How do I choose the right water heater?
Your entire household depends on a properly functioning water heater. It is used every day, so selecting the right model is important.
Some common water heater problems include rusty-looking water, bad smells, dingy clothing, leaking and strange noises. We offer repair and replacement services for tank and tankless water heaters.
- It should provide adequate hot water for your home
- It should offer the energy efficiency you need
- It should suit your fuel source and installation space
How can I conserve water?
Water conservation helps reduce waste. You can install water-conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances, have regular maintenance performed on your plumbing system to detect hidden leaks, and lower the water level in your toilet tank. Since more than a third of the water usage in the average home comes from toilets, lowering the water in the tank conserves water with every flush.
What can I do to properly maintain my plumbing system?
A well-maintained plumbing system is less likely to surprise you with an unexpected failure. In addition to regular professional maintenance, regularly inspecting your system is the best way to spot problems early, when they are easier to fix.
- Check faucets and fixtures in rarely used guest bathrooms
- Confirm the water meter isn't running when the water is off
- Look for corrosion on exposed pipes
- Check water pressure
- Clear buildup in faucet aerators and shower heads
Where is the main water shut-off valve?
In a plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is shut off the water — then call our plumbers for help. The valve is generally located where the water supply enters your home. It should work smoothly and turn the water off completely; valves can fail from age and from calcium and lime buildup.
What should I check in spring and summer?
Warm months are the time for upkeep that prevents bigger problems later.
- Replace an old water heater
- Clean the washing machine lint trap
- Install backflow valves
- Install flood alarms
- Inspect for leaks
- Check faucets and hoses for drips
How do I prepare my plumbing for fall and winter?
Freezing is a common plumbing problem in the winter months, and problems that begin over the winter are often discovered after the ground thaws. If freezing does occur, call us for reliable service — the emergency line answers 24/7 regardless of the season.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses to prevent freezing
- Check outdoor faucets for drips and cover them for protection
- Have the sprinkler system professionally blown out and shut down
- Inspect and insulate exposed pipes in the basement or garage
- Flush and service the water heater
- Have the sump pump inspected and cleaned
- Shut off the main valve and drain the system if you leave for the winter
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