Edmonton Electric Water Heater Repair

Did you know that hot water heaters are among the top three highest energy users in households? It makes sense if you imagine a holding tank of 40 to 50 gallons of water that is kept hot throughout the day. Maintaining an electric unit requires the same kind of maintenance as any other. If you ever experience an unexpected cold shower and the number of people in your household hasn’t changed, there might be something wrong with your plumbing unit. From sediment buildup to old age, it may not be as easy to identify the cause of any issues until cold showers or leaks call for Edmonton electric water heater repair.

Nowadays, going electric is not only a trend, but it urges people to use energy more responsibly and efficiently with the environment in mind. But even electric units encounter faults and issues that require repairs in Edmonton, especially if they’ve been poorly maintained.

You need hot water supplies throughout the day, whether you want to take a bath, do your dishes or run the dishwasher or washing machine. No one can imagine a household without convenient access to hot water. In the event of any problems, you can count on your local Edmonton plumber to perform a detailed plumbing diagnosis and inspection, during which we will identify the root cause of any issues, followed by any necessary repair or replacement options. While most repairs will only temporarily solve a problem, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton supports long-term solutions that will benefit our customers for many years to come. And that includes saving money on your energy bills and preventing costly repairs in the future. With our quality services, you can say goodbye to cold showers!

Essential Parts of Hot Your Hot Water Tank

To better understand your electrical model, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the essential parts that make it function. This way, you will be prepared for your Edmonton electric water heater repair:

• Tank: Your tank is likely made of metal material with a tank liner on the interior to protect your water from contamination and corrosion. Sizes can vary depending on the number of people in your household or your home’s overall size. 40 to 60 gallons is considered standard. Your tank also operates under a pressure of 50-100 psi.
• Dip tube: A dip tube is a long plastic tube that connects to the cold water inlet and fills your tank from the bottom, where it gets heated.
• Hot water outlet pipe: This pipe serves as an outlet and is in charge of supplying your plumbing fixtures with heated water.
• Shut-off valve: This valve stops water from entering your tank.
• Thermostat: The thermostat of an electric unit is the brain of the unit, telling the elements when to turn on and off, and it also contains a safety cut off device.
• Heating elements: Electric units usually have two heating elements—one at the top and one at the bottom.
• Drain valve: A drain valve is typically located on your tank’s exterior at the bottom and provides a way to drain the tank.
• Pressure relief valve: This is to relieve excess pressure from inside your tank.
• Sacrificial anode rod: A metal rod placed inside your tank that is designed to corrode and minimize risks of damage to your tank itself. These rods wear out every few years.

Note: It’s good to know that an electric model doesn’t have a pilot light for an ignition source like a gas-operated one. Typically every pilot assembly has a thermocouple that supervises the pilot light and gas valve. In this case, you will be looking at electrical connections and parts.

Electric Vs. Gas

While serving the same purpose, both types operate differently and still meet a lifespan that ranges from 7 to 12 years. Although Alberta is the ultimate home of oil and gas, some property owners have opted for electric units. We will help you weigh out some of the pros and cons of each type. But either way, it’s inevitable that you will eventually need gas or electric water heater repair. Edmonton AB homeowners of either type will benefit from routine maintenance and inspection.

Electric

Pros:

• Easy installation
• Easy to manage and maintain
• High energy efficiency
• Safe
• Low upfront costs

Cons:

• Likely to create higher monthly costs than gas
• Slower heating time
• Susceptible to power outage

Gas

Pros:

• Less expensive to operate monthly
• Uses a reliable burner to heat fast

Cons:

• High upfront costs
• High maintenance costs
• Gas leak issues
• Releases greenhouse gases

Signs You Need Edmonton Electric Water Heater Repair

Edmonton AB homeowners who maintain their documents probably know exactly when their electric unit was installed or last serviced by an Edmonton plumber. You can often see a decrease in your unit’s efficiency after eight to 12 years of operation, depending on the number of routine checkups it has received. Periodic flushes, rod replacement and other maintenance duties will help extend your unit’s lifespan. While there are many reasons why you may need electric water heater repair, Edmonton AB homeowners usually notice these warning signs first:

Decreased Water Pressure

Decreased pressure can indicate a clogged pipe, a clogged shower head or problems with a pressure regulator. Blaming your hot water heater tank may not come to your mind at first, but a faulty pressure-balancing valve could be the culprit. Perhaps it has been a while since your last flush, and there’s a high level of sediment buildup in your tank. If you call for Edmonton electric water heater repair, rest easy knowing that you’ll receive a professional flushing service that includes mineral deposit removal and potential parts replacement.

Running Out Of Hot Water Fast

If there has been no new addition to your household, you likely have buildup inside your tank or corroded parts that are degrading your unit’s efficiency. However, if your hot water usage has increased, your tank might be too small to supply an adequate amount of water to everyone. One of our plumbing experts could give you details on cost-effective upgrades.

