Need a Water Heater Repair Or Is It Time For A New Water Heater?
It’s usually easy to notice when your water heater stops working correctly, whether it’s a gradual decrease in hot water or a total and sudden loss. In many cases, a water heater repair can fix the situation, but, like all appliances, water heaters have a limited life. Deciding whether to repair or replace the water heater isn’t always easy.
What’s the deciding factor between a repair and a replacement? Many things can go into the decision, including the age of the water heater and the extent of the problem. Your preferences and the recommendations of a professional plumber can also help. Keep reading to help you decide how to deal with your malfunctioning appliance.
CONSIDER THE AGE
You can expect an average of 8 to 12 years out of a traditional tank water heater. Tankless water heaters usually last longer, with a life of up to 20 years. Looking at the age of your current equipment can help you decide what to do. If it’s nearing the end of its life, putting your money toward a new appliance could be a good investment. It can help you avoid more repairs that might happen. If it’s on the newer end, a repair could be a better option since you’ll likely still get several years out of it.
LOOK AT THE HISTORY
The water heater’s track record can be a deciding factor. If this is another repair in a long string of issues, it is time to replace it instead of calling for a water heater repair. How well you’ve cared for the equipment also plays into the history. A well-maintained water heater is usually better off than one that’s been ignored.
CONSIDER THE OVERALL ISSUES
Many situations can be fixed. Other issues can’t be repaired easily or at all. For instance, a cracked water heater tank usually can’t be saved — you’ll need a new unit. If the issue is too severe or you have several issues simultaneously, a replacement could be a better option. A plumber will do a thorough inspection of your water heater to identify all the issues so you know what you’re dealing with.
REVIEW WARRANTY COVERAGE
If your water heater is newer, it could still have warranty coverage. Check with the manufacturer to see if it’s still under warranty when something goes wrong. The warranty might be limited to parts. You should also follow certain steps to keep the warranty in force, such as having routine maintenance or registering it when you buy it. If the coverage is still in effect, you could have some or all of the costs covered, which makes a repair the better option. Some home warranties also extend to water heaters, so check with that if you have one.
THINK ABOUT YOUR NEEDS
Another factor affecting the decision is how well your current appliance meets your demands. If it’s a smaller tank and you always run out of hot water, consider upgrading to a larger tank model or a tankless water heater. A replacement could also help you with space issues. Older tank models are often bulky. Switching to a tankless model can free up space in your utility area.
COMPARE THE COSTS
Looking at the costs of a water heater repair versus replacement is often a determining factor. If it’s a relatively minor issue, a plumber can likely fix it quickly and inexpensively. A major repair could cost a lot more. Repairs typically fall between $222 and $977, depending on what needs to be fixed. New water heaters usually range from $848 to $1,708. If you’re looking at a repair at the higher end of the range, it might be worth it to buy a new one, especially if yours is older anyway.
Another cost factor is your savings over time with a new water heater. Newer models are more energy-efficient, which helps you reduce your utility bills. Since they typically heat the water faster, you’ll likely save on water since you won’t have to let the faucets run a long time to get hot water.
LOOK AT THE FACTORS TOGETHER
One of these factors may not be enough to justify replacing the unit instead of doing a water heater repair. However, looking at the overall picture and weighing all those factors together can be a better determiner. For example, a smaller tank than you need might not be enough to replace the water heater if you’re dealing with a minor repair and it’s a newer unit. However, if the tank is too small, it’s older, and you’ve had several recent repairs, it could be enough factors to push you toward a new appliance.
ASK A PLUMBER FOR ADVICE
Even when you take all the factors into consideration, it’s not always easy for the average homeowner to decide if a water heater repair or replacement is the right choice. Calling a licensed plumber can give you a better idea of how much life is left in your current system. The plumber can evaluate all of the factors, including the current issue and age of the appliance, to give you sound advice on what to do. They can give you estimates for the repairs and the replacement so you can see how each option fits your budget.
Water heater issues can leave you out in the cold, but Peach Plumbing & Drain can get you back to enjoying your hot showers quickly. We can inspect your equipment and determine if we can repair it or if you’re better off replacing it. Our licensed plumbers are trustworthy, and our services are affordable. Contact us today if your water heater isn’t working well.
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Common Mistakes A Plumbing Service Provider Can Save You From When Installing an Automatic Sprinkler System
An automatic sprinkler system is a convenient and effective way to water your lawn, garden, and other outdoor features. This system ensures your plants are hydrated without spending hours with a hose or watering can. However, installing such a system is not without its challenges. Homeowners can make several common mistakes when setting up their automatic sprinkler system, leading to water wastage, low efficiency, or even system failure. This blog post outlines the mistakes a plumbing service provider can help you avoid when installing an automatic sprinkler system.
