Category: Commercial Plumbing Service

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 water heater running smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few tips: 

Test the temperature-pressure-release valve

1.Shut off the power.

2. Turn off the cold-water supply valve.

3. Put a bucket under the pipe connected to the TPR valve, which is usually located on the side or top of the tank. This valve releases pressure if the tank gets too hot.

4. Let the water out of the tank using the tab located on the valve. If water continues to flow after you release the tab, drain the tank partially and install a new valve.

Check the anode rod

1.Attach a hose to the tank’s drain valve and release a few gallons of water into a bucket or down a drain.

2. Unscrew the rod. If the rod is less than ½ inch, wrap the threads with Teflon tape, place the bottom of the rod in the water tank, and tighten securely. If headroom is limited, use a segmented rod.

Drain the tank and wash out sediment

1.Drain the remaining water left in the tank, then briefly rinse your tank by opening the cold-water supply valve and letting pipes drain. Keep repeating until you get clean water from the hose.

2. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restore power to the unit. 

Adjust the temperature

1. Use the temperature dial to lower your energy bills and unscrew the cover. Set the dial at 120 degrees. Every 10 degrees you lower the temperature can save you 5% in energy costs.

2. If you’re going to be gone more than three days, turn off the water heater or set the thermostat as low as it goes.

Insulate the pipes

1. Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes’ diameter.

2. Apply the insulation over the cold-water pipe. This will prevent condensation during summer.

3. Tape the insulation in place using the attached adhesive, working your way down the pipe. If the pipe is close to the flue, wrap it with a layer of fiberglass pipe-wrap.

Insulate the heater

1. Cut the insulating blanket to fit around the pipes, temperature control, and TPR valve.

2. Foil tape should cover cuts in the insulation on a tank to prevent leaks, but not the top of oil and gas heaters.

3. Place an oversize circle of insulation on the top of an electric heater, and secure it tightly to the side of the tank.

Need Help Maintaining Your Home’s Water Heater? Contact us Today!

If you have more questions on how to maintain a water heater, don’t hesitate to call Custom Plumbing of Arizona. Our experienced professionals are here to help, and we will get your system up and running as quickly as possible. 

We also offer 24/7 emergency service which means you can be sure we’ll be able to take care of it. So give us a call today at 602-883-2761 to schedule a repair or checkup!

Posted on Author webdevCategories Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Commercial Plumbing Service, Residential Plumbing Services, Water Heater, Water TreatmentTags , Leave a comment on How to Maintain a Water Heater?

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 buy or install a leaning water heater, take into account the risks involved and follow all the safety guidelines your manufacturer provides.

 

Causes of Tilted Tanks

If you’re noticing that your water heater is leaning, there are two leading causes. 

The first is that the platform had water damage and is no longer as strong as it was. This can happen if you have an older water heater that’s been through a lot of use or if you replaced your old water heater with a bigger one. 

The second cause is when a larger water heater is put on a platform built for a smaller one. This can cause the platform to become weak and unstable. If this happens, your water heater may start to lean.

Potential Dangers of LWH

Knowing the potential dangers of a leaning water heater is essential to avoiding accidents. A tilted tank can lead to a lot of dangerous consequences, including:

Flooding from burst pipes

Gas leaks, which can be deadly

Fire if leaking gas ignites

Slip and fall injuries if the tank leaks slowly

 

How to Avoid a Tilted Water Tank

  • Make sure your water heater is level before you install it

If it’s not level, the tank may tilt in the direction of the imbalance.

  • Don’t overload your water heater

Overloading can cause the tank to tilt in the opposite direction and increase the risk of pipe erosion and flooding.

  • Get a professional to install it

Professional plumbers are trained to follow safety guidelines that will keep you and your home safe.

Ready To Work With An Experienced Team? Call Custom Plumbing Of Arizona Today!

Why is a leaning water heater a safety problem? If you have a water heater with a tilted tank, it’s important to know that there is a potential danger. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at  602-883-2761 if you need help installing your tilting water heater correctly.

Posted on Author webdevCategories Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Commercial Plumbing Service, Water Heater, Water TreatmentTags , Leave a comment on Leaning Water Heater: Is a Tilted Tank Dangerous?

If you are facing a clogged drain in your home, then the time has come to think outside the box and look into high velocity water jetting services like those offered by Custom Plumbing of Arizona. 

Water jetting is a powerful method for quickly clearing a clog that can save you from having to call in a professional plumber all the time. With enough pressure, water can even cut through diamonds with ease! This article details how you will find out how water jetting is used, the cost,  as well as how it benefits your home or business. 

What is High Velocity Water Jetting?

If your drains are blocked, high velocity water jetting is a technique that can clear your drains in next to no time at all. This process pushes water at a tremendous velocity through your pipes and helps break down and remove any debris accumulated in your drains. 

