Draining the Water Heater Tank

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Reasons Why You Need to Drain Your Water Tank

A water heater has an average useful life of around 13 years. Through this time, sediments like calcium, calcium carbonate, and magnesium can accumulate at the bottom of the tank.

Flushing or draining may help get rid of sediments and bacteria. It may also help extend your equipment’s lifespan and make it operate in a more efficient manner. This will save you money in the long run. Thus, you should consider performing the task regularly.

Tucson, AZ water-heater-services

Frequency of Tank Draining

According to experts, whether you are using a gas or electric water heater, you should drain your unit at least once each year, especially if you have hard water in your area. However, energy.gov of the US Department of energy suggests that you flush about of quart of water from the tank every quarter as part of your regular maintenance measures, depending on the model and type of your heater.

Following these guidelines, the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors say that you need to drain a few gallons of water twice to four times every year, and more in communities with hard water. Thus, to prolong the life of your water heater and to maintain its efficiency, periodical draining, at least once each year, is a sound practice.

It’s also a good idea to consult your user’s manual and know your manufacturer’s recommendation on how frequently and how much water to drain from your equipment.

Because of the high risk of injury you could sustain from scalding water, it is best that you let licensed professionals like Spartan Plumbing handle the task for you. This is also ideal if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job on your own. After all, your safety, as well as the safety of your family, should be your top priority.

Draining the Proper Way

As mentioned, flushing your water heater tank on a regular basis is among the best ways to prolong your unit’s useful life and maintain its efficient operation.

The simple and straightforward maintenance procedure below will help get rid of any sediment build-up in your tank:

  1. Shut the water supply off – Find the valve for the cold water supply at the top of the heater, then set it to off.
  2. Turn the water heater off – If you’re using an electric heater, switch the power off at the breaker panel; just turn the unit’s thermostat knob to the “pilot” setting if you’re using a gas heater.
  3. Attach a garden hose – Locate the drain valve at the bottom of your tank and attach a garden hose. Put the hose’s other end in a bucket near a floor drain. It might be a good idea to have several buckets on hand.
  4. Turn on a hot water tap – Allow hot water from a tap nearest the heater unit to run. This will help ease the pressure from the system, while also helping you drain tank water.
  5. Open the drain valve – When the tank is completely drained, switch the cold water supply on for a little while to clear the remaining sediments. Do this step repeatedly until the water is clear.

To bring the heater back into operation, do the following steps:

  1. Turn the drain valve off
  2. Detach the hose
  3. Switch the cold water supply on to refill the tank
  4. Once cold water starts to flow from the tap, switch it off
  5. Switch on the gas valve from “pilot” position or turn on electricity back to the water heater tank
  6. Inspect the valve opening to make sure there are no leaks
  7. Additional tips from DIY

Spartan Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can assist you with all your plumbing requirements. Call us if you need help with water heater maintenance, as well as any other plumbing concerns.

Common Plumbing Problems Found by Home Inspectors

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Buying and Selling a Home In Tucson, Potential Plumbing Problems

Before you buy a previously-loved home, it is important that you first have a home inspection done. Otherwise, you may miss something important that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future.

Plumbing may not be easily visible. However, it is important to keep it in mind when conducting home inspections. Often, the biggest concerns discovered by home inspectors are drainage issues and moisture that can trigger dry rot, mold, and structural damage. Slow drains, insufficient water pressure, and visible leak stains may all indicate plumbing problems.

Remember, once the sale is done, you will be the one to shoulder all necessary repairs. Getting a professional home inspection before deciding to buy a home will help you avoid unnecessary spending on repairs.

Having said that, here are some of the most common plumbing problems encountered during inspections done by home inspectors:

 

Tucson Plumbing Inspections

Outdated Pipes

PE or polyethylene pipes can be used in homes, but only for turn off valves in water mains as well as in water pressure tanks. They are, however, not to legal code for home use for any other application. Make sure that there are no out of date pipes installed in the home you are planning to buy.

Galvanized Pipes

Before the 1960s, a lot of houses used galvanized pipes. These lead pipes were coated with zinc. The problem is, zinc erodes over time, and there is danger that lead may seep into your home’s water supply. These pipes should be replaced before you move in.

