5 Factors To Consider When Installing A New Bathtub

September 14, 2016Bathroom Remodelingmatt

One of the most desirable and valuable plumbing fixtures during a typical bathroom remodel/renovation is the bathtub. Generally, bathtubs and showers are considered as must-have complementary fixtures in upscale bathroom remodels. While showers offer a fast and convenient bathing solution, bathtubs are designed for existential comfort and relaxation. Regardless of your preferred style and design, bathtubs add a luxurious touch to your bathroom. They offer a host of sensational benefits including enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom and ensuring soothing and meditative bathing experiences. In order to reap all these gains and more, you must choose the right bathtub for your bathroom. Choose wisely by considering the following factors.

Bathroom Layout And Size

The type and style of bathtub installed depends on the bathroom attributes. Considering the vast types of bathtubs on offer today, the bathroom size and layout will enable you to make an insightful choice. For instance, if your bathroom is small and you wish to maximize space, go for either the alcove tub/shower combination, or the drop-in or corner tub — under-mounts are floor-level (drop-in tub) installations. On the other hand, freestanding and claw-foot bathtubs will fit any favored space on the bathroom layout.

Additional Features And Accessories

Modern bathtub installations feature an array of luxurious design options and functional enhancements. Before acquiring a bathtub, consider any additional features that you might appreciate depending on your personal bathing needs and preferences. For example, a chromotherapeutic tub will contain underwater LED lights that change in color to match your mood. Some bathtubs have resonant speakers that play selected music; thereby sending skin-soothing underwater vibrations during a bath. Finally, whirlpool tubs are accessorized with multi-speed settings to control the vigor of their jets and bubbles, in-line heaters and bubble jets to warm the tub water and prevent heat loss, and foot massage jets on submerged footrests. Most tub models have a built-in digital touchpad for adjusting these features.

Installation Requirements And Certification

Some bathtubs, like walk-in tubs require extensive deployment preparations and specialized installation know-how. Also, bathtubs are inspected and approved for safety standards and quality assurance in accordance with various ADA rules and regulations. Ensure that a bathtub is properly tested and certified before buying it for a bathroom remodel. Consult a professional plumber or reputable tub vendor in your locality for advice on such matters. For example, if you reside in Washington DC, you can consult a well-established DC plumber for assistance regarding these issues.

Quality And Cost

Before buying a bathtub, conduct some research on the reputable manufacturers in your region. A quality bathtub should have a lengthy warranty covering its tub shell (physical surface and structure) and its operating system. You should also include an estimate cost for the bathtub in your overall bathroom remodel budget. To ensure a cost/quality balance, buy a bathtub that is both durable and affordable — in accordance to the projected expenditure.

Efficiency And Suitability

The filling and drainage time of a bathtub indicates its operational and functional efficiency. To save time and avoid chilly soak-ins, a bathtub should be fitted with fast-filling faucets that reduce water filling time. Additionally, the tub should have a pump-aided drainage operating system to boost its drainage speed. Finally, choose a model and style that suits your bath needs, such as a corner bathtub for double baths or dual bathing.

Why Should I Hire A Plumber?

September 13, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

There are a lot of reasons why you should hire a professional plumber to complete plumbing repairs for your home or business. While it is entirely possible to complete some minor plumbing repairs on your own, some repairs simply must be done by a licensed, certified plumbing professional. If plumbing repairs are not done properly, they can end up costing you more money or lead to more serious problems in the future.

What Types of Services Does A Plumber Provide?

A professional plumber can provide a variety of services for your home or business including repairing problems with drain and sewer lines, repairing or replacing leaking pipes and toilets, and installing and maintaining water heaters and water conditioning systems.

How Do I Choose The Right Plumber?

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing a plumber. So how do you choose the right one? You can search online to find a reputable plumbing company in the area where you live. It’s a good idea to ask friends and family for referrals too. Make sure the company you choose is licensed, insured, and has good reviews. It’s also helpful to find out if the company that you want to use offers a guarantee on their work. And finally, make sure the company offers prices that you can afford and that the company’s employees are willing to accommodate your schedule.

Be On The Lookout For Leaks

Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems. They can occur almost anywhere in your home. Water leaks are not only annoying, but they can also cause bigger problems and cost you money. For example, a faucet that leaks can waste up to three thousand gallons of water per year. And a running toilet leaks up to two hundred gallons of water per day. By repairing these small leaks around your home,you can conserve up to ten thousand gallons of water per year.