Blocked drains can often cause toilets, sinks, and basins to malfunction as the water doesn’t drain away as quickly as it should. Many people try to use chemical drain cleaners, and although they can be helpful, they can also cause the condition of your pipes to deteriorate.  As a result, high velocity water jetting will unblock your pipes quickly and safely to unclog your drains.

 

How Does it Work?

Hydro jetting requires specialized tools that force water through your plumbing system at high pressures. Before beginning, your plumber will inspect your pipes to make sure they are not too damaged to withstand the high velocity water jetting process. Once the plumber approves your pipes for hydro jetting, they will insert a jetting hose into your plumbing system and begin pumping water into it at an appropriate pressure.

Depending on your system’s condition, your plumber will adjust the pressure to avoid damaging your pipes. High velocity water jetting can clear your pipes of many different types of debris–grease, dirt, and even solid objects are no match for highly pressurized water! This type of plumbing work should always be performed by a professional to avoid causing expensive damage to your plumbing system.

 

Benefits of High Velocity Water Jetting

There are many benefits to high velocity water jetting, including: 

  • It works well

Your plumbing pipes are blasted with water using water jetting, which uses a high-pressure hose. The combination of high-pressure and water makes for a very effective method of cleaning and clearing any obstructions inside your pipes without causing damage.

In addition, water jetting clears the obstruction out of the line, while other techniques like snaking may only partially do so.

 

  • It saves you money

Even though water jetting your plumbing may be more expensive upfront than other options, it will save you money in the long run. Other plumbing problems, such as a damaged pipe or leak, which can be expensive to repair, can be avoided with clean and clear plumbing.

 

  • Environmentally friendly

High velocity water jetting is an environmentally friendly way to clean surfaces. The water is propelled through the air at high speed and can quickly remove large amounts of dirt, dust, and debris. This process is also safe for the environment since it does not use gas or chemicals.

 

How Much Does it Cost

If you’re considering a water jet treatment for your home, the first question is how much it costs. Prices for high velocity water jetting can vary widely depending on the machine and the location. Generally, prices start at around $250  and go up from there.

 

Ready To Get Your Water Jetting Job Done By Professionals? 

You don’t have to spend your days in extreme boredom and frustration wondering when you’re going to see a clean pipe again. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-883-2761 today for high velocity water jetting; our team of trained plumbing experts will come out and give you the relief and satisfaction that comes with having clear pipes again!

In addition, our team of experts can help you determine which type of water jetting is best for your specific needs and give you a detailed estimate of what it will cost.

Posted on Author webdevCategories Commercial Plumbing Service, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Pumping SystemTags , , Leave a comment on High Velocity Water Jetting: Is It Right For You?

Want to learn how to unclog shower drain blockages? This article gives you four simple methods to try.

You might be familiar with the occasional clogged shower drain, made worse because many have no idea what to do about it. You can’t just run the water, and everything will work again – that’s not how it works! But you don’t have to worry about these pesky clogs when you try out these four simple methods to unclog shower drain blockages.

Why do Clogs Happen in the First Place?

One of the most common reasons clogs occur in shower drains is the buildup of soap in the drain. Soap residue and hair can form a clog when combined with water. This can cause the pipe to become blocked, preventing water from flowing properly. This is why regular drain cleaning services are critical.

What to do if you Suspect a Clogged Shower Drain?

First thing’s first: If you’re experiencing problems with your shower, it might be time to check out the drain. Clumps of hair are the most common culprit for clogged drains, but other things can get stuck there. If nothing is visible outside the grate or plug, you can try removing it and looking into the drain hole if necessary. 

 

Next: If you suspect that your shower drain is clogged, the first thing you should do is double-check that your drain is open. You’ll need to inspect the stopper and pipe close to the shower head to do this. If there’s room for water to flow between the plug and line, your drain is likely clogged.

4 Simple Methods to Unclog Shower Drain

Showering can be a relaxing experience, but it can also be frustrating when your shower drainage is slow or clogged. However, you can use a few simple methods to unclog your shower drain.

 

  1. Remove the clog by hand: An obstruction can be visible on the surface and is easily accessible. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and do your best to remove the clog. Small metal hooks made from a coat hanger are great just for this purpose, so your hands won’t get wet or dirty.

If the clog is more difficult to remove, try using a plunger or an auger. But, be careful not to damage the pipe or surrounding area.

 

  1. Use a drain snake: A drain snake, often identified as a plumber’s snake, is a piece of convenient, extendable drilling equipment available at hardware stores. You’ll use the snake’s hand crank to send a metal wire down your drain to extract whatever is clogging it.

Again, it’s important to use the right snake for the job; avoid using a drain snake designed for removing tree roots. The most common type of drain snake is the bendable type, which can go down drains as small as 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

 

  1. Use a pot of boiling water: If there are no visible obstacles and a drain snake hasn’t worked, contact with hot water can assist dissolve softer build-up like soap scum around the drain’s edges.

