Water Heater Repair or Replace? A Calgary Homeowner's Guide

Short answer: Repair a young water heater with a simple fault, like a failed thermostat, element or pilot assembly. Replace one that is leaking from the tank itself, or one past about ten years old that keeps acting up. Most tanks last around ten to twelve years, and once they are past that, spending money on repairs rarely pays off.

The age of the tank and where a problem is coming from decide most of these calls. Here is how to tell which side of the line yours is on.

How old is your water heater?

Check the label on the side of the tank. The serial number usually includes the year it was made, and many tanks also have an install date written on them. If you cannot read it, a plumber can tell you in a minute.

Repair or replace: the quick guide

What you notice	Likely cause	Usually
Water pooling at the base, coming from the tank	The tank has rusted through	Replace. A tank leak cannot be repaired
Drip from a fitting, valve or connection on top	A loose or worn part	Repair
No hot water, gas tank under 10 years old	Pilot, thermocouple or gas valve	Repair
Not enough hot water, electric tank	Failed element or thermostat	Repair
Rust-coloured hot water or a metallic taste	Corrosion inside the tank	Replace if the tank is older
Popping or rumbling	Sediment cooking on the bottom	Flush it. On an old tank, plan the replacement
Rotten-egg smell from the hot water only	A reaction with the anode rod	Usually fixable
Over 10 years old and needing repeated repairs	End of life	Replace

Two columns for a water heater: usually repair for a drip from a fitting, no hot water under 10 years, not enough hot water on an electric tank, or rotten-egg smell; usually replace for a tank leaking at the base, rust-coloured water on an older tank, or over 10 years with repeated repairs. — Usually repair: a drip from a fitting or valve, no hot water on a tank under 10 years, an electric tank without enough hot water, or a rotten-egg smell from hot water only. Usually replace: a tank leaking at the base, rust-coloured hot water on an older tank, or over 10 years with repeated repairs.

Why does Calgary's water shorten tank life?

Calgary has hard water, and the minerals settle as scale and sediment on the bottom of the tank. That makes the burner or elements work harder and wears the tank faster. Flushing the tank helps, and a water softener protects a new one. Here is what hard water does to your plumbing.

Replacing it? Decide these first

Same size or bigger? If you run out of hot water now, or you are adding a bathroom, size up.
Tank or tankless? Here are the honest trade-offs.
Venting and gas line. A new unit may need venting changes. A certified gasfitter handles the gas connection.
Permit. The City of Calgary notes that replacing a hot water tank may require a permit in some cases. A licensed plumber knows which.

Safe to do yourself, and when to call

Safe to do yourself: checking the age, checking whether a leak is from the tank or a fitting, and turning the unit off and the cold supply off if it is leaking.

Call a licensed plumber or gasfitter: for any gas-side repair, a pilot that will not stay lit, a leaking tank, or a replacement. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and ATCO's gas emergency line at 1-800-511-3447 from outside.

Common questions

How long does a water heater last in Calgary?

Most tank water heaters last around ten to twelve years. Hard water and skipped maintenance shorten that.

Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old water heater?

For a small fix on a tank that is otherwise healthy, sometimes. If the tank itself is leaking or it needs repeated repairs, replace it.

What should I do if my water heater is leaking?

Turn off the power or set a gas unit to off, close the cold water valve on top of the tank, and call. If water is spreading, shut off the main.