Signs of a Damaged Water Heater That May Need Replacement

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When Is It Time to Replace the Water Heater?

Water heater damage is not always visible to the naked eye. If there are no obvious leaks or a lack of hot water, many homeowners assume their water heater is working as usual and isn’t at risk of breaking down. To prevent cold showers and a broken down water heater, homeowners should keep an eye out for signs water heater replacement is needed and not neglect it. 

Odd Smells and Appearance of Hot Water

corrosionIf the hot water coming from fixtures is discolored, cloudy looking, or has a strange odor, it may need to be replaced. A metallic smell and cloudy or rusty-looking water can be a sign of water heater corrosion. Corrosion, while common, is a serious problem for the water heater. 

Once corrosion and rust have built up over time, this may cause water to take on a reddish brown tint and odd smell. The destruction of metal from corrosion jeopardizes the entire water heater tank and can lead to frequent leaks and problems, so it often requires the water heater to be replaced.

Chilly Showers or Hot Water Runs Out Quicker

cold shower If household members must take shorter showers since hot water runs out quicker than it used to or there are any other water temperature problems, it results from water heater problems. It’s important to catch this problem early on, as neglecting these issues can cause the issue to get worse if it doesn’t need replacing already.

When water can only reach lukewarm temperatures, or there’s a decrease in hot water, it can indicate several problems with the water heater. There may be sediment buildup in the tank affecting the temperature, meaning water heater maintenance is needed, including flushing the hot water tank, or it could be a more serious problem requiring replacement. A plumber can inspect the unit and determine the best solution. 

Water Heater Is at the End of Its Lifespan or Needs Repairs Too Often 

Other signals that it’s time for water heater replacement are if it’s towards the end of its life expectancy or needs frequent repairs. When a water heater requires multiple repairs in a short period, it’s more cost-effective to replace it with a new energy-efficient water heater, especially if it’s older, as replacement will be needed soon anyway. 

Additionally, water heaters become more inefficient as they age and are more at risk of breaking down and needing replacement anyway, so it’s best to replace them before they break down entirely and the household loses hot water. Once storage water heaters are over 10 years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. On the other hand, tankless water heaters last longer, around 20 years, so replacements are needed less frequently. If it’s nearing that age, it’s time to consider a tankless water heater replacement. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has more than 35 years of experience serving Miami Lakes and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, no extra charges for overtime work, and personal attention. Call them today for water heater installation and repair services in Miami Lakes, FL. 

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Is the House Haunted by a Water Hammer This Halloween?

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What to Do About That Spooky Banging Sound Behind the Walls

Every house has its unique soundtrack of little noises it makes, from creaks and groans to thuds and pops. Most of these are just products of the house settling and wood contracting or expanding as temperatures change. But if loud banging or knocking sounds are coming from inside the walls or under the floors, there’s cause for concern. 

These frightful sounds aren’t caused by ghouls, ghosts, or goblins but by a slightly less terrifying phenomenon called water hammer. Apart from being annoying and downright spooky, water hammers can damage pipes and fixtures and may even indicate larger issues with the plumbing system – so this article will explain what a water hammer is, its risks, and how to get rid of it!

What Exactly Is Water Hammer?

A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, is a pressure surge or shockwave inside a water pipe that occurs when the water flow suddenly stops or changes direction (the technical term for this is transient flow). This usually results in a banging or knocking sound caused by the shockwave traveling through the pipe. The pipe may also rattle against any surrounding wood if it’s not tightly fastened, contributing to the noise. A water hammer is generally the culprit when anyone refers to banging or noisy pipes.

Water hammers are usually caused by a valve closing suddenly, such as the automatic valves in a washing machine or dishwasher. However, even a faucet being turned off quickly can cause a hydraulic shock. But in many cases, excessively high water pressure is at the root of the problem – if the water is moving faster and under higher pressure, more force will be behind it when it suddenly slams into a closed valve.

