Reliable Tankless Water Heater Installation in Calgary AB

Many people in Calgary have been startled by a sudden cold shower one morning because of a failing water heater. These units become less efficient over time due to age or sediment buildup. Other issues include the tank being too small to provide an extra person with hot showers in the house. In that case, you might need to consider upgrading to a larger tank to have more hot water reserves. Or, you can upgrade to a tankless water heater. Calgary homes that face problems involving malfunctioning parts or inefficiency could see significant improvements from a tankless upgrade.

A Mr. Rooter plumber walking up to a house

A plumber carrying tools from a van to a house in need of tankless water heater installation in Calgary, AB.

Did you know that your water heater is the second-highest energy consumer in your home after your HVAC system? If you have a faulty, old tank unit, your energy bills will only get higher as that system degrades. When those problems appear, you can count on your local Calgary plumber to perform a diagnosis and inspection for you, along with any necessary replacement installations. We support long-term solutions that will benefit our customers for many years to come. While most repairs will only temporarily solve a problem, we can provide options that help you save money on your utility bill for years to come. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about cold water in the shower anymore.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary is a locally-owned and operated company that stands behind its plumbing work, providing its residents with quality workmanship and outstanding customer experiences. Our certified and uniformed plumbers always arrive on time, ready to tackle your problems with a can-do attitude.

What Types of Water Heaters Are There?

When people in Calgary think of water heaters, the conventional type of unit is most likely what comes to mind, but it’s not unusual for homeowners in more modern homes to opt for a tankless model. Calgary tankless water heater installation is becoming more and more common, but it’s not your only option. The common types of models include:

  • Tank-based: This is the widely-used conventional type that uses gas or electricity to heat a tank of water. The hot water tank typically holds 30 to 80 gallons of water.
  • Tankless: This more modern version uses a heat pump to provide heating service as you need it, and is also gas-fired or electric.
  • Hybrid: This is also known as a heat pump water heater, and it essentially combines the functions of a tank and a heat pump. In addition to electrical and gas-powered versions, there are also models that use geothermal energy.

Why Choose Calgary Tankless Water Heater Installation?

A plumber showing a woman information about tankless water heater information in Calgary, AB.

A traditional water heater is a convenient option found in many Calgary homes, but there are newer, more efficient alternatives that will provide the same convenience—if not more—while also helping increase your energy savings. Rather than wasting energy to keep 80 gallons heated all day long, a tankless unit only operates when you need it. It heats water on demand, so that you always have what you need for a hot shower or sink full of dishes, and it only uses energy to heat what you need when you need it, so you don’t have to spend more than necessary on your energy bills.

Tankless models’ initial installation costs can be higher than tank-based units. It’s important to know all the benefits and drawbacks of installing a tankless system, so that you can make the right choice for your home. Here is a clearer outline of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Energy efficiency may reduce your utility costs by 30 percent.
  • Longer lifespan than tank-based units (20 vs. 15 years).
  • Boosts home value.
  • Lowers risk of water damage.
  • More environmentally friendly.

Cons:

  • High upfront unit and installation costs.
  • Depending on the number of people in your household, it may not be able to meet your needs.
  • Tankless models require more complex repairs.

Gas. Vs. Electric — Which One Is More Efficient?

Generally speaking, gas is a more cost effective fuel, but it’s less energy efficient overall, as some fuel is lost during the combustion process. Electric-powered units can be more energy-efficient because they do not waste energy, but if you find yourself using a lot of electricity, gas may be a better option.

It’s important to keep in mind that switching from gas to electric or vice versa can be a challenging task, as creating new gas lines might involve drilling and cutting within your home. Those extra requirements could add to your overall installation costs. Our team is always ready to help you determine the best choice for your home and provide the advice you need to choose the best model for meeting your needs.

Signs You Need Tankless Water Heater Installation

The top sign that you need a new unit is that your current system is old. You can check your hot water heater for the installation date or last service date to determine its condition. While tank models can last over 12 years, you may start seeing inefficiency and the potential need for repairs after that point. Even if you schedule regular maintenance services, you should pay attention to these warning signs that show you should consider an appointment for Calgary tankless water heater installation:

Not Heating Enough Water

If your unit provides you with an inadequate amount of hot water, blockages and sediment buildup in your tank might be to blame. Other culprits of fluctuating temperatures include your pressure-balancing valve and shower cartridge. If your unit is old and experiencing these problems, it’s likely to suffer from them more and more often, in which case, replacement will be more cost effective than repairs.

Low Pressure

Are you experiencing low pressure during your shower? That could be a sign that there are issues with your heater’s tank or its other vital components. If those problems are serious, you may need to consider installing a new unit.

