Hot Water Tank Repair & Replacement Calgary

The anode rod can be thought of as a “sacrificial rod” that prevents your tank from corroding.

Made from a more reactive metal than the tank, it attracts corrosive elements that attack it instead of the tank lining. Over time, the anode rod does deteriorate and must be replaced to continue protecting the tank. The anode rod is important to get the longest life from your hot water tank possible.

Signs your anode rod needs replacement include rust-coloured water, a metallic odor, and visible corrosion on the rod itself. You should inspect your anode rod every two or three years and replace it if it has less than half its original diameter left.

If you live in an area with hard water, like Calgary, you might want to inspect it even more frequently.

Checking and replacing the anode rod is straightforward if you have the right tools.

Steps for Checking the Anode Rod:

1. Turn Off Power and Water:

• Turn off the water tank’s power and circuit breaker. For gas ones, set the knob to “pilot” or “off” and turn off the power supply.
• Shut off the cold water supply to the tank.

2. Relieve Tank Pressure:

• Open a hot water faucet to release pressure in the tank.

3. Locate the Anode Rod:

• The anode rod is typically on top of the tank, under a hexagonal plug.

4. Drain Some Water (Optional):

• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and drain a few gallons of water to lower the water level below the anode rod.

5. Remove the Anode Rod:

• Use a socket wrench or breaker bar to unscrew the rod. It may require significant force if it’s corroded.

6. Inspect the Rod:

• Check for heavy corrosion or if the rod has deteriorated to less than half its original thickness. If so, you need to replace it.

Steps for Replacing the Anode Rod:

1. Prepare the New Rod:

• Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the replacement rod to ensure a tight seal.

2. Install the New Rod:

• Insert the rod into the opening and tighten it securely with a wrench.

3. Refill the Tank:

• Open the cold water supply valve to refill the tank if water was drained.

4. Restore Power:

• Turn the power back on (and relight the gas pilot for gas water tanks).

5. Check for Leaks:

• Inspect the area around the rod for leaks and tighten if necessary.

If you don’t feel like dealing with the anode rod yourself, you can always call the professionals at Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting and we’ll be happy to help.

The thermostat regulates the water temperature inside your hot water tank. The thermostat and heating elements work together to heat your water to a consistent temperature. Anytime the temperature drops below your set temperature, the thermostat tells the heating elements to turn on.

In electric water heaters, upper and lower heating elements work together to heat water in the tank.

The upper heating element heats water at the top of the tank first, which is where your taps are supplied from. The lower heating element maintains the temperature of the water at the bottom of the tank, which keeps hot water at a consistent temperature over long periods.

Works with the lower thermostat to complete the heating cycle once the upper level is heated.

If you have inconsistent hot water temperature (too hot, not hot enough, or fluctuates between hot and cold), this could mean you have a malfunctioning thermostat or burned-out heating elements.

If you have no hot water, both the heating elements or thermostats might have failed, especially if the tank produces no hot water at all.

If your water heater takes longer than usual to heat water, you might have a faulty lower heating element.

Faulty thermostats or burned-out heating elements can be diagnosed using a multimeter. While replacing these parts can be done by experienced homeowners, most homeowners call a professional to get it done for them.

Gas water heaters rely on a burner assembly to heat the water. If the pilot light keeps going out or the burner fails to ignite, these issues might indicate a problem with the thermostat or gas supply, both of which will need a professional.

Let’s go over how to check and replace your heating elements.

Steps for Checking a Heating Element:

1. Turn Off Power:

• Turn off the water tank’s power and circuit breaker. For gas ones, set the knob to “pilot” or “off” and turn off the power supply.

2. Remove Access Panels:

• Find and remove the access panels covering the heating elements and thermostats.

3. Test with a Multimeter:

• Use a multimeter to check for continuity:
  • Set the multimeter to the lowest ohms setting.
  • Touch one probe to each terminal of the heating element.
  • If the reading shows no continuity (infinite resistance), the heating element needs to be replaced.

Steps for Replacing a Heating Element:

1. Drain the Tank:

• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct it to a safe drainage area.
• Open the valve to drain the tank below the level of the heating element being replaced.

2. Remove the Element:

• Use an element wrench to unscrew the heating element counterclockwise.
• Carefully pull the element out.

3. Install the New Element:

• Insert the replacement element into the opening.
• Tighten it clockwise using the element wrench.

4. Refill the Tank:

• Close the drain valve and remove the hose.
• Turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank.

5. Restore Power:

• Replace the access panels and restore power at the circuit breaker.
• Turn the power back on (and relight the gas pilot for gas water tanks).
• Wait for the water to heat up and test the system.

Not sure you want to attempt to replace a heating element yourself? Give us a call and have one of our professionals take care of it for you.

The dip tube is a long plastic or metal pipe that delivers incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated. It prevents cold water from mixing with hot water at the top of the hot water tank.

A damaged dip tube will leave cold water mixing with the already heated hot water at the top of the tank, giving you less-than-hot-water in your taps.