What Are the Dangers of Water Hammer?

water hammerApart from the irritation of noisy pipes, water hammers can cause serious issues with the plumbing system. Over time, the constant pressure surges and shockwaves can loosen pipe fittings and joints, potentially causing small leaks or even a ruptured pipe. The sudden pressure surge can even cause old or corroded pipes to burst. 

If this weren’t bad enough on its own, the resulting water damage can be extensive – not to mention expensive to clean and repair. A water hammer can also damage any valves that bear the brunt of the shockwave. This will mainly affect automatic valves that close very rapidly, such as those in washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets.

How Do the Pros Fix Water Hammer?

fixing water hammerWhen it comes to fixing water hammers, professional plumbers have a few options at their disposal. One of the first things they will do is check the home’s main water pressure regulator to see if the water pressure is at a normal level - typically somewhere between 50-70 PSI - and adjust it if necessary.

The next step is typically to see if the home’s air chambers are full of water (if the house has any). Air chambers are vertical sections of pipe in the water supply system that act as a sort of buffer, giving water somewhere to go if there’s a pressure surge. If the air chambers are full of water, they must be drained. Another water hammer fix professionals may employ is to install water hammer arrestors near potentially problematic valves. These small devices serve a similar function as air chambers, acting as cushions where sudden changes in pressure and flow occur. 

These fixes - not to mention diagnosing the cause of the water hammer - are outside the realm of DIY plumbing repair, so to make sure the issue is fully resolved and avoid damaging the plumbing system, it’s always best to leave water hammer repair to the professionals!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has over 35 years of expertise serving Miami Lakes and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing with no extra charges for overtime work and personal attention. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami Lakes, FL.

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How Homeowners Can Catch Water Leaks

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Tips to Catch Leaks and Prevent More High Water Bills 

Quick leak detection is vital to home maintenance, whether it’s a subtle leak under the kitchen sink or a geyser shooting from the toilet. However, many water leaks won’t be that obvious. The longer a leak goes unaddressed, the more water and money it wastes, and the more water damage can occur. These problems do not fix themselves and don’t get better with time. That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to know the signs of a leak and act quickly. Here, one can learn about common signs for spotting leaks.

Know the Signs of a Leak 

Some signs that can indicate a leak include: 

  • Mold growth: Mold grows where there’s water and moisture and can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.  
  • Poor water pressure: If a leak interrupts the flow of water, it can affect the water pressure of showerheads and faucets.  
  • The sound of running water: If no faucet, showerhead, or other water-using fixture or appliance is on, a homeowner shouldn’t hear running water. If they do, this could mean there’s a leak. 

Time is of the essence when finding and fixing a leak. A leak wastes more than just water; it can damage personal property, saturate drywall, and attract rodents. As soon as signs of a leak are noticed, a plumber should be called to locate and repair the leak. 

High Water Bills Indicate Leaks 

billBecause leaks waste water, higher than normal water costs without a change in water usage indicates there’s a leak. Even tiny leaks like a dripping faucet can waste a lot of water and money. When there’s a leak, homeowners may find themselves spending even more, not just on water bills but from the secondary consequences of a leak, including: 

  • Mold remediation 
  • Replacing soggy or damaged flooring
  • Repairing water damage to the home’s foundation 
  • Controlling humidity with a dehumidifier 

Nobody wants to spend more money than they have to. That’s why when a homeowner suspects they have a leak, they should consult a professional immediately to prevent additional costs and damage to the home. 

Check the Reading on the Water Meter 

water meterThe water meter is an essential tool that lets homeowners know how much water passes into the plumbing system. Some water meters measure water by the gallons, while others measure by the cubic foot. It depends on the house's age and the water meter itself. 

