Top 5 Water Heater Problems Homeowners Face in Calgary

Your water heater not working properly can be frustrating. Many Calgary homeowners face this challenge. A hot water heater not heating water during crucial moments disrupts daily routines, particularly through Calgary’s cold season.

Calgary’s location near the Rocky Mountains creates unique water heating challenges. The local water contains high concentrations of magnesium and calcium, making it exceptionally hard. These minerals often settle as deposits, which leads to sediment buildup and creates distinctive pinging sounds in your pipes. Understanding common water heater problems becomes essential once water heater issues surface in your Calgary home. The problems range from complete hot water loss to unusual noises and leaks. Most water heater not working electric situations have straightforward water heater fix solutions if you know what to check. This piece explores the top five scenarios and offers practical solutions to resolve your hot water heater not heating problems quickly.

How Your Water Heater Works

Your water heater plays a vital role in your daily comfort. Let’s head over to the mechanics of these home appliances we take for granted until something goes wrong.

Electric vs. gas water heaters

Calgary homes have two main types of water heaters. Each type works on different principles but they want to achieve the same result.

Gas water heaters run on natural gas or propane. A burner sits at the tank’s bottom and works like a gas stove burner but bigger. Cold water flows into the tank through the dip tube while the burner heats it from below. The heating happens faster than electric models. A gas water heater can heat a 50-gallon tank in about an hour.

Electric water heaters work with electricity and heating elements. Most models have two heating elements – one up top and another at the bottom. The top element kicks in first. It quickly heats the upper portion of water when most hot water gets used. The upper element shuts off once that section reaches the right temperature. Then the lower element starts heating the rest of the water.

The energy efficiency between these systems is different by a lot:

Electric water heaters turn almost all electricity into heat. Everything gets used, making them more energy-efficient
Gas models cost less to run monthly because natural gas prices in Alberta are lower. Electricity costs 6 to 7 times more than natural gas per kilowatt
Regular gas storage units keep water hot all the time. This feature is handy but uses and loses energy constantly

At Bucky’s water heaters now, we see many homeowners with hot water heater not heating problems don’t know how their system type affects troubleshooting.

What the thermostat and burner do

The thermostat works as your water heater’s brain. It keeps water temperature steady whether you have a water heater not working electric issue or gas model problems.

Both types of water heaters use the thermostat to watch water temperature. It starts the heating when temperature drops below your settings. Gas water heater thermostats control natural gas or propane flow to keep water warm enough. Electric models use the thermostat as a switch that allows current to flow to heating elements when needed.

Each system type has a different burner setup:

Gas models have the burner assembly under the tank to heat your water. It connects to a thermocouple – a key safety feature that creates electric current by checking tank temperature. The thermocouple stops gas flow if the pilot light goes out. This prevents dangerous gas leaks.

Electric models skip burners and use heating elements instead. These elements work like the ones in your electric oven. They usually last 10 to 15 years before you need to replace them.

Knowing these parts helps you spot water heater issues before calling experts. If you see water heater problems in Calgary, call (403) 540-6296 for help.

Why Calgary homes stress water heaters

Calgary’s environment creates unique challenges. These can lead to more water heater not working situations than other places.

Calgary’s water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. This makes it very “hard.” These minerals collect at your tank’s bottom as water comes in. Over time, this buildup can:

Mess with the heating element. Your household water might get too hot or stay too cold
Make your heater work harder to push heat through mineral layers
Create those weird popping or banging sounds from your tank

Calgary’s cold climate puts extra stress on water heating systems. Temperature changes mean your water heater works harder in winter. Cold water needs more energy to heat up, which makes water heaters less efficient during cold snaps.

The gap between incoming water temperature and your desired hot water is bigger in Calgary than warmer places. Your system uses more energy to bridge this gap. This can lead to hot water heater not heating issues as time passes.

Tankless water heaters in Calgary face winter challenges too. Very cold water needs more energy to heat. Many tankless systems cut water flow in cold months to keep proper temperature. Homeowners might call it a water heater not working problem if they don’t know about this feature.

Your water heater will last longer in Calgary’s tough environment with yearly maintenance. Every water heater—gas or electric, tank or tankless—needs flushing once a year to remove mineral buildup. This simple water heater fix stops many common water heater problems before they start.

