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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.

There are several preventive measures you can take:

• Insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
• Keep your home’s thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even at night and when you’re away.
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold spells to keep water flowing.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

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.

In colder climates, water inside the pipes can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. This is especially common if the pipes are not properly insulated or if there are sudden drops in temperature.

In Edmonton, you can expect to pay approximately $3,000 – $7,000 for a new water heater to be installed. This estimate includes the price of a high quality hot water tank, as well as installation. Keep in mind, the cost to have a professional Edmonton plumbing services provider install a water heater in your home will depend on the complexity of the installation, and the hot water tank you choose to purchase. For a simple job in which one hot water tank is being replaced by a new tank of the same type, the labour costs will not be too high. However, if you are having a hot water heater installed in a new location or in a home that does not currently have one, you will be looking at a more difficult job and therefore a higher price.

The time it takes to repair a burst pipe can vary based on the location and severity of the break. A simple repair might take a few hours, while more complex situations could require several days. Water damage restoration, depending on the extent of the damage, can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It’s crucial to address water damage promptly to prevent mold growth and further structural issues.

Remember, in the event of a burst pipe, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize damage and ensure the safety of everyone in the home.

There are several common signs that your hot water tank may stop working. Consider calling a water heater services company to take a look at and repair or replace your unit if: 

1. Your unit is getting old. The average water heater will last 8 to 10 years. 
2. Your water smells or is discoloured. For example, if the water looks rusty the unit may be corroding. 
3. You hear loud noises coming from your hot water heater. Loud popping or crackling sounds can mean sediment has built up in the tank.
4. Your tank is leaking or you notice water around the water heater.
5. Your hot water tank no longer provides enough hot water.
6. The water pressure has gone down and is not sufficient.

On average, sump pumps last about 10 years. As with any other appliance in your home, a sump pump can become damaged and may need to be replaced as it gets older or experiences more use. Unfortunately, unlike other appliances, it isn’t always obvious when a sump pump has reached the end of its life. In fact, this isn’t usually detected until the sump pump should be working but fails to do its job. In order to prevent your sump pump from failing when you need it most, it’s important to contact a professional plumber nearby to provide sump pump services if you notice that there is no water in the sump pit when your pump is running, if you see rust, if there is a musty or dank odour in your basement, if you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump or if the pump is failing to run automatically.