Water Damage

If water leaks are not repaired quickly and efficiently, they can lead to serious water damage. The most common causes of water damage around your home are roof leaks, toilets, sinks, ice-makers, and even your sump pump. If the water from your leak is clean and uncontaminated, like water from your faucet, it doesn’t pose any health risks. If the water you see leaking in your home is gray or black, however, it can be dangerous. The most hazardous types of water damage can result from sewer line backup or sump pump failure.

Don’t Let Things Go Down The Drain

Drain clogs are another common plumbing problem. The best way to avoid drain clogs in your kitchen is keep food waste out of the drain, unless it is small and safe for a garbage disposal. If you are unsure, it should be disposed of in the trash. Some food waste can be used for composting. Composting is an important process related to organic farming. Some types of food waste that can be used for composting are seeds, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, apple cores, potato peels, and nut shells.

I’m Looking For A Company That Provides Sewer Services

There are many companies that provide sewer services in the area where you live. The best way to find one is through an online search. For example if you live in Washington D.C. you can simply Google sewer services in DC to find what you are looking for.

Plumbing Maintenance Advice For New Homeowners

September 13, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Buying your first home can be exciting. But if you’re a new homeowner, there are some plumbing maintenance tips that will come in handy when it comes to maintaining your home.

Move Everything But The Plumbing

Sometimes when you move into a new home things aren’t exactly the way you want them. But if you are considering a home renovation, don’t move the plumbing without careful consideration to difficulty and price. A bathroom remodel can be costly. If you can remodel by installing new fixtures and not rearranging plumbing, you may save some money. If you do need plumbing systems and pipes moved, it is best to consult a professional plumber. This ensures your project is done right from the beginning, and that things are safe and up to code.

Rings Down The Drain

If your ring, or other small item, accidentally falls down the drain, you may not need to call a professional plumber. The bling is most likely caught in the P-Trap (the pipe underneath your sink). And you can retrieve it yourself fairly easily. Turn off the water and place a bucket under the sink. Then disconnect the pipe. Remove the pipe and retrieve your lost treasure and then put the pipe back together.

Housewarming

If you have a new home, you will probably have a lot of guests. Make sure your plumbing is prepared by checking for slow or clogged drains, leaky faucets, or slow-flushing toilets. And make sure the trash cans in all the bathrooms are empty so that nothing gets flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t!

How To Unclog A Toilet

Sometimes you can unclog a toilet without the help of a plumbing professional. First, turn off the water to the toilet. If the toilet is overflowing wait ten minutes for the water to go down. Then use a plunger, going back and forth between hard and gentle plunges. If the plunger doesn’t solve the problem, use a hand-held plumbing snake. If the plumbing snake fails too, then you should consult a licensed, certified, plumber in your area for help.

Weather Related Plumbing Issues

Snow, ice, and heavy rain can cause big problems in your new home. Melted ice from your roof and gutters can form puddles next to your house. This can cause unsightly and expensive damage to your home’s walls and flooring. During the winter months, remember to keep your gutters and downspouts clear. Your downspouts and gutters should be maintained twice a year or more often if you are experiencing issues with them.

Appliance And Water Heater Maintenance

You can replace any leaking hoses on your washing machine yourself fairly easily. But, when it comes to the shut-off valves and the supply pipes themselves, it may be best to call a professional plumber. If any other part of the washing machine is malfunctioning like the pump, the tub, or the door seals, you should consult a certified, licensed professional repair man. Likewise, if have a problem with your water heater you should consult a professional plumber as soon as you notice the issue. With water heaters, the sooner the better is the best way to treat the situation.

Basement Plumbing Basics

If there is water on your basement floor or if the walls are leaking, your sump pump or a leaking pipe may be the culprit. Consult a plumber right away.

New Home Maintenance Tasks

New homeowners might not be familiar with some of the simple plumbing maintenance tasks that should be performed on either a monthly or an annual basis. Once a month, it’s a good idea to do things like clean your dishwasher’s drain, inspect and clean your gutters (see above), change and inspect your heating and air conditioning filters, and run water and flush toilets in rarely used areas of your home. Once a year you should do the following: flush your water heater, caulk bathtubs and windows, test your sump pump, check your faucets and toilets for leaks, and make sure your pipes are properly insulated.

