Picture this: It’s a brisque Alberta morning, and you are running extremely late for work. You need a quick shower before heading out the door. You turn the shower on, hop in, and are met with disappointing (and shocking!) frigid water. There’s nothing worse than stepping into an icy shower when you were expecting hot water.

You may also be experiencing your hot water being inconsistent and temperamental, turning cold halfway through showers and loads of laundry.

If your electric or gas hot water heater is not working properly, don’t worry. Our hot water tank repair and installation team will guide you through the common causes of no hot water or inconsistent heating, as well as some temporary fixes and permanent solutions from Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting in Calgary.

Common Causes of No Hot Water

Thermostat Issues

The thermostat controls the temperature of your hot water tank. If the thermostat is set too low, you might not be getting enough heat. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your water to be too hot or too cold. The ideal setting for your thermostat is around 120°F (49°C). If it’s set lower than this, you may experience cooler water.

If your thermostat is set correctly and the water is still cold, it could be broken and may need to be replaced. Regular checks of your thermostat settings can help prevent this issue.

Faulty Heating Element

In electric water heaters, the heating element is responsible for heating the water. If one or both elements are faulty, your water may not be heating properly. A broken heating element can result in either no hot water or inconsistent temperatures.

For gas water heaters, the issue may lie with the burner or gas valve. A burner that doesn’t ignite properly or a faulty gas valve can cause the heater to stop working. These parts may need to be inspected and replaced by a professional.

Sediment Build-Up

Calgary’s hard water can lead to mineral build-up at the bottom of your gas or electric hot water heater. This sediment can reduce the efficiency of your system, causing inconsistent water temperatures. If you hear rumbling or popping sounds coming from the tank, it’s likely due to sediment build-up. Flushing the tank can remove the sediment and restore heating performance.

Regular tank maintenance can help prevent this issue from developing over time. However, if sediment has built up significantly, a professional plumber may need to flush the tank for you.

Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it’s heated. If the dip tube is broken, cold water can mix with the hot water at the top of the tank. This results in inconsistent water temperatures or cooler water overall.

A broken dip tube is a common issue in older storage tank water heaters. If your water is warm but not as hot as it should be, or if it turns cold quickly, the dip tube could be to blame. Replacing the dip tube can help restore proper heating.

Holdover Fixes for No Hot Water or Inconsistent Heating

While you wait for a professional plumber to arrive, there are a few steps you can take to temporarily fix the problem and keep your water hot.

Check the Thermostat

One of the simplest things you can do is check the thermostat settings on your hot water heater. Make sure it’s set to around 120°F (49°C). If it’s set lower than this, adjust it to see if that resolves the issue.

If the thermostat doesn’t respond to changes, it may need to be replaced.

Reset the Water Heater

Many electric water heaters have a reset button located near the thermostat. Pressing this button might restore the water heater’s function.

After resetting, wait a few minutes to see if the water starts heating again. If not, there could be a problem with the heating element or thermostat that requires professional attention.

Drain the Tank

If sediment build-up is the problem, draining the tank can help. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, run the hose to a nearby drain, and open the valve to drain the water. This removes some of the sediment that could be affecting heating performance.

However, draining the tank on your own can be tricky. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to leave this step to a professional plumber.

Check the Pilot Light (for Gas Heaters)

If you have a gas water heater, check to see if the pilot light is still on. If it’s gone out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.

If the water heater’s pilot light doesn’t stay lit, there may be an issue with the gas supply valve or thermocouple. You’ll need a plumber to inspect and fix these components.

Permanent Solutions for No Hot Water or Inconsistent Heating

Temporary fixes are helpful, but they won’t permanently resolve the issue. Son-Rise Plumbing offers long-term solutions that will restore consistent hot water.

Replace the Thermostat

If the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it is the best solution. Our team at Son-Rise Plumbing can test your thermostat and determine if it’s causing the problem. A new thermostat ensures that your water stays at a consistent temperature.

Replace the Heating Element (Electric Water Heater)

A faulty heating element can prevent water from reaching the desired temperature. If one or both heating elements are damaged, Son-Rise Plumbing can replace them. We’ll inspect the unit and replace any faulty elements to restore your water heater’s efficiency.

Fix the Burner or Gas Valve (Gas Water Heater)

If you have a gas powered water heater, the problem may be with the burner or gas valve. A malfunctioning burner won’t ignite properly, or a faulty gas supply valve could prevent gas from reaching the burner. We’ll inspect the gas components and replace anything that’s worn out or broken, getting your water heater back to full working order.

Flush the Tank

If sediment build-up is affecting the performance of your hot water heater, flushing it can help. Our professional plumbers will flush the tank to remove any sediment, improving the heater’s efficiency. Regular tank maintenance can help prevent future build-up.

Replace the Dip Tube

If the dip tube is broken, replacing it will prevent cold water from mixing with your hot water. This simple fix restores proper heating and ensures that your tank delivers consistently hot water.

Consider Tank Replacement

In some cases, replacing the entire hot water tank may be the best long-term solution. If your tank is old or has had multiple issues, a new tank can provide more reliable hot water. Son-Rise Plumbing offers modern, energy-efficient water heaters that can save you money in the long run. We’ll help you choose the right unit for your home and install it safely.

Why Choose Son-Rise Plumbing for Hot Water Tank Repairs in Calgary?

At Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting, we understand how important reliable hot water is to your home. We’ve been helping Calgary homeowners with hot water tank repairs for over 30 years.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Experienced Plumbers: Our team has seen every hot water issue you can imagine. Whether it’s a simple fix or a full replacement, we have the experience to get the job done right.
• Quick Response: Hot water issues can’t wait. We offer same-day service to make sure you’re not left without hot water for long.
• Local Knowledge: We know Calgary’s unique plumbing challenges, from freezing temperatures to hard water. We’re here to provide solutions that work for your home.
• Customer Satisfaction: We take pride in providing excellent service. Our customers consistently rate us as one of Calgary’s top plumbing companies.

Call Son-Rise Plumbing Today for Your Hot Water Repair

If your hot water tank or tankless heater unit isn’t working properly, don’t wait. Contact Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting today. Our expert team will diagnose the problem, explain your options, and get your hot water running again in no time!

Call Us Today!