This summer, we experienced some problems with our existing (gas) water heater, and then later also experienced various issues in replacing it with a new one. Throughout this difficult experience, Roto-Rooter (Parksville/Nanaimo) provided excellent support and assistance in working through all of the troublesome issues. Everyone at Roto-Rooter, including Terry (the owner), all of the plumbers and the office staff, were all very helpful. An explanation of what occurred follows, along with how Roto-Rooter helped with each of the issues.
Just prior to leaving for vacation, I discovered that we had a leak from the Relief Valve Discharge Line on our (9 year old) hot water tank. I then called in a plumber from the company that had previously sold and installed that tank. They advised me to replace the Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) on the tank, and also suggested replacing the Pressure Reducing Valve on the main water pipe in the house. I agreed to replace both of these. The next day I discovered a slow water leak from the rubber gasket where the tank’s PRV is connected. After calling back the same plumber, he advised that I needed to replace the tank, and so I obtained a quote from them.
Since we had used Roto-Rooter for several major and minor plumbing/drainage jobs over the two decades that we have owned our house, I called them to ask if they also sold and installed hot water heaters. Finding out that they did, I asked them for a quote. Terry and his team were very helpful in discussing the various options (i.e. gas, electric, and tank-less).
However, since the slow leak disappeared the following day, I decided to postpone the replacement of the tank until I returned from vacation, as I did not want to risk any major work in the house just before going away, and Roto-Rooter were very helpful in advising us on minimizing any risk of further leakage during our vacation.
When we returned from vacation, we discovered another slow water leak at the PRV on the main water pipe, and recalled the first plumber to fix it, which he supposedly did. However, the next day, the leak was even worse, and so I decided to get Roto-Rooter in to fix it instead. After that no leaks reappeared.
We then placed the order for a new gas water heater with Roto-Rooter. Unfortunately, when the day arrived for its installation, we discovered that the unit which was shipped to us was sufficiently damaged that it had to be returned. However, Roto-Rooter kindly lent us a basic electric unit until a replacement arrived for the gas model that we ordered. Once a replacement arrived, it was installed straight away.
However, after we started to use the tank, we discovered to our dismay that the fan used for the Power-Vent produces a very loud noise, and since our water heater is located in our laundry room which is next to our family room and dining room, and is also below our bedroom, this was very unpleasant to live with. This issue came as a surprise because we previously had a direct-vent gas unit, but were advised that they were no longer available and that we had to instead replace it with a power-vented unit.
After several discussions with Terry at Roto-Rooter, with the manufacturer and the supplier (wholesaler), agreement was obtained to return this gas unit for an electric one. The electric unit is now installed and it is truly a relief not to suffer the noise of the power-vented gas unit.
Throughout all of these problems, Terry and his staff were extremely helpful, professional and patient, and their plumbing skills and knowledge repeatedly inspired confidence, as they always have done in the past. Certainly, my wife and I would not hesitate to use Terry and his plumbing team at Roto-Rooter (Parksville/Nanaimo) again, and would recommend them to any other homeowner in the area that they service.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $0.00