Conventional tank water heaters are among the most reliable home appliances you can own — but only when they are properly cared for. Without regular maintenance, even a quality unit will underperform and fail well before its expected lifespan. Here is what happens inside a neglected tank over time:

Sediment Buildup Reduces Efficiency and Causes Damage

Ontario's water supply carries dissolved minerals — primarily calcium and magnesium — that settle at the bottom of your tank as sediment over time. This layer of buildup acts as an insulating barrier between the burner and the water above it, forcing the unit to work harder and longer to reach your set temperature. The result is higher energy bills, reduced hot water output, and the characteristic rumbling or popping sounds that many homeowners learn to ignore but should not. Over time, excessive sediment can cause the tank lining to overheat, accelerating corrosion from the inside and cutting years off the unit's life.

A Depleted Anode Rod Leads to Internal Corrosion

The anode rod is the unsung hero of your water heater. This magnesium or aluminum rod runs through the interior of the tank and attracts corrosive elements in the water, sacrificing itself so the tank walls are protected. Once it is fully depleted — which typically takes 3 to 5 years depending on water quality — there is nothing left to protect the tank. Rust and corrosion begin attacking the interior lining, leading to discoloured water, leaks, and ultimately a tank that needs full replacement far sooner than it should.

Undetected Component Wear Leads to Sudden Failures

Thermostats, heating elements, gas valves, igniters, and pressure relief valves all degrade gradually over time. Without periodic inspection, there is no way to know when a component is nearing failure — until it stops working entirely, usually at the least convenient moment. Annual maintenance catches these issues early, when they are still inexpensive to address.

Safety Risks Go Unchecked

The T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve is a critical safety device that prevents dangerous pressure buildup inside the tank. If it fails and goes untested, the consequences can be serious. Annual maintenance includes a T&P valve test as a non-negotiable safety check — giving you confidence that this protection is working as it should.

Our annual maintenance visit is a comprehensive service call — not a quick check of the obvious. Here is exactly what our licensed technician covers:

Service inclusions may vary slightly by unit type (gas vs. electric) and model. Your technician will confirm all applicable services at the time of your visit.

It is tempting to skip annual maintenance when everything seems to be working fine. But the costs of neglect tend to show up all at once — in the form of an emergency repair bill or a premature replacement. Here is how a maintenance plan compares to going without one:

When you factor in the cost of a single emergency repair call — which can range from $150 to $450 — the value of a maintenance plan becomes clear. Prevention is always less expensive than the cure.

A conventional tank water heater that receives no maintenance typically lasts 10 to 12 years before requiring replacement. With proper annual care, the same unit can comfortably reach 13 to 15 years or beyond. Here is what that means in practical terms:

• Every additional year of reliable service from a well-maintained unit is a year you are not spending $700 to $1,950 on a replacement
• A properly flushed tank maintains its rated energy efficiency — meaning you pay less on your gas or electricity bill every month
• Timely anode rod replacement prevents internal corrosion that, once started, cannot be reversed
• Catching a failing component during a scheduled visit is a $100 to $200 fix — the same component failing at 2 AM on a Sunday is a $300 to $500 emergency call
• Annual maintenance keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid — many warranties require documented proof of regular servicing

Many parts of Ontario — particularly the GTA, Hamilton, and surrounding regions — have notably hard water. Hard water contains elevated levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium, which accelerate sediment buildup inside your water heater and hasten anode rod depletion.

In hard water areas, a tank that might last 5 years between flushes in other regions may accumulate significant sediment in just 1 to 2 years. This makes annual maintenance not just beneficial but essential for preserving your unit's efficiency and longevity. Our technicians are well-versed in Ontario's water quality conditions and will advise you on whether more frequent servicing or additional water treatment measures — such as a water softener — would benefit your home.

