Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Water Heater Repair’ Category

Water Heater Replacement Appleton WI 

Monday, April 4th, 2022

What Are The Signs That I Need To Replace My Water Heater?

There are various apparent symptoms that your hot water heater is no longer operating effectively, ranging from leaks to a shortage of hot water. Some problems are repairable. Other issues point to the necessity for a replacement. So here are some tips on Water Heater Replacement in Appleton WI.

When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?

This post will explain when it is time to replace a water heater. In addition, it contains advice on how to take better care of your water heater.

The Lifespan of a Water Heater

If your hot water heater tank is more than ten years old, it could be time to replace it.

A water heater tank should last six to twelve years if properly maintained. A tankless water heater has a lifespan of over 20 years.

For the most up-to-date deadlines, see your water heater’s warranty.

History of Care and Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for the preservation and extension of the life of any water heater. You may need to repair or replace your unit sooner if you do not maintain it on a regular basis.

The tank of your water heater should be drained, flushed, and cleaned at least once a year to keep it in good working standard. If you reside in a hard water region, get your water heater serviced every six months.

Tankless water heaters require less maintenance than tank-style water heaters. Nonetheless, the hot water system should be cleaned once a year to avoid sediment accumulation caused by lime and mineral deposits. A tankless water heater may be switched off and cleansed with water and white vinegar for 60 minutes to eliminate this buildup.

Wear and Tear

Our team at Tureks Plumbing the best plumbers in Appleton WI talk about how a rising utility bill is a classic symptom of an issue with any water heater. If your unit is consuming more energy to deliver the same quantity of hot water, it’s time to inspect it.

What you should look out for:

Leaks: If your hot water heater is leaking, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Leaks are mainly caused by a buildup of pressure inside the tank. This occurs when the water pressure or temperature is too high or when the unit’s relief valve is faulty. Ignoring a leak might result in a tank explosion. Moisture or puddles surrounding the water heater’s base, as well as water corrosion on the tank’s side, are signs of a leak. If you detect any of these warning signals, contact a trustworthy expert right once.

Knocking Sounds: Loud noises indicate the presence of sediment accumulation. As the silt solidifies, it might migrate about the tank, causing banging, rumbling, and gurgling noises. To prolong the life of your water heater and save unnecessary wear and tear, have it cleaned on a regular basis to remove deposits from the tank’s heating components.

Rusty Water: Discolored water is an indication that your unit is underperforming.  Water with a metallic odor or rust-colored water might indicate one of several problems. Either the sacrificial anode rod has to be changed, or the tank itself is rusting, which is usually due to corrosion at the steel liner. Tanks that have deteriorated must be replaced as soon as feasible.

Murky Water: If you see cloudy water, it might be due to sediment accumulation in your water heater.

Cold Water: If your water remains cold after you switch on the hot water tap, a heating element may have failed.

When Repairs Are An Option

Water heaters may be fixed on occasion by changing a few basic components. Among the replaceable components are:

  • Assembly of a burner
  • Valves for heating elements
  • Thermostats
  • Thermocouples
  • Motor Igniters

If your water heater is less than ten years old or a replacement component is failing, you may be able to fix it.

If your water heater fails to meet the following criteria, you should consider replacing it:

  • The unit is almost ten years old.
  • It has not been adequately cared for.
  • It has the above-mentioned marks of wear.

When to replace a water heater is determined by the difficulties you’re experiencing. Some problems are repairable, but if your water heater is more than ten years old, replacing it may be the best option. You might be able to fix a water heater yourself if you have the correct water heater components and accessories.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for Maintenance Needs

If it’s time to repair or even replace your water heater feel free to contact our team. Tureks Plumbing services are here to help in any way

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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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Water Heater Repair Tips

Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
water heater repair tips - Appleton WI

Troubleshooting Tips For Common Water Heater Issues

In your house, your water heater works hard to provide hot water during showers, dishwashing, and laundry. Since we all heavily rely on our water heater, there are times where your water heater gets overworked. If you’re having trouble with your water heater, we recommend following these water heater repair tips. In need of a water heater repair? Contact Tureks Plumbing in Appleton, WI.