Pipe ObstructionsRepiping

If you are buying an older home, check if there are tree root growths that could possibly affect the pipes. Problematic or outdated systems are also common pipe issues that are detected by inspections.

Polybutylene Pipes

A kind of plastic resin, polybutylene is used in manufacturing water pipes as a cheap copper alternative from 1978 to 1995. Recent findings reveal that oxidants such as chlorine, which is present in public water supplies, can make the material brittle. This will result to micro fractures that can trigger system failure, as well as damage to personal property and the building’s structure. Because of the inherent weaknesses in PB, it is no longer accepted by the building code of both the U.S.

Broken PipesLeak Detection

A lot of things can lead to a broken pipe. For example, you may accidentally crush a drain line while parking your car or you may crack a pipe while completing a DIY project.

Corroded Pipes

Rust build up or corrosion around or inside your pipes can result to blockages or decreased water pressure and flow in the household. Thus, it is important to replace rusty pipes right away.

Read more about the types of pipes plumbers use.

Clogs in the Sewer Line

Gurgling sounds, slow draining problems, and backups are often signs of a sewer line clog. This makes it difficult to get rid of waste from your home. It can also force water to back up, leading to leaks. Tree root growth is one of the most prevalent causes of clogs. The problem will only worsen if you don’t address it right away.

Leaks in the Walls

Leaks running inside your walls are hard to spot. Often, you will only begin to suspect that they are there once you notice your water bill climbing because of the slow leaking, or when you see mildew/mold growth, or damage to your flooring and/or drywall. The best way to identify the problem is through a professional inspection of your interior.

Water Heater Problems

Water heater replacement can be quite costly. You may be experiencing early damage with the presence of the following signs:

Some of these reasons may indicate your new potential home needs a new water heater or at the very least serviced by an experienced licensed plumber.

While these problems may be common and easily detected, it is best that the job be left to the hands of professionals like Spartan Plumbing. We have trained manpower and the necessary equipment for any plumbing job.

Know When Your Garbage Disposal Is in Need of Repairs

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The kitchen in most homes today are filled with modern appliances that make food preparation convenient and clean. A fully functioning garbage disposal system makes sure that you get rid of all remnants of each meal. This way, your kitchen can remain clean all the time. But how can you achieve that if you have a malfunctioning garbage disposal equipment?

Having said that, here are some signs that will help you know that your garbage disposal system is in need of repairs:

Foul Smell Coming from Your Sink

If you notice a bad smell coming from the sink on a consistent basis, it may no longer be due to the dirty dishes – unless of course you allow your used dishes to pile up for a long time. Otherwise, it’s probably due to a garbage disposal problem.

Food waste may be getting trapped in the system’s disposal lines. This is sometimes difficult to address. Although flushing water into the lines may be helpful, it is not a permanent fix. To get rid of the problem once and for all, you’ll have to disassemble the equipment, remove the stuck food particles, and then put the unit back together. For a regular homeowner, this may be a difficult task. Thus, it is best to seek the help of pros like Spartan Plumbing.

Slow Draining Garbage Disposal Unit

If you have given the system enough time to run and get rid of the waste as usual, the drain line may be congested. Experts don’t recommend the use of chemical drain cleaners for your garbage disposal. For one, it will only cause damage to your equipment and you will be left with a sink filled with toxic chemicals. Instead, you can try using the time-tested vinegar and baking soda solution. If that doesn’t work, then you know it’s time to call in the experts for help.

Spartan Plumbing knows exactly how to remove the bolts, disassemble the drain trap, release the drain pipe, spot the clogs and obstructions, and clear the clog using the best and most advanced tools.

Recurrent Garbage Disposal Clogs

Modern garbage disposal systems are intended to work efficiently and smoothly. Thus, a clog can be quite frustrating, and it is a clear sign that your unit needs repairs. The extent of the necessary repairs depends on the frequency and severity of the clogging.

If clogs are only occasional, you may only need to disassemble the unit to remove the food waste. However, if you experience frequent clogging, you may need to replace your garbage disposal with a bigger unit. If your equipment is too small to handle heavy loads, this can put a stress on your unit, resulting in frequent clogs.

