Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘water heater’

Water Heater Problems That Should Be Immediately Addressed

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

water-heater-problems-that-need-to-be-addressedWater Heater Problems That You Should Be Concerned About 2021

Most water heaters are constructed to last a long time, with lifespans of up to 12 years or more. However, how long your water heater will stay in excellent working order is determined by a variety of things. Our Appleton Wi plumbers explain that the quality and manufacture of the unit, as well as how the system was built, will all have an impact on the operation of your water heater over time. Incidents such as an earthquake, flooding, fire, or even building improvements may all have an influence on the unit’s stability.

Conducting regular maintenance and check-ups is one crucial practice that can extend the life of your water heater. By checking every now and then and making some improvements as necessary, you can detect issues early. When addressed early you have the opportunity to handle it before the problem becomes more serious.

But some problems can’t be fixed anymore and the last resort is to replace the unit. You’ll need to know (or better yet, ask plumbing experts’ advice about) when to replace a water heater. Watch out for the following water heater problems that should be immediately addressed and will most likely call for a replacement.

Old age

First, our Fox Valley Plumbers explain that ideally, water heaters should be assessed for replacement 10 years after the manufacture date. Our friends over at Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, Sacramento Plumbers, recommend to check the manufacturer’s sticker on the tank to determine the age of your water heater.  

Leaking hot water

Water leaks or water build-up around the water heater is a tell-tale sign of trouble. Turn off the unit’s power the moment you notice this and call a professional. It’s important to act immediately to alleviate the leaking, prevent flooding, and avoid further damage not just to the unit but also to the entire property.

Water discoloration

Rust in water indicates corrosion in the tank’s interiors or the water pipes, especially if the piping is galvanized. If the rusty water doesn’t clear up after repeatedly draining the hot water, then the tank may have a serious rust problem. Another cause of discoloration is sediment build-up. Sediment collecting on the bottom of the tank should be prevented through regular flushing. However, even this may not be helpful anymore as the water heater becomes older.

Noise

Sediment that has hardened on the bottom of the tank often causes banging, popping or rumbling sounds while the water heats up – a sign that your water heater is already ready to retire. Hardened sediment can cause leaks, holes and increased energy consumption as the unit needs to work harder and longer when trying to heat the water.

Change in the taste of water

If you drink water straight from the tap, a change in taste or texture can indicate trouble. A metallic taste to your water is an obvious sign that the water heater may already be deteriorating.

If you are dealing with any of these water heater problems in Fox Valley, contact Turek’s Plumbing. Schedule an appointment to have one of their qualified plumbers out as soon as possible!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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Common Water Heater Problem

Wednesday, October 14th, 2020
common water heater problems - Tureks Plumbing Services

Common Water Heater Problems

Here at Tureks Plumbing Services, we are dedicated to ensuring that all your plumbing queries are answered and needs fulfilled. As we get into the cooler months, more plumbing problems will arise. In this article, we explore some of the most common water heater problems Fox Valley homeowners experience. If you need professional plumbing services in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today!

Water Heater Drip Tube

A dip tube is a plastic tube, usually long, that is present in almost all water heaters. It is fitted into the inlet of the water heater and hangs about 8 inches above the base of the tank. A dip tube that is properly functioning is designed to shoot the cold water coming into the base of the heater where it is heated quickly and with ease. If no dip tube is present in your water heater, the cold water mixes with hot water, which is at the top of the tank heater on its way to the outlet. This is what results in lukewarm water coming out of your faucets, instead of hot water.

In a scenario where the dip tube in your water heater breaks off, depending on how much of it broke off, you may either have only lukewarm water coming from your water heater into your faucets or the water may run out very quickly. Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC, and plumbing company in Sacramento explain that this is because the cold water remains at the top of the tank, where it cannot be heated and mixes with hot water from the hot water outlet, which is also located at the top of the tank—hence resulting in cold or lukewarm water going into your house’s hot water pipes before it has been sufficiently heated.

