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Nobody wants to go through the trouble of replacing an old water heater. It’s a big project and costly, so homeowners will often settle for poor performance from an ancient water heater and high heating costs rather than take the step of calling a professional to install a new one.

But if you have an old water heater that can’t guarantee you hot showers and costs far more to run than it once did, it’s much better to say goodbye to it and have a fresh start with a reliable and energy-efficient new system.

The big question is “When is a water heater too old?” Let’s take a closer look at the answers. (Yes, there’s more than one.)

The Age When Failures Start to Set In

The first five years of a water heater’s service life should have zero repair problems, unless the unit has a factory fault, which the warranty will cover. The system must have regular maintenance throughout this period to keep the water heater in the best shape. Not maintaining the water heater will increase the chance of repair, and it will also void the warranty.

After the first five years, the chance of a malfunction starts to climb. At 12 years or more, 75% of water heaters will have needed repairs due to a failure. After 15 years is the point where we recommend you start paying close attention to the water heater’s performance in all aspects: cost to run, water temperature, volume of hot water, and any noises from the tank. After 20 years of service, it’s time for a new water heater—you’ve gotten a great return on the initial investment, and you’re ready to begin reaping the benefits of a new, higher efficiency system.

Finding Your Water Heater’s Age

You may not have installed your current water heater and aren’t sure how old it is. No worries, this isn’t difficult to find out. All water heaters come with a manufacturer’s rating plate on them with their stats. On some of these plates, you find a manufacture date listed. Easy. On other models, the manufacture date will be in the first four digits of the serial number as “month/year.” If you can’t determine the manufacture date from the serial number, you can decode it online. Go to the manufacturer’s website and put in the serial number and you’ll receive the manufacture date.

Warnings Signs Are Warning Signs, Regardless of Age

The age of the water heater is irrelevant if the unit is showing major signs it’s failing. If the water heater is still under warranty, call for repairs for it when you notice these troubles. Otherwise, you probably will need to call our plumbers to have a new one put in.

• A steep rise in the cost to run the water heater that hasn’t gone down from repairs.
• Hot water is unreliable and people are going without hot showers in the morning.
• There is a rusty discoloration in the hot water around the house.
• Corrosion appears along the tank.
• The tank is leaking from cracks.

When it comes to water heaters in Glendale, AZ, we’re the experts you can trust. It’s right in our name!

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale and the surrounding areas. Call us if you have any questions regarding replacing a water heater.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

At some point, nearly every homeowner will have a plumbing emergency. The good news is that when you’re prepared, the situation doesn’t have to get out of control. Getting professional plumbing repair service fast is always your best defense against water damage and other problems related to bad plumbing. Knowing when to call for 24-hour emergency plumbing in Pittsburgh, PA, and how to handle problems while you wait for help to arrive is crucial.

Whether you have an overflowing toilet, a soggy ceiling, or several inches of water on your floor, you need to know the right steps to take to protect your home. Keep reading to learn how to protect your home during a plumbing emergency.

Don’t Panic

The calmer you are, the better decisions you’ll make. In this post, you’ll learn the steps you need to take to handle all plumbing problems, but these suggestions never take the place of professional expertise. That’s why the #1 way to protect your home during a plumbing emergency is to know who to call. Have a number on hand to an emergency plumbing service near you.

Turn Off the Water

When water is spewing out of pipes or overflowing from sinks or toilets, you need to turn the water off as fast as possible. For sinks and toilets, look for the water shut-off valve near the fixture. Bigger emergencies will require that you shut the water off coming into the house. Do this by turning the main water valve clockwise. The main water valve can be found in the basement or utility room or wherever the main water line enters your home.

Open Faucets and Spigots

After turning the water off to your home, there could be water trapped in faucets and spigots. Plumbing professionals recommend that homeowners open the faucets and spigots to release any water being held in the pipes. Make sure to open outside spigots too.

Stop Small Leaks

While you wait for the plumber to arrive, you can temporary fix small leaks. This can be done using duct tape, plumber’s tape, or plumber’s putty. Most people don’t have plumber’s putty on hand, but it’s a great item to have in your emergency toolbox.

After the water has been turned off, dry the pipe and apply the tape. Don’t turn on the water again until the plumber arrives.

