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Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

by | Sep 2, 2024 | Plumbing

Your hot water heater is a vital part of your home, providing the hot water you need for everyday tasks like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. But like any appliance, water heaters don’t last forever and there will come a time when you need to decide whether to repair or replace yours.

At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we understand the importance of a reliable hot water heater and we’re here to help you identify when your unit might be in trouble. In this blog, we will discuss the common signs that your water heater may need repair or replacement and provide guidance on when to take action.

1. Inconsistent Water Temperature

The Problem:

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or ReplacementOne of the first signs that your water heater may need repair is inconsistent water temperature. If you notice that your water alternates between hot and cold during use, or if it doesn’t heat up as quickly as it used to, it could indicate an issue with the heating elements, thermostat or other internal components.

What to Do:

Inconsistent water temperature can often be resolved with a water heater repair. Our experienced team at Aquality Plumbing & Heating can inspect your unit, diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary fixes. However, if your water heater is more than 10 years old and the issue continues to recur, it might be time to consider a replacement.

2. Reduced Hot Water Supply

The Problem:

If you’re finding that you run out of hot water faster than usual, it’s a sign that your hot water heater is no longer performing at its best. This could be due to sediment buildup in the tank, which reduces the amount of water the heater can effectively heat. It may also be an indication that your water heater’s capacity is no longer adequate for your household needs.

What to Do:

In many cases, flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup can restore the unit’s efficiency. Regular maintenance can help prevent this problem from worsening. If flushing the tank doesn’t resolve the issue or your water heater is too small for your current hot water demands, upgrading to a larger, more efficient unit might be the best solution.

3. Strange Noises Coming from the Hot Water Heater

The Problem:

It’s normal for your hot water heater to make some noise while it’s operating, but if you start hearing loud banging, popping or rumbling sounds, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. These noises are typically caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. As the water heats, the sediment traps air bubbles, creating these disruptive sounds.

What to Do:

Sediment buildup can be addressed through routine water heater repair and maintenance. Flushing the tank can often resolve the noise issue and improve your water heater’s efficiency. However, if the sediment has caused significant damage to the heating elements or tank, a replacement may be necessary.

4. Water Discoloration or Rusty Water

The Problem:

If you notice that the water coming from your taps is discoloured or has a rusty tint, it could be a sign that your water heater’s tank is corroding from the inside. Rust can form on the steel components of your hot water heater, and once it starts, it’s only a matter of time before leaks and further damage occur.

What to Do:

If rust is present in your water, it’s important to act quickly. In some cases, replacing the anode rod—a part that prevents rust from forming inside the tank—can extend the life of your water heater. However, if the corrosion has spread throughout the tank, it’s time to replace the unit to avoid leaks and potential flooding.

5. Leaking Hot Water Heater

The Problem:

Water pooling around the base of your hot water heater is a clear indication that there’s a leak. Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, including a cracked tank, loose connections or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to address leaks immediately to prevent water damage to your home.

What to Do:

Minor leaks caused by loose connections or faulty valves can usually be repaired by a professional plumber. However, if the tank itself is leaking, there is no repair option available and you will need to replace the unit. At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we can help you determine whether your water heater can be repaired or if it’s time for a new installation.

6. Age of the Hot Water Heater

The Problem:

Hot water heaters typically have a lifespan of 8-12 years. If your hot water heater is approaching or exceeding this age range, it’s more prone to breakdowns and efficiency issues. Older units are less energy-efficient, which can lead to higher utility bills and frequent repairs.

What to Do:

If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, we recommend evaluating its performance regularly. While a well-maintained water heater may last longer, it’s essential to be proactive in planning for a replacement. Investing in a new, energy-efficient model can save you money on your energy bills and provide more reliable hot water for your home.

7. Hot Water Heater Takes Longer to Heat Water

The Problem:

If you’ve noticed that it’s taking longer for your water heater to provide hot water, it could indicate that the heating elements are wearing out or that sediment buildup is interfering with heat transfer. This not only affects the temperature of your water but can also increase your energy consumption.