Constant Leaks in Your Garbage Disposal

A leak can produce disgusting and dirty puddles that can ruin your kitchen. Thus, you need to address the problem right away. Tightening the connection between your sink and appliance may solve some types of leaks. However, if the leak is serious, it may be costly to repair. Severe leaks may be beyond repair and may even require replacement.

Before buying a new unit, however, consult with Spartan Plumbing first to determine if you really need new equipment. In case you don’t need a replacement yet, they will recommend the proper solution to your problem.

Your garbage disposal system is designed to get rid of all types of messes in your kitchen but a broken garbage disposal will do the opposite. By being aware of the common garbage disposal issues, you will know when you can fix the problem on your own, and when you need to call the experts to do the job for you. Here are some additional tips to keep your disposal running efficiently.

Garbage Disposal Troubles and Common Problems

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A garbage disposal device is one of the hardest-working appliances in the household. After all, it supports the most commonly used item in the house: the kitchen sink. It works in a simple manner: the motor system is equipped with rotating blades for grinding food particles and other waste that goes through the drain.

The motorized grinding machine, however, can get clogged over time. Thus, it is important that it is functioning well at all times. Having said that, here are some useful tips to keep in mind when it comes to garbage repair maintenance.

When Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair

Over time, your garbage disposal device will suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Various kinds of problems may happen, some of which are easy to fix, but some may require training and advanced skills.

To avoid making the problem worse, do not attempt to repair the equipment if you think you are not capable of doing so. This is best left to the hands of experienced professionals like Spartan Plumbing. Having said that, here are some of the more common problems your garbage disposal may pose:

Overheating

If you switch the garbage disposal on and it doesn’t start to hum, it is possible that it has overheated. Because of overfilling, the device could have tripped off on its own. The first thing you should do is check for the reset (usually red) button under the unit.

If nothing happens after you press the button, find the circuit box. Check if there is a tripped breaker. This is a simple problem you can do on your own. Calling a professional for this job will only make you spend money unnecessarily.

Jamming

If your unit is humming, but it’s still not working, then the culprit may be a jam. The impellers may be stuck. For your safety, do not place your hand in the grinding chamber down into the drain to check for jams. Like everyone else, your first instinct may be to fix the problem right away by trying to reach for the stuck item and dislodging it by hand. Thus, it is important to stay calm and control your actions.

First, turn the circuit breakers to your garbage disposal off. Remove the bottom part of the housing to dislodge the jammed item from the bottom. This is an easy fix, but if you have no idea how to do it, then you better give a professional a call. It is better to spend a little money for a simple repair job than risk incurring more expensive repairs in the future.

How to Avoid Costly Garbage Disposal Repair

Don’ts:

  • Don’t grind bones, eggshells, fibrous foods, coffee grounds, metal, and rubber in the garbage disposal unit.
  • Don’t overfill it.
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners for unclogging. These chemicals don’t work. You’ll only be filling your sink with toxic liquids.

 

Do’s:

  • Run cold water when using the garbage disposal.
  • Have a drain strainer to prevent blockage.
  • If some items are stuck in the device for a long time, and your sink starts to stink, grind small lemon peels with ice cubes as you run lukewarm water. This will make the smell better.

If the problem you are experiencing is neither overheating nor jamming, then it could be a more serious problem that may require replacing the unit with a new one. In this case, check the manufacturer’s warranty, and see if your unit is still covered.

While a garbage disposal unit may cost only a few hundred bucks, you also need to worry about installation. If you do not have previous experience with garbage disposal installation, it may be best for you to hire a plumbing professional for this job. Call Spartan Plumbing to schedule an appointment now.

 

Why Your Tap Water Stinks – Possible Problems

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Is Your Tap Water or Drains Smelling Funny?

Bad-smelling tap water will make you worry if your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and washing. The foul smell may be anything from rotten eggs to chlorine. This depends on the source of the bad smell.

While most causes of stinking tap water may not pose health dangers, it is still a good idea to understand the different causes and to learn how to fix them or seek further advice and testing.

Tap Water That Smells Like Dirt, Sewage, or Rotten Eggs

A musty, rotten egg or sewer-like stench in your sink, water heater, or drain may happen if there is bacteria growth in the area. You will often experience this if you haven’t used your sink in a while. The high temperatures and humidity during summer may also cause the bad smell.

