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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

You trust your plumbing system to function without problems or leaks. Unfortunately, leaking pipes are all too common. Here’s why and what you need to know when any of these common issues ends up causing a leak in your Mid-Atlantic-area home.

1. Poor Construction or Installation Techniques

Failure to compact the soil on your property before home construction began could lead to soil settling and foundation movement. This can cause pipes to crack or break, resulting in leaks that can worsen over time. Similarly, improper installation of major plumbing systems (like water heaters), as well as plumbing fixtures (like faucets), can mean loose, leaky connections.

Tip: Only hire licensed plumbers to install any plumbing systems or appliances in your home.

2. Frozen Pipes

If your pipes freeze and you don’t thaw them promptly, the frozen pipes could burst. This sometimes results in severe flooding and significant property damage.

Tip: Insulate your pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures. If your pipes freeze, thaw them with a blow dryer or similar device and call a plumber for further assistance.

3. Root Intrusion

The pipes leading into and out of your home are buried in the earth, leaving them susceptible to invasive tree roots. As hair-like roots make their way into your plumbing, pipe joints may separate or collapse and leak sewage into the soil.

Tip: Don’t plant trees directly over sewer lines, and call a plumber to inspect your pipes often for tree root intrusion. Also, know the signs of sewer line damage so you can contact a plumber for emergency sewer repair service whenever necessary.

4. Leaky Fixtures or Appliances

A leaking toilet base, damaged faucet, or cracked dishwasher hose could allow water to drip and soak into the floor. The leak may develop slowly and remain unnoticed until significant damage is done.

Tip: Try rocking your toilet to see if it wobbles around on its base. Also, check the hoses behind your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker for signs of wear and tear. Consider replacing standard rubber hoses with durable steel braided ones.

5. Pipe Corrosion That Occurs With Age

Plumbing systems in older homes have a higher risk of water leaks due to the wear and tear they typically experience over time. Copper and steel pipes are particularly prone to rust damage, which can weaken the metal and corrode the pipes, causing them to leak.

Tip: Have your pipes checked every few years for rust and signs of other damage.

6. Excess Water Pressure

If too much water forces its way through your pipes too quickly, the pressure can strain the joints. Eventually, they may weaken, crack, and leak.

Tip: Measure your water pressure. If it’s above 60 psi, hire a plumber to install a pressure reducing valve (PRV).

7. Damaged Pipe Seals or Joints

Most plumbing features have joints with curved corners. After years of use, these joints can loosen, or the seals can become damaged. When that happens, water can leak from the joints any time it flows through these pipes.

Tip: Treat your plumbing kindly—avoid blasting hot water from the tap or turning the water on and off abruptly to reduce wear and tear on pipe joints.

8. Untreated Clogs

A slow drain may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience, but pipe obstructions can cause deterioration. Whether the clog itself consists of corrosive substances or you attempt to clear the drain with chemical cleaners, the effect can be equally harmful, possibly resulting in damage and water leaks.

Tip: If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, call a plumber to clear your drains professionally and thoroughly.

Need Helping Finding & Fixing a Water Leak? Contact Len The Plumber!

No matter what type of water leak you’re dealing with, you can always rely on the expert plumbers at Len The Plumber for top-notch leak detection and leak repair services.

Call 800-950-4619 or contact Len The Plumber online now for leak detection and repair service at your Mid-Atlantic-area home!

We proudly offer service throughout Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Delaware, Philadelphia, and the Washington, D.C. area. And we proudly offer:

• Same day and emergency service at zero extra cost
• Upfront pricing so you’re never surprised about the cost
• Flexible financing options so you never have to put off the plumbing service you need
• First-class service and the highest-quality solutions from the area’s most trusted plumbers!

Check out our exceptional reviews to see why we’ve been a leading plumbing company in the Mid-Atlantic region for more than 20 years. Then, contact us to experience our excellence for yourself!

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

A proactive approach to equipment is always a smart idea. After all, it’s generally better and less costly to avoid any problems or serious issues before they have the chance to become a major headache. A heating repair service in Pittsburgh, PA, can assist you with staying on top of your upkeep and help your boiler stay in proper working order for years. However, there are steps you can take yourself that are also quite beneficial.

Clutter and Care

It’s easy to think of your boiler room as a junk drawer, but it’s not necessarily a wise habit to adopt. As you know, boilers generate a considerable amount of heat, and they need good airflow. It’s never a wise idea to have items blocking or congesting equipment, and this includes your boiler or any other heating equipment. Paints, rags, or other materials could pose the risk of fire as well. The general rule is to keep all such items and materials at least 3 feet away. This is true for boilers, heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves, as well.

Information

Your boiler should’ve come with a manual. Familiarize yourself with the basics for your boiler, so you know how to notice any odd behavior. When repairs are needed, there are almost always warning signs beforehand. A quick response could prevent any problems from becoming more severe, and it should enable you to avoid any interruptions. No one wants their boiler to be down for service during a snowstorm or in the midst of a polar vortex. Catching those early warnings is crucial.

Inspection

Regular inspections are immensely beneficial. Parts eventually become damaged or fatigued and need to be replaced. Filters get clogged, and units have to be cleaned. Having a professional inspect your boiler and other heating equipment allows the proper identification of any worn parts or other common issues. Typically, this enables a quick and effective remedy before something goes awry. This is a great way to keep your boiler working well and should aid you in avoiding any unforeseen difficulties.

Routine Maintenance

Neglecting your boiler is one of the worst things you can do. Maintenance goes hand-in-hand with caring for equipment. A boiler other heating equipment is usually inspected in the fall, but the routine maintenance schedule varies by make and model. A technician can review this for you and put together a maintenance plan. Some parts may need to be replaced after a certain period of time, while other components might be dependent upon use and need to be looked at more carefully. At a minimum, you should schedule annual maintenance.

Log and Schedule

Logs and schedules may sometimes seem a bit tedious, but they’re hugely helpful. Be sure to keep a maintenance log and schedule any routine maintenance or inspections in advance. This allows you to keep on top of things and review any notes if necessary. This probably doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but excitement isn’t something you need when it comes to your boiler. It simply needs to operate properly and reliably.

Contact Stahl Plumbing at 412-273-1000 to learn all about boiler maintenance, care, and inspection. There’s simply no substitute when it comes to professional heating repair service in Pittsburgh, PA.

The post The Importance of Timely Boiler Maintenance appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.