Common Water Heater Problems & Solutions

Water Heater Temperatures 

Water temperature issues are common issues with water heaters. Here are three water temperature problems, as well as their possible causes and solutions:

  • Water is cold – A lack of fuel, a defective thermostat, or a faulty heating element are the most common causes of cold water in a hot water heater. Begin by looking at the fuse box to make sure there are no electricity issues
  • Water isn’t hot enough – If your water isn’t hot enough, it may be due to an undersized water heater, crossed connections, or a defective heating element or thermostat. Turning off the water source and turning on a hot water faucet will rule out a crossed connection. If the water still flows, you might have a crossed connection. Aside from that, we suggest contacting a plumbing contractor for a water heater inspection.
  • Too hot water – Too hot water normally indicates that the thermostat is set too high. To change the thermostat temperature, consult your water heater manual. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your hot water heater to 120° F for the best combination of heat and performance.

Water Heater Leaking

Water leakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Temperature and pressure issue (T&P) a safety valve
  • Insufficient water heater problems
  • Overheating a clogged valve
  • A defective gasket

Next, inspect the loose heating element bolts and tighten them as required. If the heating element continues to leak, you will most likely need to replace the gasket. Additionally, look for leaks on or around the storage tank – since storage tanks usually corrode from the inside, you’re likely witnessing the beginning of the end for your water heater.

Of course, you can eliminate tank leaks entirely by investing in a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who provides the Twin Cities plumbing services, explains that tankless water heaters last almost twice as long as the storage water heaters. Additionally, they take up about a quarter of the room.

Discolored Water

Rusty water may imply corrosion of your tank’s inner lining, which is often caused by a failing anode rod. Contact a licensed water heater technician to see if removing the anode rod would resolve the issue. From there, you’ll know if you need a water heater repair or water heater replacement. 

Strange Noises 

The most common source of strange noises coming from your water heater is sediment buildup. You should try to resolve this issue by flushing the water heater. Ask our plumbers in Appleton, WI, about how to flush your water heater. If you flush your water heater and the issue continues, or if the sediment accumulation is too large to remove, contact us for an estimate on a water heater replacement. 

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Tankless Water Heater Myths

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021
tankless water heater myths

Tankless Water Heater Myths

If you think it’s time to replace your current water heater, you may want to consider upgrading to a tankless model. The best plumbing companies will agree that a tankless water heater is the better choice. A new tankless water heater can last up to 30 years. If you’re considering a tankless water heater installation in Appleton, WI, read the article below to learn more about tankless water heater myths.

Myth: Easy To Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Most homes in Appleton, WI are over 10 years old, so it’s likely that your water heater has a storage tank. Going from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless water heater is harder than it looks. Tankless water heaters burn fuel with coal. As a result, the construction phase for a tankless water heater can also require work on the gas lines to ensure that the device receives adequate gas supplies. 

In addition, extra work might also be needed to equip your home with the necessary ventilation to guide the exhaust gasses outdoors. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you swap out your water heater yourself. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for professional tankless water heater installation. 

Myth: The Water Is Instantly Hot

A lot of people had the idea that a tankless water heater is comparable to instant hot water in your showers or faucets. Yes, it’s accurate that the tankless device heats up the water as it’s switched on. But, the water also has to pass through the plumbing in your home until it’s sent to the working plug. Essentially, it would take almost the same time for hot water to enter the tap as it does from the storage water heater. If you want to shorten the waiting period for you to finally use hot water, you may want to look at a circulating system installation in combination with your tankless machine to hold hot water continuously accessible in the pipes for immediate supply.

Myth: Require an Annual Inspection

One of the benefits of a tankless water heater is skipping annual inspections! There’s no maintenance timeline for a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Stillwater, say that it really depends on the hardness of the water. The harder the temperature, the faster the mineral deposits can build up in the water heater. Your tankless water heater will force much of this through the system, but if there’s a build-up, the scale detector program will send you an error message, and then you’ll need to have it serviced by a professional plumber.

