When you rent a water heater from NB Power, we take care of all required repair and maintenance to the tank itself. Our team of technicians is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

NB Power assumes no risk and shall not be liable for any damage to property, furnishings, belongings or loss of revenue or personal injury resulting from the presence of its equipment on the customer’s premises or from an Act of God or from accidents, negligence or other actions of civic or similar agencies or any person(s) beyond the control of NB Power

The risk of water damage is greatly reduced when the water heater is installed in accordance with the building code which states that a water heater must be installed/plumbed to a fully functional, gravity fed drainage system.

There are certain safety precautions you must follow if you plan on draining a water heater.

Watch this video to learn how to safely drain a hot water heater.

If you’re shutting down a property for the season and want to learn how to safely drain the water heater, watch this instructional video.

We recommend you flush your NB Power water heater annually to keep it performing at its best. Flushing can help alleviate water quality problems and sediment buildup.

Watch this video to find out how to safely flush a water heater.

When a water heater is filled with water, sometimes air can get trapped inside the tank. When this happens, an air bubble is formed which often leaves the top element exposed. Elements are designed to be submerged in water. If they aren’t, they run the risk of overheating and causing the element to fail.

Watch this video to find out how you can safely refill a water heater.

If you have access to your own well water, for a short-term solution you should call us at 1 800 663-6272 or the Department of Environment for a brochure addressing the process of chlorinating well water properly. Visit our Water Quality page for more information.

Since a NB Power water heater is glass lined and consists of heating elements and an anode rod, it cannot cause dirty or discoloured water. Sometimes, bacteria, sediment, minerals or natural gases can find their way into the plumbing and into the water heater which may cause the water to become discoloured.

Some common concerns with water quality:

• Brown, red, yellow or rusty water:
  Water that's high in iron may appear yellow, brown, red or "rusty" depending on the amount of iron present. This is usually not a health risk, but can be unpleasant. The water supply may naturally be high in iron or there may be corrosion in the plumbing that could release additional iron into the water.
• Black water:
  Reactions with manganese, iron or Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (H2S) can cause your water to appear black. Symptoms include black stains on sinks, tubs and laundry as well as feeling greasy to the touch.
• Cloudy Water:
  Cloudy water, also known as white water, is most often caused by air bubbles in the water. It occurs when oxygen gets mixed in with the water supply. It is completely harmless. The best thing to do is let it sit in an open container until the bubbles naturally disappear.

If any of these become a health concern contact New Brunswick's Department of Environment, Public Health, or your municipality.

The following links will offer additional information and course of action.

GNB - How to Chlorinate Your Well

GNB - Troubleshooting for Private Wells

GNB - Where Can I Have My Well Water Tested in NB

NBP - Water Heater Flushing

Your NB Power-rented water heater is factory set at 60°C /140°F, which is the temperature recommended by the World Health Organization for water that is safe for human consumption to help protect against harmful bacterial build-up (Legionella) inside the water heater. The temperature is set at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) factory standards and the National Plumbing Code. We recommend keeping your water heater at these settings for your safety.

If at any time you are concerned that the hot water temperature is exceedingly hot, test your hot water temperature by letting the hot water run for 5 minutes, then safely use a meat/candy thermometer to check the temperature. If the water temperature is over 60°C /140°F, please contact us at 1-800-663-6272. We are available 24/7 to respond to your requests.

Should you want to reduce the temperature of the hot water in certain areas in your home due to safety concerns, we suggest that you contact a licensed plumber to discuss point of use options such as a mixing valve or a tempering device.

Remember, always use caution around hot water as it can take only seconds to cause scalding.

NB Power provides superior water heaters that have always exceeded Natural Resources Canada energy efficiency standards and therefore, per the Manufacturer’s guidelines, don’t require insulation blankets.

To improve your energy efficiency, we recommend adding pipe wrap insulation 1.8m X 1.9cm (6’X ¾”) to both the hot and cold water lines going into the water heater.

Should you choose to install an insulation blanket, we encourage you to follow these manufacture installation warnings:

• Do not cover operation or warning labels attached to the water heater.
• Do not cover element and thermostat access panels.
• Do not cover the pressure and temperature relief valve found at the top of the water heater.
• Blankets may affect the warranty of the tank.
• Blankets may shorten the life of the water heater and run the risk of causing damage to your home.

Any insulation blankets installed by a customer must be removed before any services to your NB Power water heater can be performed.

The greatest energy savings are directly related to conservation. Find more ways to improve your hot water efficiency here.

Many advertisements encourage home owners to reduce the temperature of water heaters in order to conserve energy. NB Power doesn’t support these advertisements as this action can lead to safety issues with your electric water heater.

Your NB Power-rented water heater is factory set at 60°C /140°F, which is the temperature recommended by the World Health Organization for water that is safe for human consumption to help protect against harmful bacterial build-up (Legionella) inside the water heater. The temperature is set at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) factory standards and the National Plumbing Code. We recommend keeping your water heater at theses settings for your safety.

An electric water heater’s energy efficiency is rated in terms of standby loss. Standby loss is measured in watts; the lower the rating, the higher the efficiency or r-value. NB Power’s water heaters have always met or exceeded Natural Resources Canada energy efficiency requirements, so reducing the temperature will not make a noticeable difference in your consumption.

Reducing the temperature also reduces the amount of hot water available. For example, showers are usually 60% hot water mixed with 40% cold water. If the temperature is lower, then you will use a higher percentage of hot water and could run out of hot water sooner.

The greatest energy savings are directly related to conservation. Find more ways to improve your hot water efficiency here.

NB Power’s water heating equipment must be installed and used only for the purpose intended – supplying hot water. The misuse of the equipment being connected to a furnace coil or other auxiliary means of heating, is dangerous and strictly prohibited.

