Should I Repair or Replace My Hot Water Tank?
Quick answer
If the tank itself is leaking, it needs to be replaced; a leaking tank body can't be repaired. If the problem is a part (a pilot, thermocouple, gas valve, heating element or thermostat) and the tank is under about 8–10 years old, a repair usually makes sense. Most tank-style water heaters last around 8–12 years, and Edmonton's hard water can shorten that.
First: how old is your tank?
Age is the biggest factor in the repair-or-replace decision. Look for the label on the side of the tank. The manufacture date is usually printed there or built into the serial number. If you can't figure it out, snap a photo of the label and send it to us; we'll tell you.
Is your tank a rental? Many Edmonton homes have rented water heaters. If yours is, call your rental company first, since repairs and replacements may be covered under your agreement.
Signs a repair will probably do the job
- No hot water at all on a gas tank. Often the pilot light or thermocouple, both usually repairable.
- Not enough hot water on an electric tank. A failed heating element or thermostat is a common, fixable problem.
- Water dripping from the pipe on the side (the relief valve). The valve may need replacing, or the pressure or temperature may be too high. It's worth having checked.
- A leak from a fitting or the drain valve, not the tank itself.
- Smelly (rotten egg) hot water. Often a reaction with the anode rod, which can be replaced.
Signs it's time to replace
- Water leaking from the tank body or pooling underneath it. Once the inside of the tank rusts through, it can't be fixed, and it can fail suddenly.
- Rusty or discoloured hot water (but not cold), which suggests the tank is corroding inside.
- Loud rumbling or popping from years of sediment build-up, especially in an older tank.
- The tank is 10+ years old and needing repeated repairs. At that point, money spent on repairs is often better put toward a new tank.
- Your household has outgrown it. If your family is regularly running out of hot water, a larger or different type of water heater may be the real fix.
What you can safely check yourself
- Gas tank: look through the small window near the bottom. Is the pilot flame lit? Follow the lighting instructions on the tank label only if you're comfortable doing so.
- Electric tank: check whether the breaker has tripped.
- Temperature setting: make sure no one has turned the dial down.
- Look for water: check around the base, the fittings on top and the relief valve pipe.
Safety first: If you smell gas near your water heater, leave the house and call ATCO's emergency line or 911 from outside. If the tank is actively leaking, turn off the cold water valve on the pipe going into the top of the tank, and turn off the gas or power to it.
How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it
We'll check the tank, the parts and the venting, and tell you honestly whether it's worth repairing. If a repair makes sense, we'll recommend the repair. If replacement is the better value, we'll show you why, recommend the right size for your household, and give you a clear price before any work starts. New tanks come with the manufacturer's warranty, and we'll explain what it covers when we install. Have a tankless water heater? We repair and replace existing tankless units too.
A Few Questions We Get a Lot
How long does a hot water tank last in Edmonton?
Typically 8–12 years. Hard water speeds up sediment build-up and corrosion, so tanks in Edmonton can wear out sooner without maintenance such as flushing and anode rod checks.
Is a leaking hot water tank an emergency?
It can be. A small leak can turn into a flood without warning. Shut off the water and the gas or power to the tank, and call a plumber as soon as possible.
Can I just turn up the temperature if I'm running out of hot water?
It's not a good fix. Higher settings raise the risk of scalding and can hide a real problem like a failing element or a tank that's too small. Have it checked instead.
Related reading: Be Holiday-Hosting Ready · Why Does My Shower Leak?
Not sure what your tank needs?
Send us a photo of the tank and its label, and we'll help you figure out your options. Simple jobs can often be priced right over the phone.
Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our hot water tank service →
About Steve
Steve St. Louis is a Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter (Class B) and the owner of SS Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Based in Sturgeon County, Steve and his team have served Edmonton and area since 2020, with 24/7 emergency service and a 5.0 rating from 450+ Google reviews.