There is nothing that will spoil your morning more than having to turn on the shower during wintertime only to be sprayed with cold water. Not having hot water in the morning is a sure way to cause panic and have to guess what went wrong with your heating system. As per statistics provided by Natural Resources Canada, water heating makes up more than 17% of all energy consumption in Canadian households, which means that it is the second largest utility expense after space heating.
When your tank or tankless heater stops functioning, you get stuck with your everyday routine. Knowing the basics of how to check your heater will help you to save both time and money and make the right decision between repair or replacement of your plumbing in Vaughan. Read on to find out the exact causes of your tank failure.
Quick Checks to Perform Before Calling a Plumber
Before calling in professionals for help, check a few items on your list. There are many water heater problems that occur because of small electrical settings that you can correct yourself in a matter of minutes.
- Test the Temperature Setting: Make sure that your temperature dial is set at the level of 49°C to 60°C (120°F to 140°F). The temperature dial may have been turned up by someone living in your house.
- Check Your Electrical Box: Go to your circuit breaker box and make sure all tripped circuit breakers are turned off and then on again.
- Inspect the Gas Shut-Off Valve: Make sure that your gas handle is parallel with the supply line. This means that there isn’t any gas flowing into the heating system.
- Search for Water Leaks: Look at the bottom of your water tank. If there is a pool of water at the bottom, there’s something wrong with your water heater shell or its pipes.
Primary Causes of Water Heater Failures in Vaughan Homes
If basic troubleshooting does not work, then there must be some technical problems with specific inner components of your water heater. Below is a list of mechanical issues that can lead to malfunction of different types of water heaters.
Mechanical Problems with Gas Heaters and Burner Malfunctions
For efficient function, a gas hot water tank requires a continuous supply of gas and ignition. The problem of non-ignition on your burner would mean that the pilot light in your gas water heater is out due to a blocked pilot orifice or broken thermocouple. It controls the amount of gas flow by sensing temperature. If it is dirty or broken, the gas will automatically be shut off.
Electrical Problems with Electric Heaters and Malfunctioning Heating Elements
There are two heating elements in the electric water heaters, upper and lower ones. They are responsible for the process of heating water in the tank. When you have no hot water in the shower, try pressing the reset button on an electric water heater, which is located behind the upper access panel of the heater.
Problems of Sediment Deposits and Hard Water Problems
Vaughan uses municipally supplied water, which naturally contains minerals. Over time, calcium and magnesium minerals collect in the bottom of your storage tank heater. Sediment deposits are among the problems that create inefficiency in the heating process, make sounds like popping, and heat at the bottom of the heater, therefore leading to damage to the heater lining.
Scale Deposits and Problems in Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater heats water immediately using very efficient burners and electric heating components. Sediment deposits cause flow and temperature problems inside the heat exchange component. Annual servicing of your tankless heater by experts in Vaughan will prevent any problems related to mineral deposit buildup in your system.
Water Heater Symptoms and Quick Diagnostic Solutions
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Action |
| Water is lukewarm | Thermostat set too low or failing lower element | Adjust thermostat to 49°C or test heating element |
| Popping or rumbling noise | Heavy mineral and sediment buildup | Flush the storage tank completely |
| Discoloured or rusty water | Corroded anode rod or interior tank rust | Replace anode rod or replace aging tank |
| Water pooling around base | Cracked internal tank or loose drain valve | Turn off power and water supply immediately |
| Rotten egg smell in water | Bacterial reaction with magnesium anode rod | Replace standard magnesium rod with a zinc rod |
Key Indicators You Need Professional Water Heater Repair
There are some plumbing problems which need special equipment and training to repair. If any of these warning signals occur, immediately contact an authorized plumber:
- Circuit Breaker Tripping Frequently: It is a sign of an electrical short in the water heater.
- Burning Smells: It is a sign of a safety threat near electrical wiring or gas pipes.
- Moisture or Water Pooling: Water pooling near the tank bottom is an indication that there is a crack in the internal lining of the steel tank.
- Water Heater Temperature Fluctuations: It is a sign of a malfunctioning or broken thermostat and heating elements.
In case of occurrence of these warning signals, it will be better for you to consult professional water heater troubleshooting Vaughan services to find out the actual reason behind these defects.
How to Choose Between Fixing or Replacing Your Unit
Whenever there is an issue with no hot water in Vaughan, people usually ask themselves if it is worth getting their older water heater fixed. Here are the factors that should be taken into account to make the right decision:
- Age of the System: Typically, conventional storage tank water heaters can serve for about 8 to 12 years. In case your unit is more than 10 years old and needs expensive repairs, then it would be more sensible to buy a new one.
- Repairs Frequency: You may be investing a considerable amount of money in frequent repairs. In case your system has been repaired two times or more in a year, it is time to get yourself a new unit.
- Cost of Repairs: Use the 50 percent rule. If the cost of repair is more than half the cost of buying a brand new unit, it would be more practical to invest that money in getting a new unit.
- Energy Efficiency: The new units are more energy efficient.
Simple Routine Maintenance to Extend System Lifespan
Maintenance will prevent any surprise breakdowns and ensure that your utility costs remain low. Some basic maintenance tasks that need to be done annually are:
- Flushing the Water Heater Every Year: Connect the garden hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the tank, drain the water heater, and flush it of any sediment accumulation.
- Safety Valve Test: Lift the lever of the temperature and pressure relief valve slightly and make sure that the water flows freely until you lower the lever.
- Anode Rod Inspection: Inspect the anode rod every two years. Replace the rod if the core wire is visible.
- Provide Space Around the Unit: Ensure that at least two feet of space around your water heater is clear.
Restoring Hot Water to Your Vaughan Home
Handling cold showers is something that should not be stressing out your household. With a clear understanding of some of the common problems with the water heater and regular maintenance, you are sure to take care of your appliances and have a steady flow of warm water all year long. In case simple fixes do not work out, you should contact the local plumbers.
Licensed professionals at Vaughan Plumbing and Sewer provide prompt and professional water heater services, repairs and installations as required by you. From urgent fixes to discussing energy-saving options, we are always ready to provide high-quality services. You can get in touch with us by calling (647) 547-2440 or visiting Vaughan Plumbing and Sewer.