Whenever somebody flushes the toilet or washes their hands, the number increases. So, if a homeowner is concerned about a leak, they can use their water meter to check for it. Here’s how to use a water meter to check for leaks: 

  • Turn off the water main or stop using any water-using devices or fixtures
  • Write down the number on the water meter 
  • Wait around an hour without using any water  
  • Check the reading on the water meter again to see if there’s a change

If the number has increased without the household using any water, this means that a leak is causing water to be wasted, and a plumber should be called. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has over thirty years of experience serving Miami and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing and personal attention and never take shortcuts or cut corners. Call them today for water leak detection and repair services in Miami, FL.

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Don't Get Pinched By High Water Bills This St. Patrick's Day

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Three Ways to Save Some Green 

Green is popular on St. Patrick’s Day, but for many people, the color green also conjures up the idea of money. Either way, green is trendy this time of year, and for homeowners that want more of it in their pockets, there are some easy ways to do it.

Saving money around the home is usually simpler than most people expect. When it comes to plumbing and water bills, so much gets wasted unnecessarily that simply by saving water, homeowners can lower their monthly water bills. Here are some tips from local plumbing experts to help homeowners start saving by reducing their water bills. 

Shut Off the Water 

tapMost people pay very little attention to how much water they use daily. Plumbing and fresh water are so common in the home that most people take them for granted. This leads to a lot of waste but also a lot of opportunities to save money by cutting down on water usage. The simplest way to reduce water usage is to shut the water off between tasks. 

Many people leave the tap running longer than necessary, wasting ample fresh water. By turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or shaving, homeowners can reduce their water bills to manageable sizes. For extra savings, try turning off the water while soaping and scrubbing in the shower or keeping showers short. 

Invest in Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances 

Turning off the tap can take some getting used to, and it can be easy to forget for those that have long-standing habits. To save water more effectively, get the plumbing fixtures to save water by themselves. This goal is best accomplished by investing in water-saving, eco-friendly appliances and plumbing fixtures.

What sets water-saving appliances and fixtures apart? They are designed to use far less water than their traditional counterparts. This includes low-flow showerheads that provide a comfortable shower with less water, touchless faucets, and washing machines that use 20% less water per load. In addition to saving water, Energy Star appliances also use less energy so that homeowners can save even more. 

Be Careful About What Gets Flushed 

toilet When flushed down the drain, certain inorganic materials such as plastics, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, and medication can lead to water pollution. These materials often contain toxins not filtered out by sewage systems and end up in the oceans. This harms marine wildlife and ecosystems. 

In addition, objects that aren’t designed to be flushed can cause clogs that lead to costly problems like leaks and burst pipes, which massively contribute to water wastage and high water bills. It is essential to be mindful of what is flushed down the drain as it can significantly impact the environment. Only flush human waste and toilet paper to avoid polluting the oceans and wasting water. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned and operated company serving Miami, FL residents for over 30 years. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and quality workmanship. Call them today for toilet repair and bathroom or kitchen plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Signs to Break Up With That Old Water Heater

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When is Water Heater Replacement Necessary?

As a homeowner, there comes a time when essential appliances need replacing. If a shower’s hot water has taken on an unexpected chill, it might be time to replace the water heater and return to enjoying warm showers and baths. But how would a homeowner know when precisely this life-saver of an appliance needs updating? This blog post will explain the common signs of a water heater malfunctioning and whether or not a repair is possible. 

Signs of Corrosion

corrosionCorrosion of water heaters is common for older models because it occurs over time and with a lack of maintenance, and it's important to keep an eye out for corrosion as a sign that the water heater may need replacing. If there’s rust on the tank, it's a sign of corrosion. It's important not to ignore this problem because if the corrosion is left unresolved, it could end up costing more in the long run because of leaks and water damage and because the worse the corrosion, the more likely a full replacement is needed. 

Depending on how bad the corrosion is and which components are involved, water heater replacement will need to be considered for the continued functionality of a home. To prevent corrosion, it is essential to get routine maintenance on the water heater. Maintenance tasks like flushing the tank and changing the anode rod are vital to preventing corrosion and extending the lifespan of a water heater. 