At Bucky’s water heaters now, we help you pick the right water heater for your home. Natural gas models work better for bigger Calgary families because electric heaters often can’t keep up with high demand. Regular storage tanks might suit homes that use hot water steadily. Families looking to save energy despite Calgary’s challenges might like tankless or hybrid systems better.

Problem 1: No Hot Water at All

A freezing cold shower can ruin your morning instantly. Your panic might kick in if you find your water heater not working, especially during Calgary’s brutal winters. The good news is that most cold water problems have simple fixes.

Check the pilot light or circuit breaker

Your hot water heater not heating solution depends on whether you have a gas or electric model. Each type needs specific checks:

For electric water heaters: A tripped circuit breaker usually causes an electric water heater not working electric situation. Here’s what you should check:

Look for any tripped breakers in your home’s electrical panel
Rock the water heater’s breaker to the OFF position first if it’s tripped
Push it firmly back to the ON position
Let the water heat up for about an hour

A breaker that trips right after resetting signals a bigger water heater issue like a short circuit in the heating element or wiring problems. You could create a fire hazard by repeatedly resetting a tripping breaker.

For gas water heaters: The pilot light should be your first check if your gas water heater not working leaves you without hot water:

Take off the access panel at the tank’s bottom
Check if the pilot light is lit through the viewing window
You’ll need to relight it according to manufacturer instructions if it’s out

Most gas water heaters need these steps to relight:

Turn the gas control knob to “off”
Let any built-up gas clear out for 5 minutes
Switch to “pilot” mode
Hold the ignition button down for about 60 seconds
Use a long lighter while holding the pilot button for models without self-ignition

A pilot light that keeps going out points to problems with the thermocouple, gas supply, or control valve. The thermocouple might be dirty, damaged, or misaligned if the pilot light won’t stay lit.

Is your water heater not working? Visit our website or call us at (403) 540-6296 to get professional help.

Thermostat or heating element failure

Thermostat and heating element failures rank next after power supply and pilot light issues as common reasons for a water heater not heating problem.

Thermostat problems: Your water heater’s thermostat controls the entire system. Cold water persists even with power if it malfunctions. Common thermostat issues include:

A tripped high-temperature limit switch (a safety feature)
Power surges damaging the thermostat
Regular wear and tear

Electric water heater owners can try resetting the high-temperature limit:

Cut power to the water heater at your electrical panel
Remove the access panel
Take off the insulation and plastic safety guard (use gloves and safety goggles with fiberglass insulation)
Press the red high-temperature reset button above the upper thermostat
Put back the insulation, safety guard, and access panel before turning power on

No hot water usually means an upper thermostat problem since it controls the top heating element that heats water fastest. Electric water heaters often have two thermostats – the upper one leads while the lower backs it up.

Heating element failures: Electric water heaters use heating elements to warm water. These parts can fail and cause:

No hot water (upper element failure)
Not enough hot water (lower element failure)
Circuit breakers tripping (cracked element casing exposing electrical parts to water)

You need a multimeter and electrical knowledge to test heating elements. A failed heating element often shows power but no heat. Electric heaters can suffer immediate heating element failure from a “dry fire” – turning power on before filling the tank with water.

When to call for a water heater fix

Some water heater problems need professional help even though you can troubleshoot others yourself. Call Bucky’s water heaters now at (403) 540-6296 if:

Safety concerns:

Gas smell near your water heater
Tank leaks (not connection leaks)
You don’t feel safe working with gas lines or electrical parts
Strange popping, crackling, or rumbling sounds

Beyond simple fixes:

Circuit breaker keeps tripping after resets
Pilot light won’t stay lit after multiple tries
Basic troubleshooting didn’t work
Water heater is over 10 years old with issues
Water looks tinted or smells bad

Complex repairs: Professionals have special tools, parts, and safety training for complex repairs. Expert help is needed for:

Gas line or connection problems
Corroded tanks
Thermocouple or gas control valve replacements
Bacterial contamination in the tank

Licensed professionals should handle gas water heater parts like thermocouples and control valves because natural gas is dangerous. Electric heater repairs can shock you or cause water damage if you’re not careful.

