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A leaking water heater can cause huge problems in the house. A simple leak can cause damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and floor. If not detected early, this can affect the house’s structural integrity. Larger leaks will almost always cause flooding resulting in more expensive repair bills. Outlined below are 6 of the common causes of a leaking water heater.

1. A malfunctioning cold-water inlet valve. A malfunctioning water inlet valve can be a reason for a leak in the house. A leaky outlet pipe might also be the reason for the pool of water on the water heater.

2. Rusted pipes. Corroded pipes might also be a reason for a leak. Check both the outlet and inlet pipes to see if they are leaking or a pool of water on the heater.

3. Failing temperature and pressure relief valves. The T&P (Temperature and Pressure relief) valve is usually installed on the top or side of the tank. A loose or failing valve will at times, cause a leak. Ensure no water is leaking from the valve.

4. Broken/failing drain valve. This could be another reason for the leak. A failing or broken valve will cause a leak. Inspect the bottom of the tank for wetness or a pool of water.

5. Internal tank failure. The inner tank may fail if it isn’t drained regularly. Draining the tank regularly reduces the rate of sediment build-up hence lowering the risk of the tank failing altogether.

6. Condensation. Condensation may occur just outside the heater. This is however completely normal.

These are the most common causes of a leaking water heater. To identify the problem, cut off the main water supply and gas/electricity. You may start diagnosing the problem yourself or call an expert to help out. You can contact a plumbing expert (Smith and Son Plumbing) in Frisco, TX, for professional help.

We have been handling plumbing problems and installations for a long time, hence have the expertise required to deliver high-quality work and satisfaction guarantee. Book an appointment with us.

How frequently do you change the oil in your car? Depending on the model and make, it is possible that this occurs every 3000 to 5000 miles or 3 to 5 months. Changing the oil in your car regularly contributes to everything running smoothly while extending the overall life-span of the car. The same applies to water heaters. The majority of the manufacturers suggest flushing these water heaters at least every 12 months. Yet there is also a major warning: You have to ensure you maintain your water heater consistently, in the way of making sure you drain it out at least once a year, or you could experience a very leaky mess. Here is more information on what you need to know about draining a water heater.

The Reason Why Being Consistent With Draining A Water Heater Is So Important

When sediment starts to accumulate along the bottom of a water tank, this debris is typically not distributed evenly and usually collects in specific spots. These are the areas that are then exposed to higher heat, as this sediment starts to displace the water that is lying in the bottom area of the water tank.

This increase in heat breaks the steel down faster in these areas, which results in thinner metal and more potential failure areas. An inspection conducted every 6 to 12 months by a plumber that is certified can remove the sediment and make sure your Water Heater remains in the best condition.

Avoid Doing It Yourself

After many years of the sediment building up, the steel might have become thin enough that it now has small holes in it. The current sediment usually acts as a “plug” for these weakened areas in the tank. Think about what would happen when the tank is flushed out after a number of years of accumulated sediment. This sediment is flushed from these holes or thinning areas which is followed by your tank springing one or more leaks.

This is the reason why regular maintenance becomes so important. If you have not flushed the water heater for a number of years or ever, never risk trying to do this on your own. Rather contact the professionals at Smith and Son Plumbing to conduct a thorough inspection and for maintenance procedures for your water heater. We take the utmost care to examine water heaters followed by the appropriate course-of-action.

It is very easy to forget about maintenance for your water heater, so you may want to think about our Maintenance Agreement to ensure you never forget, and that your water heater is always serviced on time. If you are looking for more information about the processes involved in draining water heaters, schedule your appointment or ask us today!

Do you have a broken water heater? It can be hard to decide whether to get it repaired or just replace it and move on.

However, we will make this an easy decision for you. Just ask yourself the following 3 questions and once you have your answers, you will know exactly what you should do.

1. How serious is the problem?

Is the tank on your water heater leaking and corroded? That is something you really can’t salvage. So your only option in that situation will be to replace it. However, you can repair a pressure-relief valve or leaky drain valve.

For the different problems that can potentially be repaired, it is recommended by consmerreports.org that you get a repair estimate first. Then you can weigh that versus the expense of having to buy a new water heater.

The cost of a new water heater will depend on:

– The cost of the water heater itself
– The plumber’s installation rates

However, Homewyse.com has provided the following general estimates:

The average cost for replacing a hot water heater: $616.06-$785.99.

The average cost for installing a tankless hot water heater: $835.52-$1,063.38.

Note: Installing a tankless water heater might cost more than what is mentioned here since extra plumbing might need to be done if you haven’t had a tankless water heater before.

