Top Signs That Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced

Your water heater is an important appliance that you depend on every day. However, did you know that it displays signs when it is on its way out? Knowing these signs will allow any homeowner to replace their unit before they have to deal with the headache of going without one. In most cases, water heaters exhibit warning signs long before they fail. This article discusses the top signs that indicate when your water heater needs to be replaced.

Age

The lifespan of a typical household water heater ranges from 5 to 10 years. The manufacturer's sticker normally contains the age in the form of a coded serial number. A typical serial number looks something like this: E041052638. "E", which is the fifth letter in the alphabet, represent the month of manufacture, so it represents May. The first two digits (04) after the month (E) represent the year of manufacture, which in this case represents 2004. Therefore, this serial number belongs to a water heater that was manufactured in May 2004. Of course, you can learn more about this on the manufacturer's website. In general, you should replace your water heater if it is more than a decade old. This is irrespective of whether it has a problem or not.

Usage And Water Quality

You can use the frequency of usage to determine whether you should replace your water heating system or not. This is because the frequency of usage affects the lifespan of your water heater directly. Specifically, water heaters that see a lot of usage are likely to have a shorter lifespan. This is especially true when compared to water heaters that don't see a lot of usage. Besides usage, the water quality will also affect the lifespan of your water heating system. For instance, hard water normally causes mineral buildup in the water tank. Ultimately, the debris will clog the plumbing lines, potentially causing your water heating system to fail.

Noise Problems

Your water heating system might develop noise problems due to the buildup of sediment in the water tank over time. When this happens, the heating element will heat and reheat the sediment, thereby causing it to harden. Furthermore, heating of the hardened sediment will result in noise problems such as banging, creaking, whining and rumbling sounds. While flushing the water tank may remedy this problem, failure to take quick action would likely result in a number of problems. Firstly, the sediment would reduce the efficiency of your water heater because it would waste some of its energy heating the sediment. In turn, this would increase your heating costs. Secondly, due to reduced efficiency, your heater would take more time to heat water and consequently, cause the metal tank to wear out faster. A worn out water tank is likely to develop small leaks, which means you should replace your water heating system.

Temperature Problems

Temperature problems may be due to one of several factors or a combination of factors. For instance, if your water heater is unable to regulate the temperature of water, then you need to adjust its thermostat to optimum hot water settings. This generally range from 120 to 140 degrees for most households. If your water heating system is able to produce warm water but not hot water, you should inspect the heating element for signs of wear. Finally, if your water heating system is not working, then the heating element could be broken. This means you would have to replace it. Of course, it would be wise to hire a plumbing professional to troubleshoot your water heater.

 

Water Heater Replacement Fogelsville PA

To determine when to replace your hot water heater, consider factors such as temperature problems, noise problems, age, as well as usage and water quality. Of course, always hire a professional plumber to replace your hot water heater. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services in northeastern PA. Our certified plumbers will troubleshoot your hot water heater so that you know exactly what is going on with it. The installation of a new one needs to be done with skill and precision and therefore, it is not a DIY project. This is because the manner in which your water heater is installed affects its performance and efficiency. Be sure to contact us when you suspect that your water heater is displaying any of the above signs. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsvill PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Fogelsville PA 18051, Macungie PA 18062, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Orefield PA 18069, Schnecksville PA 18078, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!  

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What Causes Faucet Leaks?

Water leaks in the faucet and toilet can be incredibly costly. Furthermore, the noise made by dripping water can be annoying, and may reduce home comfort. It is estimated that water leaks account for over 10% of domestic water consumption. This translates to around 10,000 gallons of wasted water in the average home. This water can fill up a medium-sized swimming pool to the brim, just to show you how much water you may be losing every year. These leaks are preventable, so homeowners should take steps to plug all leaks in their plumbing systems. A great place to start is fixing faucet leaks. Before you consider any remedies for these problems, you should first find out what the main causes of the leaks are.

Common Causes Of Faucet Leaks

High Water Pressure

High water pressure can lead to faucet leaks as water forces its way through the faucet. This problem usually occurs at night, when most people are asleep and water outlets are shut. The pressure in the plumbing system will lead to faucet leaks. Leaks usually get worse with time if the problem is not fixed. While this may not be a serious problem, you may not want to lose any more water. The best option in such cases would be to call a certified plumber to fix the problem. This is done by installing pressure control devices to regulate the pressure of water inside the building.