Poor Planning and Design
The first mistake that most homeowners make is inadequate planning and design of their automatic sprinkler system. This involves not properly measuring the yard or garden and not considering the efficient watering of different types of plants. Before installation, proper planning and design that takes the size of your yard or garden into account are important, as is the inclusion of an irrigation system designed for each area. This ensures that water will be delivered to each area with adequate coverage and no excess losses.
Additionally, it’s important to consider your future yard plans. For example, if you plan on adding new landscaping features in the future, it’s important to plan for that when designing your system. Make sure to install extra zones or sprinkler heads to accommodate any future changes you may want to make. When you hire a plumbing service provider for your sprinkler system, they can help you plan and design a system that meets your current and future needs.
Choosing The Wrong Sprinkler Heads
One of the crucial components of an automatic sprinkler system is the sprinkler head. However, not all sprinkler heads are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can result in water wastage, low efficiency, or even system failure. For instance, installing rotary sprinkler heads in a small lawn area can lead to overspray and water wastage. On the other hand, installing fixed spray heads in a large garden can result in dry spots and low efficiency. Therefore, choosing sprinkler heads appropriate for your lawn or garden’s size and shape is important. That is why it is best to work with a plumbing professional who can help you find the perfect sprinkler heads for your system.
Poor Placement of Sprinkler Heads
Choosing the right sprinkler heads is not enough; you must also place them in the right locations. Poor placement can lead to overwatering, underwatering, or uneven water distribution. The heads should be placed in the right areas and at the right distances from each other to ensure that all parts of your lawn or garden are adequately hydrated. For example, placing a sprinkler head near a building or fence can cause water to bounce off and create dry spots. Alternatively, placing a sprinkler head too close to a flower bed can lead to overspray and plant damage. Therefore, it’s important to carefully plan the placement of your sprinkler heads and ensure that each area gets the appropriate amount of water.
Not Installing A Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer is installed on your water line to prevent contaminated or polluted water entering your home’s drinking and irrigation systems. Without this device, your automatic sprinkler system can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other diseases, which can be disastrous for plants, pets, and children. This is why it’s important to install a certified backflow preventer when installing an automatic sprinkler system. A professional plumber understands the importance of this device and can help you properly install one.
Incorrect Zoning
Zoning divides your property into different irrigation areas based on soil, plant, and sun exposure. Incorrect zoning can lead to improper water distribution, water wastage, or system failure. For example, zoning a large shaded area with the same duration as a sunny area can lead to overwatering and water wastage. Therefore, it’s important to consider the different watering needs of each area and adjust the timer and irrigation system accordingly. You can also work with a plumbing services professional who can help you correctly zone your property to ensure that each area receives the appropriate amount of water.
Not Considering Water Pressure
Water pressure is an important factor to consider when installing your automatic sprinkler system. Insufficient water pressure will cause your sprinklers to perform poorly and lead to lower water output rates. Typically, this occurs in homes with low water pressure making water management difficult and ineffective. To avoid this, it is important to evaluate the water pressure in your area before installation and calculate the amount of water pressure needed for your sprinkler system to effectively and efficiently water your lawn or garden. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a poorly performing system.
Don’t Let Your Automatic Sprinkler System Flop Right From The Start
Installing an automatic sprinkler system can be a smart investment for your property. However, avoiding common mistakes is important to ensure the system runs smoothly, is efficient, and doesn’t waste water. By choosing the appropriate sprinkler heads, placing them in the right location, zoning your property correctly, regularly maintaining the system, and hiring a licensed plumbing services professional, you can enjoy the benefits of an automatic sprinkler system without any headaches. Remember, a well-designed and maintained automatic sprinkler system can save time and money and help conserve water and protect your landscape.
Hire Us For Your Automatic Sprinkler System Installations
At Peach Plumbing & Drain, we understand the complexities of installing an automatic sprinkler system. Our plumbers have years of experience properly installing, repairing, and maintaining automatic sprinkler systems. We also offer a full range of services, such as backflow installation and testing, plumbing repairs and maintenance, leak detection, water heater repair and replacement, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your automatic sprinkler system installation.
