Water Heaters: Problems and Solutions

While a water heater is probably the most costly component in your home’s plumbing system, most problems with it are usually fairly easy to figure out and fix. Some of the common water heater problems you can run into and fix are:

• not enough hot water
• water that’s too hot or too cold
• smelly water (rotten eggs smell) 
• the tank is making noises. 

The worst water heater problem you can run into is a leaking tank. Unfortunately, once that happens, there are no fixes...that tank is done.

Before trying to fix a water heater, you need to understand how it works! Water heaters are fairly simple devices. Basically it’s a 30, 40 50 or 60 gallon holding tank with a cold water intake, a hot water outlet and a drain valve. Inside there are a few other components - a heating element, a dip tube (that guides cold water coming into the tank down to the bottom so the hot water on top will be used first) and a ‘sacrificial rod or anode’, to help prevent corrosion inside the tank.

If you're going to attempt to fix your water heater yourself, that's fine, or you can call the professionals in Nashville at Pro N Stall. The first thing you must do before attempting to fix anything is to drain the water heater!

1. Start by turning off the heater (at the electric panel or the gas supply), then give the water inside some time to cool.
2. Close the cold water intake and attach a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank.
3. Before opening the drain valve, be sure to open a hot water tap somewhere in your home (this will allow air to get into the tank while it’s draining).

Note: Drain the water in the tank outside, down a basement drain or into buckets. (Be careful the water may still be hot).

Water temperature problems? If you have absolutely no hot water – the heating element (electric) or gas thermocouple is probably not working. These are replaceable components you can do yourself and replacing them will give you back your normal hot water supply! The thermostat on the tank being changed usually causes water that’s too hot or too cold. It’s a simple matter to raise or lower the temperature a few degrees to get your tank back to functioning properly once again.

If you're still having problems with your water heater, call the professionals at Pro N Stall in Nashville, TN. You can reach us at 615-471-1122. We service all of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro and surrounding areas!

Running Toilet?

Sort of like with a dripping faucet, the mysteries of a running toilet can drive you insane! Whether you hear water running constantly or cycling on and off, Pro N Stall can help you decipher the clues so that you can stop most leaks. Hardware stores and home centers carry the parts for almost every repair.

One common cause of a constant running toilet is that the flapper doesn't seal. If water from the tank seeps around the flapper and into the bowl, the flapper is probably worn out.

How do you test for a leaky flapper? Push down on the flapper with a stick when you hear the water running and listen for it to stop. If it stops, you know the flapper isn’t sealing properly which means it's time to replace it!

To replace the flapper, first shut off the water supply valve under the toilet then flush the toilet to drain out most of the water, and unhook the old flapper. Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the instructions on the package. Hook the flapper chain onto the flush lever arm so there’s a little slack when the flapper is closed.

If the flapper doesn’t leak and the water still runs, inspect the fill tube connected to the overflow pipe. The end should be above the water line. If the end is under water, cut it back. Next, inspect the fill valve for visible signs of wear and test the float. If the float is improperly adjusted, the tank water level can rise above the overflow pipe and drain into it. Replace the old fill valve if it doesn’t completely shut off or it hampers the float-arm operation.

Occasionally, toilets run for more complex reasons. If you’ve replaced the flapper, float apparatus and fill tube, you may have sediment that’s affecting proper flushing and filling. Higher water bills could also indicate a silent leak. To detect a silent leak in your toilet, add a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Look in the bowl for any hint of color; if you see tinted water, your flapper valve isn’t working as it should.

If you still can't figure it out, call the professionals at Pro N Stall. Every Pro N Stall technician is licensed, insured, and adept in providing service on the following:

• Water Heaters: Electric, Gas, Tankless (Repair, Service, Sales, and Installation)
• Plumbing (Small or Large Jobs)
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
• Appliance Installation (Dishwashers, Ranges, Cooktops, Microhoods, Wall Ovens , Garbage Disposers, Washers, Dryers, and more)
• Emergency Service

Give us a call at 615-471-1122 to schedule an appointment today! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook!

Dripping Faucet?

As we talked about in our previous post, maintenance inspection is key to keeping your plumbing running top notch. However, even the most thorough plumbing maintenance inspection won’t prevent the occasional clog or leak, especially in older homes.

