It's 6:15 a.m. You're half-awake, standing in a freezing shower, and your hot water tank decided to take a personal day. Before you panic (or call the first "24-hour emergency service" on Google), take five minutes to run through this checklist. You might save yourself a service call — or at least sound like a genius when the tech shows up.
Check the Obvious Stuff
Breakers and Power
If you have an electric hot water tank, start at your breaker panel.
Find the double-pole breaker labeled "Water Heater" and make sure it hasn't tripped. Flip it off and back on to reset.
Still nothing? Move on to the high-limit switch under the upper access panel — there's a red reset button that trips when the tank overheats. Press it once firmly (no hulk strength needed).
Gas Supply
For gas tanks, check that your gas valve is in the ON position and that other gas appliances (like your furnace or stove) are still working. If not — you might be dealing with a gas supply interruption, not a tank issue.
Pilot Light or Igniter Check
If your tank has a pilot, look through the little glass window near the bottom.
Steady Blue Flame
If you see a steady blue flame, you're good there.
Flame is Out
If it's out, follow the lighting instructions on the sticker (yes, they're there for a reason).
Modern tanks often have spark igniters instead of open pilots — in that case, you'll hear clicks but no flame if it's not lighting.
Still no flame after a few tries? Stop. You might have a bad thermocouple or gas valve both are pro-level repairs.
Temperature Settings Matter
It sounds too simple, but if you recently had plumbing work done or guests over, someone might've turned the temp down.
Most Calgary homeowners should keep their tanks around 120°F (49°C) — hot enough to sanitize but safe against scalding.
Listen for Clues
If your tank is rumbling, hissing, or popping, it's not haunted — it's full of sediment. Calgary's hard water leaves mineral buildup inside your tank that settles over time. That crust insulates the heating element (electric) or burner (gas), meaning the tank is burning energy but not heating water.
Flushing your tank once a year helps — or you'll eventually hear a loud bang before it leaks.
For Gas Tanks — Check the Vent and Combustion Air
In Calgary winters, snow and ice buildup on exterior vent pipes can choke off combustion air.
If you have a power-vented or direct-vent model, inspect the two white PVC pipes outside:
- Intake (brings air in)
- Exhaust (blows gases out)
If they're covered with frost, do not pour hot water on them — it will flow back into the tank's inducer housing and destroy it!
Instead, brush snow away gently and let them thaw naturally.
No Hot Water? Here's What to Check Before You Call a Plumber