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Back To School Plumbing Basics: A Guide To Water Heaters

Everything A Homeowner Needs to Know About Their Water Heater

Something that often gets taken for granted until it’s gone is hot water. Water heaters are usually tucked away in the back of a utility closet, garage, or laundry room, so they are easy to ignore. However, just like every other appliance in the house, a water heater occasionally needs attention to work at its most efficient.

This is not something a homeowner should be expected to do alone; plumbing professionals are here to help. This article should help homeowners with a basic understanding of water heaters, the maintenance they need, and when it’s time to call in the pros.

Different Water Heaters

types of water heatersNot all water heaters are the same. Traditional storage tank water heaters can have different-sized tanks, holding anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water. Water heaters can have different fuels maintaining the water temperature, and the designs and how it heats the water may be completely different. Here are a few of the most common types of water heaters:

  • Electric Water Heater: The electric water heater is perhaps the most common. It has a storage tank heated by an element using electricity to create heat. The storage tanks may be different sizes depending on the household needs.
  • Gas Water Heater: A gas water heater uses a natural gas or propane flame from a burner to heat the storage tank. The storage tanks can also be of different sizes.
  • Heat Pump Water Heater: These incredibly efficient systems use the heat available in the air to heat the water in the storage tank. There is no heat source in these systems, and they are often part of a heating and cooling system for the entire house.
  • Tankless Water Heater: Also called an instant water heater and on-demand water heater. These systems heat water very quickly and do not have to maintain the water temperature in a large storage tank, making them very efficient. Though it is called tankless, there is usually a tank holding 1 to 5 gallons of water.

The Basics of Water Heater Maintenance

professional maintenanceThere are ways to keep a water heater running at its best and most efficient. Calling a professional for water heater maintenance is best because they have the knowledge and training to perform the tasks safely. This can prevent an emergency plumbing call later. Some of the tasks done by plumbers for water heater maintenance are:

  • Drain and Flush Water Heater
  • Inspect Anode Rod and Replace if Needed
  • Inspect and Tighten Pipe Connections
  • Inspect PRV (Pressure Release Valve)
  • Check For Leaks and Corrosion

Warning Signs That Indicate a Need for Water Heater Repair

Several signs can notify homeowners that their water heater needs professional attention. Perhaps an individual has kept up with their water heater maintenance, but the unit has started making banging or popping noises. Maybe the unit is more than fifteen years old, or rusty and smelly water comes from the tap when initially turned on. Perhaps the water just doesn’t seem as hot for as long.

All these things can be signs of a need for water heater replacement or repair. A homeowner should immediately call a professional to check out their water heater if they see any of these signs. The quicker a homeowner has a professional inspect the water heater after they notice signs, the less time is available for the problem to worsen.

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC has been a trusted plumbing company serving the residents of Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas since 2014. They provide flat rate pricing, always on-time service, and financing. Call them today for water heater services in Chandler, AZ.

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3 Reasons to Call a Professional Plumber

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Homeowners may be tempted to “DIY” plumbing repairs to save money, but they often spend more when they accidentally break something. Hiring a professional plumber can save homeowners time, money, and stress. 

Home plumbing systems are complicated networks of hidden pipes and connections. The entire plumbing system works together, meaning that a problem in one area could affect overall function. Diagnosing and repairing plumbing problems can be complicated. Professional plumbers go through years of training in the classroom and on the job to obtain a license. 

Regarding plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance, homeowners should always trust the pros. Homeowners could accidentally hurt themselves or damage their property by attempting DIY plumbing repairs. High-pressure water within the plumbing system could seriously injure someone and result in water damage. 

Plumbing Mistakes are Costly

diyA simple repair could turn into a costly mistake when homeowners attempt DIY plumbing. The pipes in the plumbing system all connect back to the main water line and sewer line. An inexperienced person working on the plumbing system could risk rupturing the sewer line, destroying the home’s foundation, or flooding the house. 

Homeowners who try to save money by completing plumbing repairs themselves may end up with thousands of dollars in extra damages if the repair goes badly. It is best to be on the safe side and trust a professional with repairs. 

Material possessions can be replaced, but personal injury from a plumbing repair gone wrong could leave homeowners permanently disabled or worse. Plumbers know the right safety procedures to follow and have the specialized tools at hand to get the job done right. Safety is the most important thing to consider regarding plumbing repairs. Homeowners could even put their entire neighborhood at risk if they accidentally rupture the sewer line or start an electrical fire from flooding the house. 

Save Time

saveIt could take an inexperienced person multiple hours to complete a job that takes a professional plumber only minutes. Homeowners would have to research extensively and find the right parts and tools that professionals keep stocked in their trucks. An experienced professional plumber has completed routine repairs many times and can make quick work of fixing simple problems. Professional plumbers will know the best route to take when planning and executing repairs. 