Keep the Area Clear

Some plumbing emergencies flood parts of the home. If you have a situation like this, keep the area clear. Don’t let pets, children, or other family members near the area. The water could be gray or black water and contain hazardous material.

Never hesitate to call for 24-hour emergency plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA. The sooner a plumber arrives, the faster you can get back to your day. For affordable plumbing service when you’re facing an emergency, call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

The post Things That You Should Do in a Plumbing Emergency appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

If you have a traditional tank-type water heater, you need to make sure the water heating setting is not set too high. When the water heater is set higher, you will notice that your energy bills increase because the water heater has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature setting.

Conversely, if you have your water heater turned down too low, you may run out of hot water much faster and not have enough for showers, running the dishwasher, and doing loads of laundry. Furthermore, at temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria and disease can start to grow in the water stored inside the tank, such as Legionella, a bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease.

What Temperature Setting Is Best?

An ideal setting to set the water heater to is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is not too hot that it could burn and scald your body and yet it is high enough to kill bacteria. This setting is well-suited for individuals, couples, and families with two children or less. Additionally, setting the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is considered an energy-efficient setting that could help reduce your water-heating energy costs.

How Can I Maintain That Temperature Setting?

There are several things you can do to ensure you have plenty of hot water without having to turn up the temperature setting. For every ten degrees you increase the setting, your water heating energy costs will increase between 3 and 5 percent.

One viable option is to have your water heater repair plumber install an insulation blanket around your water heater. Adding this insulation will reduce and prevent heat loss and help maintain the water at 120 degrees.

Another option is to avoid using multiple sources of hot water at the same time. For instance, you should not run the dishwasher, the washing machine, and the shower at the same time. Instead, stagger these activities to avoid running out of hot water.

Upgrading your showerhead to a water-conserving model is another way to help reduce how much hot water you use and to maintain the desired temperature setting. When brushing teeth and shaving, shut off the water between rinsing your teeth or fill the sink with hot water for shaving, rather than just leaving the faucet running.

What if My Hot Water Heater Isn’t Keeping the Water Hot?

One common problem with tank-type heaters is the heating elements can slowly start to fail. As they do, they are not as efficient at maintaining the desired hot water temperature setting. To keep your hot water heater operating efficiently and optimally, it is recommended to schedule an annual hot water maintenance service with your plumber.

Your plumber can flush the water heater to remove sediment, as well as inspect the heating elements to ensure they are working correctly. If your water heater is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, new water heater installation could also be beneficial.

When considering a new water heater, you may want to look at a tankless water heater. Tankless heaters provide on-demand hot water and can help save even more on water heating bills. Plus, you do not have to worry about running out of hot water since the heater constantly makes it while the hot water is turned on.

If a tankless heater is not right for your hot water needs, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger storage tank to meet your home’s hot water demands.

For further assistance in setting the temperature on your hot water heater, for water heater maintenance, for water heater repair, or for help selecting a new water heater for your home, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 today!

The post Water Heater Maintenance 101: What Temperature Is Best for a Hot Water Heater? appeared first on Met Plumbing.

Descaling your water heater is a maintenance task that helps your water heater work better for longer. The descaling process gets rid of hard water deposits and can prevent burner problems and corrosion. It’s a relatively easy task for homeowners to complete. Here is a quick overview of how to descale the average residential water heater: 

• Disconnect the power to the water heater
• Turn off all the water to the appliance
• Open all faucets in the house to release the water
• Drain the water heater using a garden hose
• Remove the heating element (Note: Not all water heaters have a heating element. Refer to your owner’s manual for the location of the component, if applicable)
• Avoid chemical cleaners except those recommended by your plumber
• Use a natural cleaning mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water 
• Use a scrub brush and the cleaning mixture to scour the inside of the tank
• Rinse the water heater by refilling it and then letting it drain again
• Rinse and repeat as often as needed until you don’t have any hard water particles present in the tank

Although descaling a water heater is something most homeowners can do, at Stahl Plumbing, we recommend professional water heater maintenance services. These services performed by our licensed plumbers ensure the job is done correctly and that there isn’t any damage done to your water heater. Water heater replacement isn’t cheap, and we don’t want you to have to endure this expense if it’s not necessary. 

