Last updated: October 2026
Replace the hot water tank before the leak becomes a renovation
Is your hot water tank up for replacement? When was the last time it was maintained? Do you have the right size for your household?
Free in-home assessment with no obligation. A written price before work begins. A two-hour arrival window confirmed before the visit.
Phones answered weekdays 8am–5pm MT, for service, repair and diagnosis. 7131 6 St SE Unit H, Calgary, AB T2H 2M8.
Usually the lowest-cost water heating equipment
A conventional hot water tank is very common. It gives you the same temperature of hot water until the tank runs out, then stores and reheats.
Gas water heaters use a flame under the tank to create heat. Electric water heaters use a heating element to warm the water.
Budget-friendly
Conventional hot water tanks are familiar and usually the lowest-cost water heating equipment option.
Stored hot water
They store and reheat hot water so your fixtures can draw from the tank when needed.
Gas or electric
Gas water heaters use a flame under the tank, while electric water heaters use a heating element.
How your tank moves and heats water
Each tank has inlets and outlets that move water to where you need it, such as the shower, the dishwasher and other fixtures. There is also a thermostat to monitor the temperature and a pressure relief valve to help ensure the heating process does not produce unsafe levels of water pressure.
The water enters
The water enters the tank coming from the main water supply.
The tank heats
The heating burner or element underneath the tank heats the water.
Hot water rises
Hot water rises to the top of the tank.
Fixtures demand water
When hot water is demanded from the exits, it is taken from the top of the tank.
The most common signs of a damaged water heater
- Rust on the tank. Visible rust can be a sign your tank is aging or ready for replacement.
- Noises when the unit is on. New noises during operation can mean it is time for service or diagnosis.
- Water in the collection pan under the tank. Water under the tank can indicate a leak that should not be ignored.
- Rust in your hot water. Discoloured hot water is worth having looked at.
Hot water tank replacement
Most hot water tank brands carry an 8 to 10 year warranty on the tank itself. You might want to consider replacing your tank before a failure happens. Nobody wants a pool in their furnace room or basement.
When you have an old, out-of-warranty hot water tank, the question stops being whether it will leak and becomes when. How often do you go into the furnace room or basement where the tank sits? Arriving home to a flooded floor costs more in repairs and renovation than replacing the tank ahead of time.
Payment plans are available at payment plans, and the work is backed by the AIC Guarantees.
Why homeowners still choose a tank
You are on a budget
The job of a water heating system is to provide warm water on demand to your taps and plumbing equipment. Without one you would be heating water by hand for bathing and washing. If you are replacing your current unit with something budget-friendly, a tank system is less complicated than a tankless model, which usually means less expensive maintenance and repairs when something goes wrong.
Bigger size, bigger space
Many homeowners still prefer a storage water heater as their primary water heating source. It holds a large volume of heated water, and it can send hot water to several usage sites at once: the basin, the kitchen, the bathtub and the shower tap.
Consistent hot water supply
Storage tanks can make for a more comfortable shower. Mains pressure systems produce good water pressure while delivering hot water at a steady temperature.
Types of hot water tank
Storage water heaters are relatively simple to set up. They do not need to be installed at the exact spot where the hot water is used, so the installation location is flexible.
Conventional, direct vent
A hot water tank burns fuel, and the heat from combustion at the bottom of the tank heats the water. They come in different sizes, commonly 40 to 75 gallons, depending on how much hot water you need. It is low cost, but it is not especially energy efficient: it keeps the water in the tank at the temperature it was set to, even when you are not using hot water.
This goes in a spot with access to exhaust piping or a chimney so combustion gases leave the house. No extra power is needed to move the exhaust, because heated air rises through a vertical vent on its own.
Power vented
It works exactly the same way as a conventional hot water tank, and the only difference is the venting. It is a good option when the tank has to go in a location with no access to a vertical vent or chimney.
A power vent water heater uses a blower to help push exhaust gases out of the water heater.
Heat pump water heater
A heat pump water heater uses electricity to draw heat in from its surroundings and move that heat into the water, rather than heating the water directly. It works the same way as the heat pump used with a forced air system to warm or cool the air in a house.
They suit a space that is properly ventilated and not chilly, because the less heat the area has, the less efficient they become. These units cost more up front and can cost less to run over time, particularly when they are placed well in the home.
Comparing a tank with a tankless unit
A tank stores hot water
It holds a reservoir and reheats it, so several fixtures can draw at once until the tank runs down. Lower up-front cost, simpler to service, and it keeps the stored water warm whether you are using it or not.
A tankless unit heats on demand
It heats water as it flows through, so there is no stored reservoir to run out or to leak. It costs more up front and has different venting and gas supply requirements. Read more on the tankless water heater page.
Not sure which you have, or which one your house can take? Book the free in-home assessment and we will size it against your actual hot water use. See also water heater services and water heater repair.
The questions people actually ask
What are common signs of a damaged hot water tank?
Common signs include rust on the tank, noises when the unit is on, water in the collection pan under the tank, and rust in your hot water.
When should I consider hot water tank replacement?
Many hot water tank brands have an 8 to 10 year tank warranty. If your tank is old or out of warranty, replacement before a leak can help avoid basement or furnace-room flooding and renovation costs.
How does a conventional hot water tank work?
Water enters from the main supply, the burner or element heats the water, hot water rises to the top of the tank, and hot water exits from the top when demanded by fixtures such as a shower or dishwasher.
What types of hot water tanks are covered?
This page covers conventional direct vent hot water tanks, power vented hot water tanks, and heat pump hot water heaters.
Why do homeowners still choose storage water heaters?
Storage water heaters are familiar, budget-friendly, relatively simple to install, and can provide hot water to multiple usage sites such as the bathroom, kitchen, bathtub and shower tap.
Tell us what the tank is doing
Let us know how we can help with hot water tank service, repair, maintenance or replacement. For no hot water or water escaping, call 587-792-1456 instead, (587) 792-1456.
What our customers say
Terrence and James arrived promptly to replace our very old furnace. They were very knowledgeable about the product and installation process. They worked diligently and professionally and answered all of the questions we had. They left the furnace room as clean as they found. We highly recommend them. Thank you to both of you
Jan Peterson
I normally would hesitate to write a review but I thought I should for this company. Carla and her team are great to work with. I had a split ac installed on my apartment unit and no other company are willing to do the approval process and provide the detailed pricing and the exact specs. The service delivered is prompt and professional, with no hidden cost. I am glad that I’ve chosen Alberta Indoor Comfort. Thank you!
May Ngu
Alberta Indoor Comfort replaced my old furnace several years ago. They were fast and efficient with a one day install. I decided to order my A/C from them because of their good services and products. Their quote was exactly what I paid. They were on time to install the unit. No mess left behind. I am very happy with their products and service. I will continue to use their services in the future.
Bev De Paoli
Is your hot water tank up for replacement?
Book hot water tank repair, diagnosis, maintenance or replacement. The in-home assessment is free, and you get a written price before any work begins.