Should You Go For A Plumbing Upgrade? Check Out These Helpful Tips From A Plumber | Schertz, TX
Is it time to get new plumbing appliances? Perhaps it’s time to finally replace inefficient appliances that are costing you more money. Read this article for tips on when it’s time to get an upgrade on your plumbing. If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact a plumber.
Is It Time for an Upgrade?
When is the best time to upgrade your plumbing system? Read these tips from a plumber. You need an upgrade when:
Plumbing Pipes Are Old
If you have moved into an old home, chances are the plumbing pipes may be made with galvanized steel. This type of piping may last several years but it’s also prone to rust and damage. If you’re not sure of what materials your pipes are made of, we suggest you get in touch with a professional in the area for an inspection.
Our plumbing experts can inspect your pipes and advise you whether or not it’s time to upgrade to new piping. When your pipes are old, we might ask you to get new pipes for your home. Don’t worry, our team can also help you correctly install these new pipes. Contact us if you need more assistance or if you have questions about the type of pipes to purchase for your home. PVC and copper pipes last longer and are also susceptible to damage and rust. We highly recommend them to your home.
Frequent Leaks
Do you always call a plumber to take care of repairs for your fixtures or appliances? That’s one sign it’s time to upgrade. If you have to call a plumber regularly to fix something, we highly suggest you consider disposing of that appliance and buying a new one. You’ll be able to save money instead of paying for costly repairs that can add up over time.
Should you need assistance in choosing the right fixture or appliance for your home, our plumbing experts are more than happy to help. We are an experienced team who has worked with several homeowners and businesses in the past. We can assist with anything from helping you choose energy-efficient and water-efficient appliances and fixtures to help you install these products into your home.
Discolored Water
This could be due to pipes corroding. If your water is discolored, we suggest you contact a plumber for an inspection. We’ll tell you if it’s time to get rid of your new pipes and get a new one. It could also be because your water is contaminated, which is why it’s important to get a hold of a professional immediately to avoid more problems down the road or prevent a costly plumbing emergency.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate a leak in your plumbing especially when you have low water pressure in all fixtures. Get a plumber for professional leak detection first, and so they can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system. You can also do a water meter test to find out if there are indeed leaks. When your water bill suddenly skyrockets and you have low water pressure as well, that’s a sure indication of a leak in your plumbing. You need a plumber to assist with the upgrade or repair and ensure your plumbing system is in excellent shape.
If you suspect a toilet leak, do a test by dropping food coloring into the tank and waiting for about 15 minutes. Check the toilet bowl after to see if the water’s color has changed. If it does, that means there’s a leak in your plumbing. Call a professional immediately so they can help you fix it.
Low water pressure can indicate a leak in your plumbing, but it’s also not good to have high water pressure because the latter can cause leaks. We suggest you get a water pressure gauge first to test your home’s water pressure. The result must be between 40-60 PSI, anything lower or higher than that isn’t good. For high water pressure, a water pressure regulator should help you fix it. Hire a plumber to help you install the water pressure regulator.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals are useful appliances for they are used to help homeowners effectively dispose of their food waste. But what if you keep having problems with your garbage disposal? Should you call a plumber already to install a new one?
If your garbage disposal keeps jamming even with a small load, the problem could be the unit’s motor. Try to reset it first to see if it’s going to resolve the issue. When the problem persists, we suggest you contact a plumber for an inspection as it might be time to get a replacement.
Pressing the reset button usually resolves the problem but if you press this button every time you use the garbage disposal, there might be other issues that need to be addressed. Call a professional to help you remedy the problem.
