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You can’t run out of hot water with tankless water heaters – unless, of course, the power supply is off or goes out. However, a tankless water heater can have trouble keeping up with demand if too many things require hot water all at once. For example, if several appliances are operating at the same time (the dishwasher, the laundry machine, etc.), and you go to have a hot shower, you may find that your tankless unit isn’t capable of providing enough hot water. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you install a tankless water heater that has a large enough capacity to handle your demand for hot water.

The difference between a boiler and a hot water tank has to do with the way in which each uses the hot water that it produces.

Both boilers and hot water tanks take cool water, heat this water and then distribute it throughout a home via pipes. However, the water that is heated by a boiler is distributed throughout the home via pipes, radiators and radiant in-floor systems in order to heat it – to keep the rooms, floors, garage, etc. comfortable and warm.

On the other hand, a hot water tank heats water that is used for cooking and cleaning purposes – for showers, dishwashing, laundry, etc.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Canada cover “sudden and accidental” water damage, which includes burst pipes. However, the coverage might not extend to damage resulting from lack of maintenance or negligence. It’s essential to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.

Water softeners last about 10 to 20 years. The lifetime of your water softener will depend on several factors including the type of water softener and brand you buy, as well as the installation. Proper installation is important to ensure maximum effectiveness and lifetime. One of the many benefits of having a water softener installed in your home is that it will extend the lifetime of your other plumbing appliances. Hard water is tough on appliances like water heaters and laundry machines, as the minerals in the water wear away pipe sealants over time causing leaks and clogs. However, a water softener will remove excessive mineral content from all of the water, helping to protect your plumbing and appliances from unnecessary damage.

The amount of time it takes to get hot water from a new water heater depends on the size and type of hot water heater. A properly and professionally installed gas hot water heater will provide hot water most quickly. An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer. For an average 40-gallon electric heater it will take about 60 to 80 minutes and for an 80-gallon tank about 2 hours.

Not all plumbing issues require immediate attention. However, there are several common problems that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Issues that count as a plumbing emergency including burst pipes, frozen pipes, clogged toilets, leaky faucets, and no hot water. Although some of these issues can be addressed quickly by the homeowner, others may require the immediate attention of a qualified professional plumber. If you believe you have a plumbing emergency, there are several emergency plumbers in Edmonton that you can contact. When seeking emergency plumbing services, be sure to ask the plumber if you will be paying a premium price for their emergency services. Professional plumbing companies, like ProSolutions Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, will provide upfront pricing and will not charge premium emergency prices.

It can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,500 to get a water softener installed in your home. This estimate includes the price of the unit as well as installation. The total cost will range depending on several factors including the type of water softener you choose, the softener’s capacity, the size of your home and the difficulty of the installation. In order to avoid unnecessary costs down the road, it’s important that you have your water softener installed by an expert. Water softener installation in Edmonton is ideal, especially if you are constantly having to deal with soap scum and limescale buildup or you want to increase the longevity of your household appliances that use water.

Tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water systems on the market. In fact, tankless water heaters can be approximately 35% – 80% more efficient than traditional hot water tanks. 

Tankless hot water heaters can be powered by electricity or gas. However, gas-powered tankless heaters are more efficient. In addition to being more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters cost less to operate (up to 50% less than traditional hot water tanks) and last longer (up to double the lifetime).

The plumbing professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency tankless water heater:

• Noritz EZ111 (Gas Powered)

Please note: Although tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water system, they are not for everyone. Our guide to tankless water heaters can help you decide if a tankless heater is the best option for your home.