Homeowners can save themselves from stressing over lengthy repairs by trusting a professional to finish the job quickly and efficiently. Another downside of DIY plumbing repairs is that even after spending hours on a repair, it will have to be re-done if it’s not done correctly. Improper installation of a plumbing part can cause issues for the entire system.

Professional Plumbing Certifications

Hiring a professional helps to protect the homeowner’s peace of mind. Plumbers are required to complete extensive training to receive plumbing licensing and certifications. Professional plumbers must be licensed and insured for the work being completed. Insurance is one of the most important factors for homeowners to consider. 

When someone gets injured on the job, the plumbing company’s business insurance will cover healthcare costs. On the other hand, if someone gets hurt during a DIY repair, the financial burden will fall solely on the homeowner. Plumbing repairs can be dangerous, and it is important for the person completing the repair to be covered by insurance in case something goes wrong. 

Insurance also protects the homeowner’s investments in their property. If a DIY plumbing repair goes wrong, the homeowner will be financially responsible for repairing any home damage, unlike how professional work is covered by insurance. The manufacturer's warranty on the plumbing hardware could also be voided by DIY plumbing repairs, installation, or maintenance. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC was named on the Best of HomeAdvisor list three years in a row, serving the residents of Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and on-time arrival. Call them today for plumbing services in Chandler, AZ.

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Protect Summer Plans with These Three Plumbing Tips

How to Avoid Summer Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are no fun at any time of the year. Summer is a time for fun and relaxation and shouldn’t be tarnished by a plumbing disaster. Unfortunately, it’s a reasonably common horror story: a family comes home from vacation only to realize their house is flooded from an overflowing toilet or a burst pipe. 

Luckily, there are things that homeowners can do to lessen the risks that a plumbing issue will put a damper on their plans. Here are some tips from local plumbers that can help prevent plumbing problems over the summer. 

Self-Inspect Plumbing for Leaks

cracksAn underappreciated service that most professional plumbers provide is a periodic plumbing inspection. Most plumbing contractors offer this service and recommend it at least every two years to keep an eye out for potential problems. However, for peace of mind during the summer, homeowners should take some time to inspect their plumbing for leaks or cracks. 

When leaks are allowed to go on untreated, several problems can occur. Among these are: 

  • Mold growth 
  • Wood rot
  • Structural problems
  • Insect infestation
  • Burst pipes
  • Floods

Before leaving for vacation, homeowners should either schedule a plumbing inspection or do a quick sweep to look for leaks. That way, they can rest assured that no problems will arise, and they'll save money on water bills by catching and fixing leaks. 

Put Food Waste Where It Belongs

drainA common misconception about garbage disposals is that they are meant to handle all the food waste in a home. However, garbage disposals aren’t intended to handle food waste or cooking grease from a summer cookout. They are only meant for incidental food waste that gets into the sink while dishes are being rinsed. 

Instead of dumping food scraps and cooking grease down the drain, put it where it belongs. The garbage can is the perfect place to scrape off food scraps and pour out cooled cooking oil and grease. Doing so prevents the chance that the food and grease will coat the inside of drain pipes and form a nasty clog. 

Flush Drains to Prevent Drain Clogs

Even with good cleanup habits, like dumping cooking grease in the garbage, clogs can be inevitable. Before the summer kicks off, try a few DIY drain cleaning techniques to ensure that a drain clog doesn’t ruin summer cookouts. 

First, the easiest way to keep drains clear is to flush them with hot water from time to time. This is especially important in kitchen sinks. Allow hot water to flow down the drain pipes and run the garbage disposal. The hot water can loosen deposits on pipe walls, and the increased water volume flushes debris away. 

Second, try an old plumbing trick. Dump a tablespoon of baking soda down the drain. Pour an equivalent amount of vinegar down the drain after it. The two chemicals will form a foaming cleaner that can break up mild clogs. After this, flush the pipes just like in the method described above. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC serves the residents of Chandler, AZ, and the surrounding areas and was named on the “Best of HomeAdvisor” list three years in a row. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency services, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Chandler, AZ.

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Make Every Day a Spa Day with a Bathroom Remodel

Three Tips for a Relaxing Bathroom 

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so many families are scrambling to find a gift that shows appreciation for all she does. While flowers and spa packages are popular gifts, they only last for a short while. Surely there are better gifts that can show mom the appreciation she deserves for years to come. 

This year, consider giving mom a luxury spa experience all year long. With a few simple changes in the bathroom, it can become the most relaxing room in the house. These tips from local plumbers can help get everyone started. They offer a variety of suggestions that can fit any budget and give mom a gift that can show how much she is appreciated. 