Water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997 are equipped with defective dip tubes, which, depending on the water chemistry in your locality, as well as the pH and temperature setting of the water, may result in these tubes crumbling, breaking, or dissolving into smaller pieces.

To check whether your water heater was manufactured between 1993 and 1997, check the first four digits on the serial number. These represent the month and year of manufacture. If the third and fourth numbers are 97, 96, 95, 94, or 93, your units could be affected. 

According to experienced Fox Valley plumbers, there are two options if you indeed have a bad unit. The first would be to replace the water heater and flush all faucet filters and screens in the house. This also applies to water heaters, which have been in use for more than ten years. The water heaters present on the market now are fitted and manufactured with dip tubes that last almost as long as the water heater. For a water heater replacement in Appleton, WI, contact Tureks Plumbing today.

The second option would be to replace the defective dip tube with a cross-linked polyethylene dip tube then flush the sediment, particles, and debris out of the filters, screens, and the water heater. It is important to note that you may have to flush the system more than once to clean the heater effectively. If you would prefer a professional to handle the matter, please reach out to a plumbing company in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater

If your house has a storage-tank water heater, sediment buildup is something that is bound to happen. In the water heating process, water entering the water heater tank is often carrying dissolved naturally-occurring minerals such as magnesium and calcium, little amounts of sand as well as other debris. This debris, combined with the minerals, forms into sediment particles, and they settle at the bottom of the tank, explains OC water heater professionals at Do It Right Plumbers. When these sediment particles buildup, you may experience issues with your heating system such as:

  • Rumbling sounds when the water heater is on
  • Water temperatures fluctuating from lukewarm to hot
  • A decrease in the supply of hot water to your faucets

Sediment buildup affects the water heater’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature of the water, and it also wears down the energy efficiency of the heaters. As the buildup piles, these sediment particles can replace the water in the tank, block the water lines, block the drain valve, or cause untimely tank failure. If your tank prematurely fails, contact emergency Plumbers in Appleton Wisconsin for help with the installation of a new and far more efficient model.

Additionally, to help prevent sediment buildup, hire a professional plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, to flush your storage tank periodically throughout the year.

Malfunctioning Heating System

Water heaters that have been functioning for 10 to 15 years may be faulty due to old age as well as wear and tear. Also, not flushing your water heater tank periodically throughout the year as recommended by professional plumbers may also interfere with the heating system of one’s water heater.

 A water heater may fail mostly in these three areas:

  • Thermostat
  • Thermal switch
  • The heating element

It is best to leave the diagnosis and water heater repairs to a trained and licensed professional plumber. If any of this information resonates with your water heating problems, please contact Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, today.

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The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

As your home gets older, you may find yourself calling the plumber more often. This is because, over time, your pipes and other parts will be affected by the usual wear and tear and will become brittle or blocked. As a result, different kinds of plumbing issues will arise every now and then.

Knowing how to detect and fix simple plumbing problems can save you money, time, and unnecessary stress. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems you may encounter and tips on how to deal with them.

Leaking faucets

As faucets get older, their washers wear out as well. You can extend the life of your faucet’s washers by not turning the faucet on and off with too much force. Dripping faucets can also be repaired temporarily by replacing the joint yourself.

Leaky pipes

This typical plumbing problem can cause huge and expensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings. Leaks in pipes usually occur at joints. If this is the issue, you can easily fix this with commercial joint fillers and fitting compounds which you can buy at a hardware store. You can also prevent small leaks from worsening by checking your pipes regularly. Be on the lookout for rust or white lime deposits since they can indicate the beginnings of a leak.

Clogged or slow drains

If the water or anything that goes into your sink, toilet, or tub won’t go out, it is highly likely that you are dealing with either a partial or a complete clog. To get the drain flowing quickly again, remove the waste materials or debris immediately. There are different plumbing tools you can use for this task.