What to Do:

A water heater repair may be able to resolve this issue, particularly if the heating elements can be replaced or the sediment flushed from the tank. However, if your hot water heater is older and the problem persists, upgrading to a more efficient model may be the best course of action.

8. Frequent Repairs

The Problem:

If you find yourself calling for water heater repair services multiple times a year, it’s a clear sign that your unit is reaching the end of its useful life. Constant repairs can add up quickly and at some point, the cost of fixing an aging water heater outweighs the cost of replacement.

What to Do:

We recommend keeping track of how often your hot water heater needs repairs. If you’ve had to repair your unit more than once in the past year, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new water heater. A newer model will provide more reliable service and reduce your long-term repair costs.

9. Higher Energy Bills

The Problem:

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or ReplacementAn aging or malfunctioning water heater can cause your energy bills to spike. If your hot water heater is working harder than it should to maintain water temperature, it’s likely consuming more energy than necessary. Sediment buildup, worn-out parts and decreased efficiency all contribute to higher energy usage.

What to Do:

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills without a change in usage, it’s time to have your hot water heater inspected. In some cases, a water heater repair can restore efficiency, but if your unit is older or significantly damaged, replacing it with a more energy-efficient model can lower your utility costs.

Conclusion: Repair or Replace?

At Aquality Plumbing & Heating, we understand that deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater can be challenging. However, recognizing the early signs of trouble can save you from unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. If you are experiencing any of the issues we’ve discussed, it’s essential to have your water heater inspected by a professional plumber.

When it comes to hot water heater repair, we offer reliable and affordable services that can extend the life of your unit. But if your water heater is past its prime or requires frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. We will work with you to determine the best option for your home and provide expert installation of a new, energy-efficient water heater.

If you are unsure whether your hot water heater needs repair or replacement, contact us at Aquality Plumbing & Heating today for a thorough inspection and expert advice. We are here to ensure that you always have reliable access to hot water and that your home’s plumbing system is running smoothly.

3 Pros and Cons to Tankless Hot Water Heaters

3 Pros and Cons to Tankless Hot Water Heaters

by | Sep 4, 2020 | Heating

Thinking about a tankless hot water heater system for your home or business? See what the pros and cons are!

Whether you are in Tuscany, Canyon Meadows, or Parkland, living anywhere in Calgary makes your situation unique when it comes to picking a hot water system.

What!? Why?

Calgary has a high elevation which means our gas appliances perform differently. High efficient tankless hot water heaters even have a dip switch which reconfigures how it will burn the gas to compensate for our altitude.

If your new tank is not set up correctly, you could be reducing the efficiency, and voiding your warranty.  Caught your attention?  Keep reading for more important facts about tankless hot water heaters.

TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER PROS

There are many reasons to buy and install a tankless hot water heater systems. Here are my top 3. 

Common Household Plumbing Issues and How to Prevent Them - Tankless hot water heater maintenance

#1 – 96%-98*% Efficient!  You simply will not find anything else this efficient when it comes to heating your water. The advanced system that tankless heaters use, especially when compared to typical hot water tanks, revolutionized the amount of energy and cost needed to get hot water in your home or business. Plus, it only activates when you need hot water.

Tankless hot water heater tanks consume energy only when needed. This is why some people also call the system an on-demand hot water system. They are super efficient because they produce warm water when you need it, or as you demand it. Combine these two facts, super efficient energy use and only working when you need it, and you have by far the best way to efficiently heat your water. (Tanks average mid 60% to low 70% at best.)

#2 – Size.  You can replace up to 2 full size hot water tank heaters with one tankless unit that hangs on your wall out of the way.  If you have a tight mechanical room, this is a quick way to gain storage space once the water heater(s) are removed.

Imagine the added space you can gain in your utility room by removing 1 or 2 water tanks and replacing it with a simple unit on your wall? No matter the brand you choose (Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, John Wood and others), you will experience a cleaner, more open space in your basement or utility room.