Myth: Not Enough Water

As we mentioned above, most homes have a storage-tank water heater. Therefore, switching to a tankless water heater creates a common misconception that there’s a lack of hot water. “Not the case at all. The water is heated when it moves through the unit. So, you don’t need to worry about not getting enough hot water,” says Ed Tureks from Tureks Plumbing. 

Contact a Plumbing Company in Fox Valley

Need water heater services in Appleton, WI? Tureks Plumbing is happy to help! Our team of professional, licensed, and insured plumbers can service, repair, and install your water heater. We’ve been serving the Fox Valley and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Contact us today for a water heater estimate or if you need residential plumbing services or commercial plumbing services.

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Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, February 10th, 2021

why you should get a tankless water heater

Why You Should Get a Tankless Water Heater 2021

Unlike traditional water heaters, on-demand or tankless water heaters only heat water when needed. Depending on the capability of the heater you mount, these tankless water heaters typically deliver hot water at a flow rate that averages 2-5 gallons a minute. Tureks Plumbing Services shares the following reasons why you should get a tankless water heater installed in your Fox Valley home.

Tankless Water Heaters Are Compact

As lot sizes get smaller due to the increasing demand for real estate, it becomes important to scale down the size of the different appliances one installs in their home. Tankless water heaters are perfectly suited for someone who wants to save space because they are compact. The tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, so it occupies less space when compared to the traditional water heaters with storage tanks. Talk to a plumber in Appleton, WI, and confirm whether a tankless water heater of the capacity you require will fit in the space available if you couldn’t fit in a traditional water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Energy

One of the complaints against traditional water heaters is that they waste energy because the water in their storage tanks must always be kept hot in anticipation of a need for that water. This energy that is wasted during this standby time is conserved when one has a tankless water heater. As already mentioned, tankless water heaters only heat water at the moment when hot water is required at a point of use, such as your dishwasher. Talk to a Fox Valley plumber for the actual figures of how much energy you will be able to save if you install a tankless water heater of the capacity you desire in your home.

No More Hot Water Shortages

Do you remember how you cringed when the supply of hot water suddenly stopped while you were taking a shower? Such scenarios are common when many points of use require hot water from a traditional water heater at the same time. With a tankless water heater, such shortages will be a thing of the past because the heater will keep heating water for as long as there is a demand for hot water at a point of use within the plumbing system. However, the expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you can only have an unlimited supply of hot water if the hot water isn’t being used beyond the discharge capacity of the tankless water heater. The key to unlimited hot water with a tankless water heater is that an expert should advise you on the best heater size for your needs.

Longer Service Life

A water heater is one of the expensive appliances in a home, and it is normal to expect these devices to last as long as possible so that you recoup your investment. Tankless water heaters have the distinction of having a longer service life when compared to their traditional counterparts. Since the tankless water heater doesn’t have a storage tank, there is no risk that it will spring a leak and fail. According to experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI, tankless water heaters last for approximately 20 years, while traditional water heaters will last for a maximum of 15 years.

Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Water

Tureks Plumbing Services also confirms that you will conserve more water when you switch to a tankless water heater. How does this happen? With a traditional water heater, people typically let some water run to waste as the cold water in the pipes makes way for the hot water to follow. This wasted water adds up over time, and your water bill is affected. With a tankless system, you get hot water as soon as you open the faucet or other points of use. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a home service company in Sacramento, agree that you save the water that you would have lost while waiting for the faucet to discharge hot water.

You Get Purer Water

Like a traditional water heater ages, its storage tank may start rusting. This rust finds its way into the water you use at different points of use, and this could put your health at risk. This risk of corrosion explains why homeowners have to keep replacing the sacrificial anodes in the hot water heater to prevent corrosion from taking place. Others have to hire a plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect and maintain their hot water heaters. Eventually, corrosion still happens, and the water discharged may even start looking discolored in extreme cases. Tankless water heaters don’t have storage tanks, so you get cleaner or purer water each time you open a faucet or other point of use.