You can also use some chemical products or lubricants which will break up the waste material. This will allow the stuck material and water to flow through with ease.

No hot water coming from faucets or shower

This plumbing problem is caused by an issue with your water heater. If this problem keeps happening, before calling a  Tureks Plumbing Services, make sure you check the following first:

  • If you have an electric water heater, check the thermostat first. Your device may have a malfunctioning heating element which you can also replace since you can buy this part at most hardware stores. Check if the device is leaking water and has an undersized or weak fuse or breaker since they can cause your heater to malfunction as well.
  • If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is on and the gas valve is not in the closed position. Make sure the pilot light is on as well. Adjust the setting to ensure that the temperature is set high enough to give you adequate amounts of hot water.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in older homes but it can also happen in newer homes, too. Low water pressure can be caused by a leaking or corroded pipe, old shower heads, blocked faucets or pipes, and other plumbing issues. You can keep this problem in check by having pressure regulators installed.

If you’re not sure you can deal with your plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call the professionals immediately. Plumbers, such as the team of Turek’s Plumbing, will be able to correctly assess your problem and fix it quickly.

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Water Heater Facts Homeowners Should Know

Monday, June 12th, 2017

 Top Water Heater Facts Homeowners Should Know

Often, plenty of homeowners take their hot water heaters for granted. They usually forget about them until they run out of hot water. To beef up your knowledge about the important home features, here are some water heaters facts you may not know about:

Facts About Water Heaters

1. The idea of using a water heater first emerged in London in 1868. A painter discovered how to heat cold water by putting gas burners below the water pipes. Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer, took inspiration from this idea, so he created the first tank-type water heater.
2. One-fourth of your home’s energy usage often comes from using a water heater for taking showers, doing laundry, and washing dishes.
3. On average, an American household makes use of around 80-120 gallons of hot water on a daily basis. About 6-8 gallons of water are used for showers, 15-20 gallons for taking a bath, 20-30 gallons for a load of laundry, 2 gallons of water per minute for washing the dishes, and 6-10 gallons per load if you use a dishwasher.
4. Be cautious in dealing with water heaters because in less than 5 seconds, the human skin may suffer 3rd-degree burns when it comes in contact with water that has a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
5. Tank water heaters usually last for 10-12 years while tankless water heaters can last for 18-20 years.

How Water Heaters Work

Water heaters will look like huge metal cylinders that are consigned to a basement or a laundry room. Some of the latest styles offer some interesting features. Water heaters exploit the heat rising principle so they can provide hot water to your faucet conveniently.
In a traditional water heater system, there is a big tank that will hold and heat the water. The dip tube will feed cold water to the bottom of the tank’s interior, where it starts to warm up. The heating mechanism remains on until the water reaches the desired temperature. The heated water then rises to the top of the tank. The energy used in order to keep the water hot even when no one is using it is known as standby heat loss.
For tankless water heater systems, standby heat loss is avoided because it only heats the incoming water when you need it. As such, they are also known as on-demand water heaters.
A tankless heating system makes use of a powerful heat exchanger, which is only activated by the incoming flow of water. So if you turn on your faucet, the incoming water will circulate through the exchanger, which then heats the cold water to your desired temperature. To schedule an appointment call us today!

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What you need to know about tankless water heaters

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017

8 Things You Need to Know About Tankless Water Heaters

Hot water is one of the most appreciated conveniences in the western world. It is essential to upholding day-to-day hygiene requirements and to wellness, especially during the chilly months.

Back in the days of old, it took a long time and much physical energy to heat enough hot water for bathing, but today, all you really have to do is turn on your faucet or shower for a steady stream. This is if you already have a water heater installed at home.

And speaking of water heaters, there are different kinds. A lot of homeowners in the Applegate and Fox Valley communities prefer tankless water heaters because these only provide hot water when needed and, therefore, are more energy-efficient. Water heaters are among the biggest energy consumers installed in most houses, but tankless water heaters don’t create the budget setback that conventional heaters do.