Strange noises

Are rumbling noises coming from your tank? Sediment could be trapped at the bottom of it, and often, the pressure and boiling bubbles create a noise that sounds like your unit is overworking. We recommend that you bring any strange sounds to a professional’s attention, as you might need electric water heater repair. Edmonton AB homeowners might be experiencing an aging unit that’s becoming less energy efficient.

Rust

Discolouration or rusty water is often a sign of rust buildup inside your tank, but it could also be related to corroded supply lines. If you notice discolouration, check around your heater to see if you can detect rust on the exterior. If it’s rusty or you’re unable to find the source of discolouration, we recommend calling your local Edmonton plumbing technician for inspection and repair.

Old Age

Depending on the number of maintenance and repairs, your system can last anywhere from eight to twelve years. If your existing unit has passed its life expectancy, it’s best to start considering your options for replacement, especially if it needs frequent repairs.

Puddles Around Tank

A leak could indicate a broken drain valve since they’re often made of plastic materials that wear out fast or become clogged with mineral deposits. But it could also be related to damage on the bottom of your tank. Valves can be exchanged, whereas tank problems call for a replacement. Your professional plumbers in Edmonton will do a detailed inspection and provide you with the best, long-term solutions. In either situation, it’s crucial that you deal with it fast. Otherwise, you could risk structural damage to your home that requires expensive repairs.

It Won’t Turn On

If it doesn’t turn on, you likely have an electrical issue that may navigate you towards your electrical panel. To be on the safe side, we recommend contacting a professional Edmonton plumber who will be able to provide you with repair services.

Frequently Asked Questions - Edmonton Electric Water Heater Repair

Your electric water heater uses a significant amount of energy to provide you with hot baths and hot washing cycles to thoroughly clean your clothes and dishes. Scheduling your routine maintenance services will keep your system on track. We hope you were able to learn more about the unique features of electric water heaters. Repair services can be kept to a minimum with the right preventative maintenance. If you have questions about Edmonton electric water heater repair, your local experts will answer them!

How Many Years Does an Electric Water Heater Last?

Similar to a gas water heater, an electric model has a lifespan of 7 to 12 years, given that you keep up with routine flushes, inspections and parts replacement from a licensed Edmonton plumber when necessary.

Does an Electric Water Heater Need to Be Serviced?

As a rule of thumb, your Edmonton plumber recommends flushing out your unit at least once every year, depending on the water hardness in your area. You can rest assured that service always includes an inspection during which we check every part of the system to test its efficiency. Although it may include minor electric water heater repairs, Edmonton AB homeowners will feel more at ease in the end knowing that we have taken preventative measures.

What is the Most Common Problem with Electric Water Heaters?

Repair needs are common for a water leak. As these units age, leaks are almost inevitable because water will eventually cause your tank’s interior to corrode and create cracks and fractures.

How Do You Check an Electric Water Heater?

The safest way for Edmonton homeowners is to pay attention to changes, as stated in the signs above. Other ways of testing and reading involve electrical work, where it’s important to know which switch is responsible for your heater. When it comes to disconnecting parts to check the interior, we recommend seeking a plumbing professional.

Can I Perform My Own Repairs?

Since electric units pose less of a danger, DIY repair is possible; however, repair work includes electrical wiring, piping and dealing with heating elements that pose a safety hazard. If you’re comfortable or experienced with some basic plumbing and electrical work, it could still result in injury or further damage to both your hot water heater or plumbing system. For safety reasons, we highly recommend hiring a licensed plumber to complete your Edmonton electric water heater repair. This way, you will know the job will be done correctly and not cause any future complications.

What Other Types of Units Are There?

From tank-based to tankless to hybrid: Tankless water heaters operate via a large gas burner that provides heating services on demand, whereas a hybrid model combines a heat pump’s function with a tank. Both tankless and hybrid models can be gas-powered or electric.

Need Electric Water Heater Repair? Edmonton AB Plumbers Will Get Right Down To Work!

Whether you’re in Edmonton or a nearby area like Sherwood Park or St. Albert, your local plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton have you covered! As a locally-owned and operated business, bringing many years of experience in serving Edmonton and its communities, we are proud to be your first-choice plumbing company. Don’t struggle with plumbing issues that have lacked maintenance in the past; whether you have a leaky faucet or a ceiling leak, these problems need immediate attention, and you can prevent them through regular maintenance.

Call 780-429-3600 to schedule a convenient appointment with our team or learn more about our professional plumbing services for everything from fixing a tankless water heater to more serious Edmonton plumbing repairs. In the event of plumbing emergencies, you can rely on our licensed professional to act fast and provide you with excellent quality emergency service.