If repairs are costing you close to half or more than what it would cost to buy a new water heater, then you should consider replacing your old one and buying a new water heater. The older that a water heater is the less you should tolerate the cost of having to repair it.

2. How old is your water heater?

The following are the average lifespans for water heaters:

– Tankless water heater: 20 years or longer
– Storage water heater: 10-15 years

If you have never had any yearly water heater maintenance done, then the lifespan of your water heater is going to be a lot lower compared to the averages, so just remember that.

If your old water heater is almost at the end of its average life and isn’t covered under warranty any longer, then it is a good idea to invest in a new water heater. Even when your repair costs are not high.

Why is that?

Because there is a good chance that next year you will have to repair it. And you will really be kicking yourself for spending money on a water heater that was about to die.

3. How often do I complain about my hot water?

Are you complaining a lot about not having enough hot water? Are your water heating bills high? Do you have low water pressure?

If so when combined with the factors of old age and expensive repairs, it is time for your water heater to be replaced.

Tankless vs. storage water heaters

If you make the decision to replace your old water heater, you will want to consider whether to get a tankless (on demand) or storage water heater.

Obtain accurate estimates

For accurate water heater installation or repair estimates, call Plumbing Emergency Phoenix for assistance.

We serve the plumbing needs of Phoenix, AZ area homeowners.

While occasionally, a water leak may be easy to spot. Other times, you won’t be so lucky. Unfortunately, water leaks can be very subtle. This is especially true in cases where the leaks are naturally hidden. The good news, any leak will leave various signs that you should be able to spot to help you address the issue before it’s too late. Here are some of the signs you should be looking for when you are dealing with a leak.

1. Your Water Bill Is Increasing For Some Unknown Reason

Unless your water usage habits have changed or you added more people to your home, you are likely to notice a spike in your water bill if you have a leak. Usually, you can look at your day to day water usage and tell if things have changed. Your water bill should generally fluctuate here and there, but there shouldn’t be a dramatic spike. If you notice that you are suddenly paying an extremely high amount compared to the usage in the past, it is likely a sign of a sure-fire leak.

2. Your Meter Continues To Run

If you actually shut off the main water valve yet your water meter continues to rise, this is a very easy telltale sign that you are dealing with a leak somewhere in your home. Your meter should stop once you shut off your water.

3. You Smell Mold

You likely won’t spot mold or mildew in your daily life. It can grow hidden behind your walls or even in the dark corners of your home. Because of this, you might not notice it until you can smell it. You will likely begin to notice a musty odor eventually. If you begin smelling mold, it is a very good indicator that you are dealing with a leak that is causing excess moisture buildup somewhere in your home. If you don’t spot an obvious source, it is likely a hidden leak.

4. Warping and/or Bubbling

Having warped walls or bubbling in your ceiling isn’t something that is normal. Typically excess moisture is the cause of these issues. Therefore, if you notice that your walls have begun to warp or your ceilings are bubbling, you are likely dealing with an undetected leak.

What Should You Do About It?

If you begin to spot any of these signs in your home, you will want to be certain that your first step is calling a professional plumber. A professional plumber will have the experience and expertise to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and they will be able to correct the issue efficiently.

Due to the high costs of repairs, any kind of leak in the plumbing can be a major issue. One type in particular that causes a lot of damage is a leak in the slab. Keep reading to learn what slab leaks are, how to find them, and what type of damage can happen if they are not found soon enough.

Defining Slab Leaks

The slab refers to the foundation of your home, which is made of concrete. Two major pipes run under this foundation, which are the sewer and water lines, and they are essential to the plumbing system in a home. Slab leaks occur when any one of them leaks beneath your slab. The resulting water eventually works its way up through your slab, which then leaks into the home. Unfortunately, this happens too often without homeowners realizing it until the damage is extensive, and then it’s impossible to avoid the costly repairs at that point. This is what makes these types of leaks very dangerous.

Finding Leaks

Professional equipment must be used to find the slab leak’s exact spot. That said, there are some ways you can figure out if this is the kind of leak you have:

Start by shutting off every water appliance inside the home and checking the water meter. You probably have a leak in your plumbing system somewhere if you still notice it’s running.

Try listening for any water running. The best time to do this is when it’s quiet and you can walk around because slab leaks typically occur on the home’s bottom floor. If you do hear any running water anywhere that shouldn’t be, then there’s a good chance that you might have a leak in your slab beneath your floor.

Luckily, Plumbing Emergency Phoenix provides services for slab leaks in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Give us a call to schedule a plumbing consultation today.