If you’re building a home and you’re not sure what type of water heater to use, here are eight things you need to know about tankless water heaters that will surely help you decide.

  1. Most tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons of water per minute.
  2. Gas-fired tankless water heaters produce higher flow rates than their electric-powered counterparts.
  3. These are easy to install, therefore, you can place multiple units in your home.
  4. For households that typically consume 41 gallons of hot water, tankless water heaters are more suitable to use. They are 24 to 34 percent more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. Meanwhile, for homes that consume more hot water than that, tankless water heaters are still more energy efficient by 8 to 14 percent.
  5. Although these are more expensive than conventional water heaters, you can recoup the cost due to its energy efficiency. You’ll see the big difference in your monthly energy bill.
  6. Tankless water heaters also outlast storage water heaters. They can last over 20 years while storage water heaters’ functional lifespan usually only ranges between 10 to 15 years.
  7. Your household can avoid the standby heat losses often created by some storage water heaters.
  8. Proper installation is a must in ensuring energy efficiency, so make sure that you hire the best Fox Valley plumbers for the job.

All in all, if you want to enjoy hot water without consuming too much energy, tankless water heaters are the smart option. Implement energy-efficient practices and your home can really lower its energy expenses. Call us today to set up your appointment!

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Signs My Water Pump Is Failing

Monday, May 15th, 2017

What Are the Signs My Water Pump Is Failing?

If you draw water from a well, most of the hard work of bringing water to your home is done by the water pump. However, if you come home with little to no water coming out of the faucet, one possible cause is a failing or broken water pump.

You’re probably wondering, “What are the signs that my water pump is failing?”

No water comes out of the faucet

If no water is coming out of the faucet when you turn it on, the first thing that you need to check are the pipes. Sometimes, the pipes may simply be clogged or broken.

However, if the pipes look like they are in good working order and are neither clogged nor broken, you can turn your attention to your water pump.

Loud and/or odd noises from the water tank

If you keep hearing loud and/or odd noises coming from your water pump, it is highly likely that it is about to fail anytime soon.

An increase in your electric bill

Take a look at your electric consumption over the past few months. If you think that your consumption has not changed but your bill has risen steadily over the past few weeks or months, the culprit may be your water pump.

Low water pressure

Again, you need to rule out other potential causes of low water pressure. Start by checking the condition of the pipes. Sometimes, repairing or changing broken pipes will restore normal water pressure. However, if the problem still persists, your water pump may be the main reason.

Maintaining your water pump

The price of a new water pump for your well can cost you a small fortune. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your investment.

Like other systems in your home, your water pump requires regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (including the schedule for maintenance) and have professionals inspect it at least once a year.

Consider a submersible well pump

If you have an above-ground water pump, an experienced contractor can fix it for you. However, fixing a submersible water pump will be more of a challenge because it needs to be pulled from the well.

The advantage of submersible well pumps is that these can last up to 25 years. However, this lifespan can be affected by factors like the amount of sediment and other particles in the well. Contact one of our plumbers today!

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Things To Know When Installing A Tankless Water Heater

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

Also known as a “demand type” water heater, a tankless water heater provides hot water only when needed. As such, it does not produce standby energy losses, which saves you money.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Water is being heated without the use of a storage tank. Cold water will travel from a pipe to the unit if a hot water tap is turned on. This means a tankless water heater delivers a steady supply of hot water. In other words, you do not have to wait for the storage tank to be filled up with enough hot water each time you need to use it.

Why Opt for a Tankless Water Heater?