Ask The Right Questions

Whether you’re looking for DC commercial plumbing services or residential plumbing services, be sure to ask some questions when you call. Can they give estimates over the phone for your particular issue? Is the estimate free if they need to come out and see it?

What form of payment do they accept? Knowing the answers to these queries will get you on the right track to taking care of the problem.

Green Plumbing Tips

September 13, 2016Energy Efficiency, Plumbing Advicematt

Climate change is a major issue in our world today. So it is important to be as environmentally conscious as possible, especially when it comes to your plumbing because it can save you money. There are a lot of things that you can do to make your home greener, healthier, and more energy efficient. Here are just a few helpful tips.

Know Your Water Supply

It is helpful to know what kind of water supply you have in your home just in case there are issues. This will be beneficial if you ever need to consult a professional plumber, because knowing the type of water supply will let them know exactly what kind of service needs to be provided.

Filters And Filtration Systems

Chlorine filters can be installed on your shower head to reduce the level of the chlorine in your water. You can also install a whole house water filtration system, which not only makes the water cleaner and healthier but can also make your water heaters and plumbing fixtures last longer. Carbon filters can also be added to sinks, faucets, and shower heads to purify water for everyday use.

Install Water-Saving Faucets, Showers And Toilets

Installing water-saving (low-flow) faucets and showers can reduce water usage by as much as sixty percent. The average toilet uses twenty eight gallons of water per person per day. A water-saving (low-flow) toilet uses three to five times less water.

Faucet-Flow Reducers

Faucet flow reducers are easy to install on the end of your faucet where the water comes out. This simple addition can cut water waste by as much as forty percent. Protecting the planet by using less water will reward you with lower utility bills.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Installing energy efficient (or Energy-Star rated) appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers can reduce the water usage by up to fifty percent. Electricity and gas usage is also reduced for further savings on the environment, as well as your wallet.

Where Does Your Water Go?

Most of the water that’s used in your home is used for toilet flushing, clothes-washing, and gardening. But you can set up an efficient and inexpensive water collection system and use up to fifty-five percent less water. This water collection system can be as simple as a drum or a tray that’s placed outdoor wherever excess water can be collected. You can also place a tray on your roof to collect rainwater. But if you’re going to set up a water collection system, remember that it’s not safe to use this water as drinking water.

Dollars And Sense

Let’s talk dollars and cents. How much money will you save by making your home greener and more energy efficient? Following even just a few of these simple steps can save you and your family about four-hundred dollars a year. With that much savings making your home greener is not only easy, it just makes sense!

Plumbing Emergencies

But even green and energy efficient homes can sometimes experience plumbing emergencies. And a plumbing emergency can definitely put you in the red if you make the mistake of trying to repair it yourself. Always consult a certified, licensed plumbing professional in the event of a plumbing emergency. This will ensure that the problem is solved quickly, efficiently, and safely. If you need DC emergency plumbing services, simply go online, look in you local phone book or consult a friend or family member for a recommendation.

Understanding How The Plumbing Works In Your Home

September 12, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you’re a homeowner it’s a good idea to learn a few basics about how the plumbing works in your home. If you understand the basics of plumbing, you may be able to solve a lot of common household plumbing problems on your own, without having to consult a plumbing professional. The plumbing works a bit differently in every room in your home.

Bathroom Plumbing Basics

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your bathroom plumbing is working properly is to maintain your faucet. You should replace or repair any leaking faucets as quickly as possible. If you don’t do this it can cause even more damage over time as well as wasting a valuable resource: Water. A leaking faucet wastes the same amount of water that’s required to take 180 showers! You should also keep your faucets clean. Lime and sediment can block the opening of the faucet and causes low water pressure or leaks. The part of the faucet that causes this problem is called the aerator (the ring that connects to spray head of the faucet where the water comes out). You can clean this small but mighty part of your faucet very easily. But first, you have to remove it. To do this, you have to turn the aerator counterclockwise. You should be able to do this by hand. If you have any trouble use masking tape or pliers. Remove the spray head from the aerator. Clean it with vinegar and then put it back together.

Keeping your showerhead clean is just as important as maintaining your faucets. The process of cleaning a showerhead is very similar to the process of cleaning the aerator of your faucet. Take apart the showerhead with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Clean the holes in the showerhead using a piece of thin wire. Then rinse the showerhead with clean water, before putting it back together.

