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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.

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.

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.

Changing your water softener salt is simple: just lift the lid on the brine tank and pour new salt directly into the tank—no need to remove old salt unless it’s hardened or formed a crust (called bridging). Use a high-quality softener salt and avoid overfilling; aim to keep it about half to three-quarters full.

Not a fan of hauling heavy bags? Our ProWater Softener Membership takes care of everything—we pick up, deliver, and even fill your tank for you. You’ll never have to worry about doing it yourself again.

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.

Sump pumps need annual maintenance. Like other appliances in your home, a sump pump should be maintained and serviced on a yearly basis. In some cases, more maintenance may be required. It is important to stay on top of sump pump maintenance in order to prevent a disaster. Oftentimes, homeowners will not notice that their sump pump isn’t working until it’s too late. Suddenly, when the sump pump is required, the homeowner discovers that it isn’t working as it should be. Many professional plumbing contractors provide Service Partner Plans that can help you properly maintain your appliances. An annual maintenance plan like this will ensure that your sump pump is always in top working condition.

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!  

Salt should be refilled every 1 to 3 months, depending on your water usage, tank size, and family size. In Edmonton, with our harder water, most households check their salt monthly—especially during peak use seasons like winter.

A good rule of thumb: if the tank is less than half full, it’s time to top it up. But if that feels like one more thing to remember, our ProWater Softener Salt Membership makes it easy—we track your needs and deliver salt on a regular schedule, so your softener is always ready to go.