Water Heaters · Whitecourt, AB
No hot water, not enough hot water, rusty water or a puddle under the tank. Here’s what those signs usually mean, and how to decide between repairing and replacing.
Warning signs
On an electric tank, often a tripped breaker, thermostat or element. On a gas tank, often the pilot, thermocouple or gas control.
A failing element, sediment taking up space in the tank, or a tank that’s too small for the household.
Can mean the inside of the tank is corroding, especially on an older tank.
Sediment and scale settling on the bottom of the tank and overheating as the burner or element runs.
Could be a fitting or the relief valve, or the tank itself. A leaking tank body can’t be repaired.
Often a reaction between the water and the tank’s anode rod, more common with well water.
Hot water tanks
A new tank needs to be the right size for the household and the right type for the house: gas or electric, and how it’s vented. Gas tanks need proper venting and a gas connection. Every tank needs a temperature and pressure relief valve piped to a safe spot, and many homes need an expansion tank too.
Installing a water heater usually involves a permit in Alberta, especially for gas, so it’s worth asking about when you get a quote.
Most tanks are replaced because they’ve started leaking, or because the hot water has turned rusty and the tank is getting older. Replacing a tank before it fails means you choose the timing, not a puddle on the basement floor.
As a general guideline, many tank-style water heaters last around 8 to 12 years. That’s a typical range, not a promise, and hard water can shorten it.
Plenty of water heater problems are repairable. On electric tanks it’s often a thermostat or heating element. On gas tanks it’s often the pilot, thermocouple or gas control. A dripping relief valve may just need replacing, or it may be a sign of too much pressure in the system.
If the tank body itself is leaking, it can’t be repaired. It needs to be replaced.
When to call
If you smell gas, don’t try to light anything. Leave the house and call 911 from outside.
What to expect
Every job is different. This is the usual order of things.
Repair or replace
As a general guideline, many tank-style water heaters last around 8 to 12 years. That’s a typical range, not a promise: hard water, heavy use and skipped maintenance can shorten it.
Why call DCJ
FAQ
As a general guideline, many tank-style water heaters last around 8 to 12 years. That’s a typical range, not a promise: hard water, heavy use and skipped maintenance can shorten it. The age is usually printed on the label or encoded in the serial number.
On an electric tank, check the breaker first. On a gas tank, look through the viewing window to see whether the pilot is lit, but don’t try to relight or adjust it yourself. If the breaker is on or the pilot is lit and there’s still no hot water, it’s likely a thermostat, element, thermocouple or gas control, which needs a professional.
If only the hot water is rusty, the inside of the tank may be corroding, especially on an older tank. If both hot and cold are rusty, the cause is more likely the pipes or the water supply.
Sediment and scale settle on the bottom of the tank. Water trapped under them boils and pops as the tank heats. Hard water makes it worse.
In Alberta, installing or replacing a water heater usually involves a permit, especially for gas. Ask about permits when you get a quote by calling 780-779-1481.
Based in Whitecourt, serving Whitecourt and the Barrhead area.Service area · All services
Call DCJ to talk it through, or send a quote request online.