Repair or replace? An honest answer
Not every hot water problem means a new tank. A gas tank that won't stay lit often needs only a thermocouple or thermopile; an electric tank with lukewarm water may just need an element or thermostat. We'll tell you when a repair makes sense.
But some signs mean it's time to replace:
- Water leaking from the tank itself (not a fitting or valve). Once the inner tank rusts through, it can't be fixed.
- Rusty hot water or rust around the base.
- The tank is 10–12+ years old. Check the serial number on the label; the date is usually coded in the first four digits.
- Loud popping or rumbling from heavy sediment and scale, which Edmonton's hard water builds up fast.
Choosing the right tank for your Edmonton home
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural draft (atmospheric) gas | Most older homes with a chimney or B-vent | Lowest cost; vents up the existing flue |
| Power vent gas | Homes with a high-efficiency furnace and no shared chimney | Vents out the side wall with plastic pipe; needs a power outlet |
| Electric | Condos, homes without gas | Simple install; slower recovery than gas |
| Tankless (on-demand) | Families who run out of hot water; space savings | Higher upfront cost; needs annual descaling in Edmonton. See tankless |
A family of four usually does well with a 50-gallon gas tank. If you're regularly running out, a 60-gallon or a tankless unit may be the better choice. We size by your household, not by whatever's on the truck.
Why winter matters: Edmonton's incoming water drops to just above freezing in winter. Your tank has to heat that water a lot more than in summer, which is why a tank that kept up in July can run short in January.
What a proper installation includes
- City of Edmonton gas permit, pulled by us, and the follow-up inspection.
- New gas connector, shut-off and sediment trap, and a check of venting and draft.
- Thermal expansion tank where needed for code and to protect the new tank.
- Temperature-and-pressure relief valve discharge piped correctly.
- Removal and disposal of your old tank.
- Setting the temperature safely and showing you how to flush the tank once a year.
Rental tanks: if your current tank is a rental, we can tell you how to return it and whether buying makes more sense. Over 10 years, owning almost always costs less.