When the unit doesn’t run, try to also check the circuit breaker as that might be an electrical issue. If there are leaks, this could be due to poor installation. Always get professional installation if you’re planning to get a garbage disposal replacement.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade the Water Heater
Standard water heaters can last up to 10 years while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. If you have a conventional water heater that’s more than seven years old and is no longer that efficient, we suggest you consider calling a plumber for an inspection. Our plumbing experts can help you decide whether it’s time to get a water heater upgrade or stick to the old one. Below are the other signs it’s time to get a water heater replacement:
Leaks from the tank. If there’s pooling water near the water heater, that could be leaks coming from the tank or the pipes. Part of your responsibility as a homeowner is to maintain the water heater by draining the sediment building up in the tank. You need to flush the water heater at least once a year or twice when you have hard water or when the water pressure is low. If you don’t flush the water heater, the sediment can build up and damage the tank eventually. This could lead to a catastrophic plumbing emergency that will cost you a fortune in repairs and even replacements. Not to mention the mold problem you’ll have to deal with when the water heater leaks in the basement. So if you see water near the water heater, contact a plumber immediately so they can do a proper inspection. If the leak comes from the tank, you’ll have no choice but to get a replacement water heater. Go for a tankless water heater if you’re concerned about leaks in the basement.
Age of the water heater. As mentioned, water heaters don’t last forever. A standard water heater can last up to 10 years when properly maintained. If your unit is old and you keep having problems with your unit, it’s probably time to get a replacement. We recommend calling a plumber immediately to install a new unit. When you hire us, our plumbing team will carefully remove the old water heater and correctly install the new one. Don’t worry, we can service all types of water heaters, both tank-type and tankless water heaters. We’re also experienced with most water heater brands.
You keep running out of hot water. When you encounter this problem, don’t call a plumber right away. Try to flush the water heater first to remove the sediment buildup. Doing that should fix the problem. When the problem persists, we recommend calling a plumber ASAP so they can do a proper inspection of your water heater. If your unit is old and inefficient, our team might ask you to get a replacement.
Frequent repairs. Do you keep calling a professional to fix the water heater? That’s not a good sign. This is why we encourage homeowners to always get professional installation, especially for major plumbing appliances. Hiring licensed professionals reduces or completely eliminates the risk of dealing with issues associated with the incorrect installation of your unit. If you keep calling a professional more than once a year for repair though, we recommend getting a new replacement. With the energy savings you get when purchasing an energy-efficient, getting a new water heater is definitely the right choice.
Noises. Contact a professional when you hear noises coming from the water heater. There might be something wrong with the unit’s heating elements and you need a professional to properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. Don’t worry, we have licensed plumbing experts who are fully equipped to correctly give you a diagnosis and solution to your water heater problems. We’ll do our best to resolve the issue on the same day.
Discolored water. This could be due to the sediment that has accumulated in the tank. We suggest you flush the water heater first to get rid of the mineral buildup. If it doesn’t resolve the issue though, we suggest calling a plumber for an inspection.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater
Are you planning to get a new water heater for your home? There are several reasons to consider switching to tankless water heaters. Below are its benefits. If you have questions or are ready to buy a new unit, please contact a licensed plumber to professionally install the unit.
Reduces chances of leaks in the basement. Some homeowners choose the tankless heater because it reduces the risk of flooding in the basement. When there’s no tank, there’s no need to worry about it leaking water and flooding your basement. A tankless water heater can be installed on the bathroom wall but make sure you get professional installation for it. Always hire a licensed plumber near you.
If you have a basement and your area is prone to getting storms, consider installing a sump pump as well to prevent flooding. A sump pump is a safety device that prevents flooding in the basement. It works by draining the water from the sump pit. You need it if you’re concerned about possible flooding in your home.
Lasts longer. As mentioned, tankless water heaters last up to 20 years, that’s twice as long as the standard water heater. This means you won’t have to keep buying a new water heater if you invest in a tankless water heater for your home.
Energy efficiency. If you have a standard water heater, you’ll need to keep turning on the water or the water will turn cold. You can save energy with the tankless water heater because you use electricity only when you actually turn on your shower or when you use water. You get to save money in the long run because there’s no standby heat loss. The only disadvantage is that the tankless water heater costs more than the standard water heater. But because of the savings though, getting the tankless water heater is more energy-efficient.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio Today
Do you need a plumber? Our plumbing experts are here to help. We serve all homeowners and businesses in the area. We are an established plumbing company that can assist with almost any plumbing issue at home from fixing leaky pipes to broken water heaters and clogged drains. Get in touch with us at your earliest convenience and we will quickly send a professional to your location the soonest possible time.
If you’re looking for a competent and skilled plumbing expert, contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio for an appointment.
See our previous blog on this topic here.
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