Author: BSE

Why You Should Always Maintain Your Water Heater

Regular maintenance of your water heater is essential to ensure its proper functioning and to prevent any issues from arising. Not only will it ensure you have access to hot water when you need it, but a well-maintained water heater will also help reduce energy costs and provide you with peace of mind. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of water heater maintenance and the many benefits that come along with it.

Fewer Repairs

Maintaining your water heater is one of the best ways to avoid costly repairs down the road. A well-maintained system is much less likely to need repairs. Regularly maintaining your system can help catch small issues before they become larger, more expensive problems. It can also help extend the life of your water heater and ensure it runs optimally. For example, checking for rust or corrosion build-up can prevent a leak from happening, which can save you from an expensive repair bill. Investing in regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by helping you avoid costly repairs.

Maintain Your Warranty 

One of the most important reasons to regularly maintain your water heater is to keep your warranty intact. Water heater manufacturers often require that you keep up with regular maintenance for their warranty to remain valid. This means that, if something goes wrong with your water heater, you won’t be stuck footing the bill for any repair or replacement costs if you haven’t been keeping up with regular maintenance. That could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run, so it’s definitely worth it to have a professional come in and inspect your water heater every now and then.

Improves Efficiency

Keeping up with water heater maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your system. This is because a well-maintained water heater has fewer problems and can therefore work more efficiently. A dirty and neglected water heater, on the other hand, has to work harder to heat the water it needs to, thus costing you more in energy bills. Regular maintenance will also ensure that the burner and heating element are working properly so that your hot water isn’t wasted by inefficient heating. Not only will regular maintenance save you money on your energy bills, but it will also give you peace of mind that your water heater is running as efficiently as possible.

Peace of Mind

When it comes to our homes, having peace of mind is of the utmost importance. Knowing that your water heater is running safely and efficiently can provide great comfort and assurance. Routine maintenance for your water heater can help bring you this peace of mind. Maintenance checks can identify any potential issues or problems before they become bigger problems down the line. You can have the assurance that your water heater is running optimally and be confident in its performance. Regular maintenance will also help ensure your family’s safety from potentially hazardous leaks or faulty components.

We hope that by walking you through some of the benefits of regular water heater maintenance you understand the effect it can have on your system and wallet! In need of a repair or experiencing issues with your water heater? Our Peter Levi team is here to TAKE CARE of all of your water heater needs today!

5 Signs Your Water Heater May Need A Repair

Are you concerned about your water heater? It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that might indicate it’s time for a repair or tune-up. In this blog post, we’ll cover the five most common signs that you should have a professional take a look at your water heater and determine if it needs a repair. Knowing these signs can help you protect your water heater from further damage and save you time and money in the long run. Read on to learn more!

Fluctuating Temperature

Is your hot water temperature constantly changing? A fluctuating temperature is a sign that you may need a water heater tune-up. This can be caused by a buildup of mineral deposits around the heating components in your water heater, resulting in inconsistent water temperature. If your hot water temperatures are always changing, it’s time to have a professional check out your water heater to make sure everything is working properly. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re stuck with no hot water!

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is an early sign that your water heater might need a tune-up or repair. The culprit might be sediment build-up in the tank or a blocked distribution line. This can lead to water getting trapped in the heater and eventually reducing the amount of water pressure you experience. You might also see reduced water flow when multiple taps are running at the same time. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to look into scheduling a tune-up for your water heater. A trained technician can flush the tank and check out any potential blockages in your plumbing system. They’ll also be able to tell you if there’s any other issue that could be causing the low water pressure. Don’t let low water pressure put a damper on your morning routine – get your water heater checked out as soon as possible!

Rust Colored Water

If you turn on the hot water in your house and notice that the water is a rust color, it’s time to take a closer look at your water heater. This could be a sign that there’s an issue inside your water heater tank. Rust in the hot water can be a sign of corrosion, which can lead to further damage if left unaddressed. It’s important to have a professional take a look at your system to determine if the rust colored water is coming from the tank or from corroded pipes. Taking care of it sooner than later could save you from costly repairs down the road.

No Hot Water

Having no hot water is one of the most obvious signs that your water heater needs to be repaired. Without hot water, you’re unable to take a hot shower, do laundry, or wash dishes. It’s an extremely inconvenient situation. If you suspect there may be something wrong with your water heater due to there not being any hot water, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They can diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action. You don’t want to risk trying to fix the issue yourself if you don’t have any experience as this could lead to more harm than good.

Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Leaking water heaters can cause serious water damage to your home, making it a more urgent repair than the signs mentioned above. If your water heater is leaking, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. A leaking water heater can be caused by an issue with the pressure valve, corroded or damaged pipes, or a defective unit. You should not try to repair the leak yourself, as this can make the issue worse. Instead, contact a certified technician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue quickly and safely.