#3 – Long life.  Compared to the 10 year average life of a tank, a tankless hot water heater can last over 20 years if properly maintained. That means a tankless hot water system can last up to twice as long as a typical hot water tank. Even the warranty on most units is 15 years on the heat exchanger, which shows that the suppliers know their products are designed to last for a long time and produce hot water consistently.

And if you think 15 years as a warranty is long, on some newer models, it’s up to 25 years! When you invest in a tankless hot water heater system, you can feel confident that it will reliably provide hot water for the long run.

TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER CONS

There are a handful of reasons why you may not want to choose a tankless hot water heater system. Here are my top 3.

#1 – Cost. – The overall cost to remove a water heater tank and convert your system to tankless is costly.  Once done, it is quite comparable to replace a tankless as it is to replace a tank in the future, but the work and materials required to initially install it, will put you at 2 to 3 times the cost of replacing a water heater.

#2 – Service. – Unlike a tank, you really do need to service the tankless annually and provide good water quality to the unit.  If you don’t you will void your warranty and risk failure in the first 2-3 years. The good news is, it is easy to do on your own, or get help from professionals like our Team at Aquality who will even train you how to do it yourself.

#3 – Lifestyle Changes. – Yes you get “Unlimited” hot water with a tankless when sized right, BUT only to a certain amount of gallons per minute (GPM).  This means you cannot run a tub, a shower, wash dishes, and another shower all at the same time.

Typically, you can run 2 showers at once as a good rule of thumb and in months when the inlet water temperature is higher, you could even wash dishes too. The good news is, once you adapt, you can stay in that shower for as long as you want and never run out.

How do Tankless Hot Water Heaters Work?

standard water heater tank vs tankless hot water heaterTechnology has come a long way to get warm water to your desired faucet or fixture faster than ever with tankless hot water heaters. This happens with built in recirculation pumps.

They are quiet and provide precise temperatures. You can even get them linked to your smart phone and change the temperature setting from your phone!

They can also provide enough hot water for your comfort to your faucets and fixtures, as well as to your floor heating systems with incredible Combi units.

Some people also choose a tankless hot water heater because they provide hot water endlessly for as long as it is needed. Typical hot water tanks hold hot water until you need it, which is great, but this means that once the tank or tanks are empty, that your home is out of hot water until the tanks can regenerate warm water.

If your home or business has periods of time that require large amounts of warm water usage, a tankless hot water heater unit might make sense.

If you are interested in more information on tankless heating, let us know and we can set up a virtual meeting, or come meet you at your home.  If you are getting pricing on a tankless installation and you currently have a water heater, ensure this is customized to your needs.

A quote over the phone is not recommended, as there are too many factors to consider in each home.  Don’t get caught paying for things that are not required at your home.

Installing a Tankless Hot Water Unit in your Calgary home 

Our first question usually is, “How long will you be expecting to live in the home?”  If your answer isn’t 4 years or more, we likely will tell you that this is not the product for you. An honest attitude is what drives our business, and we look forward to learning what your needs are and helping to share our expertise and educate you on what is best for you, your budget and your home.

Installing an important investment such as a Rinnai or Navien tankless system in your Calgary home, can be a complex project and getting expert advice is a good idea. For example, because our water is so hard in Calgary, we always suggest adding a water softener to ensure your tankless hot water heater system can function properly. If you don’t, and we’ve seen it in real life, the hard water minerals will build up in your unit and it won’t last as long as it should and will void your warranty.

Choosing a brand is an important step in the process and we are happy to offer our recommendations. There are many on the market such as Rheem, Rinnai, Navien, John Wood and Noritz. Each brand and style has its pros and cons and once we learn about your home’s water systems, your water needs, budget and other elements, we can share our suggestions based on experience and what you need.

You see at Aquality, our vision is to be the trusted plumbing and heating expert by building honest relationships. We feel this is a great way to start your relationship with us.  ~ David, from Aquality

5 Things to Consider when Choosing between a Hot Water Tank or a Tankless Hot Water Heater

5 Things to Consider when Choosing between a Hot Water Tank or a Tankless Hot Water Heater

by | Jul 14, 2020 | Heating

Love a hot bath? Enjoy endless warm-water showers? Dream about washing clothes at the same time as a family member has a hot shower? Looking for ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption? 