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What You Must Consider Before Enlisting A Plumbing Service Provider to Install a Vacuum Breaker
Your home’s plumbing system is essential to the comfort of your home. It influences factors such as the health of your family, your home’s cleanliness, and the water pressure. Therefore, it is vital to put in measures such as having regular drain cleaning services for your system from a skilled plumbing service provider and installing devices to support its continuous operation. Unfortunately, most homeowners feel lost when choosing devices for their plumbing. Although this can be a challenging practice, you will get better with time, research, and the right help. In addition, watching out for how your system operates helps you know what it needs. For example, if your system has been having trouble with backflow water, with the help of a water technician, you will know that it needs a vacuum breaker. Therefore, with time, you will better know your system and the devices it needs for a comfortable, clean home.
What is A Vacuum Breaker?
A vacuum breaker is a safety device in the plumbing system used to protect your home from dangerous and potentially hazardous backflow of contaminated water into your system. This helps to isolate the clean water from contaminated water in your system. A vacuum breaker breaks suction when it senses a fall in pressure within your plumbing system to protect the incoming potable water. However, to function properly, it needs to be installed by a qualified plumbing service provider. A vacuum breaker has two check valves enclosed to break the vacuum in your system.
How Does a Vacuum Breaker Work?
A vacuum breaker has a simple valve to prevent wastewater backflow into your system. The valve automatically opens and disengages when the vacuum breaker senses a pressure difference between your wastewater and the main water supply. This device protects your family from contamination by backflow from hoses, plumbing fixtures, and landscaping tools. Backflow is when contaminated water from hoses, landscaping tools, and plumbing fixtures flows backward against the natural water flow direction toward your home.
Backflow is usually caused by a vacuum in your plumbing system or a pressure decrease. It can also occur if your plumbing system has been breached, causing an increase in contaminated water pressure within the supplying piping. Thus, the non-portable water will be forced into your drinking water line, causing contamination in your home’s water supply.
When a plumbing service provider installs a vacuum breaker near plumbing fixtures that use contaminated water, such as pools, bathtubs, or irrigation piping, it maintains the isolation between clean and contaminated water. When enough pressure difference between the two liquids is present, it trips the valve to open. Therefore, the system vents off the contaminated water before it can get to your home’s drinking water line.
If you want extra protection for your home’s drinking water, installing a vacuum breaker for backflow prevention is advisable. With other safety measures and regular plumbing system maintenance, this device can protect your home against exposure to contaminated water.
What are the Benefits of a Vacuum Breaker?
Since the primary purpose of a vacuum breaker is to protect your system against contaminated water flowing back into your home’s drinking water supply line, use it in irrigation and water systems to regulate your water flow. This will offer you a range of benefits such as;
Promoting Your Family’s Health
When contaminated water finds its way into your drinking water, it can cause a range of diseases and health problems for you and your family. Therefore, using a vacuum breaker for your home’s system eliminates it. Your drinking water will be safe from dangerous chemicals and other pollutants, maintaining the health of your family members.
Preventing the Formation of A vacuum
One of the functions of a vacuum breaker is to regulate the flow of water in your irrigation and water systems. Therefore, it will keep your water flowing in the right direction and thus preventing reduced pressure or a vacuum from forming in your pies and vessels that could pull contaminants into your system.
Cost Saving
Suppose contaminated water flows back into your home. In that case, you will need a professional plumbing service provider to clean your system and perform the necessary repairs to get your system back to operational status. These repairs and cleaning services costs will require you to dig deeper into your pocket, money that could otherwise be saved when incorporating a vacuum breaker into your system.
Conserving The Environment
A vacuum breaker limits the contaminated water from getting onto the earth by keeping it in its right path. Since less wastewater reaches the surface, resources such as lakes and rivers are protected. A vacuum breaker also protects the home environment from wastewater and its impacts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Breaker
Before purchasing a vacuum breaker for your home, there are several factors that you should consider. Some of them include the following;
Size
The size of the area the vacuum breaker will cover plays a vital factor in your chosen device. Therefore, start by consulting a professional on the ideal size of vacuum breaker for your home.
Type Of Vacuum Breaker
The other factor to consider is the type of vacuum breaker to buy. This will include aspects such as material, areas of use, and pressure handling capabilities of the vacuum breaker. Ensure the vacuum breaker you choose can handle the pressure your system needs.
Type of Fluid
There are many types of fluid that a vacuum breaker can handle. Therefore, identify the type of fluid that will be going through the system. Also, consider the temperature of the fluid and look for a device suitable to handle it.
Vacuum Breaker Installation Services
Are you searching for a vacuum breaker to protect your family from backflow and vacuum presence in your plumbing system? Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain for any vacuum breaker installation and maintenance services.
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Popular Plumbing Services Offered
When raising a building, commercial or residential, one of the most important factors to consider is the plumbing system. Every property owner is legally required to install a plumbing system up to code. However, a plumber project doesn’t end with piping and water connection; there are others you need for your building to run smoothly, including a sewer system.