Even a small plumbing leak has the potential of becoming a disastrous issue. Many people think of plumbing leaks as a dripping faucet or a small drip located under the sink. Although these leaks are annoying, most people do not worry about fixing them; however, these small issues can become a catastrophic issue if you do not deal with it quickly and properly.

A plumbing leak can occur anywhere in the home where your plumbing pipes are located. This means a leak can occur in your basement, in your crawl space, in your floors, in your ceilings and in your walls. Because the pipes can be out of sight, you may not realize that you have a leak until it develops into a catastrophic leak. Continue reading to learn what to do if you find a leak.

* What to Do if You Have a Burst Pipe

During the winter, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As the pipe thaws, air is released, which can cause pressure to build up inside your pipe. This pressure can cause your pipe to break. This type of plumbing problem is called a burst pipe. If you experience a burst pipe, here is what you should do.

If your water freezes, turn on all of the faucets in your home to allow the air to escape and minimize the pressure inside your pipes. As the pipe thaws, you may hear a hissing sound coming from your pipes. This is normal and can help prevent a break. Next, turn off the main water valve. Finally, heat your home to help thaw your pipes. Do not place a space heater near your pipes or use a blow torch to thaw your pips as it can pose a fire risk and even damage your pipes.

* What to Do if You Have a Leak Near a Faucet

The first step to take with any plumbing issue is to turn off the main water supply. Once you have done this, you can either look for the leak or contact a plumber. A leak at your faucet could be caused by a broken seal, a break or even too much water pressure. A plumber can help determine the issue and correct it.

* What to Do if You Have a Leaky Toilet

As with the other plumbing issues, the first step is to turn off your main water supply. Because there are several reasons for a toilet to be leaking, contact your plumber. The plumber will assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.

* What to Do if You Have a Leak Inside Your Walls or Floor

This type of leak is the most difficult to fix. If you notice any water damage to your walls or floors, contact a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing system in your home.

To help minimize the damage from a plumbing leak, act quickly. Do not wait until a small leak turns into a burst pipe or larger plumbing issues as even the smallest leak can end up costing your thousands of dollars. Instead, contact a plumber to assess and correct any plumbing issues as soon as you notice them.

Some plumbing leaks are noticeable, while others are very difficult to detect, unless you have a good idea of what to search for. Leaks that are hard to see or find can cause a lot of damage, far more than the leaks that are noticeable. Many people don’t realize that plastic parts are found in many of the faucets and handles on the market, and these parts can easily crack when they are used frequently.

When such parts crack or become damaged, then water leaks can occur. These types of leaks can accumulate in a specific area. In turn, you’ll have to perform a thorough inspection in order to see if damage has occurred.

Here’s what to look for:

. Paint that is peeling
. Drywall that is bulging
. Mildew or mold, especially in a place that should be completely dry
. Mineral deposits
. Insects
. Sagging wood behind the wall
. Floor tiles that are loose or buckling

There are cases in in which leaks won’t be from drains or sinks. They can sometimes be because of the shut-off valves, which can be found behind the sink or just underneath it. If these valves are damaged, then you should replace them right away.

Valves need to be replaced when damaged. This is because the leak will only get worse as time goes by. In turn, more damage will end up occurring.

It is important to protect your home from leaks because doing so will save you cash. As soon as problems are discovered, then you’ll want to solve them right away. Signs such as rust around valves, drains and fixtures are indicates that moisture is going to places where it doesn’t belong.

Inspect your home. Look in places such as under the washer, under the sink or under your dishwasher. Don’t forget to search around fixtures in your bathroom.

Don’t attempt to fix leaks and damage yourself. Having leaks and plumbing damage isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. Always contact a professional plumber to handle all of your repairs.

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by a persistent dripping sound and not sure of what it is? Do you know what to do if you discover a pipe has a leak or is broken? What should you do if you know that your sewer line is clogged and is causing an unpleasant odor in your neighborhood? Fortunately, you don’t need to know all the answers, you just need to take advantage of emergency plumber services.

A reliable and honest emergency plumber can help with all of your plumbing needs and can do so in a professional and efficient way. Listed below are a few situations for which an emergency plumber can help.

1. Sewer Line Replacement – This is not a job for anyone with a weak stomach or for an amateur. This is a full scale emergency and you need a full scale emergency plumber to assist you. An emergency plumber can handle this unsanitary and extremely complex situation with the utmost care and professionalism. The emergency plumber understands the urgency of the situation and will work to rectify the problem as efficiently as possible so you and your neighbors can get on with your daily lives with a minimum of distraction.

