Water Heater Repair Calgary

The top of a hot water tank undergoing water heater repair in Calgary, with blue and red cold and hot water connections and a new anode rod placed over the opening on top

There's nothing like a long, relaxing, hot shower—right up until that moment when the water suddenly turns icy cold, and you're forced to rinse the shampoo out of your hair in liquid that feels like it's one degree away from freezing solid. That's one of the sure signs that your plumbing system is overdue for water heater repair in Calgary.

Homeowners in need of a hot water heater repair service can trust their local Calgary plumber at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary to deliver expert workmanship and exceptional customer service that goes the extra mile.

Our Experts Can Solve These Issues With Calgary Water Heater Repair Service

If a water heater malfunctions, many people lack the know-how and skills to identify the problem and find a solution. They simply recognize that there is a problem and that their water heater requires repair to restore hot water. Fortunately, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to offer high-quality water heater repair services to restore your routine and comfort.

Initially, we will thoroughly examine both your unit and system to accurately diagnose the issue at hand. Subsequently, we will provide you with a well-informed suggestion on the appropriate course of action. Unsurprisingly, there are some common issues that we are frequently called to eliminate. Should you have an inefficient or broken water heater, we can promptly and effectively repair it with lasting solutions.

Some of the common water heater issues we fix include:

Not Enough Hot Water

If you’re going about your daily bathing routine and the water suddenly turns from enjoyably hot to icy cold, it's a very inconvenient and unpleasant experience. This is not something you should just accept. If your unit is only distributing cold water, you should address it with professional water heater repair. Calgary plumbers have the tools and knowledge to promptly deliver a diagnostic, along with effective repair solutions.

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.

Odd Sounds

Your unit isn't going to operate in total silence, but you should take notice if you hear rattling, grinding, banging, boiling, sucking or thumping noises as they indicate it's time to call for a Calgary water heater repair service.

Our expert plumbers will need to carry out an inspection and diagnosis to determine the exact problem, as different sounds occur for different reasons. 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.

Leaking Tank

In all likelihood, it's not going to come as a surprise when we say that if visible water leaks from your tank or mysterious puddles forming near your tank are not positive signs that everything is fine. Water heater leaks cause a huge amount of costly water damage in a short span of time, so the first step is to turn off the valve on your heater, so it can't get any more intake. Then, call your local, reliable plumber for water heater repair. 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 there are signs of water leakage, do your best to dry the leak, and then give us a call!

Rust

If you notice that the hot water in your system has a rust-colored tint, it could be a clear indication of corrosion within the tank of your water heater. 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 investigate whether any signs of rust are present on the exterior. In the event that you do discover rust on your unit or are unable to locate the origin of the discoloration, 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 discolored, 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 a bad-smelling liquid with a musty or metallic odor, it is an equally bad symptom that must be investigated by a qualified plumber. Depending on the cause that is prompting water heater repair, the plumbers on our team may need to flush the tank, replace the anode rod, or replace the tank itself if it's badly corroded.

Not Draining Through 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 Calgary water heater repair is highly advised.

Heating Takes Too Long

If you live in a large household or just really like taking extra-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 heated relatively fast. A gas-powered unit in good shape should be capable of heating a tank in about 30 to 40 minutes, and if you have an electric system, it will likely take about 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 units are operating less efficiently and need more fuel to provide the same amount of thermal energy.

Low Water Pressure

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.

Why Mr. Rooter Plumbing Is the Best Choice for Water Heater Repair in Calgary

A big plumbing repair issue like malfunctioning water heater tanks is obviously stressful to deal with—but searching for a plumbing company that can get the job done right can feel like just as much of a hassle. There's no need to add more stress to your life when you can simply turn to the team of experienced water heater repair technicians at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary.

We are proud of the quality of our workmanship and strive to always deliver 100% customer satisfaction because we take our role in the community seriously and want to treat each and every one of our clients like our friends and neighbors. Our team doesn't just handle water heater repair, Calgary homeowners can rely on us for a wide range of trusted plumbing services, including water heater installation, hot water tank replacement, drain cleaning and much more.

Trustworthy Advice

Water heaters are essential pieces of equipment that can be costly to replace. When they break down or malfunction and need either a replacement or water heater repair, you need to know whether you’re better off repairing the one you’ve got or buying a new unit.

This calculation can be more complicated than many people suspect. It is not just a matter of comparing the cost of the repair job to a new unit. You also need to factor in things like future repair costs, depreciation, efficiency savings and interest payments.

One of the benefits of working with the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary is that we take care of those calculations for you. We let you know whether it is more economical to repair or replace so that you can make an informed decision that works best for your household.

A plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing performing an inspection for a conventional hot water heater tank.

Guarantee on Workmanship and Parts

With our reliable, experienced team on the job, you never have to worry that the work won't be completed to your standards, or that a part will break down shortly after repair. We only hire the best plumbers in Calgary, and as a result, we're totally confident they will get the job done correctly on the first try. That's why we back them with a workmanship and parts guarantee. If the work is not done right, or a faulty part is installed, we will make it right, so you don't have to worry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary Water Heater Repair Service

A plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing using a tablet to show a homeowner details about water heater repair services.
Do I Need Water Heater Repair If My Pilot Light Keeps Going Out?

It's not unusual for a pilot light to go out now and then due to normal fluctuations in the pressure of the gas. That being said, when it's relit it should be fine again for a reasonable period of time. If you light it back up only to have it go out again a few minutes or hours later, there's definitely a problem and that problem is likely related to your thermocouple.

Depending on what's causing the problem with your thermocouple, your local plumber will need to clean it, adjust it or potentially replace it altogether. On a positive note, thermocouples are very inexpensive parts and a simple replacement should be all it takes to get everything back in shape so you can get many more years of service out of your system.

Should My Water Heater's Gas Valve Be Set to “On” or “Pilot?”

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. That means for normal function it should be set to "On" so the pilot is burning, and the water is heating.

Does My Gas-Powered Hot Water Heater Pose a Threat to My Household?

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

Over the years, the connections between your unit and its ventilation lines can deteriorate, causing harmful carbon monoxide to seep into your home. Annual water heater maintenance gives your Calgary plumber the time to check areas that have the most potential to cause trouble and make sure everything is in a safe condition. If it's not in good shape, we'll handle Calgary 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. Vs. Electric - Which Do I Choose?

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 home for installing new gas lines. These changes can increase the installation costs.

What Can I Do to Make My Unit Operate More Efficiently?

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 check out your system and take care of any small fixes that are necessary, you will prevent larger repairs from becoming necessary and extend the lifespan of your system so you can 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 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

Need Water Heater Repair, Calgary? Mr. Rooter Plumbing is Here to Restore Your Hot Water Supply!

When you need plumbing services in Calgary neighborhoods such as Glamorgan, Elboya or Altadore, the team of professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary stands by. Contact 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.

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