When requesting a water heater service such as a maintenance, delivery, replacement or installation the customer is responsible to meet the following safety requirements:

Note: We do not do the initial installation of 100 gallon water heaters.

Plumbing:

Shut Off Valve

Since 1970, the Canadian plumbing code requires the installation of a shut off valve on the water heater’s cold water line. The shut off valve isolates the water heater, which enables us to perform the required service.

If you do not have an existing or functioning shut off valve, this service can be provided at the same time of the replacement at an additional charge.

Accessibility:

• A minimum of 18 cm/7” - 25 cm/10” clearance is required at the top of the tank and 5 cm/2” around the diameter to accommodate associated fittings. For tank sizes, click here.
• Sufficient space for our technician to safely service the water heater.For closets and close quarters: if you are replacing an old unit, keep in mind that newer units may be larger, as more insulation is required in the jacket of the water heater to meet the latest strict federal energy standards.
• A clear unobstructed path to the water heater (no snow, boxes, walls, appliances, etc.)

Wiring:

22 and 40 gallon (240v) water heaters require:

• Voltage 240
• Conductor Size 12/2
• Fuse Size 20 amps

Note – acceptable variances are:

• Conductor Size 10/2 with Fuse Size 30 amps
• Conductor Size 10/2 with Fuse Size 20 amps

40 gallon (208v) water heaters require:

• Voltage 208
• Conductor Size 12/2
• Fuse Size 20 amps

60 gallon (240v) water heaters require:

• Voltage 208 or 240
• Conductor Size 10/2
• Fuse Size 30 amps

Note – Although we currently do not rent 60g 208V water heaters, we do rent 60g 240V water heaters that can be installed safely on 208V circuits.

Piping:

Acceptable piping:

• Copper
• PEX (Cross linked PolyEthylene)
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chlorine)
• Poly-B (Polybutylene)

Drain:

The location of the water heater should be close to a free flowing floor drain or other acceptable means of directing the water to a safe location of disposal.

Before opting out of this service, we encourage you to review the many benefits and advantages to renting a hot water heater with NB Power. If you are certain you want to discontinue this service, you are responsible for the following:

• have a licensed technician disconnect the electrical supply to the water heater
• have a licensed technician drain the water heater
• have a licensed technician disconnect the plumbing connections to the water heater
• have the water heater accessible for pick up

Further options may be available to you. For more information or to request a removal please contact us at 1-800-663-6272. We are available 24/7 to respond to your requests.

Our Hot Water Service Program is designed to give our customers peace of mind. NB Power provides professional services 24/7 and superior energy efficient water heating products that are exclusive to NB Power customers. Enjoy all of the benefits of our Hot Water Service program for the lowest monthly fee in Canada.

View our tank sizes and rental rate here.

See how NB Power’s water heater rental rates compare to other utilities here.

If at any time of day you identify that your water heater is leaking, you must:

• turn off the water supply to the tank using the shut off valves;
• Safely turn off the power supply at your electrical panel. *Remember electricity and water don’t mix, do not attempt to turn off the power supply if the floor is wet;
• Call us at 1 800-663-6272. We’re here 24/7.

Before we can come fix your heater, these important safety requirements will need to be completed.

Legionella is a form of bacteria that can lead to Legionellosis disease. Legionella bacteria grow in water and can cause two types of illness in humans- Pontiac fever and Legionnaires’ disease.

SAFETY AT 60°C, the required temperature for safe, reliable hot water.

Find additional information on Legionella and how to reduce your risk here.

An electric water heater’s energy efficiency is rated in terms of standby loss. Standby loss is measured in watts-the lower the rating, the higher the efficiency.

NB Power has worked with our manufacturer to provide our customers with water heaters exceed minimum efficiency requirements. As a result, our standard water heaters now meet and/or exceed Energy Star Homes and R2000 energy efficiency standards.

Natural Resources Canada has a dedicated website with all makes and models of electric water heaters that meet energy efficiency requirements. Just look for Giant in the manufacturer field and select search to view all models and their efficiencies

To find the efficiency rating that applies to the water heater in your home, look to the serial plate of the water heater for the manufacturer’s model number.

A 22 gallon tank is only suitable when it is expected that there will be minimal hot water usage (ie in offices, stores and individual washrooms), or when there are space restrictions. Typically a 40-gallon size water tank is suitable for up to four persons and a 60-gallon size water tank is suitable for five or more.

This safety valve is a pressure / temperature relief ( PTR ) valve (see Product Features). This valve opens when the pressure in your plumbing system exceeds 150 lbs/sq in (1034 kPa) or if the temperature exceeds 210°F (99°C). If this particular valve appears to be leaking, you should contact us and we will send a repair specialist to come and check your water heater immediately, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For safety and health reasons, any water heater that is exposed to water in a flooded location must be replaced. NB Power waives water heater replacement fees for customers who are impacted by wide spread flooding.

Safety Requirements for water heater replacement after flooding:

Power: Before replacements are carried out, you must have power.

Accessibility: Ensure the flooded area is dry and clear of debris in addition to having a clear path for removal/replacement.

Shut off valve: A shut off valve is a requirement on the water heater's cold water line.

Customers in flood zone areas are to make arrangements to have the water heater professionally disconnected, drained and relocated so as not to be impacted by flood water. It is the customer's responsibility to protect the water heater.

If you have been impacted by flood waters and meet requirements, please call us at 1 800-663-6272.

When you rent a water heater from us, you are renting a 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year service guarantee. The monthly rental fee is added to your electric bill making it convenient and worry free.

Service calls for owner water heaters can cost up to $100 for the visit alone. Parts are extra. Renting a water heater from us includes 24-hour quick, reliable, service.