Alberta’s hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium—minerals that can accumulate on the bottom of your water heater tank over time. As these sediments build up, your unit will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, leading to higher energy consumption. Over time, this can lead to increased utility bills and higher equipment wear and tear.
But here’s the important part: you can easily reduce the impacts of Alberta hard water with regular hot water tank maintenance. With scheduled tune-ups from your local HVAC experts, you can enjoy better system performance, increased equipment lifespans, and more. Keep reading to learn more about hot water tank maintenance in Edmonton and how Weiss-Johnson can help.
What Maintenance Should Be Done on a Hot Water Tank?
By combining DIY monitoring with some professional check-ups, keeping your water heater in good shape is easy.
DIY Maintenance
While you should always trust a professional for more complex maintenance tasks, homeowners can (and should!) perform some basic maintenance on their hot water tanks. This could include:
- Performing monthly visual inspections: Watch out for signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks on a regular basis.
- Testing your pressure relief valve: Most homeowners can safely lift the relief valve lever briefly to ensure water drains—a sign the valve is functioning. If nothing happens, call a professional.
- Paying attention to any changes: As a rule of thumb, homeowners should always look out for changes in water pressure, heating bills, or the overall sound of their hot water heater. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact an HVAC professional for a detailed assessment.
In many cases, proactive DIY monitoring can help you catch small issues before they turn into catastrophic breakdowns.
Professional Maintenance
Professional water heater maintenance addresses the technical components and complex tasks that require specialized expertise. While some homeowners can handle basic monitoring, comprehensive servicing should be left to trained technicians who understand proper procedures and safety protocols. Professional hot water tank maintenance services typically include:
- Tank flushing: Removes sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan
- Pressure relief valve testing: Ensures critical safety mechanisms function properly
- Anode rod inspection and replacement: Protects the tank from internal corrosion
- Complete system performance evaluation: Assesses overall efficiency and remaining lifespan
How Often Should a Hot Water Tank Be Serviced?
Maintenance frequency depends on your water hardness and system type. Edmonton’s particularly hard water means homeowners need more aggressive maintenance schedules than those in soft water areas. For both standard and tankless systems, professionals recommend annual check-ups; however, more regular maintenance might be required in certain circumstances.
Is it Time for a Replacement?
While regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your equipment, there may come a point when replacing your hot water tank is unavoidable. Some signs that you should start thinking about water heater replacement include:
- Rising maintenance costs: Are your maintenance costs rising? In some cases, it might make more financial sense to invest in a replacement. While the upfront cost might feel substantial, a new hot water heater offers energy savings and a high return on investment. In some ways, you’ll save money if you stop trying to maintain an older system.
- Regular maintenance calls: Do you have your HVAC company on speed dial? If you are placing multiple service calls within a 6-month period, it is probably a good idea to start thinking about a replacement.
- Your tank is over 12 years old: Thanks to Edmonton’s hard water, the average lifespan for a hot water tank is only 6-12 years. If your unit is older than that, you are long overdue for replacement and should start planning for an upgrade as soon as possible.
Read more here: “4 Urgent Signs You Need a Hot Water Tank Replacement.”
Schedule Your Tune-Up Today
Ready to extend the lifespan of your system? With nearly 50 years of experience in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, Weiss-Johnson is your go-to team for all things HVAC. Our team will evaluate your system, discuss your options, and help you avoid costly emergency replacements. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!
