Water Heaters

A common setup is a natural gas tank water heater of 40 or 50 gallons (about 150 to 190 litres). When one starts leaking from the tank itself, it needs replacing rather than repair. Rust-coloured water, rumbling, or a tank that can no longer keep up are the other common reasons people call.

Calgary's water is hard: the City reports hardness of roughly 141 to 274 milligrams per litre depending on the treatment plant and the season. Minerals settle in the bottom of a tank, which is why flushing it and checking the anode rod help it last. Hard water also matters for tankless heaters, which usually need regular descaling.

Choosing between tank and tankless comes down to how much hot water you use at once, whether your gas line and venting can handle the change, and budget. A tankless unit often needs a bigger gas line and new venting, which adds to the price.

On permits, the City of Calgary says a straight like-for-like swap does not need one. Replacing a water heater does need a permit when the gas line upstream of the heater's shut-off valve changes, when the venting changes, or when the type of heater changes, for example from a natural draft tank to a direct vent one. Rules differ outside the city: Cochrane and Airdrie both list water heater installation as permit work, so check with your municipality. Gas work on a water heater is done by a certified gasfitter. If you smell gas, leave the house and call emergency services from outside.