Corroded Valve Seat

The faucet has moving parts. Over time, these parts get wear out. When sediments accumulate around the joint between the spout and the faucet, the valve seat corrodes during compression. As a result, water leakage will occur around the spout area. To prevent this from happening, be sure to clean the valve seat on a regular basis. When the valve seat of your faucet is corroded, however, you need to call a certified plumber. They will be able to come and fix it.

Poor Installation Of The Washer

If you want your plumbing to work properly, you should hire a certified plumber to do all plumbing installation. When the washer in your faucet is not properly installed, you will have to hire a professional plumber to install it properly. Doing so will stop the water leaks.

Loose Parts

Faucets are continuously used. Because of this, it brings normal wear and tear on the moving parts. As a result, the O-ring, adjusting ring and packing nuts in the steam screw can get loose, and this will undoubtedly cause a water leak around these components. To resolve this problem, all you have to do is tighten these parts. You will need to call a professional plumber to replace these worn out parts such as the the O-ring and packing nuts.

Broken Plumbing

The water pipe that leads up to your faucet can crack. Also, a fitting can become loose. Both of these circumstances can induce a water leak. While this may be an uncommon problem, you will need to hire a professional to help you fix the problem.

 

Faucet Leak Hanover Township PA

Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services in northeastern PA, including the Hanover Township PA. Our certified plumbers will be able to detect any leaks in your home. Water leaks increase your water bill so don't let your hard earned money keep going down the drain. All of our plumbing repairs, installations, or plumbing system maintenance jobs are priced affordably and are handled in the most professional and friendliest manner. Be sure to call us today to discuss any plumbing issues that you might be experiencing. We service all of the towns in Hanover Township including Dallas PA 18612, Glen Lyon PA 18617, Hunlock Creek PA 18621, Kingston PA 18704, Lehman PA 18627, Luzerne PA 18709, Mountain Top PA 18707, Nanticoke PA 18634, Plymouth PA 18651, Shavertown PA 18708, Shickshinny PA 18655, Sweet Valley PA 18656, Wilkes Barre PA 18701, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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Top Water Conservation Myths

As most people around the world come to understand the effects of global warming, many have forgotten that there is an impending water shortage crisis. Many parts of the world, including California, have experienced severe drought as a result of global warming. This has forced people to start minimizing the amount of water they use on a daily basis. Many charities, governments and local authorities have spearheaded water conservation efforts. While these efforts are commendable, they do not produce significant results. This is due to the myths on the internet as well as offline by some people. The following are some top water conservation myths and the truth about them:

Myth #1: Two Thirds Of The Earth's Surface Is Covered In Water

When you hear that the planet's surface is more than two thirds water, you think that there can never be a water shortage in the world. The truth is that only 1%, or less, of this water is available as drinking water. Also, a large quantity of this 1% is either polluted, overused, or leaking. This means that the amount of water available for drinking is very little.

Myth #2: Water Scarcity Is A Third-World Problem

The truth is that there is water scarcity everywhere, not just in developing nations. It is only that developed nations have easy access to this scarce resource, and they do not pay the real value for water.

Myth #3: Water Demand Or Consumption Has Stagnated

There is a school of thought that claims that water demand has stagnated, so there is no need to worry about water scarcity. The fact on the ground is that water demand has tripled over the last half century, and it continues to increase. This will increase the strain on this scarce resource.

Myth #4: Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water

This is the biggest and most popular myth of all. The truth is that the EPA frequently tests and monitors tap water. This guarantees it's quality. Manufacturers produce bottled water, on the other hand, in large quantities. It does have internal quality controls. However, the manufacturer are not required to disclose the contaminants in their bottled water. This means that the quality of bottled water is uncertain. Also, it is possible that is is not safe.  

Myth #5: It's Healthy To Drink 8 Glasses Of Water Daily

It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, this is not to say that you should chug several glasses of water frequently. What experts recommend is that consumers should get around 8 glasses of fluids into their bodies daily. This can be from fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, juices, milk and two or three of clean water.

Myth #6: Water Conservation Efforts By A Single Consumer Is Insignificant

Many people fail to conserve water because they think that whatever savings they make is insignificant. This is not true. When you consider the number of people currently living on this planet, the cumulative benefits can be significant. If we each saved a glass of water per day, millions of gallons of water is saved on a daily basis worldwide.  