Repeat filling a pot with water and dumping it down the drain. Call a plumber if the obstruction is still not cleared after 30 minutes.

 

  1. Use a natural drain cleaner: If you want to clean your drains in a safe and natural method, choose a drain cleaner composed entirely of natural materials. While there are a few exceptions, most all-natural drain cleaners are safe to use and will not damage your pipes. 

They also have a pleasant odor, so you won’t have to worry about the smell of bleach or other chemicals. Use an apple cider vinegar-based drain cleaner if you want an all-natural, effective, and safe drain cleaner.

Let us Help you fix Your Shower With Quick Solutions From our Team of Plumbers

Do you need a hand to unclog shower drain blockages? Don’t panic! Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona today, and we can help you get the problem fixed as fast as possible.

We have decades of experience dealing with all types of plumbing issues, so we are sure to be able to handle the situation quickly and efficiently. Don’t wait – call us today!

Posted on Author adminCategories Commercial Plumbing ServiceTags Leave a comment on 4 Simple Methods To Unclog Shower Drain Blockages

Why regular drain cleaning services are critical? Here’s why you should schedule yours.

Clogged drains are no laughing matter – they pose serious health risks to everyone living in the home. Dirty water slowly starts to accumulate without proper upkeep, and there is no way of telling when this murky mess will cause problems. As this dirty water spreads throughout the home, toxic mold and mildew grow out of control – creating additional problems that range from allergies to fatal illnesses. The situation gets worse when these pesky critters take refuge in stagnant puddles where they find a comfortable place to lay eggs; leaving you vulnerable to dangerous bugs like fleas, cockroaches, and rats!

 

A septic system can be a severe cause of a slow or halted drain. If the septic system is not maintained for an extended time, sewage may overflow the drain pipes and into the house. If sewage has overflowed into the leach field of a septic system, the lines there may need to be replaced at great expense. Masses of small tree roots invading the main subsurface drain are another source of clogged drains. Plumbers can get rid of them and offer advice on keeping the drain clear.

 

Why are regular drain cleaning services critical?

 

Every day, your drains are put to a lot of work, whether it’s doing the dishes, showering after a hard day, or washing your hands after gardening. These vital systems can withstand a lot, from filth, soap, and dirt to hair. Everything has a limit, and your drains are no exception. It’s time to call in the professionals. If you did not clean correctly, you’d reach that limit regularly, and you’d notice poor drainage or a significant clog. 

 

The Benefits of Drain Cleaning

If you don’t have a set of plans for drain cleaning, you should probably put it on your list of things to do. Proper drain cleaning has many benefits and gets rid of clogs so that your system works well all year.

 

The following are five significant advantages of drain cleaning:

 

1. Reduced blockage risk:

Most homeowners hire drain cleaning services to get rid of a clog or reduce the chance of a blockage issue. Debris can cause drains to block over time. Sluggish drainage and clogged drains, even drain fissures, can occur if this accumulation is not handled properly.

 

By keeping the gutters clean, you can stop clogs from happening. The inside of the pipe will be cleaner, which will make it easier for water and waste to flow through.

 

2. Decreased Odor:

When a blockage is severe, you might be able to tell just by the smell. Bacteria and even mold can form when food particles get stuck in your drains. It might cause unpleasant odors to spread throughout the house. Without a professional cleaner, it can be hard to get rid of these smells.

 

When you clean your drains regularly, the odors go away. When you clean your sewer, the smells don’t get into your home in the first place. Also, to reduce odors, we strongly suggest that you have the trap cleaned well.

 

3. Emergency repairs will be less expensive:

A severe blockage may result in burst pipes, leaks, and other issues. Although these plumbing difficulties are reasonably frequent, they are extremely costly. Do not expose yourself to the possibility of incurring high costs. By maintaining a clean drain, you guarantee that any problems with the plumbing system are detected before they become severe enough to need a complete pipe replacement.

4. Improvement of air quality indoors:

Bacteria and pests can reside in clogged drains, and when these toxins circulate into your home, they have the potential to degrade the quality of your indoor air.

5. Increased longevity:

Regular cleaning reduces the likelihood of repairs and can also extend the life of your drains.

 

Final thoughts

Regular drain cleaning services ensures not just a clean working drain but also a clean residence. Water from your plumbing system or sewage line may include bacteria, insects, and other pathogens. When the system is backed up or blocked, these toxins enter the residence. Regular cleaning helps prevent these filthy organisms from invading your house and endangering your family. Avoid health concerns and medical expenses by scheduling expert drain cleaning regularly.

Posted on Author adminCategories Commercial Plumbing Service, Drain Cleaning, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags , Leave a comment on Why Regular Drain Cleaning Services Are Critical