Water Does Not Heat When it Should

No one wants to wait around for water to heat only to find that it never will or to see a glimmer of hope with warm water only for it to turn cold quickly. If water from the water heater does not heat when it is supposed to, homeowners likely need to replace the water heater. This can seem daunting because of the cost, but replacing water heaters can be financially beneficial in the long run, thanks to their energy efficiency benefits. 

Old water heaters that don’t work efficiently anymore cost more in monthly water heating costs because they have to work harder for the same results due to the loss in efficiency. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency water heating system with a fast recovery rate leads to decreased utility bills and will provide reliable hot water available around the clock. To maintain good efficiency in a water heater, regular water heater maintenance is crucial. 

Energy Bills Continue to Rise Without Explanation

billsIf energy bills in the household are spiking without explanation, it may be time for a deeper investigation. If the energy bill spikes coincide with an old water heater unit or a water heater that hasn't been professionally maintained on a regular basis, the homeowner may want to look closer at the age and condition of that unit. 

Water heaters lose efficiency as they age, so if the unit is over ten years old and energy bills have risen, it’s time for a replacement. If a water heater is under five years old and is experiencing higher utility bills, it may point to neglected maintenance. A qualified plumber can help homeowners determine whether their water heaters can get by with repair and maintenance or need a replacement. Homeowners should contact their local plumber when they notice any of these signs. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has more than 30 years of experience as a family-owned business serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, personal attention, and same-day service. Call them today for water heater services in Miami, FL.

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Preventing Corrosion: Defeating the Enemy of Water Pipes

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Defining Corrosion and Ways to Get the Upper Hand 

Corrosion is a form of chemical deterioration of metals through exposure to oxygen. Oxidation is another term for the process because the compounds formed in the corrosion process are known as oxides. One of the most commonly known oxides is iron oxide, aka rust. 

Corrosion comes in many forms, but whether it’s pitting, scraping, or thinning the metal, it can lead to catastrophic failure of a home’s water pipes. Though corrosion cannot be reversed, the process can be slowed, stopped, or prevented if the proper precautions are taken. Corroded water pipes do not have to become a source of inconvenience or frustration.

Using Coatings and Protective Linings as Frontline Protection

coatingThe pipes that make up a home's plumbing system are made of different materials depending on their function. PVC and PEX pipes are great and corrosion resistant, but there are times when a copper or steel pipe is still the best choice (for example, to connect to the hot water tank). 

Perhaps an older home still has functioning iron pipes that should be protected rather than replaced. Coatings and protective linings are useful in these cases. Several different material types are used to bond to the inside of metal pipes, but all have their place depending on the situation. Below are a few examples:

  • Aluminum: Aluminum is a corrosion-resistant metal often sprayed onto pipes to protect them. It requires high temperatures to apply.
  • Epoxy: Sometimes used alone and sometimes used with a flexible medium, epoxy is a liquid resin or adhesive that can cure quickly to provide a protective layer.
  • Zinc: Galvanization is often done for pipes during the manufacturing process. This adds a coating of zinc which is another corrosion-resistant metal.

Clearing the Water with a Water Softener

softenerAccording to experts, close to 90% of the homes in the United States have what is known as hard water. This means that there are minerals dissolved in the water. These minerals can deposit themselves in a home’s pipes in the form of salts which can act as corrosive materials. A water softener uses resin beads with positively charged ions to attract the negatively charged minerals in the hard water, removing them and allowing much cleaner, less corrosive water to pass into the pipes, which helps prevent corrosion. Here is a window into the process:

  • Water enters the water softener through the supply line.
  • The mineral salts (negatively charged) are attracted to the resin beads (positively charged) and precipitate from the water. 
  • The water (free of minerals) flows from the water softener into the home’s plumbing system.
  • The resin beads are flushed with salts with a stronger negative charge, and the salts that were in the hard water are flushed through the home’s drainage system. 