If you experience such foul odor, here’s what you should do:

When the stench is coming from your drain or sink, clean the area with a water/baking soda or water/bleach mixture with a 1:1 ratio. Pour the solution down the drain. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes, then flush it down with water.

The stench of rotten eggs may also be due to your water heater running at low temperatures. It could also be due to the hydrogen sulfide gas present in the water. If there is hydrogen sulfide gas, you will notice the smell once the water gets in contact with certain minerals or organic matter.

The smell is common in areas with hard water. While it may not be a health hazard, it is still a good idea to have the water tested as soon as you notice the change in the smell of the water. If your water has an earthy smell, it may be due to algae blooms present in your water source.

Tap Water That Is Salty

If your water is salty, it is probably because of high sodium or chloride content in the water. It can also be due to sewage or salt water that gets into your water supply. Contact local authorities right away for testing once you observe some saltiness in your water supply. This can pose some health dangers, especially if there are people in your household on a low-sodium diet.

Regardless of the unusual smell or taste you notice, it is best that you contact your water authority, and have them test the water. If the water tests safe for consumption, then all your worries will be gone.

Tap Water That Smells Like Swimming Pool Water

If your water has the same smell as swimming pool water, the cause may be due to high chlorine content. Water sources often use chlorine as a disinfectant to treat water. Thus, the smell is common. It is also safe to drink water with a standard chlorine level content. But, you should have the water tested if you observe a stronger than usual smell. The chlorine smell will often dissipate after you run the faucet for several minutes.

Tap Water That Smells Metallic

The metallic taste or smell in your water may be due to rust in the copper lining used in the plumbing. It doesn’t pose any health risks until the level reaches 1,300 parts/billion. There are water test kits available to determine metal presence in the tap water. Just make sure to read the directions carefully before using as some kits are intended for testing different types of elements and metals. To reduce the copper taste, it may be helpful to run the tap for a minute before drinking.

Metallic-tasting water may be due to other causes like dissolved sulfate-containing metals and high levels of zinc. While both are not harmful, minerals that contain sulfate can have a mild laxative effect on you if you aren’t used to it.

Foul-smelling tap water may not necessarily be a health threat. For your peace of mind, have the water tested. If you have other plumbing concerns, contact Spartan Plumbing right away.

When Should You Consider Sewer Line Repair or Replacement?

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When you should consider sewer line repair or replacement really depends on the current state of your sewer pipe line. Repairs and replacements could be needed for a lot of reasons, so here are ways to know if you need to call in the professionals.

Are your sinks draining slowly?

It’s perfectly understandable to panic when slow drains occur, because slow drains are signs that your pipes are getting blocked by something. If it’s a single drain that’s draining slowly, you can probably solve it by using your favorite unclogging method (or several of them). You’re definitely facing a bigger sewer line issue when slow drains occur throughout the house, though.

Is your toilet backing up?

Have you noticed your toilet backing up when you flush? The toilet is something you use every day, and it’s usually the first to tell you there’s a problem. If all your unclogging techniques are falling flat, there’s a good chance a sewage blockage is the culprit. Your sink and bathtub may follow suit and, once they do, you’ll know for sure you have a sewer line problem that needs your attention.

Are you noticing mold or foul odors?

Mold can’t grow in a dry environment, so mold growth can be a telltale sign of sewer line issues that increase an area’s humidity levels. However, an amazing ventilation system could hide this problem. Just because your eyes don’t see it, doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

If your nose tells you something’s wrong, on the other hand, you best believe it. A good sewer line should be airtight, and if you’re starting to smell something, a blockage, a crack, a burst or another sewage problem won’t be too far behind.

Are you hearing strange sounds?

Water and sewage should flow smoothly in your sewer lines, so gurgling sounds could mean there’s a problem. Your drain will gurgle for two reasons: the pipe doesn’t have the proper vents, or the pipe has a blockage. If you’re hearing the gurgling noise from pipes throughout the house, it could be a sign of blockage in the main sewer line.

Is your lawn turning unnaturally lush and green?