 

Whole House Water Filter Allentown PA

It is important to note that while the EPA monitors the quality of water to ensure public health, faulty plumbing in your home can lead to wasted water and contamination. That is why you need to have regular inspections of your plumbing system. A plumber will be able to check for water leaks and any other areas that might contribute to wasted water. Also, drinking clean water is important for your household's health and overall wellness. You cook, bathe, drink, and wash your clothes with your home's water. Ask your plumbing expert about a whole house water filter today. Robinson Plumbing aims to offer the best plumbing services in the entire Lehigh Valley. All of our plumbers are certified and have years of experience under their belt. Whenever you have a plumbing issue or you want to find ways to reduce your water use, be sure to give us a call. We can also install a a whole house water filtration system in your home so that your family always has clean water accessible to them. We can help reduce your water bills by finding any leaks that are present in your home. Call us to discuss any of your plumbing needs. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Top Water Conservation Myths was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbing

The Importance Of Hiring A Licensed Plumber

In many ways, modern plumbing is what truly distinguishes the homes of today with their 18th century counterparts. Even the most basic homes have plumbing networks that were inconceivable a few decades ago. The plumbing system in your home is quite complicated. It takes a lot of skill and experience to understand a system like that. Therefore, you should always seek help from experts whenever something needs fixing or modifying. Sometimes there is a lot more going on than what meets the untrained eye.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Even if you can comfortably fix a leaking faucet or faulty shower head on your own, it doesn't mean you can handle a major plumbing repair. A homeowner's misguided confidence sometimes ends up hurting them. This happens when they tackle an issue that's beyond their capability. As far as plumbing problems go, even the simplest of them could spiral out of control. It can compromise your safety. So, rather than roll the dice, hire a licensed plumbing company. They have all the resources needed to uphold safety and order while on the job.

Compliance With Codes

Choosing a licensed plumber allows you to rest easy. You can rest assured that any repairs on your plumbing system will meet city and state codes. Such a professional will know how to use safe installation techniques. They will know the size requirements for all fixtures. Most local authorities require an inspection of plumbing installations on a regular basis. You'll be on the safe side when the time comes to check your system.

Licensed Plumbers Have Adequate Training

A plumbing license means that an individual has basic training, understands the best plumbing practices applied globally, and has received state approval to carry out plumbing tasks. Furthermore, licensed plumbers are required to complete a background check. They have to pass a licensing exam. Plumbing companies have to have liability coverage. So, when you hire such professionals, you will have the faith that they know what they're doing. It also gives you recourse when something goes wrong.

Licensed Plumbers Will Do Things Right The First Time

Thanks to the licensing and bonding process, plumbers explicitly agree to stand by their work. They will go beyond their call of duty to satisfy their clients' wishes. This means they want to ensure they do the work properly when hired for a job. On the contrary, unlicensed individuals aren't legally obligated to do right by their customers. They're beyond the scope of a regulatory framework. Worst of all, hiring such individuals puts you at the risk of incurring extra costs. Situations like this are not unheard of. It requires tearing out the plumbing and starting from scratch. Your best bet would be to hire a licensed contractor. They'll do what it takes to complete the job properly. General contractors and other unlicensed technicians will often try to woo unsuspecting individuals. They will use cheap rates, special financing, or offer to perform other "special" tasks. Most of these are gimmicks to get into a client's house, and once the work commences, rates skyrocket. So, for the good of your home (and your wallet too), always hire a licensed plumbing contractor with a proven track record.

 

Plumber Saucon PA

For a affordable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our professional plumbing services range from plumbing maintenance, repair, and installation. Our plumbers are experienced, skilled, and certified. You can trust us to get the job done right the first time. We are friendly, clean, and courteous. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that offers top notch plumbing services with the reputation to back it up. We service Center Valley PA 18034, Coopersburg PA 18036, Emmaus PA 18049, Hellertown PA 18055, Limeport PA 18060, Milford Square PA 18935, Quakertown PA 18951, Richlandtown PA 18955, Spinnerstown PA 18968, Zionhill PA 18981, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The Importance Of Hiring A Licensed Plumber was originally published on Robinson Plumbing News