Several types of water tanks exist these days. Some of the most common include natural gas, electric, and propane. It’s important to know what type you use at home because different types require different repair methods.

If something breaks down, you can tell the repair specialist the type of unit in your home so that the experts can bring along the right tools. You can assist them further by writing down the model and serial number of your tank. This way, the chances of a mix-up will be minimized and the repair technician can complete the work quickly. This coding information is also needed in case your model is under warranty or you want the exact model as a replacement under warranty or otherwise.

Understand How to Turn off the Water

Whenever you encounter an issue with hot water tanks, always turn off the water first. Every model is different, so, you need to practice in advance. This prepares you for emergency scenarios such as a leaking water heater or the presence of gas. Most shut-off valves are located near the water heater.

Consider keeping the necessary specialized tools near this shut-off valve. So, when you’re short on time and something drastic happens, you’ll know exactly where to look and don’t have to second-guess your actions.

Identify Warning Signs of a Failing Hot Water Tank

Like all household appliances, hot water tanks are not designed to last forever. No matter what you do in terms of maintenance, there’s going to be a time when you have to say goodbye and get a new unit. Most units last an average of 10 years.

Other than age, some clear warning signs indicating your tank is failing include rusty water and rumbling noises. Signs of rust usually indicate the tank is rusting from the inside. You should act fast to prevent any harm to your family.

Over time, water begins to harden in your tank and turns into sediment. This sediment then causes your tank to make loud noises. Not only does this mean your tank is not working as efficiently as it should, but it may cause severe damage to the internal components of your tank.

If you have done all you can to keep your hot water tanks in good condition and they still need repair, talk to a repair specialist. Let them inspect your unit to see if it can be salvaged or if a new tank is the best option for your household.

Pipes can last for a long time, depending on their composition. For instance, brass can work for up to 40 years while copper can serve you for more than 70 years. It’s a long time, but nothing really lasts forever. You will have to replace your bathroom plumbing at least once in your life. Just the constant use of water for baths, showers, and toilet flushes can eventually wear down the pipes. The age of your pipes therefore becomes a concern. But, most often the gunk from beauty products, soaps, lotions and pastes impedes your bathroom drainage. If gunk doesn’t block the pipes, some of the chemical-laden solutions can gnaw away at them.

The reasons for re-plumbing your bathroom can vary. Regardless, it is first important to learn and notice the signs that portend pipe replacement.

Glaring Water Problems

Leaks and drips shouldn’t be ignored. These are obvious signs that your pipes suffer some problems. For instance, water dribbling out around the sink tap or other fixtures means the hardware lacks proper sealing. The same goes for water pooling around the tub when in use.

Slow draining water also spells trouble. It means that the drain is being blocked. You can use a plunger to deal with it, but if the clog persists even after you and your plumber. in Saskatoon have tried other options, pipe replacement might be the answer.

Low Water Volume

Water should be coming out “full blast” from your shower. Otherwise, corrosion might be damaging the pipes. This is common in galvanized steel pipes when they start to corrode and degrade. Their decreased diameter lowers the water volume. Aside from the shower, your sink, tub, and toilet can suffer the same syndrome. Again, a pipe replacement may be the only solution.

Poor Water Quality

The smell of your water can say a lot about the condition of the pipes. A foul scent can mean that the water heater is collecting “sacrificial anodes,” which pertain to the steel cores wrapped in zinc, aluminum, or magnesium. These anodes attract bacterial and corrosive elements. Though these elements don’t enter the pipes, the anodes can wear out over time, resulting in rusty, smelly water.

The bathroom is one of the most crucial parts of your home. It meets your basic needs while serving as a relaxing, refreshing place for you and your family. If plumbing in the bathroom fails, it can significantly affect your living condition. Once you spot any problems, don’t ignore them. Call your trusted plumber immediately.

Mike and Crystal Green couldn’t have picked a worse time to look for a new home. In mid-February, Mike was offered a promotion to be a regional sales manager at a computer security company. The catch was the couple would need to relocate 

The Greens accepted an offer on their home two days after it went on the market in early March. But by then, the Greens didn’t feel safe flying to check out houses given the coronavirus pandemic. The government was urging workers to stay home if possible and practice social distancing when out in public to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

That wound up working in their favour. The Greens went online and took a virtual tour of a home they liked. It was in a new development. They were able to choose custom details via Zoom and email—and got a discount on their new home

If they closed in March, and the builder would throw in a free Whirlpool refrigerator, washer, and dryer as well.

The Greens have plenty of company on the receiving end of a wave of aggressive incentives for buyers of new construction. With a global health crisis raging and the ensuing financial fallout with many workers laid off,  homebuilders around North America are offering discounts, throwing in freebies, and covering closing costs to attract buyers and close deals.

They had to do something. Tours of new-homes have dropped and more potential buyers deciding to put off their new home searches until things truly settle.

CMHC

2020 summer edition of the Housing Market Outlook report provides forecasts for Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. It builds on the Spring 2020 edition that focused on housing market activity for Canada and the provinces.

These reports give high and low range projections on new construction, home sales, house prices and rental market activity.

Housing forecast overview for Canada’s major urban centres

Read the full CMHC report here 

Buyers may also get deals on custom homes

While deals on newly constructed homes abound, buyers can also shop around for discounted lots where they can have their dream homes built.