As you can see, tankless water heaters have numerous advantages over water heaters with storage tanks. However, you can only enjoy those benefits if you work with Tureks Plumbing Services to select the appropriate tank and install it correctly. So, contact Tureks Plumbing today to witness how these heaters can transform the hot water system in your home.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in July 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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7 Signs You May Have a Water Leak

Wednesday, June 17th, 2020
Water Leaks- Turek's Plumbing

While some plumbing defects, such as a clogged toilet, can be obvious, others (like a water leak) aren’t so obvious. Knowing what to do when you have a water leak on your property is very important. Here are some surefire signs that the experienced plumbers at Turek’s Plumbing Services, the best plumbing company in Appleton, WI, recommend that you look out for.

Abnormally High Water Bills

Plumbers in Appleton, Wisconsin say water bills tend to be fairly constant on a monthly basis with just a slight variation of about ten bucks or so from one month to another. If your water bill suddenly jumps and there is nothing (like a recent house party) to explain the rise, then you may have a leak somewhere.

The Sound of Running Water

The moment you hear water running, check the faucets and spigots on your property to confirm that none of them is responsible for the sound you are hearing. Next, note down the water meter reading and avoid using any running water in or outside your property for about half an hour.

After that interval, take note of the meter reading and see if there is any variation. If the readings show that some water has been used, you may be having a leak somewhere. Perform a visual inspection of the obvious places like sinks, faucets, and other points of use.

If you can’t immediately identify the leak, call Turek’s Plumbing Services, and one of our experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI will use leak detection equipment to identify and fix the leak.

Damp or Wet Floors

Did you recently walk across a damp or wet section of carpeting and your kids swore they didn’t spill anything? If that happened and your dog didn’t have that tell-tale guilty look, then you might have a water leak that caused the spot of wetness.

Using a towel to mop up that moisture isn’t going to fix the problem. Instead, do your own investigations so that you can confirm the source of the leak. Contact Tureks Plumbing, a plumber in Appleton, WI immediately before other problems, such as mold and mildew, arise.

Foul Odors

Sometimes, a foul odor may be the first indication that you ever get of a potential water leak on your property. 

Call a plumber immediately because the most likely cause of the foul odors whose source you cannot pinpoint may be mold growing. Mold poses serious health risks, so the sooner the leak is located and fixed, the better for your family and property.

A Lush Patch on Your Lawn

There are few things that can cause small patches of grass to look more luxuriant than the rest of the lawn. One is excess fertilization of that area, and the other is overwatering that section of the grass.

If you don’t recall making any of those mistakes, then you may have a water or sewer pipe leak to contend with. The moisture and nutrients from the leak will feed the grass in that area and the result will be the lushness you see.

Wall Cracks

Over time, even the smallest of leaks can eventually cause cracks to develop in the foundation of your home explains McQuillan Bros, an HVAC and plumbing company in St. Paul. and As those foundation cracks become more pronounced, you could notice vertical or horizontal cracks in the walls of your home.

Call as soon as you observe those wall cracks because the water leak may have gone on for months or even years without detection, so the sooner our plumbers act to fix the leak, the less the damage your property will suffer.

Low Water Pressure

Our friends at Do It Right Plumbing, a plumbing company in Orange, CA, says that an unexplained drop in water pressure may indicate that there is a leak somewhere on your property. However, experienced plumbers caution that clogs and problems with the municipal water supply could trigger a drop in water pressure, so these must first be ruled out before a leak is suspected. Get professional help for this.

If you have observed one or more of the signs above on your residential or commercial property, get on the phone immediately and talk to Turek’s Plumbing Services if you live in Appleton, WI. Our plumbing specialists have extensive experience in detecting and fixing water leaks, so the problem will be resolved quickly and decisively. Contact us today!

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Tankless Water Heaters – Pros & Cons

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

tankless water heaters wisconsinThe invention of water heaters helped shape the way people heated water in their homes. It was now possible to heat water without using a stove and without wasting too much energy in the process. This invention would later develop into a tankless water heater, from the conventional storage water heater.

Homeowners are increasingly adopting this method of heating water. Such an instantaneous supply of hot water is viewed as a great addition to any home. However, like any invention, tankless water heaters do have their merits and demerits. It is important to explore these pros and cons, before getting a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to install a water heater in your home.   

