At a glance
- Topic
- Read the contract first
- Reading time
- About 2 min
- Phone
- (365) 363-2754
- Matching repair
- Gas Water Heater Replacement in Ajax
Why it matters
A rental fee shows up quietly on a bill every month for years. Over the life of a tank, the total can exceed the price of buying and installing one outright. On the other hand, repairs and replacement are the rental company's problem.
The routine, in order
- Find the paperwork. Look on your utility or rental bill for the provider and monthly rate, and for the original contract if you bought the house with it.
- Read the buy-out and removal terms. Contracts often set a buy-out price that falls with age, plus rules and charges for removing the tank.
- Check the tank's age from its rating plate.
- Compare. Add up a few years of rental fees against the cost of an owned tank plus installation.
- Decide whether you prefer predictable monthly costs or ownership.
| Rented | Owned | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Yes | No |
| Repairs | Usually included | Your cost |
| Choice of model | Limited | Yours |
| Ending it | Per contract | Not applicable |
Mistakes to avoid
- Removing a rented tank without following the provider's return process.
- Assuming a tank is owned because there is no sticker on it.
- Putting pen to a doorstep rental pitch on the spot. Ontario has consumer protection rules about door-to-door contracts for water heaters; check the current rules if anyone approaches you.
Local tip Consumer rules on water heater rentals have changed in Ontario over the years. Check the current terms with the province before relying on any detail.
Where a plumber takes over
Once you decide to own, we can install a new tank and leave the rented one ready for the provider's collection.
Questions we hear on the phone
Can you repair my rented tank?
Normally the rental company should be called first, since repairs are part of what you pay for.