Water Heater Repair Calgary

There are three positions on your unit's gas regulator knob: "On," "Off," and "Pilot." When it's turned to "Off," there's no gas powering the pilot light or the heating elements in the tank. When it's on "Pilot," the pilot light is getting gas, but the rest of the unit is not. When it's turned to "On," both the pilot light burner and the main unit should be getting gas. For normal operation, set it to "On" so the pilot is burning and the water is heating.

Gas water heaters are efficient, fast, effective, and safe if they get sufficient care and maintenance over time. Any type of water heater requires preventative maintenance, but it's more crucial for a gas unit than for an electric water heater because units powered by natural gas pose a risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless gas that is very toxic and can even be fatal when inhaled in large quantities.

Over time, the connections between your unit and its ventilation lines can deteriorate, allowing harmful carbon monoxide to seep into your home. Annual water heater maintenance allows your Calgary plumber to inspect areas with the highest potential for issues and ensure everything is in a safe condition. If it's not in good shape, we'll handle water heater repair before those trouble spots degrade to the point where they could threaten the well-being of you and the rest of your household.

Gas water heaters are pricier to install and typically require more maintenance, including deposit removal and gas line inspections. On the other hand, they offer a higher flow rate than electric units. While electric water heaters are usually more energy efficient, their operational costs may be higher. When choosing between electric and gas, environmental considerations also come into play, with electric heaters often being seen as the more eco-conscious option.

Switching from gas to electric or vice versa may require drilling, cutting, and making modifications in your Calgary home for installing new gas lines. These changes can increase the installation costs.

The best way to avoid the need for future water heater repair and keep your unit running at peak efficiency is with a preventative maintenance plan. By having your Calgary plumber inspect your system and address any minor issues, you can prevent larger repairs and extend your system's lifespan, allowing you to avoid replacement for longer. But keeping your system in great condition with regular maintenance can also reduce its energy consumption by preventing efficiency loss from deterioration, which means you can pay less for your energy bills.

During routine maintenance visits, our experienced plumbers will take care of tasks such as:

• Examining the anode rod for signs of calcium buildup
• Testing the temperature-pressure-release (TPR) valve
• Draining the tank to rinse out sediment

There are numerous options for water heaters, but finding professional services can be a challenge. Below you will find the types of water heaters we can repair during your water heater repair service:

• Tankless water heater
• Storage tank water heater
• Gas
• And more!

The right water heater for your home will be one that meets your needs and can keep up with the demands of your household. In the event that your current water heater is unrepairable, we will help replace your old water heater with a new one. If you need a new water heater, we will be happy to review your needs and provide options that not only deliver efficient hot water but also prioritize energy efficiency, helping you save on your utility bill.

No matter what, you can trust our team to either guide you through the repair process with ease or extend the life of your water heater. We'd be happy to review your options if you're considering a new hot water tank.

There are many reasons why a tankless hot water heater may need repairs, and a wide range of signs. Below, you can learn more about why you are having issues and the reasons why you might be seeing discolouration or struggling to get consistent temperatures.

Rust

If you notice a rust-coloured tint in the hot water, it may indicate corrosion in your water heater's tank. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that this rusty hue can also be connected to deteriorated supply lines. Take a moment to inspect the area around your heater to see if there are any signs of rust on the exterior. In the event that you do discover rust on your unit or are unable to locate the origin of the discolouration, it is highly advisable to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable professional.

Water is smelly or discoloured

Hot water that comes out of your faucet discoloured, or with a metallic taste or "slimy" texture, is a cause for concern, and you should not consume it or use it for bathing until you've gotten professional water heater repair. Calgary residents may also notice particles of dirt or rust floating in the liquid.

Rusty water typically happens because of sediment buildup or corrosion inside the tank. If you have bad-smelling liquid with a musty or metallic odour, it is an equally bad symptom that must be investigated by a qualified plumber. Depending on the cause of the water heater repair, our plumbers may need to flush the tank, replace the anode rod, or replace the tank itself if it's badly corroded.

Not draining through the drain valve

Accumulation of sediment can result in a blocked drain valve, posing potential risks. It is imperative to address this issue with professional care to avoid the hazards associated with handling hot water. If you suspect a clog, seeking the expertise of a professional for water heater repair is highly advised.

