A reliable water heater is something most of us take for granted—until the morning we step into an ice-cold shower. With Saskatoon’s hard water and long winters, water heaters work harder than ever. Knowing the warning signs early can save you from surprise breakdowns and costly damage.
Here are the top 5 signs it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.
1. Your Hot Water Runs Out Too Quickly
If you used to enjoy long showers but now the hot water disappears after a few minutes, your tank may have a buildup of sediment. Saskatoon’s hard water leaves mineral deposits that reduce efficiency and tank capacity.
Solution: Flushing the tank may help if the unit isn’t too old. If it’s over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better investment.
2. Rusty or Discoloured Water
Turn on the hot tap—if the water runs rusty, cloudy, or discoloured, that’s often a sign of corrosion inside the tank. Once rust sets in, leaks aren’t far behind.
Tip: If only your hot water is rusty, it’s likely the tank (not your pipes).
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Tank
Popping, banging, or rumbling noises mean sediment has hardened at the bottom of the tank. This forces your heater to work harder, raising your energy bills and shortening its lifespan.
Local factor: Saskatoon’s mineral-heavy water makes this problem especially common.
4. Water Around the Base of the Tank
Even a small puddle under your heater is a red flag. Leaks rarely fix themselves and can quickly lead to water damage or basement flooding.
5. Your Unit Is 10+ Years Old
Most conventional water heaters last about a decade, sometimes longer, with regular maintenance. If yours is older and showing any of the signs above, replacement will save you money and stress in the long run.
What to Do Next
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait until you’re left with cold showers in the middle of winter.
👉 Call Perfection Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Ltd. at 306-652-9556 (Eastside) or 306-652-6755 (Westside). We’ll inspect your unit, give you an upfront price, and recommend the best repair or replacement options for your home.
Why Choose Us?
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Serving Saskatoon since 1996
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A+ BBB rating and hundreds of 5-star reviews
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Upfront pricing—no hourly surprises
- Best guarantees in Saskatoon
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Fast replacement with old-tank haul-away
Ready to get your hot water back?
Book a Service Online or give us a call today.