Stahl Plumbing serves the metro Pittsburgh area and provides exception plumbing, heating, and cooling service. Our #1 priority is to make sure our customers’ plumbing and HVAC systems work well 24/7. To learn more about our services, our current specials, or to make an appointment, visit us online at https://www.stahlplumbingpittsburgh.com.

The post A Guide to Descaling Your Water Heater appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

You know what’s really cool? The fact that you can turn on one of your taps and BAM you’ve got fresh water! It’s basically magic! (Okay, it’s really not magic, and, in fact, taps were first introduced in the early-mid 1800s!)

See, you depend on your taps to keep your home healthy, hydrated, and clean, so when there’s suddenly no water, it can definitely be a cause for concern! If you’ve found yourself in this situation, here’s what we want you to do: call your local plumber and keep reading this blog!

Here’s What You Can Do

If your taps suddenly stop working, there are few steps you can take:

1. Check the other taps in your house

A single tap failing to work may be scary, but it doesn’t mean the water has shut down throughout the house. Before doing anything else, go to other taps and turn them on to see if they’re working. If only one tap is dry in the house, you may have a problem, like silt in the aerator. Check the stopcock for the individual faucet and make sure it isn’t closed.

2. Ask your neighbors if they’re having problems

If you haven’t visited your next-door neighbors recently, now is a great time to make new friends! Find out if they’re experiencing the same problem —  if they are, then you’re almost certainly dealing with a municipal water supply trouble. Call the water department to see what’s wrong and how long they expect the water stoppage to continue.

3. See if the water main is open

We recommend all homeowners know the location of the water main shut-off valve in case of flooding in the house. Usually, it’s located next to the water meter. If you don’t have any water in your home, see if the main is open or if it’s become stuck. The main may have shut if you have an emergency shut-off valve, which can trigger accidentally. Look at the control panel for the shutoff valve and find out if it’s activated. Make certain you don’t have a leak somewhere in the house before opening the valve again.

4. Call for professional plumbers

Of course, the best thing you can do when you notice your taps aren’t working properly is call a professional Apopka, FL plumber for help! Trust us, only a professional has the tools, training, and expertise to safely and correctly handle the complex needs of your system, the first time around. Your plumber will be able to locate the precise cause of the problem and fix it accordingly (and in as little time as possible!)

And yes, there may be plenty of amateurs willing to provide the “same” services for a fairly cheap price, but remember, sometimes an attempt to save money could end up costing you much more in the long run! See, when it comes to your plumbing system, you certainly do not want to take any risks!

Schedule your plumbing repairs with the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today! 

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

Here in New Jersey, it gets cold. We don’t have the same relationship with our heaters as people do in the south, since they can still survive with one that’s barely working. We need a powerful heating system that can keep our home warm and cozy through the many months of winter we deal with.

That’s why, for all you homeowners out there who are looking to either upgrade or replace your old heating system with a new one, we’d like to talk about two of the most powerful heaters in existence. These heaters are furnaces and boilers. If you’re worried about having a system that can keep the cold out of your home for a minimal cost, these pieces of equipment are built sturdy for just that task.

Avoid too many calls for heating repair in West Orange, NJ this year by upgrading to a heating system that fits your home. Keep reading to learn more!

Highest Power with the Lowest Cost

Before we talk about what heating system might be right for you, let’s talk about how furnaces and boilers work.

Boilers heat water that then gets cycled through your home in intricate piping systems. This can be in the form of baseboard radiators, pipes through your walls, or in-floor heating systems.

Furnaces burn fuel to heat air that then gets propelled with a fan through your air duct system into your home.

Boilers

• Boilers run slightly more efficient than furnaces in most cases. They use less fuel to heat your home because water is a better heat transfer material than air, so less work is involved in the heating process.
• Boilers are silent, since they don’t need to blow hot air. Aside from the sound of pipes expanding and contracting, it can be easy to forget that you’ve got a heating system at all when you’ve got a boiler.
• Boilers require less maintenance to keep functioning properly. They have fewer moving parts so there are fewer components degrading over time.
• Boilers exude radiant warmth which is different from the forced-air heat produced from a furnace. Radiant warmth travels through objects and can feel similar to rays of sunlight.

