Water Heater Repair or Replace? A Calgary Homeowner's Guide

The quick rule: repair a young water heater with a simple fault, replace an old one that is leaking from the tank. Most tanks last around ten to twelve years, and once they are past that, throwing money at them rarely pays off.

Signs it is time to replace

• Water pooling at the base of the tank. A tank leak is not repairable.
• Rust-coloured hot water, or a metallic taste.
• Popping or rumbling, which is sediment cooking on the bottom.
• The unit is over ten years old and acting up.

When repair makes sense

A younger unit with a failed element, thermostat, or pilot assembly is usually worth fixing. We will tell you honestly which side of the line yours is on rather than defaulting to the bigger sale.

Ask about your water heater