This sounds weird because lawns usually don’t have anything to do with your sewer lines, and vice versa. But, if you’re noticing a patch or an area that looks unnaturally lusher than the rest of your lawn, it may be because the soil beneath the area is getting fertilizer from a crack in your sewage line.

You should also be careful about large trees near your sewer lines. Large trees often have even larger root systems, and years and years of growing roots can puncture your sewer lines.

Is the sewer line near the end of its lifespan?

Residential sewer lines can last for a hundred years at most. Commercial lines can last half as long. If your home or your building has used the same sewer line for as long as the average life span of the sewer lines, it could be time to consider replacement.

Calling the pros for help

A clean and properly working plumbing system can be used for decades without problems, and keeping it that way should be high on the list of any homeowner’s priorities. Many factors can prompt for untimely replacements and repairs of sewer lines. When you should consider sewer line repair or replacement depends on how it’s been maintained throughout the years, though emergencies can happen. Whether or not you’ve decided your sewer line needs repair or replacement, pick up the phone, call Spartan Plumbing, and they’ll let you know for sure.

Check Your Water for Chlorine

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Today, in the US at least, water is more readily available than ever before. However, it is still crucial to make sure that your family or clients are drinking water of the highest quality. Water treatment facilities use chlorine to get rid of bacteria and other harmful organisms. However, when used in excess, it can be a health hazard. Chlorine levels must be lowered before water comes out of the tap.

Understanding the Residuals

It requires several steps before you can treat water with a significant amount of chlorine. First is to understand the residuals, which come in different kinds. There is free chlorine, and there is chloramine.

Free chlorine is made up of hypochlorous acid, dissolved chlorine gas, and hypochlorite ions. On the other hand, chloramine is the combination of ammonia and chlorine. Many treatment plants in municipalities chlorinate but neutralize it by including ammonia to comply with EPA regulations.

The Power of Water Testing

Chloramine and chlorine may be excellent water disinfecting agents. However, they must eventually be filtered out. This is where water treatment dealers get a good opportunity to provide a solution. Because they are privy to the various uses of chemicals by municipalities, they can provide effective solutions and gain the trust of the community.

Water customers need chlorine to make sure that the water they get in their homes remains pristine despite the trip from the water plant to their home plumbing. Things like point of use (POU) devices help clean the water and get rid of the chemicals that treatment plants add.

Chlorine testing is done in two ways: through test kits and test trips. Some tests are done to check for both chloramine and free chlorine. To determine if you have chlorine or chloramine compound, simple tests can distinguish between the two, and quantify how much of each is present in your water.

The DPD system is often used. This is a specific type of test, using diethyl-p-phenylene diamine, wherein the DPD reacts instantly with free chlorine compounds, forming the red color. Potassium iodide is then added to the DPD to react with chlorine and chloramine. You get the difference between the reaction of free chlorine and the reaction of total chlorine to get the reaction of chloramine.

Health Effects of Chlorine

Water treatment facilities are doing a superb job of ensuring that American households get clean, healthy water. However, you must consider three things in the water: the added chlorine, fluoride, and plumbing-corroded metals. You don’t want to ingest these when you drink tap water. You definitely want them filtered out.

Chloramines may be harmful, but much less when ingested. You must, however, be concerned when you inhale them. Once they pass through your lungs, they quickly raise the chloramine level in your blood.

Chlorine is often used for drinking water as a disinfectant. It also helps get rid of bacteria and foul odor in swimming pools. When in the water, chlorine reacts by forming hypochlorites and hypochlorous acid. When ingested, these can be detrimental to your health.

Bladder cancer is one of the more serious conditions that may result from ingesting chlorinated water in excessive amounts. You are at high risk of contracting bladder cancer if you have been drinking chlorinated water for more than 20 years. Aside from bladder cancer, you are also at risk of developing asthmatic conditions.

Final Word

For your own safety, as well as the safety of members of your household, it is best to have your water checked for its chlorine content. You need to make sure that your water poses no short- or long-term risks. Contact Spartan Plumbing for more information about checking your water for chlorine and other plumbing concerns.

How the Arizona Heat Affects Your Home Plumbing

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If you live in Arizona, you know how hot and humid the temperatures in summer can get. This is not only bad for your body. The extreme heat can affect your plumbing and air conditioning system as well.

