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.
Installing a water softener doesn’t take too long when a professional technician is completing the installation. As long as no unforeseen setbacks or problems are encountered, a professional plumber should be able to install a water softener in about two to three hours. Choosing to have your water softener installed by an expert is a good idea, as this will ensure that it is installed and working properly, helping to prevent problems down the road. In addition, water softeners are available in various makes and models and an experienced technician can help you find the best system for your home and your family.
In Edmonton, most hot water tanks last 8–12 years. If yours is:
Taking too long to reheat
Making rumbling or popping sounds
Running out of hot water faster
Leaking
Over 10 years old
It may be time to upgrade before it fails!
Want to learn more? Book your free home estimate with our Home Comfort Advisor to talk about replacing your tank. They’ll walk you through your options as well as ways you can increase the longevity of your hot water tank for the future.
Most standard hot water tanks take 30 to 60 minutes to fully reheat after being drained.
Here’s what affects that timing:
Tank size (40 vs 50 gallon)
Gas vs electric
Age of the unit
Sediment buildup
Incoming water temperature (hello, Alberta winters 👋)
If it’s taking longer than an hour to reheat, that’s often a sign something isn’t working properly. If you’re trying to decide on whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a whole new tank, reach out to our friendly customer care team! They can send one of our Technical Home Advisors out to help you make the best decision for your home.
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.
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:
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.
ProSolutions Inc. understands the urgency of a burst pipe situation. We offer priority service for such emergencies, ensuring that our expert technicians reach your location promptly to mitigate damage and start the repair process. Call ProSolutions Inc. at 780-809-9617 for immediate assistance.
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.
ProSolutions Inc. stands out due to our commitment to fast and reliable service, especially in emergencies like burst pipes. With over 30 years of experience in Edmonton, our trained residential plumbers are equipped with advanced tools and technology to handle burst pipe repairs efficiently. Plus, our upfront pricing ensures no hidden costs, and our no overtime fee policy guarantees affordability even in emergencies.
There are several preventive measures you can take:
If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain.
To try this safe and easy method at home – first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling in the drain (this is caused by the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar). Once the bubbling stops, wait a few more minutes then pour some hot water down the drain. Repeat until the clog is cleared. Keep at it, it can take a long time.
With a heavy-duty clog, you might need something more powerful. In this case, try snaking the drain, plunging it or calling a local Edmonton drain cleaning company to get the job done.
ProSolutions no longer provides drain cleaning services, however we are happy to help if you decide to replace your fixtures!
Tankless water heaters have many benefits over traditional hot water tanks however, the truth is, a tankless water heater is not worth it for everyone. Any professional plumbing company can tell you that a tankless hot water system is best for homes that don’t often use large amounts of hot water. For example, if you often take baths in a large tub, or you have numerous high-volume shower heads in your shower, then an on-demand hot water system may not be worth it. On the other hand, a tankless hot water heater will save you money over time, you won’t run out of hot water and it will last much longer than a traditional hot water tank. Consult your local tankless water heater plumber and they can help you decide whether a tankless water heater is right for you.