  • Heating costs will be reduced – Enjoy monthly savings of up to 40% off your utility bill for the product’s life. Heating and reheating water in the storage tank is not required.
  • Only a small amount of space is needed – As compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters will take up less space since this is just about the size of a small suitcase or even smaller.
  • Eco-friendly – Tankless water heaters are 30% more energy-efficient than tank water heaters. Maximum energy efficiency will help conserve natural resources.
  • Long-lasting – It has a longer lifespan for up to twice as much as that of the traditional water heater. This further means less waste in the landfill.
  • Clean – Avoid using water stored in a tank with accumulated rust.
  • Safe – A tankless water heater is equipped with excellent safety features to prevent injuries and burns caused by boiling water.

Installing and Maintaining Demand-Type Water Heater

Proper installation will greatly depend on different factors. These include the following:

  • Local building code requirements
  • Climate
  • Fuel type
  • Safety issues

Regular water heater maintenance is also important to extend the life of the water heater. This will also decrease loss of efficiency.

Proper installation and maintenance are very crucial to optimize the water heater’s energy efficiency. Therefore, it is best to have a licensed, skilled plumbing and heating contractor to install your tankless water heater.

Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor

  • Ask for references. Satisfied customers will give you peace of mind.
  • Request cost estimates from different contractors. Make sure that these estimates are for completed work and not just for sections of the system.
  • Check if they can get a local permit when necessary.
  • Determine if they fully understand local building codes.
  • Check if the plumbing contractor company is a member of the Better Business Bureau.
  • Sign the contract only after you’ve read and understood it.

If you’re looking to install a tankless water heater, please call us today!

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How To Deal With Water Pressure Issues

Tuesday, April 18th, 2017

Low water pressure is the reduction in the pressure of the water that causes it to fail to reach the top level of the house. It is one of the water pressure issues that homeowners wouldn’t want to experience and deal with.

Identifying the root cause will greatly help in managing the problem. If you don’t determine and fix the main cause, it is highly possible that you will experience the same issue over again. If worse comes to worst, recurrent low water pressure could result in structural damage to the home.

Causes of low water pressure problems

  • Damaged or defective water pressure regulator. This bell-shaped device is preset by manufacturers and often does not need adjusting. But like any device, it gets old and malfunctions.
  • Water or plumbing leaks. Any damage to your home’s plumbing system may cause leaks or water to escape. This results in a decrease in the pressure of water.
  • Debris buildup inside the pipes. Dirt, sand and other debris may enter your plumbing system, which then causes a buildup and blockage in the pipes.
  • Corrosion buildup in pipes. Water causes steel or galvanized piping to corrode. Over time, the corrosion causes sediments to deposit and block passageways.

Dealing with low water pressure 

  • Check the water pressure in your entire house. Check the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and outdoor faucets to identify if the issue appears in one area only or if the entire house is affected.

If you are experiencing low water pressure in a specific area only, such as the sink faucet in the kitchen or the shower in the bathroom, it is highly possible that the aerator, valve, or pipe is clogged. Take off the aerator or valve and clean or replace it.

  • Check for leaks and repair leaking pipes. To detect cracks of damages to pipes that cause leaking, shut off the water valve in your house and check the meter. Come back after some time and check the meter again; if there is an increase in the meter reading, then there is a leak. Minor leaks can be repaired using DIY techniques, but major leaks require the attention of professionals.
  • Check for a malfunctioning water pressure regulator. A problematic pressure regulator needs fixing or replacing. If you are not well-versed in fixing or hooking up a pressure regulator, it is best to leave it to certified plumbers.
  • If corrosion buildup is identified to be the cause of the problem, pipe restoration or pipe replacement should be done.

If you’re in need of help with water pressure issues, contact us today!

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When To Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017

Once you have a water heater installed, you can rely on this piece of equipment to give you hot or temperate water whenever you need to take a bath.

But although you can expect this system to give you years and years of comfortable baths, there will come a time when it will stop working properly. And if you don’t want to be unexpectedly drenched in freezing water on a particularly cold morning, you need to know when to replace your hot water heater so that you can avoid such an uncomfortable, shocking situation.

