! Seriously, Gavin did an excellent job to make sure I got the results I needed.
We have been using Gavin's services for over 7 years. Best plumber ever! Fast, efficient, great customer service!
2nd to none!! Experienced, dependable, reliable, diligent, qualified, thorough and efficient service from this company. Highly recommend them for any plumbing service you may need. Gavin was amazing.
Leak detection, valves, water pressure, frozen pipe thawing and heat tape replacement.
Diagnosis and repair on all brands, furnace cleaning, humidifiers, thermostats and CO detectors.
Gas lines for BBQs, stoves, fireplaces and garage heaters, plus gas leak detection.
Softener and filtration systems installed, including units you have already bought.
Based in Airdrie, and also working in Calgary and the towns around them.
Often, yes. Most water heaters under 10 years old can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Common fixes include the pilot, thermocouple, element, thermostat or anode rod. The main exception is a tank leaking from the bottom, which likely can not be saved.
The price covers parts, labour, warranty and disposal of your old tank. Gavin gives you the price up front, with options, before any work starts, so you know the full cost and can choose between repairing, replacing like for like, or changing to a different type of tank.
It depends. A power vented tank costs roughly double a natural draft replacement and is not more energy efficient; it is mainly used when a modern furnace no longer needs the chimney. Tankless units are the most efficient but expensive to install, and hard water means they need yearly maintenance.
Happy Pipes aims for same-day service, and Gavin arrives with a fully stocked truck. One customer had a leaking heater assessed and a new one installed the same day. Call 403-988-4411 during office hours, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, or send the form on this page.
Send a few details and Gavin will get back to you with a time and an up-front price. There is no call-out fee when he does the work.
Gavin replies Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.