The pros include:

They are instant 

Unlike with storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are able to provide hot water on demand. You will not have to wait for the water to heat up as they are usually fast. This works well for homes with many occupants. 

They last longer 

Tankless water heaters are known to last longer than storage-tank water heaters. A typical tankless water heater is likely to last for more than 20 years, unlike their storage-tank counterpart which only lasts for 10-15 years. This added durability will save you money in the long run. 

They come with lower operational costs

Tankless water heaters have a lower operational cost than their storage tank counterparts. Given that they come with fewer components, and a longer lifespan, you are less likely to spend a lot of money carrying out a water heater repair, for example. This allows you to comfortably maintain your water heater without spending too much money. 

Reduced Risk of Water Damage 

A tankless water heater is less likely to cause damage to your property than a storage-tank water heater. This is usually because the tankless water heater has no tank to leak. While both can leak, a tankless water heater will not flood your house as a storage-tank water heater would. 

They save on Space 

A storage-tank water heater will require plenty of space since the tank has to go somewhere in your house. On the other hand, a tankless water heater requires no additional space making it an ideal pick for anyone with a smaller home. 

All these benefits come with their disadvantages too. The Cons include:

They come with a high initial cost 

Tankless water heaters are not only expensive to buy, but also come with added installation costs. For example, a gas water heater requires that you reroute gas lines in homes whose initial design had not accounted for such. You might also need to install new wiring systems to account for the water heater. This adds to the initial cost of the setup. 

They can’t fully cater to multiple users 

A tankless water heater might not be able to fully provide your entire household with hot water if you have multiple appliances using hot water at the same time. This leads to inconsistency in water temperatures. To counter this, you might be forced to install additional water heaters which are bound to cost more money. 

They can be affected by electricity outages 

Tankless water heaters do not work if there is a power outage. Regardless of whether your water heater uses electricity or gas, the control unit of both systems uses electricity. Therefore, this leaves you at the mercy of your power company. 

A water heater is an important addition to your home in Appleton Wisconsin. Whether you decide to pick a tank water heater or a tankless one, ensure to have Tureks by your side. We will provide you with the best plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for the right advice and installation. Contact us if you have any additional questions. 

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Repairing versus Replacing a Water Heater

Wednesday, December 18th, 2019

To repair or replace? This is an important question every homeowner needs to answer when dealing with water heaters. 

Water heaters are important in many homes. Homeowners would wish to repair their water heaters instead of buying new ones. It is more economical. However, there comes a time when replacing the water heater is actually more economical and beneficial. Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater can be decided upon based on a number of factors. 

Here are some of the factors that will determine whether you will call a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin for a repair or a replacement for your water heater. 

Age of Your Water Heater

Water heaters tend to last long. A basic water heater will have a lifespan of about 10 years. If your water heater is less than ten years old and has been providing you with great service, then repairing it will make more sense. 

Note that all water eaters do not have the same lifespan. A storage water heater, for example, is likely to last for 15 years while a solar water heater is likely to last for 20 years. A tankless water heater one will last longer. 

Therefore, if the lifespan indicated has not lapsed, and the unit can be repaired, then let your plumber in Appleton Wisconsin carry out the repairs. 

Efficiency of Your Water Heater

How efficient is your water heater? 

You can tell how efficient your water heater is by looking at the sticker on the side, which estimates the annual costs of operation. Check to the R-Value (the ability for the water heater to resist heat based on its insulation). A higher R-value means better insulation. Replace the water heater is the R-value reads anything below 24 or if it feels hot to the touch. 

Additionally, check the water heater’s energy factor. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient your water heater is. Therefore, if your water heater is efficient in its operations, then repairing it will work well. 

Your Level of Satisfaction 

How satisfied are you with your water heater based on the amount of hot water you need in your home? 

If you have or are planning to have a family, then you will need to replace your water heater at some point. Your hot water requirements will increase based on the number of people using it. You will also have more laundry and dishes to clean as well as more people using the shower. 

