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For Calgary homeowners, a hot water tank you can count on is as important as water itself.

Your hot water tank keeps your home running comfortably. From morning showers to dishwashing and laundry, your family relies on hot water throughout your daily routine.

While most hot water tanks will last between 8 and 12 years, it’s regular maintenance that will keep yours running efficiently and prevent breakdowns. A few simple maintenance steps can also extend your water tank’s lifespan and keep it from having unexpected problems.

In this complete hot water tank maintenance guide, we’ll go over simple, step-by-step instructions for maintaining your hot water tank, in a way that anyone can do it.  Let’s go over everything you need to know, including when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Understanding Your Hot Water Tank: Age, Type, and Warning Signs

Your first step in maintaining your hot water tank is knowing its age, type, and recognizing common warning signs of trouble.

Checking the age can take a bit of work, but it’s not that hard. If you’ve moved into a home and didn’t have it installed yourself, you can find out the age by checking the serial number on your water heater’s manufacturer label.

From the serial number, you can use our handy guide to help decipher the year your hot water tank was made.

For the type, water heaters can have tanks that store hot water, or be tankless and heat water on demand.

This guide covers traditional hot water tanks, the kind that usually take up space in your basement.

These hot water tanks can run on gas, electricity, or oil. Capacities for tanks can range from 20 to 80 gallons (about 75 to 300 L). Gas powered hot water tanks will usually last 8–12 years, electric powered tanks 10–15 years, and tankless water heaters can last 20 years or longer.

Once you know the type of hot water tank you’re working with and how old it is, you can start to look for warning signs that it needs a little TLC, and have a better idea of when you should start thinking about a replacement.

Some of these warning signs can include:

• Inconsistent water temperature: Hot water in your home that doesn’t keep a steady temperature could mean you have a heating element that’s failing or sediment build-up in your tank.
• Weird noises: Rumbling or popping sounds in your hot water tank probably mean you have sediment at the bottom of your tank.
• Water discoloration: Rust-coloured water (or water that tastes metallic) can mean corrosion inside your tank or an issue with your anode rod.
• Leaks: Any leaks or water pooling around your tank could be from a crack in your tank or a loose seal.
• Low water pressure: Lower than normal water pressure might be sediment or a mineral build up clogging your tank or pipes.
• Hot water running out quickly: If your hot water runs out faster than usual, you could have a problem with your heating elements, or sediment buildup could be taking up space in your tank.
• Pilot light issues: If your pilot light (on gas powered tanks) won’t stay lit, you might have a faulty thermocouple. It could also be an issue with your gas line.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, your best bet is to have a professional inspection and servicing or repairs done. If you know your hot water tank is nearing the end of its life, a new, more efficient tank installation might be the way to go.

Essential Annual Maintenance Tasks for Calgary Homeowners

With that out of the way, let’s go over some of the more simple tasks you can take on yourself as part of your water heater maintenance routine. Keeping on top of these will help your hot water tank run smoothly and efficiently and extend its lifespan. They’ll also save you money on repairs in the long run.

Here are some annual maintenance tasks that anyone with some basic tools can do:

1. Flush the tank

The build-up of minerals and other sediment at the bottom of your hot water tank will damage the heating elements over time. It can also lower your tank’s hot water capacity, giving you less hot water and running less efficiently than it should be.

To flush it:

• Turn off your hot water tank’s cold water supply and power switch and let the tank cool. This is vitally important as the hot water from your tank can scald you!
• Attach a hose to the drain valve and direct the other end somewhere you can safely drain water.
• Open the drain valve, turn the cold water supply back on, and flush until the water coming out of the hose turns clear.
• Turn the cold water supply off again.
• Then close the drain valve and turn the power and cold water back on. That’s it! For a hard water area like Calgary, you might want to flush your tank more than once a year or install a water softener system. This is a very important step in hot water tank maintenance.

2. Check the anode rod

The anode rod prevents rust by attracting corrosive elements. Inspect it every 2 to 3 years and replace it if more than half of its diameter has corroded. If you use a lot of hot water, you might want to check it annually. Use a wrench to remove it, give it a look, and replace it with a new one if it’s time.

3. Inspect the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve

The T&P relief valve prevents your tank from over-pressurizing or overheating.

