Quick Answers to Common Questions

This could be caused by sediment or scale build-up, a failing dip tub,  failing gas control, or other failing parts.  Annual or semi-annual flushing of your hot water tank may help.  Under-sizing of water heaters can also be a factor if the tank is also responsible for space heating, or the demand for hot water has increased in your home.

This is also known in the industry as kettling, which is caused by scale and sediment buildup. This buildup causes hot spots in the bottom of the tank, which creates air pockets, electrolysis, and eventually tank failure.  If your hot water tank is making any unusual noise, please call a professional for proper diagnosis and possible replacement.

There are many factors in the home that determine how large a project this could be:  1. How much hot water is actually needed to run your home?  2. Will your existing gas piping support the new tank size?  3. Will your existing common vent support the new tank size?  4. Does the mechanical room have the space needed to accommodate the new tank?  5. Is a larger water heater the correct option?  Contact a licensed professional to help you answer these questions.

The short answer is yes.  As hot water tanks heat, the water expands and begins to cause a pressure rise inside the tank and your piping system.  This can cause tank deformation and potential failure.  Properly installed and adjusted thermal expansion tanks act as a shock absorber, giving the pressure a place to be stored until either the water is drawn.

Hot water tanks should be serviced annually as per the manufacturer's recommendations.  This allows for safety devices to be tested and replaced if faulty.  In Alberta, it's suggested that your water heater be flushed every six months to help with sediment and scale buildup.

A few items that point to tank failure are: Noisy operation, no hot water or reduced amount, and visible water on the floor.

Your plumbing system should be professionally inspected every 1 to 2 years. This helps catch small problems like slow leaks or corrosion before they become expensive emergencies.

Faucet drip is typically caused by use/age, too much pressure, or water conditions (hard water). Older style 2-handled faucets sometimes have rubber gaskets/o-rings and brass seats that wear out and require replacement.  Most modern faucets now have a self-contained cartridge that may need to be replaced.

This should be avoided if possible. Oil/grease/fats cool and solidify inside your p-traps and piping, causing stoppages, back-ups, and stress to the city infrastructure or your septic system.  This can lead to costly servicing as your piping may need to be augured/jetted.  If you have a septic system, this can also cause costly repairs.

Chemical drain cleaners are not considered safe for regular use.  They're caustic and can damage older piping.  They can create toxic fumes which can irritate the eyes and lungs, and if mixed with other chemicals, such as cleaners, they can also produce dangerous gases.  Professional-grade drain cleaning chemicals have their place and, when used by competent individuals, can be somewhat effective.  However, auguring and jetting are far more effective at clearing blockages in piping.

Leaking flappers and faulty fill valves inside toilet tanks, along with dripping faucets, are a common cause of increased water bills in the home.

• Improper grade/slope of the piping during installation.
• Blocked or improper venting of the drain piping.
• Stoppages/blockages inside the drain piping.
• If multiple drains are slow, gurgling, or backing up into your home/building, this could be caused by main line issues.

• Water hammer is the most common cause of rattling or banging noises in your piping system.  This can usually be fixed by installing hammer arrestors at any appliance that has a quick-closing valve and/or a larger unit to service the entire home.
• Loose or unsupported piping can cause a continuous rattling, clanking, or thumping noise when water is used.  This can be fixed by finding, securing, and insulating loose piping.
• Thermal expansion of your hot water piping, which causes a creaking, ticking, or tapping noise while the hot water is being used. This can be fixed by adding a means of thermal expansion device, sleeves to let piping move quietly, and ensuring plastic clips are used to support plastic piping.
• High water pressure (over 80psi) can potentially cause turbulence, vibration, and stress on piping systems.  This can be fixed by installing a pressure-reducing valve.
• Air/gases in the piping can create a gurgling or vibration in the piping.  This can be flushed out of the piping; however, if your home draws its water from a private well, the solution may be more involved as gases may have to be removed.
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• Hardness or mineral buildup inside of fixtures and aerators. Cleaning or replacement of aerators and fixtures is a temporary solution to a larger problem of what's in your water.  A softener or filtration system may be a better option.
• Partially closed shut-off valves.  As valves age, their ability to operate properly is reduced, as they become difficult to operate.
• Malfunctioning or incorrectly set (PRV) pressure-reducing valves may need to be adjusted or replaced.
• Clogged or failing pressure tank, pressure switch, or well controller on your well system, for those that live out of town, may be an indication of your well system needing service.
• Mineral or corrosion buildup inside galvanized steel piping for older homes is a good indicator that a whole-home re-pipe may be in your future.

• Chemical reaction to chlorine in municipal water supplies, which causes the pipe walls to become brittle, develop micro-cracks, and eventually burst or leak.
• Many Poly-B systems use poor-quality fittings that are prone to cracking, slipping, and leaking.
• Hot water piping has a higher failure rate as expansion and contraction weaken the pipe and fittings.

• How old is your home, and does it have the original fixtures?  Older fixtures are not balanced, meaning that when someone else in the home is using water, the pressure drops, which causes noticeable temperature changes.  Installing a pressure-balancing valve or a thermostatic mixing valve on the piping for your shower may be required if you want to keep your original fixtures, or upgrading to newer style single-handle shower valves will help resolve this issue.
• Mineral and/or scale buildup in hot water piping, shower cartridges, and/or mixing valves.  Cleaning or replacing shower valve cartridges may fix the issue; however, a long-term solution like a softener or filtration system may be required, depending on how often these cartridges need to be serviced/replaced.
• Do you have a tankless water heater, and when was it last serviced?  These units are dependent on an amount of flow to start and stay running.  If these units are not serviced regularly, many problems can arise, including temperature fluctuation during operation.

• A faulty flapper is one of the most common causes of a running toilet.  Over time, rubber or plastic flappers break down due to chlorine or minerals in the water.
• A faulty fill valve is the second cause of running toilets.  Age and wear, mineral and sediment build-up are issues that will affect the way a fill valve operates.
• An improperly set fill valve or flapper chain can also cause a toilet to run.

• Installing a leak detection device or a flow/usage monitoring device with an automatic closing valve or the option to close remotely.
• Regular inspection, checking for signs of moisture around fixtures and appliances.  Look for corrosion, cracked seals, or loose fittings.
• Periodically clean aerators and fixtures to help prevent mineral buildup.
• Use quality parts during repairs and installations.
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Hire qualified contractors for major work.

• Maintain a minimum temperature above freezing where your plumbing is.
• Insulate piping that is in areas that are unable to maintain temperatures above freezing.  Adding self-regulating heat trace as per the manufacturer's instructions to piping in these areas may also prevent freezing.
• Remove hoses from outdoor faucets, and if possible, replace older-style faucets with the frost-free type.
• Seal cracks and openings that could be allowing cold air to contact your plumbing.

• Iron in your water supply, which oxidizes when exposed to air, will leave behind reddish-orange stains.  A whole-house iron removal system is the best solution.
• Another potential source of staining can come from existing galvanized piping or aged hot water tanks.  Replacement of these items is required to eliminate the issue.
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• Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals form scale deposits inside pipes, faucets, and appliances.  Over time, this reduces water flow and efficiency, along with damaging fixtures, appliances, and water heaters.
• Hard water also causes increased soap consumption, dry skin and hair, spotty dishes, and faded laundry.

Installation of a correctly sized water softener by a professional can eliminate these issues.