A water heater that served you well when you were, perhaps, two, will not be sufficient when the number hikes to 5. This calls for a replacement. 

The same case applies to when your family starts to decrease. There is no point in having a high capacity water heater if people are moving out of the house. You will be wasting money on heating water unnecessarily.  

Cost of a Water Heater

Cost is a major factor in deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater. However, there are a number of questions you need to answer if caught between repairing and replacing a water heater. They include: 

  • What is the cost of both repairing and replacing a water heater 
  • If repairing is cheaper, how long will the water heater last before it has to be repaired again?
  • Are there any warranties offered o the replaced pats by the installer? 

Answering these questions will help you determine which one is a more worthy option. 

Level of Damage

Your plumber will be better able to advise on the level of damage and whether you need to replace or repair it. Some issues like leaks might call for a replacement. 

If you are caught between repairing and replacing a water heater in Appleton, perhaps its best to consult a plumber, Tureks Plumbing Services offers you professional services for all your domestic needs to keep you enjoying your home.

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Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

Research has it that approximately 45 percent of all people make resolutions at the start of each year. However, only a paltry 8 percent of those people actually implement those resolutions. Our team Tureks Plumbing Services would like you to consider the following plumbing resolutions for the New Year so you can save on your plumbing bill in 2019!

Be More Considerate of Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one of the unsung heroes of your plumbing system. However, many homeowners ignore this appliance until something malfunctions. Let next year be a different year for the garbage disposal in your home. Resolve to treat it better by being more mindful about what you deposit inside the disposal. For example, don’t place large chunks of debris inside the disposal just because it has blades that can cut that debris into tiny pieces. Instead, cut the debris into smaller pieces so that the garbage disposal doesn’t overwork.

Such consideration will reduce the wear and tear on your disposal. Defects will also be fewer, so you will have a reduced need to call Tureks Plumbing Services to fix a disposal malfunction.

Fix Defects Promptly

The second of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year entails taking prompt action as soon as a defect is detected in the plumbing system. You see, plumbing defects differ in intensity/seriousness. For example, a minor leak may develop at the kitchen faucet, or the main water pipe into your home may burst and start gushing water into your yard. These two leaks elicit different degrees of urgency among homeowners.

However, that minor leak that you delay to fix can result in additional problems. For example, the slow leak can inflate your monthly water bill. Secondly, the moist conditions created by the leak can promote the growth of mold and mildew (with their attendant health risks).

It is therefore wise for you to contact a plumber in Appleton, WI, each time you detect any defect in the plumbing system. The New Year will then have fewer plumbing emergencies if you act quickly each time a defect is noticed.

Conserve Water

You should also resolve to conserve water more in the New Year. This can be attained in several ways, such as upgrading to water-efficient toilets and showerheads. In fact, even fixing defects promptly can help you to conserve water since the wastage resulting from plumbing defects will be avoided.

Consult a Fox Valley plumber in case you want to implement more comprehensive changes in your home in order to make the plumbing system more efficient. The professional will inspect your home and suggest the most cost-effective ways to conserve water in your home.

Give Your Water Heater More Attention

The water heater in your home is an important appliance from a comfort point of view and from the aspect of energy-efficiency. For example, a sudden malfunction can deny your family members hot water to take a shower in the middle of winter. Such an inconvenience can be hard to bypass during such weather.

It is therefore vital that you resolve to give your water heater more attention this coming year (and beyond) so that it can continue to give you the reliable service that you have come to expect. Check the anode frequently and replace it when it is eroded. Flush the tank regularly so that sediment doesn’t accumulate and spring a leak. You can also ask a Fox Valley plumber to check that water heater so that the defects you weren’t aware of as a layperson are fixed before they worsen and compromise the functioning of the appliance.

Keep Pipes Warm

Your plumbing resolutions for the New Year may not be complete if you haven’t thought about how to winterize the plumbing system. Make a conscious decision to keep the water pipes warm during the cold months of the year so that you can forestall those pipes from bursting after freezing.