Test your T&P relief valve by lifting the valve lever which should let some water run out. If it doesn’t release any water or it leaks continuously, have it replaced.

A non-functioning T&P valve can let a dangerous amount of pressure build up. The released water can be hot, so handle this one with care.

4. Adjust the thermostat

Set your hot water tank’s thermostat to 49°C (120°F) to keep it from scalding. This is also the best temperature for energy efficiency.

Setting it too high can cause excessive wear on your heating elements. If you have young children, setting the temperature a little lower can be even safer.

Check the actual water temperature using a thermometer at a nearby tap to make sure your thermostat is working accurately.

5. Clean the tank exterior

This one is simple enough, but it can prevent rust and other problems down the road. Use a damp cloth and wipe down your water tank’s exterior, and make sure nothing is blocking the air intakes for gas-powered tanks.

6. Check the drain valve cap

Your drain valve cap prevents leaks from the drain valve. Give it a quick inspection, and if it’s cracked or leaking, replace it.

When to Call Son-Rise: Professional Maintenance Requirements

While the above maintenance steps can be done by almost any homeowner, some hot water tank issues need professional expertise.

On top of that, many homeowners just prefer to leave this kind of annual maintenance to the professionals.

At Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting, our friendly, experienced team provides full hot water tank and hot water heater inspections and maintenance services. We’ve been working with hot water tanks in Calgary homes for close to 40 years, so we know exactly what to look for.

Our fully licensed team uses advanced diagnostic tools to find and fix problems, keeping your hot water working as efficiently as it possibly can.

We also inspect your tank and surrounding plumbing for water leaks, making sure you have nothing to worry about.

We also specialize in helping homeowners choose the right high-efficiency hot water tank if they decide to upgrade, which can be a smart choice for Calgary homeowners looking to save on long-term energy bills.

If you notice any of the following, give us a call:

• Leaks or water pooling around your tank
• Unusual noises
• Hot water that isn’t always hot
• Hot water running out quicker than usual
• Rust-coloured water
• Rust or corrosion on your hot water tank or surrounding pipes
• A pilot light that won’t stay lit (for gas heaters)

Or, if you’d rather just leave your annual hot water tank maintenance to us, we’d be happy to schedule a visit.

Extending Your Tank’s Lifespan: Tips from Calgary’s Plumbing Experts

There are a few additional steps you can take that will significantly extend the lifespan of your hot water tank. Here’s what we recommend:

• Install a water softener: Calgary’s hard water means quicker mineral build-up inside your tank. A water softener reduces scaling and improves efficiency, which can help your tank last years longer and lessen the need to flush so often. Pair a water softener with descaling treatments for even better protection.
• Use a timer for electric models: Installing a timer can lower your energy usage (and your energy bills) by limiting the hours your heater operates. This can work well if you know that no one is home during the day, or if you tend to only use hot water at certain times.
• Replace worn out parts: Don’t delay on having small repairs done. Replacing parts like the anode rod or T&P valve will avoid bigger issues down the road. For gas water heaters, make sure your burner assembly is clean. Having clean components will help your hot water tank run efficiently for years to come.
• Schedule inspections: Professional maintenance every 1 to 2 years will make sure potential problems are caught early, which will save you money. During these inspections, a plumber can recommend upgrades or adjustments to improve your hot water tank’s performance.

Seasonal Considerations for Alberta Homes

Calgary’s sometimes extreme weather can have an impact on your hot water tank’s performance.

During winter, you can lower the amount of heat lost by insulating your tank and the surrounding pipes. Pre-cut insulation sleeves are available at RONA and Home Depot and are easy to install. Insulating your pipes will also remove any worry about them freezing during a cold snap or furnace outage.

If your hot water tank is located in a space that doesn’t get much heating, you can install a heater blanket for extra protection.

In the summer, you can lower your energy use by turning your hot water tank’s thermostat down slightly if you aren’t using that much hot water. You can also regularly inspect your outdoor vents and flues to make sure they’re clear and free from debris.

For vacation homes or properties left unattended during winter, draining your hot water tank and shutting off the water supply is a great idea. Installing a smart thermostat for water heaters can let you adjust settings remotely, perfect if you’re away often.