One of the most common (and annoying) plumbing problems are dripping faucets. Ugh aren't they the worst? Especially when you're trying to sleep and all you hear is that constant drip...drip...drip....

A dripping faucet also drives your water bill higher. A single faucet can send hundreds of gallons of water per year down your drains a drop at a time.

Water entering your home is under pressure to move it through the pipes. When you turn off the tap, rubber or silicone-based washers form a water-tight seal that prevents more water from pushing its way through the pipes and out of the faucet. Over time, washers can become stiff, torn or dislodged, allowing a tiny trickle of water through and creating that annoying drip. While you can replace washers yourself, the repair job can be more of a challenge than you might expect without specialized tools. If the leak has gone on long enough, the valve seat may become worn or corroded, necessitating a more involved repair that’s best left to the professionals at Pro N Stall.

Not all sinks have washers to hold back the flow of water. Ceramic taps, also called disc or canister taps, use durable ceramic plates that fit together to form a seal. Although they need maintenance less often than rubber washers, the repair job is more complex than a simple washer replacement. If you have a lever-operated sink or tub instead of one with separate knobs, you probably have a ceramic disc or canister tap.

If you're looking for an easy do-it-yourself-fix, try this: Pry off the decorative cap on the handle, remove the handle screw, pull off the handle and use a crescent wrench to unscrew the packing nut. After unscrewing the stem, remove and replace the seat washer held in place by a brass screw.

If you're nervous to try this task alone, no problem! Pro N Stall of Nashville is dedicated to helping you resolve all of your water heater, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs. Give us a call today at 615-471-1122!

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Plumbing Maintenance

Even the most non-handy homeowners or renters have a few essential tools on hand to cope with minor plumbing emergencies. Many times, a clogged toilet or slow drain may only require a little elbow grease and a plunger to fix the problem. If you’re handy around the house (which I'm not), you can generally tackle a small repair such as changing out a worn washer or replacing a drain cover. However, bigger plumbing repair jobs need professional attention from Pro N Stall. Trying to repair some common issues such as slow drains or leaking toilets by yourself could lead to bigger problems later.

One way to prevent costly repairs to your home is by having a regular maintenance schedule. Since many issues with your pipes sneak up on you, a thorough inspection is key to catching small problems before they grow. Hidden leaks in sink drains or below water heaters are more than just a nuisance; over time, they can cause structural damage. Water that seeps into sheetrock or plaster contributes to mold growth. Porous tile or wood flooring can discolor or warp when wet.

Many routine maintenance tasks are simple do-it-yourself jobs. An inspection is the foundation of any maintenance schedule. You use your sinks and tubs daily, but you might not notice minor concerns unless you set aside time for an inspection. Go through your home and take a look at your plumbing. Examine all exposed pipes, including under sinks and behind toilet tanks, for any signs of moisture. On a humid day, some condensation on a cold metal pipe is normal, so note any dampness and check the pipes again when the home is cooler. Check for signs of corrosion on brass or copper fittings; corrosion occurs more rapidly on damp metal, so corroded connections could reveal a slow leak.

Turn on water faucets in sinks, showers and tubs to monitor water pressure. Some variation between different faucet styles and purposes is normal, but all of them should have a steady flow. Note how quickly the water drains after you test the faucet, too; slow drains could mean a clog waiting to happen. While you’re making your rounds, flush toilets to ensure they don’t run or leak at the base, a sign of a faulty wax seal.

Inspections from a plumber like Pro N Stall in Nashville will give you a more in-depth look at your home’s pipes and drains. Your inspector will check the water heater, garbage disposal and every area of your home’s plumbing system. More thorough assessments might include remote video inspection of pipes, lead testing and filter system inspection.

After a thorough inspection, remove and clean aerators on faucets and shower heads. Sediment can build up and slow water flow. If you opt for professional plumbing maintenance, Pro N Stall will take care of this step and others for you. Some of the maintenance duties a licensed plumber can perform include:

• drain treatment to maximize flow rate
• cleaning of garbage disposals and water heaters
• pressure tests to detect hairline leaks
• water pressure assessment and adjustment

You don't have to undergo all of your houses plumbing problems alone. Call Pro N Stall, the professionals in Nashville and beyond at 615-471-1122 to schedule a maintenance visit today! 

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