2. Leaking Pipes – If you have ever been awakened to the sound of a dripping noise in the middle of the night you know how unnerving and stressful that can be. You may wonder right away if the leak is going to be costly or how much damage it may cause to your place of dwelling. An emergency plumber will show up in the middle of the night, if necessary, as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and identify the solution. The best thing is that the emergency plumber will come up with a quick fix solution, so as to minimize the problem, until a permanent and reasonable solution can be implemented.

3. Backed up Garbage Disposal – We all enjoy the convenience of having a garbage disposal in our kitchen sinks because it makes the preparation of a meal so much easier. However, when we lose the use of the garbage disposal it can really throw a wrench into our plans and make cooking a real headache. Once again it is time to turn to the services of an emergency plumber. The plumber will get the problem solved and get your kitchen plans back on track in the least amount of time possible.

So whether you have leaky or broken pipes, a sewer line in dire need of replacement or a clogged up garbage disposal, you need to take advantage of the services provided by an emergency plumber. These plumbers stand ready to help you with the most frustrating, disgusting or mind boggling plumbing situations that a person could face. Do yourself a favor and find a plumbing professional in your local area so that when a plumbing emergency should arise you will be prepared to deal with it head on.

Faucets are an integral aspect of any house and they are used on a daily basis. That is why it is essential to keep all the faucets in a home in good working condition. There are many different problems that can plague faucets. At times they leak and they may make noise at other times.

In certain situations, it may be possible to fix or repair them, but there may be times when it is important to completely replace them. Faucet repair is an essential component of bathroom maintenance. One of the more common plumbing problems is a dripping faucet and one of the easiest issues to fix also. Despite that, many individuals ignore it and over time the issue continues to get worse.

Cost Factor

That also means that regular maintenance and additional expenses can help to resolve these types of issues. Aside from the money that you would need to spend on a brand new faucet, just remember that when a leaky faucet is left unattended you could end up wasting a lot of money on water. Also, the water that is wasted from the hot water faucet adds to your expenses to pay to heat water up before it leaks out into the drain.

Steps To Replace A Faucet

In general, you can fix a water faucet by just repairing the seat or replacing the washer. There are some basic steps that you need to follow, no matter what kind of faucet needs to be repaired:

– Turn the water supply off and then remove the handle from the faucet that holds the main part of the faucet together. There is a small screw that holds it in place and may have a plastic disc or button that needs to be unsnapped.

– Now take the hand off and check out the faucet assembly. Take the packing nut off with an adjustable wrench. Then twist the stern or spindle out.

– Take the screw out that is holding the washer in place. Penetrating oil can be used to loosen the nut if necessary. Check out the screw and stem and if necessary replace it.

– Get a new washer with the exact specifications as the old one to replace it. Hot water faucets required special washers. Ones that are used for cold water faucets have a tendency to become over-expanded and are not well-suited for this purpose.

Fasten your new washer onto the faucet stem. Then reinstall the whole assembly in the reverse order that you took it off.

– First, get the handle reinstalled and then replace the button or disc. Turn the water supply on and check the faucets for any leaks.

If you cannot fix your faucet on your own, give Plumbing Emergency Phoenix a call in Phoenix, AZ to have them replace it. Also, check to see if you have any other leak faucets in ay of your other bathroom to see if they also need to be repaired or replaced.

Gas leaks are very common in our home. They can be very dangerous due to the increased chances of them causing a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. They can go unnoticed for a long period of time because some of them, such as carbon monoxide is colorless and also odorless. Below are the leading causes of these leaks and how to fix them.

Common Causes Of Gas Leaks.

• Faulty Piping.

Piping from outside gets the gas into the home by crisscrossing under it, to connect the appliances, to the source. This piping can, with time, become faulty and lose its seal or even break off due to wearing off. This will, therefore, cause a gas leak.

• Poor Ventilation.

Carbon dioxide, along with natural and propane gas, can leak in the home due to poor ventilation or malfunctioned exhaust fans. Carbon monoxide can also leak into the home if the chimney is clogged. It is odorless, unlike natural gas and propane, hence a person may fall asleep and never wake up due to this.

Checking For A Gas Leak.

Gas leaks can occur in many places in the home. The most common areas are where pipes join together at the fittings, such as flex lines, tees, regulators and valves. These should be checked regularly. Also, these leaks can come from black iron piping corrosion that is not appropriately protected. When you smell something that gas a sulphur type smell such as those of rotten eggs near the gas pipes, you should call a plumber as soon as possible to fix it.

Gas leaks are hazardous and should be taken care of as soon as you smell that something is wrong. Calling a plumber is the best thing to do after noting that there is a leak since they will conduct proper testing to locate it, do repairs and inspections.