In addition to maintaining your faucet and shower head, it is also important to maintain your toilet. It is easy to check your toilet for leaks with just a few steps. The first step is to adjust the fill valve if there is water running into the overflow pipe. Next, test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color it means that the ball or flapper of the toilet is leaking and should be replaced. And finally, do not flush things that should be placed in the trash.

Kitchen Plumbing Basics

Many of the same principles of plumbing that apply to the bathroom are true for the kitchen as well. Like in the bathroom, it is important to clean your faucet and aerator (see above). Never put food waste down the drain, unless you have a garbage disposal. You should also never pour liquid grease, down the drain, disposal or not. It will solidify and clog up your pipes.

Basement Plumbing Basics

It is important to know where the water shut off valve is located in your home. In most homes the shutoff valve is located where the water supply pipe enters the house through the basement floor. This is helpful to know in case you ever have to turn this off. Check your water meter for leaks. You should do this while no water is being used. Look at the meter again ten hours later. If the meter has moved it indicates a leak somewhere in your home. And finally, you should have your septic tank cleaned and inspected every three to five years to prevent the need for costly repairs.

Laundry Room Plumbing Basics

The laundry room is yet another area in your home where plumbing issues can occur. Here are few things to remember about the plumbing in your laundry room to help avoid problems. First, you should only run your wash machine on a full load. Check your washing machine’s hoses for wear and tear. Any rubber hoses should be replaced with stainless steel ones because they’re and more resistant to leaks or cracks. Examine exposed pipes under the sink for leaks. Sometimes you should also pour a bucket of water down the sink to ensure that the drain is working properly.

Plumbing Emergencies

While the tips mentioned above can be helpful, remember that you should always consult a plumbing professional for emergency situations. If you live in the Washington D.C. area and have a plumbing emergency, you can search for a qualified DC emergency plumber online or ask a friend or family member for a trusted recommendation.

What Are Sewer Services?

September 12, 2016Plumbing Advicematt

If you own a home, there’s a good chance that you’ll need sewer services at some point. So it may be a good idea to become familiar with what the term actually refers to. Sewer services refer to any services related to the septic or sewer system in your home. Sewer services can be something as simple as a clogged drain, or as complicated as complete sewer line replacement. Many plumbing companies are now equipped with special cameras that can see problems in a sewer system by being tun thru the pipes, eliminating unnecessary digging.

Where Are You Mostly Likely To Need Sewer Services In Your Home?

But which rooms in your home commonly require sewer services? Sewer services can be required in a variety of places throughout your home including, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Since the water and sewer system also run outside your home, sewer services are sometimes required outdoors as well. Outdoor sewer services can include things like cracked or frozen outdoor pipes, problems with outdoor faucets or drains, and septic system problems.

Water Conservation Tips

It may not seem like it but conserving water can sometimes prevent plumbing problems from occurring in your home. And it’s easier than you might think to conserve water. For example, only use a small amount of laundry detergent or bleach when doing laundry, because the chemicals that these common household items contain can be harmful to the natural bacteria in septic systems. Another simple suggestion to conserve water is to ensure that your toilet is running efficiently. Did you know that a leaking toilet is not only unsanitary, but it can also increase your water usage by as much as forty percent? In order to keep your toilet running as efficiently as possible make sure that both your toilet’s flapper and the fill valve are working properly. You should also replace old shower heads and repair leaking faucets in your home. Replacing an old shower head with a new one can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute. A leaking faucet wastes eight gallons of water per day. So replacing it can save 3,000 gallons of water per year. Another easy way to conserve water and save energy in your home is to make sure that the temperature of your water heater should not exceed one-hundred and twenty degrees. If you have an older water, just make sure it’s set to medium.

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

There are different things that you can do to reduce the likelihood that you will need to call a plumbing professional. These time and money saving strategies can vary, depending on the time of year. In autumn, for example, you should disconnect outdoor water hoses to prevent pipes or hoses from freezing. And you should also seal air leaks around doors and windows. It’s a good idea to clear leaves from your gutters, too. And finally make sure that your sump pump is clean and in working order. During the winter months, keep your kitchen and bathroom drains clear. In spring it is important to maintain your toilets, faucets, and shower heads (see above). Empty the lint trap on your washing machine, too! And in everyone’s favorite season, summer, keep an eye out for toilet leaks. Check to make sure that the toilet is flushing properly. And never flush items that should go in the trash down the toilet!