Your Tank is Too Small

Do the people living in your home frequently complain about running out of hot water? If so, your tank might be too small to supply additional water to everyone that needs it. One of our plumbing experts could give you details on cost-effective upgrades. Otherwise, if you have never experienced this issue before, it’s worth checking for sediment buildup and other damage that may need to be addressed.

Strange noises

If you hear rumbling noises, or any other strange noises coming from your system, that could be a sign that it’s time to start thinking about replacement or installing an upgrade. The noise could be caused by reactions with sediment trapped at the bottom of your tank—the boiling bubbles manage to break off the deposits, and they float within your tank—but those noises could also be caused by more serious issues.

Faulty Pilot Light

The pilot light requires a sufficient amount of gas to work efficiently. If you notice the light is continuously flickering, you might need repairs or replacement. If you’re fixing that faulty light frequently, installing a new tankless system will be more cost effective than paying for constant repairs.

Rust

If you have rust buildup at the bottom of your tank, you will be able to tell by your hot water’s colour. If you spot signs of discoloration, check around your tank to see if there is rust on the exterior. When rust is widespread and serious, replacement is often the only viable option.

Old Age

Although lifespans depend on the level of maintenance your system receives, conventional models in Calgary last anywhere from eight to twelve years. If your existing system has passed its life expectancy, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it with professional installation services, especially if it’s starting to experience frequent issues.

Not Draining Through Drain Valve

Sediment buildup will lead to a clogged drain valve. There are professional ways to unclog or flush the drain valve, but if you suffer from constant clogs due to sediment buildup, you may be happier with a tankless unit that isn’t as vulnerable to those types of problems.

Puddles Around Tank

Puddles are a sign that you have a leak. If you have a leak, it could be from either a broken drain valve, a temperature-pressure valve or from damage on the bottom of the tank. Your local plumber can help check the pressure inside the tank as well as any other valves that are leaking, but if the issue is from damage at the bottom of your tank, replacement will be the only option. It’s crucial that you deal with this situation fast. Otherwise, that leak could cause structural damage to your home that requires expensive repairs.

Calgary Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Tips

When you are renting a property or have purchased a new home, it’s helpful to request detailed documentation on your plumbing system to determine if there are issues that must be addressed with a new installation because of a result of poor maintenance. You can also request information about how the installation for your systems was completed.

Whether you have a tankless gas or electric unit, it’s reassuring to see on paper that a certified plumber has conducted the installation and even more reassuring if they have recently performed maintenance on that unit.

Overall, your system will benefit from periodic maintenance such as flushing and tune-ups. For safety reasons, it’s important to get regular maintenance for any gas-powered units, in order to prevent and fix gas leaks. It also never hurts to have a technician do a routine inspection on your gas lines.

If you have scheduled drain cleaning service, you can also request an inspection for your unit. If there are any issues that turn up, you can work with your plumber to create a plan for fixing those problems or replacing your faulty unit with a new installation. You can always count on our expertise in providing you with professional tankless water heater installation or repairs.

Calgary Tankless Water Heater Installation FAQs

Everyone depends on their heating system to provide what they need when they need it. If your unit is failing to do that, it might be time to check for potential faults and start thinking about whether or not it’s time to install an upgrade. When that time comes, many people in Calgary have questions about Calgary tankless water heater installation, and our expert plumbers have answered them all:

What Are The Costs For Calgary Tankless Water Heater Installation?

The costs of tankless water heater installation will depend on several factors, including the state of your plumbing system and the model you choose. The best way to get a specific cost estimate for any plumbing service is to contact our team directly. Once we have a chance to speak with you and inspect your system, we can provide an upfront estimate for installation.

Where Should I Install The Tankless Heater?

The beauty of the tankless model is that you can install it anywhere in your home. Some family homes have more than one. You can install one in the laundry room, under the stairs or inside a pantry. Although, if you’re replacing a conventional model, the best place to install it will be where your current unit is located.

Can I Take Care of Calgary Tankless Water Heater Installation Myself?

Since it requires lots of wiring and plumbing work that could pose a safety hazard, you will need to hire a certified professional for installation. Even if you have DIY experience, you should call a professional company for proper installation. This type of work involves dealing with gas lines, electricity and other safety hazards. Professional installation may also be a requirement under your warranty.

Do You Need Calgary Tankless Water Heater Installation Service?

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary is here to help. Whether you need tankless water heater installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning or help dealing with Calgary winter plumbing problems, you can rely on our team of local experts for reliable, guaranteed work and excellent customer service. We proudly serve many communities in Calgary, from Haysboro to Glamorgan and beyond.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment for Calgary tankless water heater installation or chat with our friendly customer service team about any plumbing concerns you may have.

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