Author: The Darville Company

Hiring the right plumbing contractor or HVAC company can be tricky, especially for first-time homeowners. However, there is help available. Keep reading for a brief introduction to home plumbing, which should guide you as you make your selection.

What You Need to Know

Working pipes make for happy homeowners. Plus, they save water, which is a good thing for the planet. In the United States, 10% of households have leaky plumbing. Leaky plumbing can waste up to 90 gallons of water per day and cause water damage in the process. A good plumber can solve your leaky plumbing problems. However, many plumbing problems are hidden until they become a full-blown disaster. Watch for damp spots in your walls, insulation, flooring, or basement. If you notice a sudden spike in water bills, look for a local plumbing professional to diagnose the problem. Finally, because problems like leaky pipes are hard to spot, annual plumbing and HVAC inspections can save you money in the long run.

Plumbing Hardware

Plumbing is about much more than water pipes. Your home’s plumbing system contains a number of interconnected systems, all of which work in harmony to provide clean water to your home. First, there’s the incoming pipes, which bring in fresh water for your sinks, shower, and appliances. You also have a sewer system, which transports dirty water to the local sewage system or a septic tank. Then there’s the water heater, which heats water onsite for everyday use. Finally, there are drains that collect used water and direct it away from the home, either to storm drains or the sewer system.

Sump Pumps

There are two types of sump pumps, which are used to keep water out of your basement and home.

1. The submersible: The submersible sump-pump is the quieter, less obtrusive option. Ideal for those with children, the submersible sump-pump is also cleaner and designed for a finished basement.
2. The pedestal: The pedestal sump-pump is the more economical equipment option. The exposed motor also makes it easier to access parts and perform repairs.

If you’re like many homeowners, you tend not to think about your water heaters until there’s a problem. A cold shower, a long warm-up time, or a puddle of water in the basement might suddenly make you aware that your water heater needs some attention.

If you’re worried about your water heater, don’t fret. Water heater repair services can answer nearly any of your questions. To get you started, here are five common questions about water heaters, answered:

What Is the Best Temperature Setting for A Water Heater?

For most people, a comfortable setting is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Manufacturers use this number as a pre-setting for many new water heaters. For older models, setting the thermostat to medium should do the trick.

Why Do I Keep Running Out of Hot Water?

If your hot water keeps running out much faster than it used to, your home is likely in need of water heater repairs. Your water heater could have a broken dip tube, which should prevent cold and warm water from mixing in your tank. Another possible problem could be that the lower heating element in your electric water heater has failed. While some of these issues can be fixed with repairs, it may be necessary to plan for a new water heater installation in the near future.

Why Does My Water Heater Keep Leaking?

Water heaters can spring many different kinds of leaks. Though you might not think a leak is something to worry about, according to Plumbing Manufacturers International, 13.7% of all water use is the result of leaks. If you notice your water heater is losing water, take a closer look. Sometimes, the internal tank has a crack, or one of the pipe fittings has become loose. Try to see where the leak is coming from to better explain the issue to water heater repair services over the phone. While leaks with a definite source can often be patched or repaired, a widespread leaking problem could mean that your whole system needs replacement.

Why Does The Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

Slow wait times generally have to do with the plumbing in the home and are rarely cause for concern. Ranch-style houses tend to have longer pipelines, which means it takes longer for warm water to reach the faucet. You might need to call plumbing or sewer line repair services to alter your home’s water circulation system to remedy this issue.

How Can I Conserve Heated Water?

If you’d like to save money by cutting back your water heating usage, there are several steps you can take. Start by investing in low-flow shower heads. You can also schedule water heating maintenance to remove sediment buildup, which will help your water heater run more efficiently.

Water heaters, though useful, are prone to many little quirks and malfunctions. Do some research to ensure that your water heater is in good condition. If you have more questions about your water heater, or if you’re in need of any kind of heat repair in the Odessa-Midland region, contact us at Darville Air Conditioning and Plumbing today!