Professional Plumbing Maintenance

One of the simplest and most effective ways to verify that a home’s plumbing does not succumb to corrosion is by calling a professional to perform routine maintenance. A plumbing technician will also carefully examine a home’s pipes and provide recommendations when corrosion is present. They can catch any issues before they worsen and save a homeowner money and time.

About Falcon Plumbing

For over 25 years, family-owned and woman-owned and operated Falcon Plumbing has served the residents of Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing and 24/7 emergency service at no extra charge. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Reasons for Low Water Pressure in the Home

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Common Reasons for Poor Water Pressure

There are many reasons for poor water pressure. Some issues just require tinkering. Others require immediate professional attention. One can ensure their home's well-being by knowing the reasons behind poor water pressure. They can also prevent rising energy costs, expensive repairs, and stress.

One may experience poor water pressure if:

Leaks Cause Water to Escape the Plumbing System

leaksPlumbing systems are complex systems of pipes, valves, and connectors. A leak in any component of the system can weaken water pressure. The less water in a system, the weaker the water pressure will be. The leak can also divert water from its destination (such as a faucet) and lead it elsewhere, like inside the home’s walls. Over time, this can lead to mold growth and other complications.

Reasons for pipe leaks include:

  • Rust: Over time, rust can compromise the pipe’s material, leading to leaks and burst pipes.
  • Root intrusion: Miami is home to many plants with intricate root systems. These roots can make their way inside pipes and cause leaks. They can also cause clogs––another cause of low water pressure.
  • Loose water connectors: At first glance, a loose water connector causes a few drips here and there. Yet, this can add up over time, leading to hundreds of gallons of wasted water and, in turn, poor water pressure.

These are just some reasons for leaks. A homeowner can prevent these issues by scheduling annual maintenance visits and installing a root barrier to protect underground pipes from intruding roots.

Clogs and Waste Buildup

Clogs and waste buildup obstruct the flow of water. Consider this scenario to understand more:

  • A homeowner turns on the shower.
  • Water comes from a groundwater source through the service line.
  • The water starts through the pipes, toward the shower, and past the water meter valve.
  • However, a clog obstructs the water’s flow, allowing a smaller amount through at a time.
  • Water trickles out of the showerhead–the opposite of what the homeowner wants.

Here, the homeowner should consult a trained professional because they have the expertise to fix clogs easily. Clogs and buildup can arise from various sources, ranging from root intrusion to septic tank waste buildup.

Broken Fixtures or Closed Valves

valveFixtures refer to things like showerheads, main water valves, faucets, drains––anything that allows the flow of water. Broken fixtures can stem from issues such as leaks, clogs, and corrosion. Without prompt attention, broken fixtures can waste water and affect the plumbing system’s operations.

Closed valves are a different matter. Valves regulate the flow of water. An open valve allows water to travel through the system. Closed valves don’t let water pass at all. Now that one knows the difference between broken fixtures and closed valves, here’s what to know:

  • A partially closed valve will allow some water to travel through the system––but not all of it.
  • Broken fixtures can’t take advantage of the water’s flow.
  • As noted, these problems will not fix their own. They require an expert’s help.

These are just some reasons why there may be the low water pressure in the shower – and the home’s other plumbing fixtures.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, personal attention, and 24/7 emergency service at no extra charge. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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How Does Backflow Testing Keep Water Safe?

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Answering Tough Backflow Prevention Questions

Clean drinking water is so available and abundant that it can be easy to overlook the complicated systems that are engineered to deliver to every home and business. Most people don’t realize that there is a municipal plumbing system before the water reaches a home that makes ready access to water possible. One of the main components of plumbing infrastructure is a device called a backflow preventer. Backflow preventers have special jobs that protect freshwater resources in piping and stringent rules that govern their inspection. 

