Is it Time for a New Water Heater (and Other Concerns)?

August 1, 2015 Guest Post

Plumbing concerns are one of the major issues homeowners inevitably face. If you do not have much plumbing experience, things like a leaking water heater can become a major concern.

There are a number of plumbing concerns that homeowners regularly face, and below are a few of the major ones to be aware of and what you can do about them.

No Hot Water

If you aren’t getting any hot water, it could be due to a serious problem with the water heater. The light on the gas water heater may not be lit, causing the water to cool. Call a professional to fix this and test your system, as it can be dangerous to work with the gas yourself. If the water heater seems to run out of how water quickly, it may be time to replace it. Older water heaters are often filled with sediment, which can make it challenging to warm up the water inside. Talk to a professional about the replacement costs, and discuss the option of transitioning to a tankless water heater as it will save you a lot of money, and provide continuous hot water.

The other way to know that your water heater is in need of replacement is to examine the bottom and check if there are any leaks. A leak from a hot water heater is a serious problem and it may indicate the bottom is rusting, which will soon lead to a burst.

Poor Drainage

Drainage problems are common for homeowners. If you take a shower and find that the water isn’t draining properly, clogged drains are likely to blame. You can avoid this by using a drain catcher to prevent hair from spiraling down the drain. You should also limit the amount of food and other things that go down the drain. Professionals can perform drain-cleaning services to keep the drains from blocking. If you have drains that clog often, call a plumber to inspect your pipes. Older homes often have problems with clogging drains if there are tree roots growing inside of them.

Leaky Faucet

When a faucet starts to drip, it can waste several gallons of water each day, which can be a serious problem. Call a professional to inspect your faucet and find out if you need a replacement. Some people can get by with minimal repair work, like changing the washers in the faucet, but some faucets are not designed to last more than five years.

 

Leaking Pipes

A drip coming from a pipe is a major concern. You need to call a professional right away because a leaky pipe will end up causing damage to other areas of the home. A slight drip can run down the pipe, causing water damage within the floors, walls, and other areas of the home. If you have an older home, have your pipes periodically tested for rust and other issues. White lime deposits on the side of a pipe will indicate that they are aging, and are due to be replaced soon.

In short, if something goes wrong, call a professional plumber.

Jared Miret, father and home handyman loves sharing his knowledge of home improvement though blogging. If your water heater is on the brink, Jared recommends a new water heater from Houston’s Southern Plumbing.