4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repairs
Inspector Plumber • January 26, 2022

Hot water is one of the best amenities of life, all thanks to our water heaters. Since water heaters provide a valuable service, it's essential to keep them well maintained. This includes getting issues repaired quickly so you can keep getting the hot water you need whenever you need it. Consider these four water heater repair signs to stay on track.


Low Water Pressure

According to experts at ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric, water heaters typically last between 10 and 13 years. That's a pretty long lifespan and odds are you have had your water heater for a long time. You have seen it in its the best condition, so you should be able to notice if the water pressure suddenly drops or some other pressure problem develops. The good news is, this issue can easily be fixed so you can get the water pressure back to its enjoyable level.



Inconsistent Temperature

This is one of the most common water heater repairs. The issue of inconsistent temperatures can mean you're getting lukewarm or cold water even when you haven't adjusted the settings. This can be disappointing if you're used to hot water when washing the dishes, doing laundry, or showering. If you want your water heater back to its usual self, all you need to do is get professional water heater repair.



Leaks

If you want all the hot water to yourself, watch out for leaks, which are not always obvious. If your water heater is leaking, this needs to be fixed before it causes substantial damage. As far as water heater repairs go, this issue should be easy to fix and can help prevent your hot water from finishing quickly with no explanation.



Suspicious Sounds And Smells

Water in its pure form doesn't have any smell, particularly unpleasant smells. So, if you notice that your water heater is producing smelly water, it's a sign that something is off. Similarly, if there are odd sounds coming from your water heater, it could be a sign that repairs are in order.


Keep these signs in mind when inspecting your water heater to see if it's functioning properly. As a matter of fact, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's probably a sign that you need water heater repairs. If you're not sure if that is the case, get in touch with us for a professional water heater inspection. We will be able to diagnose any potential issues and make the necessary quality repairs.

Does Your Sump Pump Need Replacement?

By Inspector Plumber • October 3, 2022
There are a few ways to tell when it's time to replace your sump pump. According to Forbes, you should replace your pump every seven to 10 years. However, in some instances, a pump might need to be replaced sooner. One warning sign that there might be something wrong with your pump is water build-up in your basement. Continue reading this blog to learn about other warning signs to be aware of. Constant Running You may find that your sump pump stays on for several minutes at a time. This can indicate that the pump is underpowered for the amount of water it has to handle. The issue might also be that it's not able to handle the distance that water needs to travel. In either case, the pump will be forced to run nonstop. To avoid ending up with serious issues, you should consider getting a more powerful pump for your home. If you're not sure about what size to get, a plumber can give you guidance. Weird Sounds Your pump is not supposed to make lots of noise. So if you start hearing anything beyond the low hum it's supposed to make, there might be something else going on. There are several things that can cause weird noises. It might be that your motor has a failed bearing. It might also be a jammed impeller. In any case, strange noises are a sign that your pump is badly damaged. In most instances, you have to replace it when this happens. Your plumber can tell you exactly what's happening and how to deal with the problem. The Pump Is Not Turning On This is an obvious sign that the pump has failed. Sump pumps generally work very hard when there is a heavy rainstorm. However, they also work when water is seeping into your basement due to ground pressure, dripping pipes, or melting snow. While the pump won't be able to do anything to stop water from getting into your home, they have the important job of removing it from the basement. So if you start noticing some increased puddling or pooling water in your basement, chances are the pump is not working. Are you having issues with your sump pump? You need to call a plumber to find out what's happening as soon as possible. If you delay, you can end up with some serious water damage that'll be costly to fix. A plumber will be able to tell you whether to replace or repair your pump. Get in touch with Inspector Plumber today to request an appointment.

How Often Should I Get My Sump Pump Cleaned?

By Inspector Plumber • July 20, 2022
The majority of homeowners rarely think about their sump pump. Most of the time, this is because sump pumps function as they should, quietly preventing floods that may harm the house. Despite being a small device, the sump pump plays a significant role in keeping your basement dry. Therefore, keeping it in excellent operating condition is crucial. How frequently should the sump pump be cleaned to keep it in good working order? Below, this is explained. Sump Pumps Require Monthly Cleaning The screen or inlet likely needs to be cleaned monthly if the sump pump is in control of the elimination of washing machine water. To clean the bottom grate, you'll need to remove a sump pump from its pit manually. The pump can suck tiny stones into the grate. Cleaning it ensures the inlet isn't blocked, since blockage might eventually harm the pump. Inspect Your Sump Pump Quarterly More frequently than once a year, the pump intake has to be cleaned. It's a good idea to check it every few months to ensure it's functioning properly. According to Allstate, cleaning the sump pump every three months is advisable. Verify that the outlet has a ground fault circuit interrupter and that the cord leading to the pump is in excellent shape. Check whether the ground fault circuit interrupter breaker has tripped before turning off your sump pump. To ensure that your pump starts automatically and drains the water fast, position it so that it is standing upright and then fill the pit with water. Maintain Sump Pump Battery Sump pumps powered by electricity are susceptible to power interruptions. It's a good idea to have battery backup so you don't get flooded during a storm that knocks out the electricity. The owner's handbook should include the battery's typical life duration and whether the main power supply charges it. Check that the battery is charged and, if required, replace it. Some sump pumps are driven by water and do not require an electrical power supply. These pumps, however, are better suited as backups. Perform Yearly Maintenance on the Pump and Pit Remove the pump from the pit and clean both. Disconnect the power source after ensuring the cable is in excellent condition and the connection is secure. Clean the grate, inspect the drainage pipes, wash the screen or inlet aperture, and refill the pump with water to prevent dryness. The sump pump is crucial to help save your basement from over-flooding during excessive rainy periods. Therefore, it must be kept in top shape at all times. Do you need sump pump repairs? Give us a call at Inspector Plumber to get sump pump repairs done by an expert professional.