Tag: warning

Warning Signs It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Knowing When It’s Time for New Water Heater Installation

Nearly every home relies on a water heater to provide warm or hot water for everyday needs. Whether a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, these appliances are important for household comfort, operational needs, and daily tasks. A water heater may be able to be cleaned or repaired to continue water heating for the home’s needs. However, there comes a time when a new water heater installation is going to be necessary and unavoidable. It’s much better to be proactive and replace the water heater before a major issue occurs or the unit fails inconveniently. These signs will help homeowners know when to call for water heater replacement. 

Corrosion

corrosionSome corrosion is going to happen over time. After all, water heaters are subjected to heavy amounts of water and minerals paired with heat. It’s a natural by-product of what the water heater does. While some units are made with materials that are less likely to corrode, it can still happen over time. However, corrosion can cause many issues with the water heater, including leaks, contamination, or even affecting various parts of the water heater. 

These are some signs that corrosion is an issue besides visually seeing it: 

  • Metallic odors of heated water
  • Rusty-looking hot water
  • Sediment or rust debris in water
  • Leaks from the water heater tank

When any of these things are noted, it’s best to contact a professional. With extensive corrosion, a unit will need to be replaced. This is why it's crucial to schedule routine water heater maintenance, as it will help prevent corrosion and extend the unit's lifespan.

Hot Water Supply Declines

loss of hot waterWhen there isn’t as much hot water as there should be or none at all, there is a problem. Water heaters have a specific capacity or output. With a tank water heater or storage water heater, the water will be heated, and the tank will be filled and stored for use. A tankless water heater will immediately heat and release water for a specified output. 

If there is a decline in this supply or a lack of hot water, that’s a sign that the water heater is not working as intended. A professional can help troubleshoot why the water heater is not heating appropriately and provide the necessary repairs or water heater replacement as needed. 

Consider the Age and Frequency of Repairs

Finally, an aging water heater simply won’t last forever. There comes a time when frequent repairs are simply not a solid investment. When this happens, it is better to go ahead and pay for water heater replacement than to continue paying for repairs on an aging unit. 

Tankless water heaters are typically designed to last around 20 years, while traditional tank water heaters last about 8-12 years. Understand the unit's lifespan in the home and be prepared to act accordingly should issues occur. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star service to every customer. They stand by the principle of treating every home as their own. With more than ten years of dedicated service in the plumbing industry, the locally owned company can provide for various needs. Contact them today for water heater replacement or repair in Apple Valley, MN! 

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Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes to Watch Out For

Pay Attention to Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes 

During the cold winter months, pipes are prone to freezing over. This happens when the water in the pipes drops to a temperature below freezing due to not having enough insulation. 

Frozen pipes can lead to many problems for a plumbing system and should be avoided. An experienced plumbing technician can help homeowners prevent frozen pipes in the wintertime. This article discusses the various warning signs that a home needs frozen pipe repair:

  • Little to no water running from faucets
  • Frost forming on the outside of exposed pipes
  • Loud noises coming from the pipes 
  • Sewage smell inside of the home 
  • Burst pipes 

How Frozen Pipes Affect Water Pressurefaucet

One of the first things homeowners notice when their pipes are frozen over is that their faucets are not running as usual. When water freezes over, it turns into solid ice, causing blockages in the water flow. A sudden loss of water pressure during a cold snap can indicate a frozen water line.  

A dangerous downside to frozen pipes is that they can expand when water turns to ice. When this happens, it can cause the pipe to burst. Not only can burst pipes cause a ton of expensive property damage, but a burst pipe can also put the residents of the home in danger from electrocution if the leak reaches the electrical components within the wall.   

pipe Visibly Frosted Over Pipes 

Checking for frost on exposed pipes can help a homeowner determine whether or not their pipes are frozen. In most homes, one can find exposed pipes in crawl spaces, closets, or under the kitchen/bathroom sink. 

A frosty layer of ice visible on the outside of the pipe indicates a good chance that it looks the same way on the inside of the pipe. 

This means that the pipes are in danger of freezing over, preventing water flow, and eventually causing a leaky or burst pipe. Burst pipe repair services keep plumbing companies busy all winter long.

Frozen Sewer Line Causes Terrible Smell 

The pipes connecting the water line to the faucets are not the only pipes that can freeze over in a house. The plumbing which connects the toilet and shower drains to the sewer line is also susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops. 

A frozen sewer line sometimes results in a foul sewage smell inside the home. Human waste and dirty water frozen inside the pipes are the culprits of this dirty smell. 

This is a very unpleasant occurrence that can be avoided by taking preventative measures against frozen pipes, such as adding additional pipe insulation. 

Frozen sewer lines can end a holiday party fairly quickly as no one wants to hang around to smell the sewage. Homeowners should schedule frozen pipe repair before the holidays to prevent a plumbing disaster. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing 

Apple Valley, MN homeowners who need a local burst pipe repair company need to look no further than the experts at Apple Valley Plumbing. Their licensed plumbers are reliable, punctual, and guaranteed quality of service. Call today for pipe repair!

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