Types of Services
While plumbers are trained to handle all types of plumbing issues, some professionals have specialized in specific niches. Below are popular plumbing services to expect from certified contractors:
Water Supply Services
Water supply service professionals are the most popular lot, called n for various issues, including water connection and installing piping for the water. They are also the go-to option when dealing with leaks, backflow, or low water pressure from your system. Despite their training in various services, these plumbers focus more on water-related issues.
After completing a building, these are the experts called in to make a water connection, either from the local water supply or well. You can also call them to inspect and fix your hot water system and the connection between your water tank and irrigation system.
Drainage Service
Drainage services are the most sought-after services in the plumbing business. Without proper drainage, you pose a health risk to the people around which can lead to legal action against you. These professionals are recognized for clearing clogged drains and wastewater management.
A plumbing company majoring in drainage services is responsible for several issues, including backflow, slow-moving water, flooding, and foul odor. While some of these issues can be addressed during scheduled maintenance service, some are categorized as emergencies, requiring an immediate response.
Drainage plumbers work closely with sanitary and water supply services to promote proper waste disposal. Most contractors offering these services offer emergency services, meaning you can find a response team 24/7. Some of the services provided include:
- Inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the drainage system
- Inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing drain clogs and blockages
- Repairing toilet leakages and clogs
- Inspecting and repairing kitchen, bathroom, and basement plumbing systems
Water Heater Services
Hot water systems are a common phenomenon in households in the United States. People use hot water for various purposes, including showering, cooking, and cleaning. While they may seem like a direct installation, water heaters are slightly complex and are often integrated with your home water supply system for optimal performance. Water heater repair experts are plumbers majoring in the installation, maintenance, and installation of water heater units.
Water heater service involves connecting your water flow to a heating system, which sometimes involves a few wirings, to produce hot water. In most cases, the plumbers have to replace some sections of the plumbing system to accommodate hot water.
Water heater services are called when there is leakage in the hot water system, fluctuating water temperature, a strange noise in hot water tanks, and low pressure. Water heater repair experts are also trained in minor wiring to help them identify and fix wiring issues with your plumbing system.
Sewer Line Services
Sewer line services are often used interchangeably with drainage services, hence the confusion when there is a sewer problem. However, these services differ since drainage systems work through connecting pipes that end up in the sewer. This means the waste material collected from the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and laundry room ends up in your sewer lines. A clogged drainage system means your waste isn’t reaching the intended destination hence the need for a drainage service.
Sewer lines are larger than drainage pipes and collect waste from your drain to a central waste treatment plant. Like other systems, your sewer line can get clogged due to debris or grease build-up. Unchecked, this problem can extend to your drainage system, causing the backflow of sewage water. When you notice this, have a professional Peach Plumbing & Drain plumber check your drains and sewer systems for potential blockages.
Your plumber can unclog the sewer or initiate a sewer cleaning process to remove the build-up and restore your sewer lines.
Residential Services
Residential plumbing services is an umbrella term for a wide range of services. These professionals are a mainstay in the plumbing industry as they apply their trade in freshly built and existing houses. A residential plumber works closely with the building contractor to design and map your plumbing system before installation.
Due to the expensive nature of specialized plumbing jobs, these professionals take on any residential job, including installation, repair, inspection, servicing, maintenance, and replacement. These are your best options when dealing with issues such as leaking faucets, updating your plumbing fixtures, and fixing pipe bursts and leakages in residential buildings.
Commercial Plumbing
Commercial plumbing has a lot in common with residential plumbers. The difference between the two is the level of experience required and the job’s complexity. Commercial properties are large with complex plumbing systems and need a higher skill level. Plumbers are subjected to more years of training to provide commercial plumbing services.
During training, professionals are taught the various techniques used in the inspection, installation, repair, and servicing of commercial plumbing systems. Plumbers are also trained to use different specialized equipment to ease their work. Some projects handled include schools, office buildings, hospitals, and hotels.
Enjoy Quality Services from Peach Plumbing & Drain
Your plumbing system is very sensitive and can easily damage your building. Regular inspection, maintenance, and repairs can help maintain your plumbing system. However, you should know the correct plumbing service to call for a specific job. This way, you get quality work with a guarantee of a lasting solution.
At Peach Plumbing & Drain, we are dedicated to providing quality services from our broad catalog. Our customer-friendly team will help you navigate our offerings and prices to help you find what’s best for you. Contact us for more on our services.
