If you are Canadian, you understand having hot water in your house during the winter months is a must. You know your fall plans have to include getting your heating system serviced, making sure a test run is performed, and programming your thermostat. It’s now time to get out the extra blankets and switch over your air conditioner to heating.

Taking a hot shower is essential for staying warm, and by running your water, you prevent your pipes from freezing. However, even performing all these preparations can still run out of hot water when you need it. Calling for water heater repair will become an emergency call.

Why You May Run Out of Hot Water in Canada

Most homes in Alberta have installed a hot water tank, and some have alternate water heating systems. However, there are four common reasons you may not have hot water.

What type of water heater do you have?

The first question in answering why you run out of hot water is knowing how your home is heating your water. Tank water heaters are a vessel that heats water internally. Typically, these units are installed in the basement and run-on natural gas. Tank water heaters are designed to keep a supply of hot water continuously.

A tankless water heater will instantly heat water as it is being used. The tankless water heater will run water through a heated coil and then comes out of your faucet or showerhead.

These are two common forms of hot water systems, and depending on how old the system is, there are different reasons you may struggle with getting hot water when needed.

1. You and Your Family are Using Too Much Water

A traditional tank heater could be the problem you are running out of hot water. You may be using so much water that the tank drains before it has a chance to replenish itself. There are a lot of places hot water is used in a home:

Baths
Showers
Dishwasher
Laundry
Taps
Faucets

If you have a larger family, you could simply be using too much water for your tank to replenish.

2. You May Have an Old Heating System

Sometimes the reason you are running out of hot water is as simple as your heating system has outlived its efficiency. An average water heating system lasts approximately eight to twelve years. If your unit is older than this, it is time to consider a replacement.

3. Your Water Supply Could Contain Too Much Sediment

Water supplies carry natural mineral sediments. The sediment will settle in your hot water tank as it heats your water. Calgary lies at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains, which are full of magnesium and calcium. Hard water can affect plumbing and water tanks. To avoid this problem, you have to flush your water system regularly.

4. Your System May Have a Broken Dip Tube

Hot water tanks have an internal dip tube. The tube is designed to transfer cool water from your external water supply to the bottom of the tank, where it will heat. Once the water is hot, it rises to the top of the tank, and cooler water will enter, and the cycle repeats.

If the dip tube fails, it will not carry water to the bottom of the tank. When this happens, you will experience lukewarm water instead of hot. After years of use, the dip tube will become brittle and require replacement.

Stay Ahead of Hot Water Issues

You need hot water in your home to fight the cold winters of Alberta. While problems with any household appliance can occur unexpectedly, the problem is typically fixed by a professional plumber. Many issues, such as water heater repair, can be avoided by having regular maintenance of your system. In addition, expert plumbers can identify potential problems before you run out of hot water in the dead of winter.

Where to Find Expert Plumbing Services

Westhills Plumbing & Heating provides expert plumbing services in Calgary. Call us today if you need high-quality plumbing and heating services. Schedule an appointment to inspect your system today and avoid needing water heater repair when the cold hits.

Aged pipes

Pipes can last for a long time, but they’re not meant to do so. Older pipes are composed of materials like iron, which are far more prone to corrosion. In addition, the pipe weakens and begins to break down due to pollution, which can lead to a leak in the future. It may be necessary to replace older pipes with modern ones if you have older ones. The majority of newer pipes are composed of corrosion-resistant copper or plastic. While copper pipes will not survive indefinitely, you will not have to worry about corrosion causing them to rust.

A Root from a Tree Has Intruded

Leaks can start from the outside of the house as well as the interior. An entering tree root is one of the most typical reasons for a leak that begins outside. While the origins of the tree in your yard may not have been a concern when the pipes were first installed, as the tree grows, they may eventually make their way across. If the root gets inside the tube and destroys it, the water will flow out into the earth. A drop in water pressure is one of the most common signs of a leak. If you observe a dip in your yard combined with a wet area (and there’s a tree nearby), the tree’s root may have damaged the pipe.

Seals that have been broken or damaged

Seals are found in a variety of locations throughout your plumbing system. Rubber seals should have been installed around your pipes where they link to faucets or other fixtures. The purpose of these seals is to keep the connection dry. The issue is that rubber seals aren’t designed to last indefinitely. They can wear out over time or broken if they are damaged. As a result, water can escape. The presence of moisture or condensation near a fixture could indicate a faulty, damaged, or broken seal.

Corrosion

Corrosion, such as rust, can occur in pipes over time. Corrosion is a chemical reaction that occurs when metal reacts with the environment’s chemicals. Corrosion can be caused by what is contained in your water in the case of your pipes. Corrosion weakens your metal pipes by eating away at them. Corrosion can also lead to the formation of holes, allowing water to escape. If your pipes were installed several years ago, they might be more prone to corrosion than newer lines. Corrosion can also occur when the pH of the water or the mineral content of the water is off. 0

There’s a Blockage

Clogs are an annoyance. However, they can also be the source of a leaking pipe. Pressure might build up behind a clog if when not addressed. This pressure can cause a line to crack or break if it is too high. In addition, corrosive compounds, such as cleansers, can be found in some forms of clogs, speeding up pipe damage and eating through the metal. If you have a clog in any of your home’s pipes, you should clear it out as quickly as possible.

Water Pressure Is Too High

Intense water pressure may feel wonderful in the shower, but it can be harmful to your pipes if you have too much. The greater the power with which water passes through your pipes, the greater the chance of damage. High water pressure can cause a line to explode in extreme instances. On the other hand, when the water pressure is slightly off, you may only notice things like the occasional leak at the fixture shortly before the water is off.

Joints that have been damaged

The weakest parts of your pipes are usually the joints. They are the curved sections of the pipes that cause the water to change direction to reach its destination. In some circumstances, the joints can deteriorate over time, allowing a leak to emerge. Strange noises while the water, notably hot water, is running are the first indicator that anything is wrong with the joints. For example, there may be a clacking or slamming sound coming from the pipes.

A leaking pipe is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. Taking care of it as soon as you see it, on the other hand, can help you save both your property and your money. If you notice any indicators of a leak, such as a leaky faucet, increases in your water bill, or a musty odour, it’s time to contact a Calgary plumber as soon as possible. Westhills Plumbing and Heating is here to help you!