Professional water heater repairs cost about CAD 822.08 on average. New water heater installations run from CAD 1,219.19 to CAD 2,438.38. Quick professional repairs often prevent costly replacements later.

Bucky’s water heaters now understands the urgency of hot water heater not heating problems. Our technicians know everything about water heater repair – electrical wiring, piping, heating elements, and gas systems. Call us at (403) 540-6296 if your water heater not working.

DIY repairs beyond basic checks can be dangerous with electricity, gas, and water involved. Bad repairs might void warranties or cause more damage.

Calgary homeowners should have a reliable water heater fix professional ready because our harsh winters make hot water crucial. Water heater failures here can quickly become emergencies due to freezing temperatures that might damage pipes.

Problem 2: Water Heater Not Heating Enough

Lukewarm showers and faster depleting hot water show your water heater not working at full capacity. A completely cold shower might seem worse, but not having enough hot water can be just as frustrating, especially when you have Calgary’s harsh winters.

Sediment buildup reducing efficiency

Your hot water heater not heating properly often happens because of sediment buildup. Calgary’s water has high calcium and magnesium concentrations, making this issue more common than in areas with softer water.

These minerals settle at the bottom of your tank as water enters your heater. They create layers of sediment that block heat between the heating element and water. Your water heater works harder and longer to heat water to the temperature you want. This extra work guides to:

Higher energy bills from increased power consumption to fight the insulating effect
Water takes longer to heat, reducing efficiency
Heating components wear out faster
Your water heater won’t last as long

On top of that, it shows clear warning signs that your water heater issues come from mineral buildup:

Your tank makes popping, banging, or rumbling sounds when trapped water bubbles through sediment
Water temperatures vary throughout your home
Water looks rusty or discolored and might smell bad
Hot water taps release cloudy water

Bucky’s water heaters now suggests yearly tank flushing to prevent these water heater problems. This maintenance is vital for Calgary homeowners because of our hard water. You can remove built-up sediment before it causes lasting damage by opening the drain valve and flushing until the water runs clear.

Need help with water heater maintenance or having these issues? Visit our website or call (403) 540-6296.

Thermostat set too low

Your water heater not heating well might have a simple fix – the thermostat setting. Check this basic adjustment before assuming you have mechanical problems.

Water heaters usually come set between 130-140°F (54-60°C). Someone might have changed this setting by accident. Thermostats can also get bumped or drift from their settings over time.

Here’s how to check if this causes your hot water heater not heating problem:

Find your water heater’s thermostat behind the access panel
Check its current setting
Turn up the temperature if it’s below 120°F (49°C)
Test water temperature after about an hour

You’ve solved the problem if the adjustment works! Note that temperatures above 120°F (49°C) increase scalding risks, especially in homes with kids or elderly people.

Setting the right temperature means balancing several factors:

You can save 3-5% on heating costs for every 10-degree drop in water temperature. Heating water to 140°F uses almost 25% more energy than heating to 120°F.

Bacterial safety matters too. Water below 120°F might let bacteria grow, including Legionella that causes Legionnaires’ disease.

Your household size affects the best setting. Bigger families or homes with multiple bathrooms might want slightly higher temperatures for enough hot water.

Want help finding the perfect temperature for your Calgary home? Call us at (403) 540-6296.

Signs your heater is undersized

Sometimes your water heater not working well isn’t broken – it’s just too small for your needs. An undersized heater can’t keep up with your hot water demands, leaving you with lukewarm water.

These signs show your water heater issues might come from an undersized unit:

Hot water runs out before you finish routine tasks. Cold showers or half-filled hot baths mean your water heater can’t handle the load.

Your heater struggles with multiple tasks. Using the dishwasher while someone showers makes the water temperature drop. This happens because your small unit can’t produce enough hot water for both jobs.

It takes too long to get hot water back. A right-sized heater recovers quickly after use. An undersized one needs much more time [134].

Energy bills stay high even when you try to save. Small water heaters run constantly at full power, using more energy to meet demands.

Your hot water needs have grown. Maybe you’ve added family members, new appliances, or bigger tubs and extra showerheads.