There are certain signs that would indicate that you need to replace your water heater immediately. These include the following:

Your heater is already more than 10 years old.

Most water heaters last between 10 and 15 years. Once your system passes the 10-year mark, you will start encountering issues every now and then and you will soon find yourself spending a lot of money on repairs. Unfortunately, having your heater repaired regularly only delays the inevitable. You would do well to put all that money on a new heater.

Recurring loud, unusual noises.

As the years go by, sediment will build up in your water heater tank. You will soon hear banging or rumbling sounds from your heater due to the obstruction inside the tank.  Although a plumber will be able to remove small amounts of buildup, there will come a time when the sediment will harden and this will become too difficult to take out. Aside from causing loud noises, this hard sediment may make your heater inefficient.

Excessive leaks.

The presence of puddles of water around the heater or water seeping down the sides of the heater are usually signs that the water heater tank may be fractured. If this is the case, you will have no choice but to replace the heater to get rid of the existing leaks and prevent any further damage.

Rust around the fittings.

If the fittings around your water heater are corroded, or look rusted or worn down, this may indicate that there is an issue with the unit as a whole. Corrosion is even more likely if the leaks appear around the valves or the pipework. A professional plumber can help you decide whether it will be worth your while and your money to have the issue fixed by replacing the damaged part or if it is best to simply replace your heater with a new one.

It is producing less hot water.

Lastly, if you start noticing that there is a lack of hot water coming from your heater even if you play with the settings, this is usually a sign that your equipment is no longer working efficiently. This is especially true if you observe a sudden decrease in the amount of hot water or that your hot water never seems to get hotter than lukewarm.

You don’t have to immediately buy a new heater if you notice that your current one is starting to act up. A plumber will be able to help you decide if an old heater is worth repairing or if it is best to buy a new one. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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Why Should You Choose a Tankless Water Heater?

Monday, January 9th, 2017

Tankless Water HeaterWhy Choose a Tankless Water Heater

Need a new water heater? Whether you are investing in a new one for your recently built house or thinking of replacing the current one installed in your home, there are plenty of reasons you should consider a tankless water heater installation.

More space

Using tankless water heaters, as the name implies, means that you do not have to worry about finding a space for the tank. Typically, conventional water heaters have tanks that measure 20″x13″x3″ and can thus take up a considerable amount of space in your home. Just imagine what you can do with that amount of space freed up.

Safety

If you are currently using a conventional water heater in your home, you have probably experienced being scalded with hot water at some point. That won’t happen with a tankless heater because there is no hot water stored. Instead, the hot water is processed on demand. That also means that you do not have to worry about losing hot water or waiting long to get hot water as this can be produced when you need it.

Apart from that, the risk of explosions or accidents related to steaming water are practically eliminated. Plus, you do not have to worry about pets and kids getting near a spigot. These can all give you greater peace of mind.

Reduced heating costs

A tankless water heater can allow you to reduce your water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.

With a conventional water heater, you can lose a significant amount of heat through standby losses. This occurs when the heat evaporates either through the sides of the tank or through the flue.

Less water loss

Unlike conventional water heaters, tankless systems do not leak. That means extra savings for you as there is no water wasted. Additionally, you can save more money through reduced maintenance and repair costs.

Other advantages

These water heaters are known for their superior reliability. In terms of parts, should your water heating system need parts replaced, sourcing these is fairly easy.

And even if you run two or three showers simultaneously, you do not have to worry about running out of hot water. With adequate planning, running out of hot water becomes a thing of the past.

A few downsides

However, before you commit to buying a tankless heater, you have to be aware of a few considerations. Depending on your usage, hot water may gradually emerge. If you have been accustomed to conventional water heaters, you may have to adjust a little. For one, you will need to find a reliable contractor in Fox Cities who has adequate experience in maintaining and servicing tankless heaters.

If you are thinking about installing a water heater in Fox Cities, contact the plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing to schedule an estimate and learn more information!

 

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