east end (Scarborough) licenced gas technican, water heater main burner does not burn

[elmst200]

Need to recommend a licenced natural gas technican (east end or Scarborough) to investigate and repair the natural gas water heater. Fee for the service should be reasonable.

Did the inspection and suspect the gas valve is faulty because a) the ignitor works fines; b) the main burner does not burn; c) natural gas is present.
Also found the "reset button" on the thermostat could not be pressed, it's always engaged.

Our gas water heater (owned) is:
Rheem Power Vent, Model: PVW50, about 12 year old. The water is from Lake Ontario therefore is not hard (this may relate to how long a water heater may last).

Please advise what is the reasonable price range for a home service and to replace a gas valve (labour and parts).

Since the water heater is about 12 year old, how long should a gas water heater like ours last? After this repair, is it reasonable to assume I could use this water heater for another 5 or 10 years? If not, I'm thinking of replacement. I want to know which is more cost-effective, repair or replacement. For replacement, what is the approximate price range (installed price) for a new gas water heater similar to the one we're currently using?

Thanks a lot.

[coolspot]

Do you own or rent the water heater? If you rent, just call Direct Energy, they'll repair it for free.

Installing a new water heater will cost around 1K, but you'll break even in terms of rental fees in about 4 - 5 years.

[elmst200]

We own our water heater. Called Direct Energy and knew the price is very hefty, $99+tax for an inspection/visit. Actual repair cost will be told by the technican on site after the inspection.

How much does a typical gas water heater cost? Is the 1K dollars just installation fee or it is the total installed cost?

Do you own or rent the water heater? If you rent, just call Direct Energy, they'll repair it for free.

Installing a new water heater will cost around 1K, but you'll break even in terms of rental fees in about 4 - 5 years.

[Brian71]

For a 12 year old heater I would get a new one.
I rarely see them lasting over 15 years old.
If you will be in the house for a while it may make sense to replace the heater with a new one.
Home depot charges I think around $200 to install.
One other thing though. You will have to upgrade the vent to 636.

[adeel]

would anyone have a recommendation for a licensed gas technician?

enbridge was at our place to relocate our meter and they noted that our furnace room has a door on it that is not allowing for enough air flow

so we have to get two squares cut into our door (or the wall, lol) to allow for enough air flow so looking for someone licensed to do this and fill in our warning tag to avoid paying for another enbridge inspection

[ItechJester]

make sure the guy you hired is properly licensed. just replaced mine. if the contractor doesn't know what he's doing you could be in big trouble. repairs around natural gas are no joke.

better to pay a bit more and be safe, IMO