When the temperature reaches high levels, the extreme heat can affect some parts of your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems. You know how frustrating it is to experience AC and plumbing problems, especially during very hot and humid days.

How will you endure the heat if there is no properly functioning air conditioning unit? Or, what if you cannot take a nice refreshing bath because there is low water pressure? Sure, you can always leave home and take a vacation somewhere else. However, that’s expensive, especially if it is not part of your summer plans, and basically impossible to do on a moments notice.

To prevent plumbing and AC problems during the summer, you need to prepare. Have professional plumbers from Spartan Plumbing inspect and make sure that your plumbing and HVAC systems are ready for the summer.

Following are some of the common problems that you may experience during the hot and humid days of the Arizona summer:

 

Expanding Water Pipes

When the weather outside you home gets extremely hot, the pipes in your plumbing system may start to expand. Worse, they may even burst.

When this happens, you will have no recourse but to replace all the affected pipes as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’d be forced to go through summer with little to no water at all in your home.

 

Clogged Toilets

During the summer months, your kids are probably off from school and staying in your home. This means there will be a lot more bathroom trips than usual.

Thus, it will be much easier for your toilets to get clogged compared to days when your kids are in school. Simply put, the more people using the toilets, the bigger the risk of experiencing clogs.

 

Low Water Pressure

The extremely hot weather can have a negative impact on your home’s water pressure. Contrary to what you may think, it’s not only in winter when this can be a problem. It can also happen when the weather is extremely hot.

When you experience low water pressure during summer, call Spartan Plumbing right away to fix the problem. After all, one of the most frustrating things you can experience during summer is having no water to cool you down!

 

Overworked Air Conditioning Unit

Your air conditioner manufacturer specifies your unit’s estimated useful life. This often depends on whether or not you follow the manufacturer-recommended repairs and maintenance plan.

Arizona households use air conditioning systems probably more than residents of many other states do during the summer. Since their units are in use most of the time during hot and humid summer days, Arizona residents tend to neglect the maintenance needs of their equipment. This effectively reduces the useful life of their unit.

An air conditioning unit that isn’t properly maintained and cared for will slowly incur damage over time. The unit will then be forced to work double time to generate the usual results. Little issues will slowly become bigger until the system totally breaks down. When this happens, it may be too late for minor repairs. Aside from a higher than usual electric consumption caused by a defective unit, you may now be looking at costly major repairs.

 

Final Word

There is no question that the extreme summer heat in Arizona can take its toll on your HVAC and plumbing systems. The good news is, there are some simple repair and maintenance procedures that you can take to prevent aggravating the problem. These do not require any tools or technical know-how to perform. Call Spartan Plumbing for more information.

Buying a Used Home? Here’s What to Look Out For

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Buying your new home, even if it is a used one, is very exciting. All the planning-related stress disappears once the big payoff comes. However, there are some things you need to watch out for when in the process of buying your home. These include:Tucson Plumbing Inspections

Recognize a roof’s repair needs –

Before stepping inside the home, inspect what’s going on at the top. Is the roof about to cave in, or does it look relatively new? If there is an obvious defect, such as a big hole or even a dip, then it should raise a red flag. You may end up spending a lot for repairs. If the roof is sturdy and new, it may require lower home insurance premiums and it will better protect you from the elements.

Don’t be deceived by a paint job –

When you step inside the home, check out the structural stuff like loose wires and aging fixtures. Don’t be impressed by upscale décor and newly painted walls. This is because, long after the paint has chipped, the walls, fixtures, and electrical equipment will remain – and you need to know now that they are what you want.

Check the plumbing –

When inspecting the kitchen, go deeper than what you can see at eye level. Check under the sink and examine the pipes. Try to see if there are leaks, mold, or any sign of water damage. If you see plumbing defects and you still decide to buy the house, have Spartan Plumbing perform the necessary repairs before moving in. Mold, for one, is a health hazard that can harm infants, seniors, and people with asthma.

Identify your deal breakers –

Think about what your purpose for buying a home is, and what you need for your lifestyle. Do you need extra bedrooms for your children or guests? Do you have a large collection of books that needs ample storage space? Or, do you need to have a spacious backyard for your barbecue parties?