To learn about backflow preventer testing and certification, local plumbers are here to share some knowledge. With this quick article, everyone can better understand their plumbing infrastructure and how it is cared for. 

What Happens When Backflow Occurs?

After water is treated, it is very important that it remains uncontaminated. Water treatment facilities work hard to remove biological and chemical threats from water to make it safe, and if things go correctly, the water will remain safe as it travels through piping all the way to the home. 

However, occasionally a phenomenon called “backflow” can occur. Backflow occurs when water is pulled in the wrong direction through piping and potentially pulls contaminated water into clean water piping. Water that is pulled into the piping can contain dangerous chemicals or pathogens that are not normally present in the water. Backflow prevention devices are essentially check-valves that make sure the flow of water stays in one direction. 

Homes are protected by having air gaps at each point of use in a plumbing system. In some cases, irrigation systems will have special backflow preventers that stop groundwater from backflowing into freshwater piping. On a larger scale, businesses and municipalities have special backflow preventers that must be inspected annually to ensure that they will function correctly in a backflow condition. 

What Makes Certification Necessary?backflow

Backflow preventers are reliable pieces of equipment that stay in service for years. In that time, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water can flow through a backflow preventer. With all of the work that backflow preventers do, they need to be tested to make sure they are reliable. 

Backflow certification is the process where professional backflow testing and certification specialists make sure that the backflow preventers will reliably prevent contamination of water from backflow. By running a quick set of tests with specialized equipment, backflow testing specialists can check on the condition of backflow preventers and legally document their inspection according to local guidelines. 

What Qualifications Do Backflow Testing Specialists Need?plumber

All backflow testing and certification contractors are plumbers, but not all plumbers are certified to test backflow preventers. To become certified to work on backflow preventers, a plumber must take extra courses and pass an exam. 

The exam consists of a written portion where the applicant demonstrates their skills, as well as a hands-on portion where the applicants actually test real-world backflow prevention devices. Plumbers that decide to pursue the backflow testing and certification process must renew their license every two years to ensure that everyone who performs backflow testing maintains aptitude in this important skill. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been doing backflow testing and certification for 30 years. Their qualified technicians are also ready to help with emergency plumbing services where a real person always answers the phone. Call today to schedule unparalleled backflow service in the Miami, FL area.

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Free Yourself and Ditch Low Water Pressure

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Don’t Get Dragged Down by Low Water Pressure 

It’s Valentine’s Day, and it's time to take inventory of the relationships that may be dragging people down. One of those is a homeowner’s relationship with low water pressure. 

Low water pressure can happen to anyone. When it happens, homeowners will be left to navigate a stinky mess. This Valentine’s Day, get help breaking up with low water pressure for good with help from local plumbers. Take their advice and water pressure worries kick it to the curb!

Source of Low Water Pressure

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A blockage always causes low water pressure in a home’s drains. Usually, the obvious giveaway that an appliance is blocked is standing water in a toilet or basin. But other signs can indicate that a problem is brewing as well. Some of these signs are:

  • Foul odors
  • Gurgling sounds
  • Slow flushes of toilets
  • Slow draining 
  • Backed up toilets
  • Backed up sinks
  • Sewage in bathtubs or floor drains

If any of these signs have started to manifest, then scheduling a drain cleaning is a good idea. Slow drains never fix themselves; they will always need some kind of attention to restore performance. 