Furnaces

• Furnaces run less expensive than boilers to install.
• When a furnace leaks, it only leaks air (which can still be a problem. When a boiler leaks, it leaks water, which can be absolutely devastating to the interior of your home. Water leaks contribute to mold growth and structural damage.
• Furnaces don’t have a risk of freezing since they don’t use any water.
• Furnaces are the most common heater in the United States. This means that more technicians around the world know how to install, maintain, repair, and replace them. They’re easier to install and work with than boilers, which can be easygoing on the mind if you’re stressed out about finding the right service professional.

Basically, we hope you understand that both of these heating systems are powerful and reliable. Their cost, efficiency, and heating process might differ slightly, but they’re both equally effective enough to provide your home with the heat you need.

Contact the team today at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for a second opinion!

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

Every now and again, leaks can occur in the home. It can happen to even the most diligent homeowner. Thankfully, many of the most common leaks occur in relatively easy-to-reach areas such as below a sink or in the shower or toilet. These leaks are easy to spot and can often be fixed with a few ordinary household plumbing tools.

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A clogged drain, blocked toilet or backed-up sink can throw life out of gear in any household. Plumbing emergencies – or, as we at Adams and Son Plumbing call them, “plumergencies” – don’t issue a polite warning. While our October 9, 2019 blog post – “What to Do If You Need Emergency Plumbing Services” – covered the importance of calling a pro when the situation warrants, for most people, the trusty plunger is the first (and usually only) go-to DIY tool in busting plumbing clogs. But have you considered that you may not be using it properly? Or that you may not even have the right plunger for the job?

Using the right plunger to clear clogs

First, did you know that there are two different types of plungers? Toilet plungers – also known as flange plungers – have a deep suction cup, which is designed to get a good seal around a toilet drain. You can also use a bellow-type plunger to clear the toilet.

Sink plungers have a more shallow cup. The folks at Roto-Rooter point out that, in a pinch, a sink plunger can be used to break up a toilet clog, but it won’t do the job quite as easily or well. The same holds true in reverse for using a toilet plunger for a sink clog. And when you consider where the toilet plunger has been (unless it’s new), there’s even more reason to avoid using it in a sink – so it’s better to invest in one of each type.

How to use a plunger

Learning proper plunger technique is essential to getting the desired results. Firmly hold the handle of the plunger with both hands and slide the cup over the blocked drain hole. Whether using the plunger in a toilet or sink, be sure there is water surrounding the drain hole. There is no point in plunging a dry hole, because it is mostly ineffective. But when there is water in the line and around the plunger, it can effectively clear the clog because it creates a vacuum inside the drainpipe.

After sliding the cup of the plunger on the drain hole, thrust it up and down several times, and then pull it back with force from the drain. Your drain should clear in most cases, allowing proper drainage.

If your bathroom sink is clogged, plug the overflow hole – which is at the front of the sink – before you start plunging. If you don’t, the plunger won’t effectively seal the drain, and thereby clear the clog. You can use a washcloth to plug the overflow hole, or slide your finger over it. Follow the same procedure to plunge a double kitchen sink. It is not possible to successfully plunge one side of a double sink without sealing the other sink drain properly. You can seal the drain with a sink strainer or drain cover, and then begin plunging.

When to ditch the plunger and call a pro

If you are unable to clear the clog even after plunging several times, try an over-the-counter drain cleaner – follow label instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Using more than directed won’t break up the clog any better – in fact, it could damage your pipes. Also keep in mind that not all liquid drain cleaners are safe for use with septic systems, so if your home has one, be sure to check the label.

But should all DIY attempts to clear the clog fail, it’s time to call a pro. Adams and Son Plumbing is a family-owned business with over 50 years in plumbing service. A state-certified plumbing contractor, we have over three generations of master plumbing experience.

Contact us to learn more, and to schedule maintenance, as well as repairs of minor problems to prevent emergencies.