Check the temperature in the home –

When checking out a home to buy, bear in mind that it often looks its age. This means that, if it seems rickety, chances are it is. Note that HVAC systems cost a lot to fix or replace. If you retain it, you may be paying a lot in terms of utility bills. Thus, before you move in, make sure that the HVAC system is in good working condition.

Use your sense of smell –

Is there an unpleasant smell like sewage, gas, pet odors, mildew, cigarette smoke, or anything bad-smelling? If you are planning to buy an older home, it’s not far-fetched that the sewage system may be clogged or root-damaged. The good news is, reputable plumbing companies like Spartan Plumbing can use cameras to see inside the pipes to spot any blockage or break.

Inspect the land beforehand –

It’s not only the building itself that you should take a look at, but the entire area surrounding it. Is the area at risk of wildfires or flooding? Does another property share the driveway? Are the fences, if any, properly positioned? These questions may sound secondary, but when buying a new home you cannot ignore the vicinity.

Buy a well-insulated home –

Your new home must be comfortable year-round. Thus, you need to check the water pipes, attic, and heating ducts to make sure there’s proper insulation. This will help provide you comfort during winter and summer, and help keep your cooling and heating expenses low.

Final Word

Almost every used home on the market has some defects. There’s nothing wrong with that. Some are obvious, while others may be hidden from plain view. In most cases, the defects are easy to fix. What is important is that you are aware of them before you buy. This way, you can have them fixed before moving in or be prepared to do the work yourself in a reasonable time frame. It will also help you ask for a lower price.

 

Importance of Annually Flushing Your Water Heater

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Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your household. For one, it provides all your warm water needs – from hot water for cooking to hot water for bathing.

Like other home appliances, your water heater is also subject to the effects of wear and tear and may encounter problems from time to time. These include leaks, as well as little or no hot water. The good news is, these can be avoided by the simple task of flushing the appliance on an annual basis.

Annual Water Heater Flushing

As mentioned, it is ideal to flush your water heater once a year. The problem is, a lot of people neglect this important task when their home plumbing is fine, only to panic at the first sign of trouble.

Worse, by then, the problem is already in an advanced stage. It could require major repairs, or worse, replacement. Either of these would cost a significant amount of money. You can avoid major repairs and early replacement just by doing the simple maintenance task of flushing the water heater.

 

Sediment Build-up in the Water Tank

When you heat water, the calcium carbonate in the heater precipitates then settles down after some time. This leads to sediment build-up in the heater’s water tank. The build-up of sediment is often a slow process. However, if you live in a hard-water area, your water heater can fill up fast.

When there is excessive sediment build-up, it may result in your home not getting enough hot water or water that is not warm enough. The best way to prevent this from happening is by flushing your water heater on an annual basis.

 

Benefits of Annual Water Heater Flushing

Flushing your water heater yearly offers lots of benefits. These include:

  • Longer useful life of your water heater as you get rid of most water contaminants
  • Improved water heater system efficiency
  • Enhanced heating ability of the equipment with the removal of all cool patches
  • Increased heat performance of the water heater
  • Reduced internal corrosion

When air gets inside your water heater, it can cause the equipment to wear away inside. Iron sludge sediments will form in the radiators, as well as in other affected parts. The fragments will then attach themselves to the equipment coverings. This can cause early malfunction of the valves and pumps, as well as cool spots. It will likewise obstruct the hot water coils and heat exchangers.

One solution to the problem of sediment build-up is the yearly flushing of your water heater system. It will help protect your water heater system for the long term.

It is also a good idea to set up a power flushing device. This way, water will flow from the radiators down to the filter. It will then gather all the deposits of iron sludge as soon as they come to the boiler. This will reduce what will proceed to the boiler’s heat exchanger.

You can also add a corrosion remover solution that typically comes in a phosphoric acid base. This will help guaranty deep cleansing for your water heater.

 

Final Word

To sum everything up, a water heater is both a mechanical and electrical device. As such, you can expect it to develop problems in the future. In many cases, you do not need to replace it as soon as it shows signs of malfunctioning. A lot of times, all it takes is a minor remedy and a good understanding of the problem at hand.

For more information on annual water heater flushing and other plumbing concerns, get in touch with Spartan Plumbing. Set up an appointment for free consultation now!