How Do I Find Sewer Services in Washington DC?

A simple Google search is a good start. Just Google DC sewer services to find a qualified plumbing professional in your area. You can also ask your friends and family for a recommendation, too.

Professional Advice On What Not To Flush

September 12, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

The toilets in your home are very important. Without them, you would be in trouble! That is why it is imperative that you know exactly what you should not flush down the toilet. Many of these items will only cause problems in the future to your toilet and your sewer system. If you are questioning whether you should flush it, the answer is probably no. Here is a very large list of items that your professional plumber would suggest you not flush, in order to keep your sewer system happy and healthy. This can also save you a lot of money and visits from your local plumber.

Prescription Drugs And Cat Litter

Many people are not aware of this, but prescription drugs and cat litter are two of the most lethal objects that you could possibly flush down your toilet. Contact your local professional that offers sewer services in DC for help and advice if you have flushed either of these down the drain. Prescription drugs are never to be flushed because of all of the chemicals that are in them. They are not made to be in water and many times when they break down, the chemicals in them will cause your water to be contaminated. This can leak into someone else’ s water system as well and could end up killing people and animals.

Pet owners all over the world will throw used cat litter down their toilets and this is a huge problem! There are two major ingredients in cat litter that can instantly clog any type of drain and that is clay and sand. When cat litter has been used, it has many toxins and parasites in it that will contaminate your water supply. This is another reason why you should never flush it!

Dental Floss, Tampons, And Flushable Wipes

Even though many household and bathroom items say that they are flushable, they are not exactly good for your sewer system. Dental floss is one that many people think that they can just throw down the toilet. It is not biodegradable, so even if it doesn’t clog your toilet, it will be harmful to your water supply and to the environment. It can also get caught up in the pipes because it is easy to get tangled up. Tampons are another thing that many people think you can flush. The cotton that tampons are made of can create a clog because it does not biodegrade quickly. This is one of the main clog problems that plumbers see daily. The face and body wipes that are marked flushable may also cause a huge clog in your toilet. The wipes do not break down easily when they are in water, hence they can cause quite a clog.

If you have been flushing any of these items down the toilet, be sure that you stop immediately. There are many of these that can contaminate your water and make you very sick, and none of them are good for the health of your sewer or septic system.

The Lowdown On Commercial Plumbing Emergencies

September 9, 2016DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

Commercial plumbing is very important when it comes to a business, and having the best working plumbing possible for customers and employees reduces closings, lost revenues, and lost wages.. With commercial plumbing, there is quite a lot more that can go wrong, due to the increased number of fixtures and volume of use. Because retail, corporate, and commercial companies service so many people, plumbing should always be in the best condition possible.

When emergencies happen in your company, this could be a threat that makes you have to close down your company for a few days. This always looks bad for business, so it is important to know exactly what these emergencies are and how you can make sure that you don’t lose any clients because of the plumbing.

Sewer Backups And Gas Leaks

Two of the worst possible plumbing emergencies that your company can have are sewer backups and gas leaks. There are DC commercial plumbing services that can repair these problems as quickly as possible, and calling them sooner, rather than later, will help to eliminate long closings and shut downs. A sewer backup can be caused by many different problems and it is important that you look out for these, especially if you are running a very busy company. Simple clogs in the toilets can cause a sewer backup, so it is very important for you to keep an eye on the bathrooms at your office. Sewer backups can also be caused by the pipes breaking down and not functioning properly. If your company’s building is much older, this could be the reason for it. Have your pipes examined properly before you move into the building and get on a regular maintenance schedule in order to keep the sewer from backing up and reduce pipes becoming clogged.

Gas leaks are another problem that many companies see. Once again, if you are in an older building, it is important to have appliances and gas lines tested before you move in, and then regularly to ensure no new leaks have sprung up. If a gas leak is suspected, call a plumber immediately who employs master gas fitters and clear the area until they confirm it is safe.

The Broken Pipe Emergency

A final type of commercial plumbing emergency that your company may have to face is that of broken pipes. This can be caused by a myriad of things such as tree roots and corrosion. Older pipes seem to be much easier to burst and break than those that are new, of course, so again, it is important for commercial properties to be on a routine plumbing maintenance schedule. Many companies overlook these important check-ups, or don’t want to take the time or funds to schedule them. They are then in the dark about the health of their plumbing and gas systems, and operate on the hopes that nothing will go awry. Blind luck does not hold our forever, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially where commercial plumbing is concerned. Schedule the maintenance, it could end up saving your company thousands of dollars in the long run.