If this sounds familiar, your water heater fix might mean getting a bigger unit. Talk to Bucky’s water heaters now at (403) 540-6296 before you buy. We’ll help decide if you should replace your water heater not working electric or gas model with a larger one or try other solutions.

Homes without room for bigger tanks can add small tankless heaters near busy areas like kitchens or master baths. These units give extra hot water right where you need it without replacing your whole system.

Note that sizing a water heater right means looking at your peak hour demand – the most hot water you use in your busiest hour – not just counting people or bathrooms.

Problem 3: Water Heater Leaking

A puddle beneath your water heater can set off alarm bells. Your leaking water heater isn’t just annoying—it poses a real threat to your home and needs immediate attention. These leaks can damage your property extensively if you don’t deal with them quickly.

How to spot a leak early

You need to find leaks early to avoid getting pricey damage. Regular visual checks should be part of your home maintenance routine. Watch out for these warning signs:

Puddles or damp spots near the base of your water heater
Water drips around connections, valves, or pipes
Rust or corrosion on the tank exterior or fittings
Discolored water from hot water taps
Unusual noises like hissing, popping, or banging

Your water bill might spike suddenly, which could mean there’s a hidden leak you can’t see yet. People often mistake condensation for leaks. The best way to tell the difference is to wipe your water heater’s exterior dry and check it after a few hours. You’ll see uniform moisture with condensation, while leaks show up in specific spots.

Don’t let a leaking water heater cause damage to your home. Visit our website or call us today at (403) 540-6296 for expert repair service.

Loose drain valve or corroded tank

Two common issues cause hot water heater not heating problems with leaks: drain valve problems and tank corrosion.

Drain valves leak for several reasons. The valve might get loose over time because of thermal expansion and regular use. You can try to fix this by carefully tightening the valve with a pipe wrench—but don’t overtighten it or you’ll break the valve and create a bigger leak.

Drain valve leaks usually happen because:

Sediment or scale builds up inside the valve housing and prevents full closure
The valve’s packing wears out in compression-style valves
Plastic parts become brittle as they age
Rubber gaskets break down over time

Tank corrosion is a more serious issue. Calgary’s hard water contains minerals that settle at your tank’s bottom and lead to corrosion. Look for these signs of a corroded tank:

Rusty spots on the tank’s exterior
Discolored or rusty water from hot taps
Water leaking directly from the tank body instead of connections

Quick action becomes vital at the time you notice these signs.

Temporary fixes vs. full replacement

Minor leaks have some quick fixes available. A garden hose cap can stop a leaking drain valve spout until professional help arrives. Gentle tightening might fix loose connections, and plumber’s tape on threads offers a more reliable solution.

These quick fixes are just band-aids. Most valve problems ended up needing a full valve replacement.

Here’s what to think over when deciding between repair and replacement:

Age of unit: Units older than 8-10 years usually cost less to replace than repair
Leak source: Tank body leaks almost always need full replacement
Extent of corrosion: Visible rust and corrosion show irreversible damage
Repair history: Multiple recent repairs point to declining reliability

Professional plumbers charge between CAD 104.50 to CAD 209.00 per hour for water heater repairs. A complete replacement gets pricey but gives you peace of mind and better efficiency.

Bucky’s water heaters now recommends professional assessment for any leaking water heater not working electric or gas model. Water heater leaks mix dangerous combinations of electricity, gas, and water that make DIY repairs risky. Expert diagnosis and repair of your leaking water heater is just a call away at (403) 540-6296 or visit our website.

Problem 4: Strange Noises or Smells

Your water heater sends warning signals through unusual sounds and strange smells that you shouldn’t ignore. These signs often show internal problems that could create serious water heater issues if you don’t address them quickly.

Popping or banging from sediment

The alarming popping and banging sounds from your water heater not working come from sediment that builds up at the bottom of your tank. Calgary’s hard water contains minerals – calcium and magnesium – that settle and collect inside your water heater over time.

This sediment creates a barrier between the heating element and water. Your heater’s operation traps water under this sediment layer. The trapped water heats up too much and creates steam bubbles that “pop” through the sediment. This is what makes those distinctive noises.

