Essential Water Heater FAQs

Hot water is essential in keeping your family and home comfortable, but how often do we stop to consider the source of our hot water? Your water heater is tucked away, out of sight in the basement, and it works hard to keep the hot water flowing. Despite how often we use it, we don't spend much time thinking about our water heaters until something goes wrong. The following blog is written to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about water heaters, including what to do if something goes wrong. 

How do I know if there is a problem?

If you notice that you don't have hot water, or that it is running out very quickly, it is time to have the water heater serviced and maintained. When you rent from National Home Services, this services is included in your rental fees. Thats right, all parts and labour are included, so you get this repair service for no additional charge. If you own your water heater, you'll need to locate your own licensed and trained technician to service the tank and pay out of pocket. 

My water heater has been exposed to flooding. Is it OK to keep using it?

The AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)  and other national and governmental agencies, recommend  that any water heater subject to flooding must be replaced. Today’s high efficiency water heaters, utilizing sophisticated solid state controllers and components can experience unseen damage to these components, exposed and concealed wiring connectors and insulations that may not manifest itself immediately. The exposure places the safety features along with operational and structural characteristics at risk, therefore requiring replacement. 

How often should I replace the water heater?

An older water heater can be less energy efficient than a new unit. Contact your rental company or a contractor to have a water heater evaluation completed. A hot water heater needs to be replaced about once every 10 years. To get the most out of your system, annual maintenance is important. 

During these annual service visits, basic cleaning and maintenance is done to replace worn out parts and check for any looming problems with your water heater that may require replacement in the near or immediate future.

If your question is not answered here, take a look at some more informative posts below, or contact us at nationalhomeservices.ca. 

Types of Water Heaters
Renting your Water Heater
How Clean is Your Water? 
Why Choose an ENERGY STAR qualified water heater?