Signs You Need Hot Water Repair

Have you noticed the hot water isn't coming out the way it should? That is a sign you might need water heater repair. It's important to take care of your hot water heater because not only can it save money on energy bills, but it can also help avoid bursting and flooding your home with hot water. Remember, in most homes, water heating accounts for 18% of the total energy use.

In this article, we will discuss signs that indicate you might need hot water heater repair. If you notice any of them, your water heater needs repair and should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

No Hot Water

A sign that your water heater needs repairs is when there are periods when no hot water comes out at all from any sinks or faucets in your home. This could be due to problems with pressure within pipes and fixtures throughout your home, or an inadequate supply of electricity entering electrical outlets for appliances, among other reasons.

The Hot Water Is Running Out Too Quickly

Water heaters are usually set up so that about 20% of hot water will be used before it is heated again. If you notice your hot water isn't lasting as long, this may signal a problem with your heater and a need for water heater repair.

You Can Hear Hissing or Popping Noise When Turning on the Hot Tap

This could mean there's air in the pipes and nothing more serious than just needing to release it by unscrewing an outside faucet, but if you continue to hear these sounds, they might need replacement which requires water heater repair services.

The Hot Water Takes Forever to Warm Up

A normal water heater should take around 30 seconds to heat your tap water, and if you're waiting longer than that, then chances are there is an issue with your hot tank.

Water Leaks from Pipes Near the Top or Bottom of the Hot Tank

This happens when sediment builds up in either part of the tank, usually at either end. Not long after this occurs, rust starts building on those parts and could eventually lead to leaks and bursting.

Stains in Your Sink Drain or Bathtub

There are stains in your sink drain or bathtub from rust particles, indicating leaking pipes near your hot water tank. The leak can occur due to wear and tear over time, corrosion buildup within new joints, erosion of galvanized piping materials, damage from freezing conditions, improper installation of fittings, valves, or gauges, or an accumulation of sediment blocking drain lines (fouling). A professional plumber with experience diagnosing these issues should inspect all potential avenues before performing any repairs.

There's a Leak in the Hot Water Tank

It is not uncommon for hot water tanks to leak. There are many causes of these leaks, but the easiest way to find out if your hot water heater has a leak and needs repairs is by checking the drip tray that sits beneath it after you've just used hot water in your home. If there's a puddle or pool of hot water on top of this drip tray, then chances are your hot water tank isn't working properly.

Discoloration of Water

If your hot water suddenly changes to a different color, such as reddish or brownish in hue, then this could mean that sediment has formed inside the tank and is being transferred through hot water pipes. This can indicate corrosion occurring with metal parts inside due to condensation and poor circulation of hot water within the tank. It should not be ignored for long periods.

Maintaining hot water heaters is an important task for property owners as hot water heating systems are a key part of our lives! To reduce the risk of more serious issues arising, such as corrosion damage, watch out for these signs. If you or someone in your household experiences any one or several of them, kindly contact us immediately.

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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.