Heating takes too long

If you live in a large household or just really like taking extra-long showers, you know exactly why your tank sometimes runs low on supply. That being said, it should be able to get another full tank of heated fuel relatively fast. A gas-powered unit in good condition should heat a tank in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. For electric systems, the heating time is likely 60 to 80 minutes. If your unit is taking noticeably longer to raise the water temperature, it needs water heater repair. Calgary homeowners end up paying higher and higher charges on their energy bills because their unit is operating less efficiently and needs more fuel to provide the same amount of thermal energy.

If you're noticing reduced water pressure in your shower, it's possible that there are obstructions in your system. If a clogged shower head or a defective pressure-balancing valve isn't the issue, it's time to contact a professional plumber to identify and remove the blockages with a thorough flushing service.

Homeowners who find themselves dealing with this particular issue usually have a tank that is slowly filling up with an accumulation of mineral deposits. The main issue is that the mineral buildup flakes off and settles on the bottom, where it can block access to heating elements and prevent them from thoroughly heating your tank. It also takes up space inside the tank, so it's not able to hold as much volume as it did before. We'll deal with those problems by flushing the tank to remove the excess sediment.

One common cause is that water has to bubble through sediment buildup to reach the output line. Normally, all you should hear from a smoothly operating unit is a quiet humming noise. Any unusual or disruptive sounds need to be investigated and resolved to reduce wear and tear on the unit and help homeowners avoid a number of other potential problems.

Calgary's residents should note that puddles might actually not be particularly close to the tank, especially if water is slowly winding its way through a room full of obstructions such as rugs, furniture, and other items. If you notice signs of water leakage, try to dry the area and then contact us.

Flush the tank annually to remove sediment, check the anode rod, inspect the TPR valve, and have a licensed plumber perform a yearly inspection to keep your unit in optimal condition. Annual maintenance can extend a water heater’s life by 3–5 years and improve efficiency by 10–15%, so be sure to schedule professional inspections before winter, when Calgary’s cold weather can strain older water heaters.

Likely, yes, permits are required for water heater replacements and some major repairs, as per the City of Calgary Building Codes, to ensure work meets safety standards. Permit enforcement helps prevent accidents and non-compliant installations, and fines may apply for unpermitted work, according to the City of Calgary. Hire only licensed professionals who will handle permit applications on your behalf.

Yes, high-efficiency and tankless models can lower energy and water usage, qualifying you for Energy Efficiency Alberta rebates. Energy-efficient water heaters can save Calgary homeowners up to $100 annually on utility bills. Ask our local plumbers about available rebates and the best models for Calgary’s hard water conditions.

Most water heater repairs, such as fixing a thermostat or replacing an anode rod, can be completed within 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity and parts availability. The Alberta Plumbing Association notes that common repairs average around 2 hours for installation and testing. Be sure to schedule repairs during weekdays for quicker service and parts delivery.

Yes, Calgary’s moderately hard water causes sediment buildup inside tanks, which reduces efficiency and leads to overheating and leaks. Hard water affects about 85% of Calgary households, accelerating water heater wear. That's why we suggest installing a water softener to extend your water heater’s lifespan.

At Mr. Rooter, we offer emergency repair services 7 days a week to handle urgent issues like sudden leaks or no hot water. We know that emergency plumbing services reduce home water damage by up to 50% when accessed promptly, so keep our trusted plumber’s emergency contact handy for immediate assistance.

Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes, lower the thermostat to 120°F, and schedule regular maintenance to keep the system running efficiently. Insulating water heaters can reduce heat loss by 25-45%, saving energy and costs. Be sure to use a professional service to install insulation and perform energy audits.

Ignoring leaks can cause serious water damage, mould growth, structural issues, and increased water bills in Calgary’s homes. Water damage from plumbing failure costs Alberta homeowners millions annually in repairs, so be sure to address leaks immediately and inspect your water heater area regularly.

When you need plumbing services in Calgary neighbourhoods such as Chestermere, Glamorgan, Elboya, or Altadore, the team of professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary is standing by.

Get in touch with us today, so we can book you for a convenient time, or talk to our friendly office staff and find out more about what we can do to restore your entire plumbing system to like-new condition.