Hot Water Tank Replacement

A dedicated water storage tank (also called a hot water tank, thermal storage tank, hot water thermal storage unit, heat storage tank water heater hot water cylinder) is a water tank used for storing hot water for space heating or domestic use. There are a wide variety of sizes capable of holding 40 gallons of water and up.

Water is a convenient heat storage medium because it has a high specific heat capacity. This means, compared to other substances, it can store more heat per unit of weight. Water is non-toxic and low cost.

An energy efficiency insulated tank (typical gas heater) can retain stored heat for days, minimizing heat loss and reducing fuel costs. Modern hot water technology may have built in gas burner, oil burner system or electric models. Different brands of water heaters use an external heat exchanger such as a central water heating system, or heated water from another energy source. The most typical, in the domestic context, is a fossil-fuel burner, electric immersion elements, or a district heating scheme.

Conventional water heaters for a hot shower, bathing, or laundry have thermostat controls to regulate the temperature, in the range of 40 to 60 °C (104 to 140 °F), and are connected to the domestic cold water supply.

Where the local water supply has a high content of dissolved minerals such as limestone, heating the water causes the minerals to precipitate in the tank (scaling). A tank may develop leaks due to corrosion after only a few years. This is a common water heater manufacturers problem exacerbated by dissolved oxygen in the water which accelerates corrosion of both tank and fittings.

The average life of a hot water tank is between 8-12 years if it’s high-quality, was properly installed, and has been properly taken care of since installation. An early sign that tells you it’s time to replace your unit is if your water is only lukewarm.

A dedicated water storage tank always has hot water in it, waiting for you to use it. That means that for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the hot water pipe is in use. When something is used consistently, it eventually wears down and needs to be replaced. In the case of its service life, the problem can be rust or sediment buildup.

That ever-present water carries minerals that create corrosive elements within the tank. Normally, an anode rod in the tank will attract those particles and keep your tank in great shape. But when the anode rod is worn out, the minerals will start eating away at the tank lining. While these minerals are not harmful to us, they will take a toll on the tank, particularly the tank’s bottom.



When a tank’s bottom rusts out, there’s nothing keeping the water inside. Water starts pouring out at an alarming rate, and because it’s connected to your water supply, it won’t stop until you shut off the water to your tank. You’re left with a huge, costly mess to clean up.

If you’ve been asking yourself “is it time for a new water heater installation”, now is the perfect time to check. All you have to do is look at the manufacturer’s label on your current water heater. If the date of installation isn’t on the sticker, write down the serial number. Often the date and year the water heater was built is included in the serial code. It just takes a bit of decoding to figure out.

It’s not just age that signals the end of a gas heaters life. If you see any of these other signs, call us to have your current water heater replaced with the same type, an electric heater or a tankless heater. Replacement cost will vary depending on the unit you choose.

Discolored Water

There are several reasons that your water may become discolored, and one of them is the age of your heater.

If you see rust-colored water from the tap, first check where it’s coming from. If you turn on the cold water and it runs clear, but the water is discolored, that’s an indicator that your heater is at fault.

Call us to come and flush out any sediment build-up in your gas fired or electric water heater tank. If after a thorough cleaning the water quality is still off, we’ll give you some recommendations on what to do.

It’s Making Odd Noises

Houses make noise, especially if they’re older homes. But you’ve lived there long enough to recognize a regular noise vs. one that signals something’s wrong.

Your hot water tank could be the source of a whole strange-noise orchestra of creaks, bangs, and clunking.

Luckily, after over 40 years, we’ve learned a thing or two about all the strange noises that can occur. If your water heater starts talking to you, we’ll figure out what the problem is and provide some solutions.

You’re Experiencing Leaks

A leaking water heater is bad, and not just for the heater itself. It could cause water damage to other parts of your home, or drive up your water bill if left unchecked.

We recommend making a regular inspection of your water heater for any leaks. If you find one, call us immediately to come help.

Tip: Leaks most often apply to storage tanks. Tankless water heaters have a shut off valve and pressure relief valve if something is wrong.

Many people don’t fix something until it’s broken. But when it comes to your water heater, you don’t want to wait until you wake up one morning and discover you’re facing an ice bath instead of your favorite warm one. Blind reliance on hot water changes perspective right away in these circumstances.

We know it’s frustrating to turn the tap and find no hot water. If you find yourself in that situation, or know that it’s time to replace your water heater, talk to us. We’ll be able to provide you with all the information and services you need to get your hot water back to normal.



Our professional plumbing company will dispatch a licensed plumbing contractor to work on your water heating system and provide you with a comprehensive work warranty when the job is complete.