 

Look no further! You can upgrade your home’s hot water situation and you can make the right choice between a standard hot water tank or a tankless water heater. 

 

 

Here are 5 key points to consider when deciding between a hot water tank or a tankless water heater: 

 

 

  1. How long will you be living at this residence?

This is our first question when considering tankless water heaters because if you are not going to reap the benefits long enough to pay back the added expense, or you aren’t a die hard environmentalist, and space saving isn’t vital, then you do not need to read any further because a tankless is not for you.

Based on the cost, we’d like to know you will be sticking around for at least a few years (we say 4 or more) to ensure you are getting value from your decision. Remember though, if you value making the right choice for the environment, you can skip ahead to point #4. 

 

  1. Where do you live?
    If you live in Calgary, like I do, you will need to address the water quality. If you live in a city or town with soft water, then this is one consideration you don’t have to factor in. 

 

There are 2 options for those who have hard water.  First, you can install a scale remover before the tankless unit; or secondly, you can get the whole home on a water softener. There are huge advantages to having soft water, and it is imperative to maintain your warranty on a tankless system. 

 

A tankless water heater system, (also called on demand water) is a great investment for your home, but it is an investment. We want to ensure that our customers know up front that if your home has hard water like most homes in the Calgary area do, that before installing a tankless water heater, you will have to consider how you will address the water quality. Keep in mind, if you install a water softening system to your whole home, not only will it support your new tankless system, but it will give you so many other terrific benefits too. You can read more about the benefits of water softeners on our website. 

 

  1. Annual Maintenance of Tankless Water Heaters
    Be aware that maintenance is required with your tankless and some plumbing companies will argue both ways on tanks.  Flushing the tankless and having it serviced are your key to a valid warranty. Typical hot water tanks can live without annual maintenance, especially in a clean dust-free area.With tankless, if you have hard water, it will scale on the inside and this added hard scale will reduce efficiencies down to approximately 70% efficient levels. See point #4 to compare how unfortunate it is to reduce your efficiency levels this low.Plumbers secret and hint for you: If you have soft water, be sure to change your Anode Rod every 4 (maximum 5) years or you will see your tank start to leak prematurely at about year 6 or 7.  You’re welcome. 

 

  1. How efficient is the tankless heater compared to a hot water tank? 
    There is no comparison. Period.It’s incredible how efficient tankless models are. Most tankless models will operate at 96%-98% efficiency. This is incredible and should be celebrated for many reasons including the efficient use of energy, the efficient use of your money when you pay for your home’s energy usage, and the engineering plus the craftsmanship that goes into creating tankless heaters.The concept of a high efficient residential hot water tank isn’t as true as it is marketed, especially living in Canadian climates like Calgary. From what we know, an efficiency rating of 67% is typically all you will get on the variety of hot water tanks typically installed.

    Factor in that tankless only heats water when you open a faucet; compare that to a giant tank that is constantly trying to keep 40, 50, sometimes over 100 gallons in some homes, hot 24/7.

    Without a doubt, the tankless water heater is the clear winner here.

  2. Will your lifestyle adapt?
    A tankless option will never run out of hot water.. sort of.  It will never run out of hot water, BUT only at a certain amount of gallons per minute (GPM). If you exceed the amount of gallons per minute, it will go lukewarm or cold. Generally though, endless hot water is one of the main features that people love about a tankless water heater. Rather than singing one or two songs in the shower, you’ll be able to sing the whole album!If your lifestyle can adapt to using less gallons per minute (typically 2 or 3  faucets, as the GPM per faucet will vary) to align with what your tankless was specified for, you will love it!A typical hot water tank has a reserve of all those gallons we mentioned earlier so running out of hot water works differently. It may handle more gallons per minute at first, but once your hot water tank is drained, with limited recovery potential, you can expect to be waiting a while for hot water again. The tankless will be ready to go instantly if you keep your GPM within its means. 