Signs of a broken dip tube include:

• Lukewarm or fluctuating hot and cold water coming from your hot water taps
• A shorter supply of hot water than usual
• Pieces of plastic debris (from the broken or deteriorating dip tube) coming from your taps or caught in strainers

Steps for Checking the Dip Tube:

1. Turn Off the Power and Water:

• Turn off the water tank’s power and circuit breaker. For gas ones, set the knob to “pilot” or “off” and turn off the power supply.
• Close the cold water inlet valve.

2. Drain Some Water:

• Open a hot water tap nearby to drain some water from the tank.
• Drain a few litres of water from the tank using the drain valve at the bottom.

3. Remove the Cold Water Inlet:

• Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the cold water inlet connection on top of the tank.

4. Inspect the Dip Tube:

• Pull out the dip tube. Check for cracks, breaks, or deterioration.
• If the dip tube is broken or deteriorating, replace it.

Steps for Replacing the Dip Tube:

1. Prepare the Replacement Dip Tube:

• Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new dip tube to ensure a tight seal.

2. Insert the New Dip Tube:

• Slide the replacement dip tube into the cold water inlet opening until it’s fully seated.

3. Reattach the Inlet Connection:

• Screw the cold water inlet fitting back into place securely.

4. Restore Water and Power:

• Open the cold water supply valve and allow the tank to refill.
• Turn the power back on (and relight the gas pilot for gas water tanks).

5. Test the System:

• Run a hot water tap to ensure consistent water temperature and proper operation.

Most homeowners choose to leave this to the professionals. If you suspect you have a broken or deteriorating dip tube and you’d like to have it done for you, give us a call.

The Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve is a safety feature on your hot water tank. It releases water to relieve pressure if it builds up over a certain level, usually 150 psi. It will also release water if the temperature rises above a safe limit, usually 99°C. A malfunctioning T&P valve is a serious safety risk.

Signs your T&P relief valve might need replacing include constant dripping or leaking, visible damage or corrosion, your tank overheating, or if no water comes out when you test it.

Steps for Checking the T&P Relief Valve:

1. Turn Off Power and Water:

• Turn off the water tank’s power and circuit breaker. For gas ones, set the knob to “pilot” or “off” and turn off the power supply.
• Close the cold water inlet valve to the tank.

2. Relieve Pressure:

• Open a nearby hot water tap to release pressure in the system.

3. Test the Valve:

• Place a bucket under the discharge pipe connected to the T&P valve.
• Gently lift the lever on the valve to release a small amount of water. If water flows freely and stops when the lever is released, your valve is working fine. If not, you need to replace it.

Steps for Replacing the T&P Relief Valve:

1. Drain the Tank Below the Valve Level:

• Use the drain valve to drain enough water that the valve isn’t submerged.

2. Remove the Old Valve:

• Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the T&P valve from its opening on the tank.

3. Prepare the New Valve:

• Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the replacement valve to create a secure seal.

4. Install the New Valve:

• Screw the new valve into the opening and tighten it securely with a wrench. Ensure the discharge pipe is reattached.

5. Refill the Tank:

• Open the cold water inlet valve to refill the tank.

6. Restore Power:

• Turn the power back on (and relight the gas pilot for gas water tanks).

7. Test the System:

• Once the tank is full and heated, test the new valve by lifting the lever to ensure it releases water properly.

If this isn’t something you want to deal with, we’re happy to service your hot water tank and replace your T&P valve for you. Give us a call and have one of our professionals take care of it.

The drain valve is located near the bottom of the tank. It lets you drain water from the tank to remove accumulated sediment, which can be harmful to the tank and lower both capacity and efficiency.

It lets you drain water when doing maintenance tasks like replacing the anode rod, heating elements, or other parts.

And it provides a way to empty the tank when you need to.

Signs your drain valve needs to be replaced can include water dripping from the drain valve when it’s closed, difficulty opening and closing it, visible corrosion and rust, and the tank not draining even when the drain valve is open.

Steps for Testing the Drain Valve:

1. Turn Off Power and Water:

• Turn off the water tank’s power and circuit breaker. For gas ones, set the knob to “pilot” or “off” and turn off the power supply.
• Shut off the cold water supply to the tank.

2. Attach a Hose:

• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end to a safe drainage area.

3. Test the Valve:

• Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise. If water flows freely and stops when closed, the valve is working properly. If it leaks or doesn’t drain water, it may need replacement.

Steps for Replacing the Drain Valve:

1. Drain the Tank:

• Open the valve and allow the water to drain completely. If the valve is clogged, gently insert a small wire or tool to clear any blockages.

2. Remove the Old Valve:

• Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the drain valve from its fitting. Be prepared for residual water to escape.

3. Prepare the New Valve:

• Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the replacement valve to ensure a tight seal.

4. Install the New Valve:

• Screw the new valve into the opening and tighten it securely with a wrench.

5. Refill the Tank:

• Close the new valve, open the cold water supply, and let the tank refill completely.

6. Restore Power:

• Turn the electricity or gas supply back on.

7. Test the New Valve:

• Attach a hose, open the valve briefly, and check for proper operation and leaks.

If your drain valve looks like it needs replacing or isn’t working, and this isn’t something you want to tackle yourself, give us a call at Son-Rise Plumbing. We’ll be happy to help!