You might face these problems if you ignore the sounds:

Your water won’t heat up as well
Energy bills will climb as the unit works harder
Tank deteriorates faster
Leaks or system failure could happen

Our team at Bucky’s water heaters now sees many homeowners who think these noises are normal. The truth is, they signal that your water heater not heating needs maintenance right away.

Rotten egg smell from bacteria

A rotten egg smell coming from your hot water taps means you have hydrogen sulfide gas in your system. You’ll notice this unpleasant smell most when you run hot water because heat releases the gas into the air.

Sulfur-reducing bacteria that live in your water heater create this smell. These bacteria love oxygen-free environments like water heaters and feed on sulfur. They produce hydrogen sulfide gas when they meet sulfates in your water.

The smell usually isn’t harmful to your health. However, hydrogen sulfide can cause these problems:

Changes how your drinks and food taste
Damages plumbing if levels go above 1.0 ppm
Creates slime where other bacteria grow

Need help with odor issues in your hot water heater not heating? Call (403) 540-6296.

How to flush and sanitize your tank

Your water heater needs regular maintenance to fix both noises and smells. You should flush your system every year to prevent water heater problems.

Here’s how to flush your water heater:

Turn off power (for electric) or set gas to “pilot” (for gas models)
Turn off the cold water inlet valve
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the tank bottom
Place the hose end in a drain or outside
Open a hot water faucet in your home so air can enter the system
Open the drain valve and let water flow until it runs clear
Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn water supply back on
Restore power or gas and wait for tank to refill

You can get rid of rotten egg smells by sanitizing your tank with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Follow these steps:

Turn off power and drain several gallons from the tank
Add ½ to 1 gallon of bleach through the hot water outlet opening
Refill the tank and run hot water at each faucet until you smell chlorine
Let the solution sit at least 3 hours (24 hours works best)
Flush until the chlorine smell goes away

Strange noises or smells still bothering your water heater not working electric or gas system? The professionals at Bucky’s water heaters now will give you a full picture and water heater fix.

Conclusion

These common water heater problems help you spot issues before they become emergencies. Sediment buildup, thermostat failures, undersized units, leaks, and strange noises indicate water heater issues that need attention. Calgary’s hard water speeds up many of these problems, which makes regular maintenance crucial.

A clear understanding of when to try a DIY water heater fix or call professionals can save time, money, and prevent safety risks. Simple tasks like checking circuit breakers or adjusting thermostats are within a homeowner’s abilities. Tasks with gas connections, tank corrosion, or ongoing leaks need professional expertise.

Your best defense against water heater not working situations lies in annual maintenance. A yearly tank flush removes sediment that causes inefficiency and those strange popping noises. On top of that, it helps to check connections and inspect valves to stop leaks before they damage your home.

Your hot water heater not heating properly during Calgary’s winter months creates more than just inconvenience—it can turn into an emergency quickly. Building a relationship with reliable professionals proves valuable before issues surface. For all your water heater repair and maintenance needs, visit our website or call us at (403) 540-6296 to schedule a service appointment.

The gap between a long-lasting water heater and early replacement often depends on proper maintenance and quick response to warning signs. Today’s proactive steps ensure hot water stays available when you need it most.

FAQs

How often should I flush my water heater in Calgary?

Due to Calgary’s hard water, it’s recommended to flush your water heater annually. This helps remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and cause strange noises.

What should I do if my water heater is leaking?

If you notice a leak, first try to identify the source. Minor leaks from connections might be fixed by tightening fittings. However, leaks from the tank itself usually require professional attention or replacement. Turn off power to the unit and call a professional immediately to prevent water damage.

Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?

A rotten egg smell usually indicates the presence of sulfur-reducing bacteria in your water heater. While not typically harmful, it’s unpleasant and can be addressed by flushing and sanitizing your tank with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

How can I tell if my water heater is too small for my household?

Signs of an undersized water heater include consistently running out of hot water during routine tasks, long recovery times between uses, and significant temperature drops when using multiple hot water appliances simultaneously.

What's the ideal temperature setting for a water heater?

The recommended temperature setting is typically 120°F (49°C). This balances energy efficiency, safety to prevent scalding, and the ability to kill harmful bacteria. However, households with higher hot water demands might benefit from slightly higher settings.

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