What To Do If Your Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters require annual professional maintenance to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently. This means it is equally as important to make sure an experienced plumber evaluates your plumbing system regularly. With daily use throughout the year, your unit can develop wear and tear. One of the most common problems people notice is a leak in their water heater. While this is a sign that you should arrange to have your system checked in the near future, there are some things you can do at home to try to help fix a minor leak.

Check the Pressure and Temperature

Your water heater may be prone to leaking if the temperature of the pressure is too high. You can find out the level of pressure by checking the valve at the top of the tank. An average temperature reading for household water heaters should be approximately 120°F or medium. If the temperature gets above this, it is time to check the valve for a possible blockage or build-up of minerals. The valve can become corroded, which suggests it is time to replace this part of your water heater.

If the temperature of your water heater is normal but there is still a leak, it could be that the pressure if too high. The valve can be easily removed for examination or assessment at home if your hot water heater continues to leak after you have checked the temperature and the pressure.

Tighten the Pipe Joints on the Water Heater

Leaks can also be prevalent in the areas where the hot and cold water supply lines bend or curve. You may notice water dripping or spraying from the joints of the hot and cold water inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to the water heater, as these can often loosen over time. The majority of the time, this can be easily remedied by using a wrench to tighten the joints of the pipe.

If this doesn’t completely solve the problem, you can use plumber’s tape – available at most hardware stores – to wrap around the joints of the pipe. Turn off the water and power, wait for the hot water outlet to cool, before disconnecting the fittings and applying the tape.

Leaking Gaskets

With an electric water heater, water collecting underneath the tank could be a sign of a damaged gasket. The gaskets seal the elements that help to heat the water as it goes into the chamber. To examine this, you will need to turn off the power and water before checking the gaskets for the presence of water or drips. This will allow you to drain the tank and replace the damaged gaskets or corroded elements. Ask your Plumber for advice if you are unsure or visit your local hardware store to find the parts that you will need. If you are confident in your plumbing skills, you can do this yourself and have it checked by a plumber during your annual assessment.

An Internal Water Heater Leak

If the leak appears to come from the bottom of your water heater, this suggests it could be due to an internal leak from inside the tank. This is most likely caused by deterioration or corrosion from frequent use over an extended period of time. If you find that the leak originated from the inside of your water heater, this is a sign that you need to call a plumber. A skilled, trustworthy plumber will diagnose the problem and explain your options to you. Your main options are to have your tank repaired or replaced with a new one, depending on the cost and how old your water heater is. If your water heater is nearing ten years old, it could be more cost-effective to invest in a replacement tank.Call Chambliss Plumbing for the right water heater for your household.
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Bathroom Remodeling – Things to Remember

Things to Remember When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Renovating and remodeling your home can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. This is particularly the case when it comes to bathroom remodeling, which requires careful planning and skilled plumbing. Before you start to work on remodeling your bathroom, make sure you have a detailed plan and seek advice from both your contractor and your plumber. The final design must work for your family and be cost effective in regards to your household water bills, while also looking just the way you envisaged it. Consider some of these details before approving the start of any remodeling work on the bathroom in your home.

Refinishing Rather than Replacing
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to breathe some new life into your bathroom, think about refinishing some of the fixtures already installed. You can have your faucets, bath, shower, sink, and tiling refinished for a fraction of the price than it would cost to have your existing fixtures ripped out and replaced with brand new ones. This may also be more practical for you and your family as it takes less time and doesn’t leave you without any amenities in your bathroom if there is a problem or delay in the work.

By having your fixtures finished rather than replaced, this also saves you the hassle of moving your plumbing around. With bathroom remodeling, many people often decide to change the layout, which can involve altering the placement of plumbing. This can cost more and cause problems during the renovation. You can use the money you have saved to purchase new accessories, redecorate and update your current plumbing fixtures.

Measure Your Space Carefully
Once the fixtures and fittings have been installed in your new bathroom, the space you have to work with is limited. One of the first things you need to do once you have decided to remodel your bathroom is to take careful measurements of the space you have and the areas where large appliances – such as the bath, the shower, and the toilet – will go. Ensure you measure more than once and record the figures as accurately as possible. Take these measurements with you whenever you go shopping for bathroom fixtures and accessories. This will prevent any mistakes being made with any new purchases, so there will be no unfortunate surprises when the work begins.

Think carefully about the layout of your new bathroom so that you make the most out of the space, but don’t end up with a bathroom that feels cramped. You want to have enough room to move around and store toiletries and cosmetics in your bathroom. Storage is important in your bathroom, so make sure to incorporate space for cabinets or cupboards. Use tricks such as wall cabinets and built in cupboards surrounding or around your fixtures and fittings. For example, a storage area can be fitted underneath your sink or bathtub, hiding any items you want to store, such as towels, shampoo or medicine.

Cohesive Design Scheme
There are a number of things to think about when creating a design scheme for your new bathroom. From the right lighting to durable, water resistant flooring, paint that complements the rest of your home, and matching accessories, there’s a huge range of choices to consider.

Choose towels and bathmats in matching colors that contrast the shades you have chosen for your walls and flooring. A large mirror is one of the most important accessories that you will use in your new bathroom, both in terms of aesthetic design and practicality.

Taps and faucets are also something you should take the time to think about. There is a large selection available on the market, so take the time to find something that works well with your existing fixtures and the design of your bathroom. A cohesive design scheme will create a sleek finish that will help you relax in your warm bath once your bathroom is finished.

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