Hot water is one of these things that we are used to, or even give no thought to, until it is gone. In a large city such as Calgary, where long winters and early mornings demand reliable hot water, a broken hot water tank quickly goes beyond being a mere nuisance to being a full-blown crisis.
Luckily, most hot water tanks have indicators of when they are going to break down. And these are the most common signs your water heater is dying and what you can do to keep you out of a surprise cold shower.
Table of Contents
Unsteady water temperature
Does your water switch quickly and unexpectedly to lukewarm or cold water? It is a sign that your tank is struggling to keep warm. This may be because of:
- A defective heating element
- Debris accumulation
- Problems with the thermostat.
What to do: Ask a technician to check and flush the tank. Small complications can be fixed. However, the constant inconsistency in temperature might signify that it is time to get a new one.
Weird sounds in the tank
That popping, rumbling, or banging noise isn’t just an irritant; it also means that minerals are accumulating within your tank. This process can be hastened by hard water in Calgary, which decreases efficiency and subjects the unit to additional pressure.
What to do: Call for a professional water tank repair Calgary. A professional flush can help with the problem.
Discolored or rusty water
Discolored water or rust-colored water draining out of your hot taps is a red signal. It usually represents corrosion in the interior of your hot water tank or the sacrificial anode rod that safeguards the water.
What to do: Replacing the anode rod may prolong the life of the tank if it is detected early enough. If rust spreads, it will likely require replacement.
Water at the sides of the tank
Leaks are a significant alert call. Be it a gradual leak or a little puddle, any moisture around the tank may be telling you there is a crack in the inner wall or loose joints.
What to do: Contact a repair expert straight away. Minor leaks tend to escalate within a short time and may cause water damage.
It is more than 10 years old
The average life of a hot water tank is 8-12 years. The older it is, the sooner it might fail, usually with little warning.
What you should do: Get it inspected once a year, particularly prior to the onset of winter in Calgary. Anticipatory replacement will save you emergency repair costs.
The bottom line
Losing hot water can be more than an inconvenient nuisance. It can ruin your day, affect the structural integrity of your home, and cost more to repair under emergency circumstances. When your hot water tank is exhibiting any of these symptoms, perhaps you want to get an appointment and have the tank fixed or checked. A small expense today means a big expense tomorrow.