It is especially important to keep the pipes outdoors and those where no air conditioning exists (attic and basement, for example) warm by wrapping them in insulation. This insulation is affordable and can be bought in rolls at plumbing or hardware stores. Ask one of our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for recommendations in case you aren’t sure of which particular product to buy and use.

Have Regular Inspections Done

Resolve to start being more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to addressing plumbing system issues. Don’t wait for a problem to occur before you pay some attention to the plumbing system. Instead, ask an experienced plumber in Appleton, WI, to inspect the entire system at least once each year so that defects can be caught early. Such proactive measures will reduce your expenditure on plumbing repairs, and the system will break down less frequently.

Tureks Plumbing Services is available round the clock throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help in implementing any of the plumbing resolutions for the New Year covered in the discussion above. We shall do everything possible to keep your plumbing system working without a hitch.

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Posted in Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Plumbing, Kitchen Remodel Planning, Plumbing Pipes, Plumbing Problems, Plumbing Trends, Professional Plumbing Services, Residential Plumbing, Sewer and Drain, Toilets, Water Efficiency, Water Heater, Water Heater Instillation, Water Heater Repair, Water Pressure | Comments Off on Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

How to Install a New Water Heater

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

How to install a new water heater

How to Install a New Water Heater

Today, instant hot water is no longer considered a luxury; it is now more of a necessity. When you have a water heater, you don’t have to run the bath for several minutes to get the right temperature. You won’t suddenly be drenched by cold water in the middle of enjoying a warm bath as well.

The key to enjoying a warm or hot water every time you need it is to install your water heater properly. Although this is a job best left to experts, there is nothing wrong with trying to install it yourself. And once you have any problems going through with any of the installation steps, you have to call a professional plumber immediately.

Installing Your Electric Water Heater

Below are the steps on how to install a new water heater properly and safely:

Turn off the water and electricity supply

Shut off the circuit breaker for the line where you will connect the heater.  Next, turn off the home’s main water shutoff valve or the shutoff valve at the cold water supply line running to your current heater.  

Drain the old tank

Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. This is often located at the top of the unit. Next, connect a hose to the water heater’s drain valve and open the valve. Place the end of the hose near a floor drain or into a pail.

Make sure you drain the tank completely before you turn off the valve and remove the hose.

Disconnect the electric and plumbing connections

Next, disconnect the water heater’s electrical wires. Label the wires or take a picture so that you can easily use them later when connecting your new heater’s wires. Once done, disconnect the hot and cold water supply pipes.

If your current heater used copper piping, you may need to cut the pipes. Use a pipe tubing cutter to do this and leave as much of the pipe as possible.

Remove the old heater and place the new one

Once you have taken down the old tank, place the new heater into position. Make sure you line it up with the existing electrical and plumbing connections.   

Next, install the different fittings. These include the temperature and pressure relief or TPR valve and discharge drain pipe. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Connect the water pipes

If the cold water supply does not have a shutoff valve, now is the time to install one. When done, use the correct fittings to connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet on the water heater to their respective pipes. Be sure to use the correct type of fittings.

Connect the heater to the electrical source

Use the previous wire connections as a guide and connect the new wires in the same way that you removed them. Make sure you follow the labels when connecting the cables to the electrical source.  

Set the temperature

Turn on the cold water supply valve to the water heater and turn on the main water supply valve to fill the tank with water. Next, restore power to the water heater circuit. Set the temperature between 110 and 125 degrees F and wait until the water in the tank comes up to temperature. Leave the water turned on for a few minutes to ensure that the heater maintains the desired temperature.

Getting Help from Pros

As you can see from the steps above, installing a new water heater is not an easy task. You will need a number of plumbing tools which you may not have as well.

If you don’t want your new water heater to become a fire, explosion, and health hazard, hire a pro to install it properly.

By hiring a plumber to handle the installation, you:

  • Ensure the electrical lines are connected properly and safely
  • Allow the ignition sources to be checked, cleaned, and repaired, if necessary
  • Avoid damaging the TPR
  • Avoid the possibility of bacterial contamination

By letting a trusted Appleton plumber handle the water heater installation, you will be sure you can use your newly installed electric water heater as soon as possible. You will be able to use it safely for a long time as well.

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