Prefer to Leave Your Hot Water Tank Maintenance to the Pros?

By following this guide, you can handle basic hot water tank maintenance tasks yourself and recognize when it’s time to call the professionals.

If you prefer to leave your hot water maintenance to us, we’d love to serve you.

With nearly 40 years of industry experience in hot water tank repair, installation, and maintenance, we’re dedicated to serving Calgary with the best hot water tank services out there.

Call us at 403-274-1166 to talk to one of our specialists or get in touch with us online!

You need a new water heater for your Calgary home, but you’re not sure about your options.

You might be a first-time homeowner looking for the least expensive option. Or, a water heater that lowers your emissions and carbon footprint might be important to you.

You’ve heard there are gas and electric water heaters. But you’re not sure what they mean for both your budget and the environment.

Knowing the differences will help you make the best choice for you and your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing gas and electric water heaters in Alberta, and everything you need to know.

Table Of Contents:

1. How Do Gas Water Heaters Work?
2. How Do Electric Water Heaters Work?
3. Which Water Heater Costs More to Install?
4. Which Costs More to Run in Alberta: Electric or Gas?
5. What Is the Environmental Impact?
6. Which Is More Energy Efficient?
7. Which One Lasts Longer?
8. Which Is Best for Your Alberta Home?

How Do Gas Water Heaters Work?

Gas hot water heaters burn natural gas to heat water either stored in a giant tank, or as water passes through the heater in tankless water heaters.

In tank heaters that use gas, a thermostat keeps an eye on the water temperature and activates the gas burner to keep the tank of water at the right temperature.

All gas water heaters create exhaust gases that must be safely vented.

One of the advantages of traditional tank water heaters is having a large tank of hot water at the ready. They can be a great choice if you use a lot of hot water or have a big household. They do require a connection to a gas line and proper ventilation, so if your home doesn’t have that already, it can increase the price and complexity of having one installed.

A gas water heater generally heats water faster than an electric water heater.

How Do Electric Water Heaters Work?

Tank electric water heaters use heating elements that are submerged in the tank to heat water. As the water warms, it naturally circulates within the tank. As with gas water heaters, a thermostat monitors the tank and keeps water hot.

Electric, tankless water heaters don’t have the tank. There are many benefits of tankless water heaters, including the ability to produce hot water on demand, heating water as it flows through the unit, rather than storing it in a tank.

Both types of electric water heaters don’t produce fumes, so there’s no need to vent.

Electric water heaters are generally easier to install. They’re a great option for smaller households or homes without natural gas lines. They can also be the better choice for homeowners looking to decrease the amount of carbon gasses their home creates.

Which Water Heater Costs More to Install?

Gas hot water heaters often cost more to install because they need a gas line and ventilation system. The average installation cost for a gas water heater in Alberta ranges from $800 for a tank gas water heater to $4,000 for a tankless gas water heater, depending on how complex your setup is. Homes without pre-existing gas infrastructure might have additional expenses.

Electric water heaters are usually cheaper to install, with costs ranging from $500 for an electric tank heater to $2,000 for an electric tankless one. They don’t need venting or gas lines, making them easier and cheaper to install. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for new homeowners.

Which Costs More to Run in Alberta: Electric or Gas?

The costs to run these water heaters in Alberta tell a different story.

Natural gas is much more economical when it comes to your monthly energy bills, with prices around $0.20 per cubic meter compared to electricity at approximately $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. Simply put, natural gas provides more heating power for less money, which can save you a couple hundred dollars a year.

Natural Gas: Approximately $0.20 per cubic meter
Electricity: Approximately $0.12 per kWh

However, electric water heaters become a lot cheaper when combined with solar panels. On top of that, electricity prices do fluctuate, so it’s important to consider long-term trends when thinking about costs.

What Is the Environmental Impact?

If you’re concerned about how your future water heater will affect the environment, here’s a breakdown from our knowledgeable plumbers in Airdrie.

All gas water heaters burn fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gasses. While modern gas heaters are very energy efficient and natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil, they still produce some carbon emissions.

Electric water heaters produce zero emissions on their own. If your electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar panels, your water heater’s environmental impact is reduced even more.

