The Hidden Summer Risks To Your Water Heater

Most Calgary homeowners associate water heater maintenance with cold winter mornings, not warm summer afternoons. After all, when the sun is out and temperatures climb, who’s thinking about hot water?

But here’s the twist: summer brings its own set of risks for your water heater, and ignoring them could cost you big when winter returns.

Increased water usage, higher indoor humidity, and pressure fluctuations can all quietly strain your system. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the surprising ways summer affects your water heater, the signs of trouble, and why now is the best time to act.

Summer Doesn’t Give Your Water Heater a Break

Sure, it’s hot outside, but that doesn’t mean your water heater is off the hook. In fact, during summer, many Calgary households use just as much hot water as they do in winter, sometimes more. Think about it:

• More frequent showers after outdoor activities
• Extra laundry from family trips or outdoor work
• Increased dishwashing after BBQs and gatherings
• Guests visiting for summer holidays

This means your water heater continues to work hard, often under the radar. If it hasn’t been serviced in a while, you’re running the risk of letting minor issues turn into major breakdowns.

Sediment Buildup Gets Worse With Warm Weather

Calgary’s water is known for being mineral-rich. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. This layer of sediment creates a barrier between the burner and the water, forcing the system to work harder to heat your water.

Increased summer usage means sediment builds up faster. The results?

• Reduced efficiency and longer heating times
• Noisy operation (crackling or rumbling sounds)
• Higher energy bills
• Shortened tank lifespan

If left unchecked, the sediment can even cause your tank to overheat or crack. A seasonal tank flush is a simple way to extend your heater’s life and restore performance.

Pressure Spikes Can Damage Your Tank

Your water heater heats water to high temperatures regardless of the weather. But during Calgary’s warmest months, surrounding heat can combine with the tank’s internal temperature to increase pressure inside the unit.

If your temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is faulty or aging, it may fail to release excess pressure. This puts your tank and plumbing at risk for:

• Leaks and hairline cracks
• Decreased safety performance
• Sudden loss of function

Testing the T&P valve during summer is a crucial part of seasonal maintenance. A small check now can prevent a catastrophic failure later.

Humidity And Leaks Can Lead To Mould

Calgary summers can be surprisingly humid, especially in basements and utility rooms, where water heaters are often located. If your unit is sweating (condensation), slowly leaking, or sitting in a poorly ventilated space, moisture may accumulate unnoticed.

This creates the perfect environment for:

• Mould and mildew growth
• Corrosion around fittings and pipes
• Musty odours in the home
• Structural damage to walls or floors

By scheduling a summer inspection, you’ll catch leaks before they escalate and reduce the risk of mould or water damage.

Why Summer Is The Ideal Time For Maintenance

Most homeowners wait until something breaks to call a plumber. But preventative maintenance is far less costly, and summer is the perfect time for it.

You’ll benefit from:

• Easier booking (less emergency demand)
• Better access to exterior vents and plumbing
• Time to replace failing components before winter stress

A professional water heater service in Calgary typically includes:

• Sediment flushing
• Anode rod inspection and replacement
• T&P valve testing
• Thermostat check and adjustment
• Leak detection and pressure testing

It’s a quick, affordable service that protects your home and gives you peace of mind year-round.

Red Flags: Is Your Water Heater Already In Trouble?

Don’t ignore the early warning signs. Your water heater could be struggling already if you notice:

• Inconsistent water temperatures
• Rusty or discoloured water
• Banging, knocking, or rumbling noises
• Water is pooling at the base of the tank
• Pilot light frequently goes out

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to contact an affordable plumber in Calgary before a full replacement becomes necessary.

Regular Service Helps You Save More Than Just Water

It’s easy to think of water heater maintenance as just another household chore. But in reality, keeping your system in peak condition has bigger implications, especially during Calgary’s summer season.

A poorly maintained water heater doesn’t just affect your comfort. It can waste hundreds of litres of water each month through leaks, require more energy to operate efficiently, and place stress on your home’s plumbing system. These small inefficiencies add up fast, both financially and environmentally.

According to Natural Resources Canada, domestic water heaters consume about 20% of a home’s energy, comparable to the combined energy use of all lights and appliances. This significant consumption underscores the importance of maintaining your water heater to ensure energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.

Book Your Summer Service Before It’s Too Late

Summer isn’t a break for your water heater. If anything, it’s an opportunity. Preventive maintenance now will save you money, prevent mid-winter emergencies, and keep your system running at peak performance.

Don’t wait for cold weather to remind you that your water heater needs attention. A quick call today can prevent an expensive repair tomorrow and can extend the lifespan of your water heater.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is Calgary’s trusted provider of residential plumbing solutions, offering expert service for garburator installations, clogged drains, faucet repairs, and water heater maintenance. Our licensed plumbers deliver fast, reliable service without the gimmicks. We don’t offer free quotes, but we do offer results you can rely on.

Need your water heater serviced before fall? Contact us today.