Our annual maintenance visits are designed to be efficient, thorough, and completely stress-free for you. Here is what to expect from start to finish:

1. Scheduling — We contact you ahead of your annual service date to book a time that is convenient for you. No chasing appointments — we manage the schedule on your behalf.
2. Arrival — A licensed Constant Home Comfort technician arrives at your home, introduces themselves, and confirms the work to be completed.
3. Inspection — The technician performs a thorough visual and functional inspection of the entire unit — tank, connections, thermostat, burner or heating elements, venting (gas units), and all safety components.
4. Tank flush — The tank is drained and flushed to remove accumulated sediment, restoring heating efficiency and reducing noise.
5. Anode rod check — The anode rod is inspected and replaced if it has depleted to the point where it can no longer protect the tank.
6. Safety test — The T&P relief valve is tested to confirm it is operating correctly and safely.
7. Findings report — The technician walks you through any observations, flags components that are showing wear, and advises on anything to monitor before the next annual visit.
8. Clean and done — The technician cleans up the work area and confirms the unit is operating correctly before leaving.

Our maintenance plan is a strong fit for the following homeowners:

• You recently purchased a new conventional tank water heater and want to protect your investment from day one
• Your existing unit is 3 to 8 years old and you want to extend its service life as long as possible
• You prefer predictable, manageable service costs rather than the risk of unexpected emergency bills
• You live in a hard water area of Ontario where sediment and anode rod depletion are accelerated
• You want to keep your manufacturer's warranty valid with documented annual servicing
• You simply want the peace of mind of knowing a professional is checking your unit every year — and that small issues will be caught before they become costly ones

For even more comprehensive coverage, consider pairing your maintenance plan with a Water Heater Protection Plan. While a maintenance plan focuses on prevention — keeping the unit running efficiently and catching wear before it becomes failure — a protection plan provides coverage for unexpected repairs and breakdowns that fall outside of routine maintenance.

Together, these two plans give you complete peace of mind: your unit is professionally maintained every year, and if something unexpected does go wrong, you are covered without a surprise bill. Ask your Constant Home Comfort advisor about combining both plans for the best value.

Enrolling in Constant Home Comfort's Water Heater Maintenance Plan takes just a few minutes. Call us and we will set up your first annual visit at a time that works for you. We serve Ontario homeowners across:

• Greater Toronto Area — Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Scarborough, Newmarket, Etobicoke, North York, Aurora, Thornhill, Stouffville, and surrounding communities
• Durham Region — Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering
• Hamilton and Burlington
• Ottawa and Kanata
• London and Waterloo Region
• Barrie and all of Ontario

Call 1-888-675-5907 anytime — 24/7 — to enroll or to ask any questions about what is covered. Our team is always ready to help.

How often should a conventional tank water heater be serviced?

Once a year is the standard recommendation for conventional tank water heaters. In hard water areas of Ontario, some homeowners benefit from a tank flush every 6 to 12 months. Our technician will advise on the right schedule for your specific unit and water conditions during your first visit.

Does the maintenance plan cover repair costs if something breaks?

The maintenance plan covers the cost of the annual service visit and routine maintenance tasks including the anode rod replacement when required. Repair costs for unexpected component failures are not included in the maintenance plan — but can be covered by pairing it with a Water Heater Protection Plan. Ask your advisor about combining both for full coverage.

How do I know if my anode rod needs replacing?

You likely would not know without a professional inspection — which is exactly why annual maintenance is so valuable. Signs that the anode rod may be depleted include discoloured or sulphur-smelling hot water, or rust-coloured water from the hot tap. Our technician checks the rod at every annual visit and replaces it when it has reached the end of its effective life.

Can I enroll in a maintenance plan for an older water heater?

Yes, in most cases. We can enroll units of various ages in our maintenance plan, though our technician will conduct an assessment first to confirm the unit is in a condition that warrants ongoing maintenance rather than replacement. If your unit is nearing the end of its useful life, we will give you an honest recommendation on whether a maintenance plan or a new unit is the better investment.

Will the maintenance plan keep my manufacturer's warranty valid?

Many water heater manufacturers require documented evidence of regular professional servicing to maintain the full warranty. Our maintenance plan visits are performed by licensed technicians and are fully documented, providing the service records your warranty may require. Check your specific warranty terms or ask your Constant Home Comfort advisor for guidance.

What is the difference between a maintenance plan and a protection plan?

A maintenance plan is preventive — it covers scheduled annual servicing to keep your unit running efficiently and catch issues early. A protection plan is reactive — it covers the cost of unexpected repairs and breakdowns that occur outside of routine maintenance. The two plans complement each other perfectly. Many of our Ontario customers choose to enroll in both for complete, worry-free coverage.