Is it Finally Time to Dump That Old Water Heater?

3 Signs it Could Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Valentine’s Day is about showing love and appreciation for a significant other, celebrating and nurturing the relationship they’ve shared - whether it’s been for a few months, a few decades, or anywhere in between. But, of course, not all relationships work out that way - such as the relationship between homeowners and their old rust bucket of a water heater.

Maybe they’ve had plenty of good times together, and the old appliance has been of excellent service for many years. But when an aging water heater starts acting up and causing trouble, it may be time to say a bittersweet goodbye and move on to a new and improved model. Homeowners can read on to learn three signs a water heater may need replacing.

Corrosion in the Hot Water Tank

One sure sign it’s time to break things off with the water heater is if the corrosion has taken hold in the hot water tank. Corrosion occurs when oxygen and minerals in the water interact with the metal of the tank wall, causing it to rust and deteriorate. Water heaters contain an anode rod inside the tank which attracts corrosive materials, keeping them from corroding the tank wall. However, this rod will eventually deplete, and if it’s not replaced in time, it cannot protect the tank from corrosion. Routine water heater maintenance helps prevent corrosion because the plumber will replace the anode rod if necessary and flush the minerals and sediment from the tank.

Signs of a corroded tank include visible rust on the tank, discolored water, and water leaking from it because corrosion weakens the material and can cause leaks. Unfortunately, corroded hot water tanks typically cannot be repaired, so if the tank is rusting, it’s best to replace the entire unit.

Hot Water Runs Out Faster Than Normal

A more obvious sign of a failing water heater is if there’s not as much hot water as there used to be, the water isn’t as hot, or there’s no hot water at all. This could be caused by various issues like a thermostat malfunction or a broken heating element. So if homeowners notice a lack of hot water or inconsistent temperatures, a water heater repair technician should be called to solve the problem.

However, if the unit is getting along in years (8+ years old), the cost of getting the right parts and replacing them may make water heater replacement a more economical option than repair in the long run. Another consideration is that the hot water may run out faster due to increased demand, a fairly common issue with growing families. In this case, the tank of the unit may be too small for the household, and replacing it with a larger model or a tankless water heater may make more sense.

Higher Energy Bills

If the energy bill is going up for no obvious reason, it may indicate that the water heater’s efficiency is diminishing. The water heater is responsible for around 20% of a home’s overall energy usage, so a loss in efficiency can significantly impact utility bills. Water heaters lose efficiency as they age due to normal wear and tear. However, aggressive spikes in energy usage may indicate serious malfunctions - especially if the higher bills coincide with any of the abovementioned issues.

If homeowners spot any of these signs, the best course of action is to call a reputable local plumber to inspect the water heater. Once they’ve diagnosed the issue, they can recommend solutions that best fit the budget and individual needs of the household. And if homeowners do decide to replace the water heater with a new, more energy-efficient model, it could be the start of a beautiful new relationship, saving them money on energy bills.

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, honest pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them today for water heater services in Huntsville, AL.

Causes of Low Water Pressure

Common Reasons For a Drop in Water Pressure

There are many potential causes for a drop in a home’s water pressure. One of the most common is leaks. Leaks allow air to enter the plumbing system, which reduces the overall force. Another common cause is sediment accumulation in the pipes. This can reduce water flow through the pipes and decrease the pressure. Finally, a partially closed valve or malfunctioning fixture can reduce water pressure. If any of these are suspected, contact a professional who can determine the cause and best solution.

Are There Leaks?

Leaks are one of the most common causes of low water pressure. Leaks can consume a large amount of water, reducing available water pressure. If leaks go undetected, water will continue to be lost, lowering the water pressure and possibly causing significant damage.

If families are experiencing low water pressure, check for leaks to prevent water damage. One of the best ways to check for leaks is to simply turn off all water fixtures and appliances, ensure the main shutoff valve is open and the water meter valve is functioning, and then check the water meter. If the needle on the meter moves, this indicates a leak somewhere in the system. A professional should be called immediately to prevent further damage and increase the home’s water pressure.