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Plumbing Repair for Pinhole Leaks
Metal pipes, especially copper pipes, are prone to pinhole leaks as they age. Copper pipes will last anywhere from 20 to even 50 years, depending on the pH of water passing through your plumbing system. Over time, the acid eats away at copper, leaving it more brittle. Corrosion will cause your copper pipes to deteriorate. An early sign is often the development of pinhole leaks. Peach Plumbing & Drain repairs plumbing system pipes made of copper, PVC, or other materials. If your pipes have any size leaks, it is important to call us immediately to inspect the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
Pinhole Leaks: What Are They?
A pinhole leak is, essentially, a tiny hole in the pipe. In copper pipes, pinhole leaks usually begin as a pit caused by corrosion. Corrosive pitting typically begins to occur on the interior of the pipe. The corrosion can work its way to the exterior of the pipe. When that happens, dripping can occur, and if not repaired, the hole can become larger until it’s no longer the size of a pinhole.
By the time a pinhole leak occurs, breaking through the pipe exterior, there is usually quite a bit of corrosion. This corrosion might be limited to a section of pipe, or it might, as often is the case, reflect the overall state of the plumbing system. Our plumbing technicians can inspect your pinhole leaks to provide prompt plumbing repair, but the replacement of pipes might be necessary sooner rather than later in order to head off future leaks.
What Causes Pinhole Leaks?
As mentioned, corrosion is the usual cause of these types of leaks. Damage to the coating of copper pipes can occur over time. Although copper is known for its durability, it won’t last forever when subject to the forces of water. If the pinhole leaks occur before the pipe’s expected longevity, it could be owing to the poorly applied coating of the pipe or the presence of inclusions in the metal that leaves the coating vulnerable to premature deterioration. In most cases, time and corrosion are the causes of pinhole leaks in plumbing system pipes.
Types of Damage
There are basically two ways that pinhole leaks develop. First, the chemical processes that involve corrosion are at play in your plumbing system. The pH value of your water not only affects the metal itself but also affects elements in the water, like bacteria or minerals. These interactions are, effectively, of a chemical nature. Over time, these chemical reactions cause oxidative damage, which leads to the development of corrosion over time. Though chemical reactions are the chief cause of pinhole leaks, they aren’t the only cause.
There are also mechanical issues at play in your pipes. For instance, sediment passing through your water can be abrasive to pipes. Again, over time–decades–the abrasive nature of hard water and sediment can cause grooves to form in the coating of the pipes. Pinhole leaks can develop, or these areas can even prove more vulnerable to the forces of oxidation and corrosion.
There’s not much that people can do to stop the forces of time as they impact their plumbing system, but timely plumbing repair and routine maintenance can help property owners support the longevity of their pipes.
Signs of Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are tiny, and they can occur even in areas of your plumbing system that are not visible. Even so, you might note certain signs of this issue occurring in one localized area or several. Some common signs of pinhole leaks include:
- Pipe discoloration: if you notice pipes turning green, brown, or even blue, you’re witnessing oxidation. These pipes are vulnerable to developing leaks.
- Pipe condensation: if the exterior of your pipes is wet, there’s a condensation problem. Have a plumber check them out to determine what’s causing the moisture problem. If they find leaks, as is often the case, they’ll be able to perform the necessary plumbing repair.
- Dripping sounds: dripping noises are a sure sign of a leak. If you hear dripping noises, you might have a leak that’s even larger than the size of a pinhole. Definitely contact a plumber from our team to inspect.
- Reduced water pressure: while one pinhole leak may not alter your water pressure, several will. If you experience a drop in water pressure, there’s a good possibility it’s a leak.
- Water Damage: water damage is a sign that water is coming from somewhere. Be sure to check your plumbing system as a likely source of the leak. Pinhole leaks, though tiny, can cause substantial water damage if they aren’t caught soon.
- Mold: a leak can cause a mold outbreak in about 24 hours. Mold is a tough problem to contend with. If you have a mold outbreak, you’ll need to call us for a plumbing repair, but you’ll also need to remediate the mold problem.
- High water bill: a higher-than-usual water bill could be the result of a leak. If you haven’t increased the use of your water, but your bill has gone up, consider the possibility of a leak.
Call a Plumbing Expert
If you have a leak, whether it’s a large leak or a pinhole leak, it’s always best to hire a certified plumber for the job. Your plumber may need to solder materials or make specialty repairs that demand know-how. Your plumbing system is a major asset and essential system of your home. To ensure you get quality maintenance and plumbing repairs, be sure to rely on our plumbing pros.
Call us if you suspect a pinhole leak problem or to have your older plumbing system inspected.
We’re a licensed and insured plumbing company that can tackle all your plumbing needs, including leak repairs, drain cleaning, and more. We look forward to helping you maintain your plumbing system.
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