Look Into Getting a New Showerheadshower

Modern showerheads are more than just a device that distributes water. Old showerheads wasted water and did hardly more than rinse soap and grime off the body. A new showerhead will not only drastically reduce water usage, meaning showers can last longer for the same cost, but they also offer features like:
  • Bluetooth speakers so mom can listen to tunes or turn on her favorite podcast
  • LED lights that light up a dark shower or provide mood lighting to deepen relaxation
  • Water filtration to reduce water hardness that can dry out the skin and fail to remove soap residue
  • Rainfall designs that wash away stress the way nature intended 
  • Massage settings to gently relax away tension

All these features are available at affordable prices, giving families a great option for a Mother’s Day gift on a budget. 

Upgrade the Bathtub for a Home Spa Experience tub

A new bathtub installation can add tremendous relaxation value to the bathroom for families looking for bigger ideas with a larger budget. A new bathtub can change a bathroom's design and functionality while adding a dramatic accent piece. When considering a new bathtub installation, consider options like:

  • Drop-in tub kits that are affordable and freshen up alcove bathrooms without needing to renovate the entire bathroom
  • Pedestal tubs that provide drama to the space and give mom a place for long and relaxing soaks
  • Jacuzzi tubs with jets to give a total spa experience in the home
  • Walk-in tubs for mothers that may have mobility issues but want to maintain their independence 

Don’t Forget Aesthetic Details 

There are plenty of opportunities for every budget to upgrade the bathroom. The bathroom has so many design elements and fixtures that people can get creative. To freshen up the space, consider:

  • Replacing towel racks
  • Bathroom sink upgrades
  • Swapping out faucets
  • Installing a new mirror
  • Switching light bulbs to color-changing LEDs

With just a few small changes, an old bathroom can become a relaxing spa and a symbol of appreciation for mom. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC provides trusted plumbing solutions for the residents of Chandler, AZ, and the greater Pheonix area. They offer flat-rate pricing, always on-time service, and financing. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in Chandler, AZ.

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How to Prevent Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

Beware of Outdoor Plumbing Clogs 

Homeowners are often aware of the dangers of indoor plumbing clogs from a clogged toilet or blocked shower drain but are unaware of how outdoor plumbing clogs can be just as destructive to their plumbing system. Clogged pipes outdoors can wreak havoc on plumbing systems and cause problems for the indoor plumbing fixtures as well. 

A clogged pipe anywhere in the plumbing system can affect the overall function of the home’s plumbing. Problems with outdoor plumbing fixtures can cause a spike in utility bills and result in total system failure if left in a state of disrepair. In this blog post, our plumbing experts give insight on common outdoor plumbing fixtures and how to prevent outdoor plumbing blockages. 

What Are Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

sprinklers

Not all plumbing fixtures are located inside of the home. The indoor and outdoor plumbing system is all connected through the main water line, which distributes water through a system of pipes. Lawn sprinklers, pool pumps, and outdoor fountains are examples of outdoor plumbing fixtures that are susceptible to clogged pipes. 

Any outdoor fixture that uses water from the main water line is a part of the home’s plumbing system. When there is a problem with outdoor plumbing fixtures, it can negatively affect the function of plumbing fixtures throughout the entire house. 

Reasons Why Outdoor Plumbing Clogs Happen 

Outdoor plumbing clogs and indoor plumbing clogs can both be detrimental to home plumbing systems, but they often differ in the cause of the clog. Clogged shower drains or toilets are usually caused by flushing the wrong thing down the drain, but an underground pipe clog from an outdoor plumbing fixture is likely a result of natural causes. 

Keeping the area around the plumbing fixture clean can go a long way in preventing outdoor plumbing clogs. Outdoor plumbing fixtures are more susceptible to the elements, including clogs from dead leaves, dirt, debris, and plant roots spilling into the plumbing system’s network of pipes. Careful planning around the installation of outdoor plumbing fixtures can help prevent future problems resulting from tree roots growing into the pipes. 

How to Clear Tough Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

clogs

For some outdoor plumbing blockages, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional to resolve the issue. Professional plumbers have several specialized tools at their disposal to remove blockages caused by tree roots and other natural causes. A professional plumber may use a drain snake to clear away leaves and debris causing a pipe clog. Drain snakes are long pieces of metal that can be inserted into the pipe to clear blockages. 

Tough outdoor drain blockages may require more advanced drain clearing methods such as hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is the process of injecting pipes with high-speed water to remove clogs caused by roots growing into the pipes. When handling tough clogs, a trusted local plumber can help. 

About West Plumbing LLC

West Plumbing LLC is proud to provide Chandler and the greater Phoenix area with reliable plumbing services, including emergency service, from experienced plumbers. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and always on-time service. Call them today for plumbing services in Chandler, AZ.

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