The post Have You Been Using a Plunger Wrong? appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Living in Arizona means we don’t have to deal with one of the biggest winter plumbing concerns: frozen pipes and burst pipes. But that doesn’t mean we get to escape all plumbing problems. Our homes can still experience flooding from busted plumbing and various other mishaps. There are three defenses you have against these flooding disasters:

• Preventive plumbing service to ensure the pipes and appliances are in good shape
• Knowing what to do in the event of flooding to stop damage ASAP
• Installing an automatic shut-off valve

We’ve often talked about the importance of the first. Today we’ll address the second, and that means knowing where the water main shut-off valve is. Once you know how to stop water from continuing to flood into your home, you can call for emergency plumbing in Glendale, AZ from our plumbers.

Locating the Shut-Off Valve

When water starts to spill from a broken pipe, do you know where to run to shut off the water? If you don’t, we’re going to help you.

The shut-off valve for the plumbing in your house is usually found on one side or the other of the water meter. In cold climates, the water meter is inside the house. Here in Arizona, it will either be on the outside of the house near a faucet or under a lid near the edge of the property, commonly where the property meets the sidewalk or the street.

The shut off valve will either be located on the residential side of the meter or the city side. If it’s on the residential side—the more common place to find it—it will have a simple yellow valve lever you can turn to shut off the water flow to the house. Turn the valve to a horizontal position to shut off water flow. For an older home, you may see a circular valve, which you turn clockwise to shut off the water.

If the shut-off valve is on the city side, it won’t have a handle and require a water key to turn it. If the water key isn’t hanging next to the valve, you can purchase one at a hardware store.

New Shut-Off Valve Installation and Emergency Shut-Off Valves

You have options to make turning off the water in an emergency easier. One is to contact our plumbers and arrange to have the shut-off lever installed inside the house so you can get to it quicker. The other option is to have an emergency automatic shut-off valve installed. This valve is a great way to protect your house from flooding damage when you are away from home. The valve detects a sudden drop in pressure in the plumbing system, indicating a massive leak, and then immediately shuts off water flow. Some automatic shut-off valves have water sensors placed on the floors around the house to determine when flooding is occurring. We recommend automatic shut-off valves for the best peace of mind.

Trust in The Trusted Plumber! We provide residential and commercial plumbing, water heaters, drain and sewer, and water treatment system services in Glendale and the surrounding areas.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Some plumbing problems are obvious. Issues like clogged toilets, slow drains, and broken water heaters are hard to ignore. Other plumbing problems, like leaks, can be much more elusive. They can develop out of sight, in walls, floors, and ceilings, persisting for some time—and causing damage—before they’re noticed.

To make sure you don’t overlook a leak, here are some common warning signs of water leaks in homes.

If you notice any of these signs you have a leak, contact Len The Plumber ASAP for expert leak detection and repair service!

1. Increase in Your Water Bill

Have your water bills suddenly spiked? If so, you could have a leak somewhere in your home. To make sure the spike isn’t due to a seasonal change, compare your current water bills to those from the same month last year.

2. Water Meter Continuously Ticking

Is your water meter continuously running even though you’re not using water in or outside of your home? This is another red flag that you could have a leak.

3. Mold & Mildew

Leaks often cause damp spots on floors, walls, and/or ceilings. These damp spots can give rise to mold and the musty odors that come with it. If you find that you have a musty smell around the home, regardless of how often you clean your home, you may have a leaking pipe.

4. Foundation Cracks

As your home settles over time, cracks can start to develop in various places. If, however, you begin to notice foundation cracks suddenly developing, you could have a leak. The water that continually seeps out of your pipes can weaken a home’s structural components, which can cause cracks in the foundation, walls, and other areas.

5. Wet Spots

Visually inspect the area near sinks, tubs, and toilets. Do you see wet spots? Or is the floor around these plumbing features discolored? If so, take it as a warning sign that you could have a leaking pipe.

Notice Warning Signs of Leaks? Contact Len The Plumber for Help!

At Len The Plumber, we’ve seen and fixed all types of leaks. That makes our plumbers experts when it comes to efficient leak detection and repair. Plus, we offer same day and emergency service at no extra cost, and we have flexible financing options (with approved credit).

Those are just some of the reasons why we’ve been a leading plumbing company in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Delaware, or the Philadelphia area for more than 20 years!

To schedule leak detection and repair service at your Mid-Atlantic-area home, simply call 800-950-4619 or contact Len The Plumber online now!

This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com