Is There Really A Technique For Using A Plunger?

September 9, 2016DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

Repairing your company’s indoor plumbing can be an easy process, but it can also be a bit tricky. We all depend on our bathroom sinks and toilets so much that when one of them gets clogged, we are suddenly in crisis mode. Not to worry, there are minor clogs that you can clear all by yourself. If you have just the right tools of the trade, you can unclog that pesky drain or toilet in no time without assistance.

To Plunge Or Not To Plunge

Although you may need to call your local DC commercial plumber, it is always important to have the right tools around if you need to attempt the repairs yourself. This is when that plunger will come in very handy. It is also a great idea to have a drain snake in your toolbox, as well. This can help with those much bigger jobs. How do you know if you should use the plunger? If your toilets are clogged, generally a plunger is the best tool to start with.

There are many different types of plungers, so how do you choose the right one? If your company has many different toilets, you will probably need to use a plunger that is made for harder jobs. This is called a flange plunger. It has extended parts which make it much easier for those tough jobs. If you do not have that many people using the restrooms of your company, you can buy a standard plunger. Just make sure that with both of these plungers, the cup of the plunger is a bit larger than the drain itself. Then you can choose what plunger you think is best for your commercial bathrooms.

Got The Plunger, Now What?

Once you are happy with the plunger that you have found, now you must know exactly what to do with it. You may not be able to control the water level in the drain, but it is very important to know if you have too much water or not enough. You can always add more water or take water out. Just be sure that when you are taking water out of the clogged toilet, you wear gloves. If there is too much water, you can end up with a mess all over the floor and you. If there is not enough water, you will have trouble plunging because of the dryness.

When you are ready to attempt the clog, before you begin to plunge, put a very small amount of petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger cup. This will help to create a better seal. The handle should always be held upright. Plunge the drain for about 30 seconds up and down. If you need to repeat it, do so 3 to 4 times. If you have no luck after that, it will be time to call your commercial plumber.

If you follow these tips, it will be a breeze to get that drain unclogged. The right tools really can help you to have great success with your commercial plumbing issues.

Signs Of Trouble To Look For In Your Water Heater

July 8, 2016Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hintsmatt

Water heaters are tricky and they can make a lot of sounds throughout the day that perhaps you’re not used too. When it comes to hearing these sounds though, you have to find out if it means that it is time for you to replace your water heater or to have it repaired, or sometimes those sounds might just be normal for the work that it is doing throughout your home. A plumber can help when you may need to replace or repair your old water heater, so you can get back on track. Watch for these signs that show that it is time for you to replace or repair that old water heater in your home.

Leaking Water Heater

If the water heater is leaking, then generally this would be a sign that something is wrong with the system. There should not be a leak anywhere throughout the entire system. If there is a large, or even small puddle of water below the heater then this could mean that the water is coming out of somewhere. Have a plumbing service take a look and find the problem area.

Loud Clanging or Hissing Noises

You’re sitting in your living room and all of a sudden you hear loud hissing or banging noises coming from the basement. It is most likely your water heater to blame. Hearing these noises often when you did not previously hear them indicates an issue with the heater.

Corrosion In and Out of the Heater

Do you notice rust and corrosion on the outside of the heater? Is the water quality that is coming out of the water heater horrible? You need to make sure that this is not a common problem that you’re always faced with. Speaking with a company that provides DC plumbing services can allow you to have someone come out and see if the heater needs to be cleaned out or replaced. Depending on the age and condition of the water heater, you may need to just have a new one.

Age Related Issues

Just like other appliances, water heaters are only rated to be used for so long before they start to have problems. It must be replaced if it is around 15-20 years old. However, since warranties on these water heaters last around 5-10 years, the heater should last for around that long. Having something happen within this time frame would be nice, since the warranty would fix it. If something happens after this time, then it might be time to replace it.

Your water heater is an important part of your home. Make sure that you have a plumber in mind that can help you obtain the repair and replacement needed to put you back on track. Never have to worry about not having hot water when the right company is there when you need them to be. Don’t let water issues go too long, since this can mean no hot water throughout the house but also poor water quality.