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Hot Tanks -  Service and Maintenance

Service & Maintenance

Well, like all hardworking appliances, it needs a little TLC every now and again to make sure things keep running the way you like. Regular service and maintenance prevent those unexpected breakdowns from happening in the first place. Extend the life of your tank and ensure it's operating efficiently. Think of it this way: a spa day for your hot water tank-just without bubbles!

Gas Hot Water Heater Nanaimo British Columbia

Gas Hot Water Heaters

These tanks are a dependable and energy-efficient option for supplying hot water in your home. By utilizing natural gas or propane, they heat water rapidly and help lower energy expenses. Offered in a range of sizes, these tanks are a sturdy and economical choice for homes with greater hot water needs.

Electric hot water heaters

Electric Hot Water Tank

Are you looking for an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your water? Electric water heaters offer a great solution, especially for smaller spaces or homes without gas access.

Check out our Tank Tips for all your hot water tank questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An average hot water heater will last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, depending upon its make, usage, and maintenance. As with anything, periodic inspection and maintenance will prolong its life. Your hot water tank is ignored most of the time until something is wrong or its too late. Every now and again check-in on it to make sure everything is working as it should For more information, please contact us.

  • Getting the right hot water heater is dependent on your household demand for hot water. In colder months people like to run baths. So that means more usage for a hot water tank.

    For a family of 3 to 4, a 40- to 50-gallon tank could be good. Large households however might need over 50 gallons. While small homes and single occupancy could get by on a 30-gallon tank.

    Whatever the case may be, Hot Tanks will be glad to get you sorted and pick the right hot water tank for you and your scenario.

    Call us today to book your appointment

  • Regular maintenance is essential to the proper operation and long life of your hot water tank. Most hot water systems need a service annually. It is a preventive maintenance service that helps to alert the homeowner of potential trouble down the road and usually consists of inspecting the tank for signs of corrosion, testing the relief valve, draining sediment buildup at bottom of tank and anode rod replacement as needed.

    If you have a water softener, you may then need to check the anode rod more often since that will call for extra anode usage. Maintenance can prevent those huge repair bills, keep hot water at your fingertips and ensure safe, efficient operation.

    Call Now 778.716.6040 to get your hot water tank inspected today!

  • An anode rod is a metal stick inside your water heater that helps prevent the tank from rusting. It's made of a material (usually magnesium) that rusts faster than the tank, so it attracts all the rust and corrosion. By "sacrificing" itself, it keeps the water heater from getting damaged. Over time, the anode rod wears out and needs to be replaced, or else the tank could start rusting.

  • Yes! Gas tanks are like the speed demons of water heaters. They heat water much faster than electric tanks, so you spend less time waiting for your next hot shower. If you’ve got a big family or just really love hot baths, gas is the way to go.

  • The pilot light is like your tank’s ignition system—it’s a small flame that lights the gas burner when hot water is needed and called for by the thermostat. If it keeps going out, it could be caused by drafts, a faulty thermocouple, or a gas supply issue. You might need a professional to give it a quick look if it’s a recurring problem.

  • The sequence of operations are as follows:

    1.) Thermostat senses water temperature below setpoint

    2.) Thermostat calls for heat

    3.) Main burner ignites

    4.) Main burner operates until thermostat is satisfied

    5.) Main burner gas valve closes

    6.) Pilot remains on and in standby until next call from thermostat.

  • An electric water tank works by heating the water by two heating elements. These are usually made by copper sheath with zinc plated magnesium oxide. One heating element is found at the top of the tank and the other is found near the bottom.

    Thermostats senses a need for heat and the contacts close and power is sent to the element to heat the water.

    Once the setpoint is reached and satisfied, the thermostats contacts open, cutting power off to the element.

    Water heater remains in standby till a call from either thermostat.

  • It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully heat the water, depending on the tank size and the temperature setting.

    A larger tank will take longer to heat. if you are unsure of what tank to get, call us and we will help you with the correct one to purchase.

  • Most electric water heaters last 8-12 years. Regular maintenance, like flushing the tank of 1 gallon (3.78 L) of water a month and replacing the anode rod, can extend its lifespan.

    Just with anything else, the more you take care of it, it will take care of you. A hot water tank follows these same rules.

  • The factory preset for your electric hot water tank is 49°C (120°F). This is hot enough for daily use like washing dishes, taking shower, bathing but its not scalding to where its going to be of serious harm to your or others.

  • Regular maintenance helps your water heater run more efficiently, prevents breakdowns, extends its lifespan, and saves you money on repairs or replacements. If you just continue to do little things your water tank will repay you and give you long lasting hot water.

  • It’s recommended to have your water heater serviced once a year. This includes checking the anode rod, flushing the tank, and inspecting the heating elements.

    The hot water tanks we use are Bradford White and they recommend flushing 1 gallon (3.78L) of hot water every month. Doing this will result in getting rid of all that sediment that may be settling at the bottom of your tank.

  • Without regular maintenance, your water heater may experience issues like reduced efficiency, leaks, rust, or even total failure, which can lead to costly repairs or the need for a replacement.

    You have to think of your water heater as any other thing you do maintenance on. If you continue to treat it well it will treat you well back. But, if you neglect it and don't service and maintain it, it will eventually give you problems.

  • While you can do some basic tasks like checking the temperature and flushing the tank, it’s safer and more effective to have a professional handle the more complex parts. This includes things like inspecting the anode rod and electrical components.

    Anode rod is called the "sacrificial rod" as it sacrifices itself to save the tank from corrosion qualities from the water.

  • Yes, yes and yes. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater by preventing corrosion, removing sediment, and ensuring all components are working properly.

    If you didn't do maintenance on your home or car it would work for a little bit but then it would slowly start to go downhill and give you problems. You have to think of your hot water tank as a vital part of your home. It's a big component to making sure you have hot water within your household. Give it some love and maintain it and it will thank you for many more years.

Contact us

We are happy, helpful, and available to chat Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

warmwelcome@hottanks.ca

866.522.8265
778.716.6040

101-91 Chapel St.
Nanaimo, BC V9R 0J3