A water heater provides so much more than water. They warm our showers after a long day—giving us a place to clean and meditate. They heat dishwashers around the world so that parents and children can spend precious time together before bedtime. They help us rinse injuries, sanitize our hands, and clean our food. Without a water heater, Calgary residents would be transported back to a time where the only way to heat water was by boiling it on the stove. When a water heater breaks, it can feel like the end of the world, and it can be tempting to go out and replace it immediately, but before running out the door to find a new water heater in Calgary, make sure yours isn’t in need of a quick fix. These are the top three reasons why water heaters break:
The water heater is not getting heat . The easiest way to tell that your water heater is not working is by turning on the hot water and feeling your heart sink as the water remains cold. This can be caused by a variety of factors, but most likely the heating source to the hot water heater is somehow disconnected. If you use gas to power it, check to see that the pilot light is turned on. If you use electricity, one of the electrical components is likely faulty and in need of repair.
Sediment buildup inside the water heater . If it’s taking longer than usual to heat up your water and it’s running out quickly, then it’s possible you have a buildup of sediment in your water heater. This may manifest itself in other ways too, but the only way to know for sure if this is your problem is by emptying your water heater and flushing it out.
Old age/part failure . Sometimes water heaters really just need to be replaced. If there’s a hole in the water heater, then replacement is the only option. Water heaters typically last between 10 and 20 years, depending on usage and the water in your area. If in doubt, call our experts in Calgary for water heater repair.