Our Peter Levi team hopes by providing you with some of the most common signs you are in of a water heater tune-up or repair you will be able to RESOLVE any small problems before they turn into something more costly. Are you experiencing one of the signs above or just haven’t had a tune-up in some time? Let us TAKE CARE of it today. 

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaner

Let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of having used Drano or another store-bought drain cleaner! For many homeowners, the first thing they turn to when they encounter a slow or clogged drain is a liquid drain cleaner from the nearest store. They see it as a cheaper, quicker fix than contacting a professional. However, chemical drain cleaners can cause a variety of problems. Keep reading to see why you should always avoid using store-bought chemical cleaners to resolve your drain problems. 

Pipe Corrosion

Drain cleaners can cause both internal and external damage to your home’s plumbing. They work by creating a chemical reaction within your drain pipe with the help of hydrochloric acid. Heat is then generated by these reactions, causing cause significant damage to the pipe itself. Pipe corrosion can lead to a burst pipe, which can lead to a serious plumbing emergency, such as a flood.

They Are Toxic

The fumes released from liquid drain cleaners can irritate the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat, causing shortness of breath. Mixing drain cleaners, even accidentally, with other cleaning products can result in deadly gasses!

You’re Flushing Money Down The Drain 

Drain cleaners are not guaranteed to be effective. Depending on the cause of your clog, drain cleaner may not have any effect at all. Sometimes, drain cleaners can clear a clog temporarily, but they end up reappearing. That’s because liquid drain cleaner won’t address more serious underlying issues, like broken pipes or a sewer line that isn’t working properly. You can easily end up wasting your time and money by using store-bought drain cleaners. 

While chemical drain cleaners seem like an easy, quick fix they can cost you your time, money, and overall well-being! Whether you are dealing with a minor or major drain clog it is best to let the professionals TAKE CARE OF IT. Put down the DRANO and give our Peter Levi team a call today at (855) 433-6800. We are always here to help! 

Expert Answers To Your Most Common Drain Clog Questions

Whether you’re a homeowner of a brand new build, fixer-upper, or anything in between you will most likely face a drain clog in your home. With any home service issue you face you will most likely have a few questions before diving into fixing the problem. Our Peter Levi Plumbers are EXPERTS when it comes to your plumbing and drain needs, and we’re happy to answer any questions our customers have. Let our team dive into some of the most common questions we receive about drain clogs so you can determine what your next steps are. 

How Often Should I Schedule A Drain Clearing?

Every 18-22 Months

While many of the systems around your home require regularly scheduled inspections and cleaning, like your A/C or furnace, your drains are significantly lower maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave it alone for years on end. When it comes to cleaning your drains, you want to do it often enough to prevent clogs from forming. We find drain clearings are most effective when performed once every 18 to 22 months.

Are Drains Clogs Typically A Minor Issue?

Not Always

We’d like to be able to tell you that all drain clogs are minor, but that’s simply not the case. Yes, some drain clogs are minor and can be fixed with a plunger or hand-cranked snake. While some can also indicate more serious problems lurking down in the drainage system, such as a broken or clogged sewer pipeline, root infiltration in the sewer line, or blocked drain vents. If these larger issues aren’t dealt with ASAP, clogs could soon be in every household drain and sewage may start to flood into the lower parts of your home house.

I Don’t Put Anything Bad Down My Drains. Why Am I Still Experiencing Clogs? 

They’re inevitable!

First things first, thank you for being a proactive homeowner! Making sure food scraps don’t  make theirs way down your drain and using drain covers are great ways to prevent future drain clogs. If clogs are still happening, please remember that you can’t stop all food waste from going down the drain. Eventually, drains are going to clog up, and this is one of the reasons routine drain cleanings are so helpful! Clogs can also be caused by things other than food waste like hard water deposits, soap scum, & hair.

Should I Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaner To Unclog My Drain?

NO

The simple answer: NO! Any plumbing professional would tell you to avoid using store-bought drain cleaners, like Drano. Why? Store-bought cleaners aren’t very effective, since they only open a small hole through the drainpipe obstruction without actually cleaning anything, letting the clog come right back. They can also cause MORE damage to your drain pipes due to their acidic elements. This will end up causing you more money in the long run by creating a more severe problem than just a clogged drain! 

We hope that through answering some of these common drain clog questions we have helped you make a decision on what your next step is! Whether you are dealing with a minor or major drain clog it is best to let the professional TAKE CARE OF IT. If you have any further questions or believe you are dealing with a clogged drain, our Peter Levi team is here to help. Give us a call today at (855) 433-6800!