Fixing Low Water Pressure

Drain cleaning from qualified professionals is the best way to fix low water pressure. A plumbing company specializing in drain cleaning will have the knowledge and tools to fix any drain problem fast. Among these tools are:

  • Hand-held pipe snake
  • Industrial pipe snakes for sewer lines
  • Hydrojetting machines
  • Tools to remove and clean P-traps
  • Expertise to pull toilets and look for debris in the trap

Useful Ideas for Preventing Low Water Pressure

Preventing low water means that homeowners will never have to deal with emergency drain cleanings ever again. Preventing low water pressure can be as simple as changing a few habits and practicing good drain care. Some ideas to help keep drains clean are: 

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  • Throw food scraps in the trash: Most clogs that happen in the kitchen can be traced back to food scraps. Even if a garbage disposal is in place and regularly used, food scraps can still be a problem. Potatoes, onions, coffee grounds, and eggshells are common contributors. 
  • Leave the lid down. The lid, or cover, of a toilet is meant to stop items from falling into the bowl. In many bathrooms, shelves are built above the toilet. Things will fall off of said shelf all too often, landing in the toilet. Additionally, if children are in the house, the lid prevents them from losing toys in the potty. 
  • Don’t put grease in the sink. Kitchen grease may be liquid when cooked, but it turns to a solid when it cools off. This means that each time grease is poured down the sink, it quickly hardens along the pipes’ inner walls. Over time, this constricts water flow through the pipe, leading to a nasty clog. 
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and can cause damage to drains, even to the point that plumbers will have to replace large sections of the drain line. Calling a plumber first and getting routine drain cleaning will help prevent clogs. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a woman-owned business serving Miami since 1986. Friendly representatives always answer their phones. Their prompt and professional service is available 24 hours a day for emergencies and regular service. Call today to schedule expert drain cleaning services in Miami.

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Any Water Heater Would Love To Receive This Gift This Holiday Season

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Water Heater Repair Tips for the Holidays

Water heater repair is one of those unavoidable things that’s bound to happen sooner or later. In fact, heading off a water heater disaster is all about prevention and maintenance. But it can be hard to know when a water heater actually needs repairs. Aside from the obvious issue of the loss of hot water, it may be hard to tell something is wrong with the unit. And it can be even harder to know when replacement is required instead of simple repairs. Read on to find out how to tell the difference and when to give the gift of water heater repair. 

How To Know When a Water Heater Needs Repairs

The first indication that a water heater may need repair or replacing is its age. Ten years is the upper limit of a water heater’s age range. It’s not too hard to figure out how old a water heater is. If it’s not in the homeowner’s paperwork, contacting the manufacturer with the model and serial number is usually the best way to determine this. Next up is a leak around the water heater. Even a small leak is concerning and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Rust-colored water is another sign that it’s time for repair. But only if the discoloration of the hot water. If both hot and cold water is discolored, it may be an issue with the pipes or the water itself. Finally, strange noises from the heater are an indication that something is wrong. These noises include a high-pitched whine, banging, popping, or cracking sounds. 

Reasons Water Heaters Break Down in the First Place

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Water heaters can fail for a number of reasons. In the case of leaks, it could be because of high water pressure, a cracked tank, or a faulty part. Any system will start to break down eventually, but knowing how that happens can help homeowners stay ahead of the game. Corrosion is another issue that plagues water heaters. They have sacrificial anode rods that help keep corrosion from happening, but they eventually lose effectiveness. 

Lastly, sediment buildup is unavoidable in the tank of a water heater. When the water is heated, the sediment separates and settles in the tank. Flushing the water heater regularly helps to keep the sediment buildup from getting out of hand. 

When To Consider Water Heater Replacement

The good news is that water heaters aren’t all that expensive to replace. If a water heater is over ten years old (or getting close to it) and needs a repair, the homeowner is probably better off simply replacing the system. Otherwise, the issues will crop up more and more often, and so will the repair costs. 

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When a water heater begins to leak from the inside, it’s time for a replacement. The difficulty lies in determining where the leak is coming from. A cracked tank is not replaceable and requires that a new unit be brought in. This is why homeowners should call a professional if they believe they are dealing with a cracked tank. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been helping folks in Miami, FL, with their plumbing needs for over 25 years. They provide 24/7 emergency service for no extra charge. They also offer upfront pricing, excellent workmanship, and superb customer service. Call Flacon Plumbing for water heater services in Miami.

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