how to maintain a water heater

How to Maintain a Water Heater?

If you are one of the many people who needs to maintain your water heater, you may have some enlightening questions to ask yourself, such as “how to maintain a water heater?” If so, you aren’t alone! There are many parts to a water heater that requires maintenance, so if you are not sure how to keep your water heater running and what steps to take, this article can help. What is a Water Heater? A water heater is a device that provides hot water on demand. It is used in homes and businesses to heat water for cooking, bathing, and other needs. Heaters come in different sizes and shapes and can be used with gas, electricity, or oil. Water heaters are usually located in the basement or attic of a home.  Depending on your home’s energy source, you may need to purchase a specific type of water heater. There are two types of water heaters: electric and gas. Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the water, and gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat the water. Tips and Tricks on How to Maintain a Water Heater You can do a few things to keep your … Continue reading How to Maintain a Water Heater?

leaning water heater

Leaning Water Heater: Is a Tilted Tank Dangerous?

Why is a leaning water heater a safety problem? Think about it for a second: you have a large standing tank with water heating up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine that your leaning water heater becomes tilted, slowly moving toward the floor, so most of the water is at the bottom. Would your heating system still function as intended? Let’s find out more! Why Is A Leaning Water Heater A Safety Problem? Lately, there have been a lot of reports of leaning water heaters being a safety hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Leaning water heaters are the leading cause of residential fires and injuries in the United States.” In fact, NFPA estimates that these types of accidents cause over $100 million in property damage each year.  When a water heater begins to lean out of the plumbing, it will tug on the pipes attached to it at the top, along with the flue connector for gas or electric water heaters. A whole 40-gallon water heater is 500 pounds at its heaviest, making any lateral pressure placed on those connections hazardous. The pipes will eventually fracture from the pressure and cause a flood.  If you’re planning to … Continue reading Leaning Water Heater: Is a Tilted Tank Dangerous?

hot water runs out fast

5 Reasons Your Hot Water Runs Out Fast

When your hot water runs out fast, you might be able to find a solution. Here are a few reasons it could be happening. A hot shower can be both therapeutic and a way to naturally clean yourself. Once hot water runs out, a burst of cold water can shock you. When you’re a busy homeowner, you always want an easy solution for long hot showers. A variety of factors affect the amount of hot water you have to use, including the type of water heater, size of the tank, temperature of the shower, the rate at which the tank reheats, and flow rate of your showerhead. Hot water runs out fast for a variety of reasons In a house, many reasons might be to blame when hot water runs out faster than average, but here are just a few: rusty pipes, power supply problems, sediment,  a blown pilot light, broken dip tubes, etc. ●       Deposition of sediment The sediment building up inside the tank is likely causing your hot water to drop efficiently and last less than it used to. If this change has been gradual, there is a chance you may have sediment build-up. Over … Continue reading 5 Reasons Your Hot Water Runs Out Fast

Why Is My Water Softener Leaking? Solutions for Some Common Scenarios woman in a towel

Why Is My Water Softener Leaking? Solutions for Some Common Scenarios

If you notice your water softener leaking, you don’t need to panic, but you should fix it as soon as possible. In this article, I talk about some of the most common scenarios as well as some solutions that you can try on your own before contacting a plumber. Important note: before trying to figure out where the water is coming from, disconnect the water softener’s power supply. Always remember, safety first! Scenario #1: Rotor Valve The rotor valve on your water softener is usually located at the top of the unit. As the source of water into the water softener, the rotor valve is often the source of leaks. Over time, it can develop cracks and need to be replaced. If you do not notice any cracks or breakage around the rotor valve but you can see water coming from it, the problem could be the seal located on the inside of the valve. In either case, you will need to contact a professional plumber to fix the issue. Scenario #2: Punctured Brine Tank The brine tank is where you place the salt. In case you didn’t know, water softeners work by replacing calcium and magnesium ions in your … Continue reading Why Is My Water Softener Leaking? Solutions for Some Common Scenarios

how to find a water leak inside a wall

How to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall: 5 Steps to Take ASAP to Prevent More Damage

Want to protect your home from water damage? In this article, we discuss how to find a water leak inside a wall so you can prevent a costly repair. When leaks go undetected for a long time, they can cause substantial damage to your home and your belongings. From crumbling drywall and bubbling paint, to rotting flooring, to mold infestation, the problems that come with a leak inside the walls of your home can have serious, lasting consequences. To discover and pinpoint a leak, follow these steps:   Know the Signs of a Water Leak Inside a Wall To locate and fix a leak inside your walls, you must first know that there is a leak to fix. Obvious signs of a leaking pipe located in the wall include standing water or wet carpeting near a wall and discoloration on the wall itself. When excessive amounts of water accumulate within your walls, you may also notice a change in the wall’s texture. It may look like the paint or wallpaper on your drywall is bubbling or bulging. If your wall appears to bulge outward, that could be a sign of a major leak that needs to be addressed ASAP. As … Continue reading How to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall: 5 Steps to Take ASAP to Prevent More Damage