Switching to an electric water heater is an excellent step toward a more sustainable home.

Which Is More Energy Efficient?

A water heater’s energy efficiency is measured through its Energy Factor (EF) rating.

Gas hot water heaters typically range from 0.60 to 0.70, with high-efficiency models reaching 0.80 or higher.

Electric water heaters often demonstrate impressive EF ratings between 0.90 and 0.95, indicating near-perfect energy transfer.

Electric heaters are more efficient overall, particularly when energy loss through venting is considered.

Gas, Tank Water Heaters: EF ratings range from 0.60 to 0.70, with high-efficiency models reaching up to 0.80 or more.

Gas, Tankless Water Heaters: High-efficiency gas tankless units have EF ratings of 0.85 to 0.95. They minimize energy waste by heating water only as needed.

Electric, Tank Water Heaters: Electric tanks often have EF ratings between 0.90 and 0.95, with extremely high energy transfer and little waste.

Electric, Tankless Water Heaters: Electric, tankless heaters are the most efficient, with EF ratings often over 0.95. With no tank, there is zero standby heat loss, and water is only heated on-demand.

Which One Lasts Longer?

The lifespan of your future water heater will depend on the type, how much you use it, and how well you maintain it. Here are some guidelines for how long each type tends to last:

Gas, Tank Water Heaters: With regular maintenance, these heaters typically last 8–12 years. Regularly draining and flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod will help them last longer.

Electric, Tank Water Heaters: Electric tanks often last 10–15 years with fewer parts that can fail. Draining and flushing the tank regularly will help.

Gas, Tankless Water Heaters: Designed for durability, gas tankless units last 15–20 years with annual maintenance, such as descaling to prevent mineral buildup.

Electric, Tankless Water Heaters: These heaters also last 15–20 years with annual maintenance, making them a great long-term option.

Investing in annual cleaning, maintenance, and inspections will make sure your water heater lasts and runs efficiently for as long as possible, regardless of the type you go with.

Which Is Best for Your Alberta Home?

Choosing the right water heater for your home comes down to the home you live in, your household’s hot water usage, your budget, and possibly your values.

• If upfront installation cost is your biggest concern, an electric tank water heater will cost the least to install.
• If lower monthly energy bills are your priority, a gas water heater is your best choice, especially in Alberta, where natural gas is affordable and electricity is currently sky-high.
• If reducing your carbon footprint is your goal, an electric water heater will be the greenest solution.
• For smaller households that use less hot water, electric tankless models are a great choice, needing less space and only heating water when needed.
• For larger households that need a lot of hot water, tank water heaters are the way to go, with enough hot water to supply your dishwasher while your teenager takes a hot shower.

You should consider your initial budget, what your monthly utility bills will look like, whether or not your home is already outfitted with gas lines and venting, how many people live in your home, and if a lower carbon footprint is important to you.

Expert Guidance from Son-Rise Plumbing

Choosing between a gas and electric water heater is a significant decision that impacts your home’s energy efficiency, monthly bills, and environmental footprint. The right choice depends on your unique circumstances.

Still not sure? Have questions? At Son-Rise Plumbing, we’re here to guide you through the entire process of installing a new water heater.

We’re committed to helping Calgary homeowners make the best decisions for their home and family.

With nearly 40 years of hot water tank maintenance experience in Calgary, respectful and certified technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re here to put your mind at ease. We sell, service, repair, and install both tank and tankless water heaters.

Request a personalized on-site quote today or call us at 403-274-1166 to talk to one of our water heating experts.

Looking to figure out how old your water heater is?

You might have just bought a home. Or maybe your water heater was there when you moved in years ago.

Either way, it’s important to know at least the year that your home’s water heater was made, so you’ll know when to start planning for a replacement.

One of the most important appliances you can buy, a water heater can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years. Your water quality, how often you drain and maintain it, and Calgary’s cold climate can all affect its lifespan.

In this guide, our Calgary hot water installers will go over how to determine the age of most types of water heaters found in Alberta.

Types of Water Heater Serial Codes

• A.O. Smith Water Heaters
• Rheem Water Heaters
• Rinnai Water Heaters
• Navien Water Heaters
• Bradford White Water Heaters
• John Wood Water Heaters
• Can’t Find Your Brand Here?