Clogs and Buildup Reduce Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by clogs and buildup in fixtures and pipes. When these blockages occur, the water flow is restricted, reducing pressure. Clogs can cause problems with the faucet or shower’s water pressure and also lead to poor water quality. If the low water pressure in the shower or anywhere else is noticed, it’s essential to have the problem checked out and fixed as soon as possible. A professional can help identify the cause of the problem and make the necessary fix.

If homeowners notice low water pressure, there are few things they can do to try to fix the problem. First, homeowners should check all of the fixtures for clogs or buildup. If any blockages are found, clean them out as much as possible. This should improve the water pressure. Call a professional if it doesn’t or if the problem persists.

Broken Fixtures or Closed Valves Reduce Water Pressure

If the decrease in water pressure is only coming from one fixture, like a faucet or showerhead, it might be because that one fixture is not working right. Check to see if the water flow from other fixtures in the home is normal. If it is, then the problem is probably with that one fixture.

If the water pressure decreases throughout the home or in one room, there might be a problem with a valve. Check the main shutoff valve or the water meter valve to see if one is closed or partially closed. This can also cause a decrease in water pressure but is the quickest fix.

If both have been ruled out, the problem might be with the home’s plumbing. Homeowners should have a professional plumber come and take a look at the system to determine what the issue is.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving its neighbors in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and trusted technicians. Call them today for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.

Choose to Combat Rising Water Bills

3 Tips to Save Green for St. Patrick's Day

March is the month of green, so why not focus on saving your wallet some green? It’s no secret that energy bills are rising globally, so now is the time to learn how to be financially conscious. Besides saving money, energy conservation also improves the world for the next generation.

Turn Off the Tap

Many water users leave the water on when washing hands, brushing teeth, hand washing dishes, and many other household chores. It doesn’t seem like a lot of money is being wasted, but 4 gallons of water on average is used each time one person leaves the water on while brushing their teeth, meaning a four-person household that brushes twice per day would waste 32 gallons a day.

Hand washing dishes uses about 27 gallons of water when the water is left on while scrubbing. Experts recommend using one sink to wash and the other to have clean water to rinse dishes in after washing before putting them into the drying rack rather than leaving the tap on to rinse.

Do Showers Save Water?

Which is the more eco-friendly bathing option, a shower or a bath? The answer depends on how much water an individual uses for each because everyone has different habits.

The average bath uses between 20-and 50 gallons of water, but this depends on how full the bathtub is. A low-flow showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, meaning a 15-minute shower would use 37.5 gallons. In comparison, an unrestricted showerhead uses about 5 gallons per minute, totaling 75 gallons for the same 15-minute shower.

Many water conservation experts recommend a 4-minute average shower to save water and decrease expenses. It may seem short, but it can be achieved by turning off the water in the shower while lathering or applying shampoo.

Flush Approved Items

Many homeowners are flushing items that could cause clogs. It is recommended to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Common items to avoid flushing include:

Wipes (yes, even flushable ones)
Diapers
Feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)
Cigarettes
Plastic wrappers
Cotton balls, pads, Q-tips
Condoms
Medication
Hair
Dental floss
Cat litter
Grease
Food or food waste
Paper towels
Chewing gum or candy
Fish (sorry for the loss!)
Bleach or cleaners that contain bleach

Many of these items degrade the integrity of the household plumbing or contribute to clogged toilets over time. Flushing these items once or twice may not cause a clog, so homeowners feel like it’s not an issue until that dreaded day when the toilet backs up and a plumber is needed. This can be a big repair, so it’s best to avoid it by disposing of these items properly in a waste bin.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is an award-winning, local, family-owned and operated company whose customers are their top priority. Their trusted technicians are background checked so homeowners can feel at ease. Call them today for plumbing service in Huntsville, AL.