Plumbing Archives

Water Heater Maintenance

Posted on December 1, 2021 - Plumbing Maintenance, Water Heater, Plumbing, Blog

Water heater manufacturers recommend yearly preventative maintenance to extend equipment life and minimize efficiency loss. Over time a water heater will start to collect sediment and other deposits in the bottom of the tank. This will all settle at the bottom of your tank and cause your heating element to work harder to heat the water.

Water Heater Maintenance Services

One of the services provided with a water heater maintenance from a professional service company is a water heater flush.

Flushing out the water heater will remove the sediment that has collected in the tank and help prevent additional damage.If the build up continues year after year, you can see sediment deposits from your faucets, or it could lead to loss of water pressure, a pipe burst, or the breakdown of the storage tank and water damage.

For tankless since there is nothing to flush it is even more critical to do a regular maintenance each year. Service companies will use a descaling solution to remove the build up inside the equipment.

In addition to the tank flush part of the water heater maintenance service this technician should also perform a temperature and pressure valve check of the equipment.

Need to schedule a water heater maintenance service? Click here to schedule service or learn more about our whole house program which includes your yearly water heater maintenance as part of the coverage.

When To Replace A Water Heater

Posted on November 11, 2021 - Plumbing Maintenance, Water Heater, Plumbing, Plumbing Repair, Blog

How do you know when it's time to replace the water heater in your home? Often times a water heater is ignored until it is no longer providing the hot water as needed. Here are a few signs it may be time to think about a replacement:

Water Leaks

If you notice dripping water from the storage tank or puddles around the tank you may have a leak. Sitting water can damage floors and walls so it is important to call a plumber to see if it can be repaired or should be replaced.

Equipment Age

The typical life expectancy of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years old. Many homeowners choose to replace a water heater as it nears the end of the useful life to avoid the increased risks of larger problems that occur as the water heater continues to age.

Lack Of Hot Water

The lack of hot water in your home could be attributed to many issues, a misadjusted thermostat, broken heating element, or an increase in hot water demand. If you are running out of hot water on a regular basis for normal daily tasks, it’s best to consult a professional service company on next steps.

Discolored Water

Brown or rust colored water from your faucets could be an indicator of corrosion or rust in your water heater. This can serve as a warning sign for an increased risk of potential leaks. The discoloration could also be from excessive sediment built up in the tank from irregular maintenance.

Unusual Noises

As a water heater ages you may notice increasing noise from the storage tank. This could be due to sediment build up over time. In any case, if you notice noise coming from your water heater, it may be time to have it inspected by a professional service company.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by sediment build up in the tank that could be causing damage to your pipes and restricting the flow of water.

Next Steps

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to have your water heater looked at by a service professional. It's often easier to address a small issue before it becomes a larger problem. Click here to schedule a free consultation for a water heater replacement. For a limited time, take $500 off any tankless water heater installation.

Signs it’s time to replace your toilet

Posted on August 30, 2021 - Plumbing, Blog

Unless you are planning a bathroom update or you have an issue, you probably don’t think twice about replacing your toilet. Just like the other fixtures in your home, eventually your toilet will need to be replaced. How do you know when it is time? Here are six signs it’s time to replace your toilet.

#1 You notice water: If you frequently find water around your toilet this could be more than a minor leak. You could have a crack in your tank. If it is operating properly and there is water around the bottom, you could have a crack in the bowl. A plumber can help you determine if this is something that can be repaired or replaced.

#2 Age of equipment: Even if your toilet is working properly, if it is a few decades old you may want to consider replacement. Older toilets are likely to use more water and could be driving up your water bill. Residential toilets sold after 1994 use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Advances like dual flush technology, which allow you to select a partial flush for liquid waste, helps to reduce your water use even further.

#3 It moves: Toilets should stay securely in place. If it is unsteady, it could indicate that you have a water damage to your floor and need to have it repaired.

#4 Too many repairs: If you called a plumber several times in recent years for repairs, it may be time to replace. It will likely save you money in the long run.

#5 Too many clogs: If you reach for your plumber’s friend too often, it may be time for an upgrade. Low flow toilets have come a long way… you won’t have to give up on water savings with an efficient toilet just to stop reaching for the plunger.

# 6 Surface damage: If you have a lot of scratches on your toilet from years of cleaning, you may want to consider replacing. Excessive scratches can make it more difficult to keep it clean.

Plumbing Repair Services

Whether you have an immediate need or are planning proactively to replace a faucet, toilet, garbage disposal or shower, Central Carolina can help.

Simply request your repair online today and someone will be in touch with you to confirm your appointment.

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