Each water heater manufacturer uses its own serial number coding system that contains the date the water heater was made.

Your first step is to find your water heater’s manufacturer label. This can be pretty much anywhere on a hot water tank, and usually on the side of a tankless water heater.

Once you’ve found it, you should have your serial code, which you’ll need to decode to know the creation date.

Read our expert Airdrie plumber’s breakdown of how to read serial numbers for some of the most common water heater brands.

John Wood Water Heaters

For John Wood water heaters, the first two digits represent the year, and the next two indicate the week of production.

For example, a serial number starting with “2308” means the unit was manufactured in the 8th week of 2023.

Bradford White Water Heaters

Bradford White water heaters use a letter-and-number combination that tells you the year and month of manufacture.

The first letter is the year (starting with “A” for 2004, “B” for 2005, and so on), and the number that follows is the month (“1” for January, “2” for February).

For example, “A2” tells you the heater was made in February, 2004.

The letters repeat every 20 years. So a heater from 2003 would start with a Z.

Navien Water Heaters

Navien water heaters use four serial number formats, with the manufacture date embedded in each.

Here’s how to decipher them:

Style 1, no dashes, four digits after letter: In some Navien serial numbers without dashes, there will be five or six numbers in a row immediately after the first letter. The first two numbers are the year, the next one or two numbers represent the month, and the last two numbers represent the day.
For example, in 9545J1152752044, the date of manufacture is May 27, 2011.

Style 2, no dashes, two digits after letter: In other Navien serial numbers without dashes, there will be two numbers in a row immediately after the first letter, followed by another letter. The two numbers represent the year.
For example, in 7414C14X1771143, the year of manufacture is 2014.

Style 3, two dashes: In Navien serial numbers with two dashes, the four numbers after the first dash are the year, the next one or two numbers are the month, and the last one or two numbers are the day.
For example, in 9262-20081208-1027, the date of manufacture is December 8, 2008.

Style 4, three dashes: In Navien serial numbers with three dashes, it’s the same as style 3, only there’s a dash separating the year and the month.
For example, in 9010-2008–114-1014, the date of manufacture is January 14, 2008.

Note: the day of manufacture will always have two digits, but the month may have only one. So “114” always reads as January 14, and not November 4.

Rinnai Water Heaters

Rinnai water heaters also include the manufacturing date within the serial number. The first two numbers are the year, and the second two numbers are the month.

For example, in 18031234567, the month of manufacture is March, 2018.

Rheem Water Heaters

In Rheem’s serial numbers, in the first four numbers, the first two digits are the month, and the second two digits represent the year.

For example, in 1114D1234, the month of manufacture is November, 2014.

A.O. Smith Water Heaters

In A.O. Smith water heater serial numbers, ignore any letter at the beginning. Then, the first two numbers you come across will represent the year the heater was built.

If your heater was built before 2008, the next two numbers represent the month. If your heater was built after 2008, the next two numbers represent the week.

For example, in U0106413635, the heater was manufactured in June 2001.

Can’t Find the Age of Your Water Heater?

If figuring out the age of your water heater from the serial number feels overwhelming or you just can’t find the serial number, don’t worry—we’re here to help.

Some older models can have faded or damaged labels, while others can just seem confusing.

You can always call us and have a skilled water heater technician inspect your home’s water heater.

A skilled technician can:

• Accurately identify the manufacture date
• Assess the overall condition of your water heater
• Provide recommendations for maintenance or replacement
• Help you understand the remaining expected lifespan of your unit

Whether you have a tankless water heater or a hot water tank, if your water heater is starting to have problems like making strange noises, leaking at the base, pilot light issues, or your hot water is suddenly too hot, our techs can help.

Thinking about a replacement? See: Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater in Alberta.

Contact Us for a Professional Inspection

If you’d like to have a professional inspection done on your home’s water heater, we’re at your service!

With nearly 40 years of hot water tank maintenance and inspection experience in Calgary, respectful and certified technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re here to put your mind at ease. We service, repair, and install both hot water tanks and tankless water heaters.

Request an on-site quote today or give us a call to talk to one of our specialists!