 

Hot Water Tank Warranty Specialists

 

 

In the Calgary area, Aquality Plumbing and Heating is actually designated as the plumbing technician of choice to handle all the warranty calls, repairs and replacements for several top hot water tank brands. We know a lot about hot water systems and we have seen how they look and function when they are new, partly used and on their last legs. If you ask us about your home’s hot water situation, you are guaranteed to get an honest and helpful answer based on our many years of experience. 

 

 

We hope this helps you make the right decision for your situation. If you have more questions, we welcome you to reach out to us at: connect@aqualityplumber.com or call our office at 403-205-2782.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repair your own plumbing: top 3 things to consider.

Repair your own plumbing: top 3 things to consider.

by | Jul 8, 2020 | Plumbing

Learn How To Solve Plumbing Problems: 

How can I fix my plumbing?

Living in Calgary, whether you are in Rocky Ridge, Lake Bonavista, or Aspen, occasionally we all feel the pressure to fix something on our own. How many times have you tried to fix a toilet, check on your hot water tank, repair a faucet or install a plumbing fixture? Fixing residential or commercial broken plumbing issues can be very rewarding. If you are a DIY type of person, keep reading! 

Honestly, one of the reasons I became a plumber was the pure satisfaction of having a problem, making a plan, and then taking action to resolve it. When I tested my work and saw the result of something that was broken and that I had turned into being fully operational, it provided my soul with total gratification. 

You may not realize it, but I have already given you the keys on how to solve your own plumbing problems (reread above paragraph), BUT there are a couple variables that tend to make your confidence shake. 

3 Reasons People Hesitate to Do Their Own Plumbing

The top 3 reasons people hesitate are because (1)  they are afraid of flooding their property and making something worse, and (2) they do not have the right plumbing or heating (gasfitting) tools and/or (3) they are missing the correct parts to do the plumbing repairs themselves.  

How can you overcome these big issues?  

If you are feeling confident and want to tackle fixing your shower, water softener, toilet, garburator, pipes, or any of the many plumbing elements that are in your home or business, then read on.

Educating yourself online prior to starting can be very helpful, especially through video instructions that take you step by step through the process. Youtube is full of people who will have tips and how-to videos on how to do a large variety of tasks such as change your kitchen faucet, replace your garburator, install a water softener, repair a plugged toilet, tighten a showerhead or simply turn off your shut off valve. Watch a few videos and find one that seems to match your problem in your home. Be careful though, not all video tutorials will be correct or match your exact plumbing / heating situation. Although not every scenario is exactly the same and variables may come up, this has been the easiest way to make sure you are on the right track to success. With a good how-to video, caution and confidence (plus the right tools and parts), most people can remedy various plumbing problems that arise in their home or office.

Covid 19 impacts

Since COVID-19, things have changed and adaptation has become so important for people and businesses. As part of our initiative to reduce person-to-person contact, at Aquality Plumbing & Heating we adapted something that we have done for years with our Realtor clients, and we are now utilizing Facetime and Zoom with all our customers in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere.  We use these platforms to help Do-it-Yourselfers stay on the right track with plumbing or heating repairs, or to receive a quote on work they are looking to have done by our team. Imagine a private interactive session with a Calgary plumber looking at your home or business, and advising how you can get it done on your own. And it’s FREE!  I feel this has become the best way to get the information you need to get your repair or renovation moving. 

Sometimes it is too much without a Professional’s help

If you try to solve an issue on your own, but run into one of the top 3 issues listed above (worried about making the situation worse, lacking tools or missing parts) then you may need help. There could just be too many steps that overwhelm you and the value in having a professional deal with the issue, is probably the right move. It could also be that gasfitting is involved and the safety and insurance risks of working on gas as a homeowner or business owner are way too high. That is why you cannot pull a gas permit within Calgary on your own – it has to be done by a licensed gasfitting contractor. 

We are here to help with plumbing and heating repairs, installations and problems. Many times, we have assisted Calgarians with resolving their own plumbing issues. That is our ultimate goal, if that is what your goal is. You see at Aquality, our vision is to be the trusted plumbing and heating expert by building honest relationships. We feel this is a great way to start your relationship with us.