2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling Archives | Page 2 of 5

Is a Faulty Water Heater Holding Your Home Hostage?

How to Tell if Your Hot Water Heater Is Malfunctioning

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and functional home, a water heater plays a pivotal role that often goes unnoticed - until there's a problem. People often take it for granted, enjoying the luxury of hot water at their fingertips. But like any other appliance, water heaters can also develop issues over time. Knowing how to identify the warning signs that a water heater might be in trouble is essential. This knowledge can save homeowners from unexpected breakdowns or a cold shower on a chilly morning! This blog will explore some key indicators that a water heater needs a plumber's attention.

Noisy Water Heater

When water heaters are functioning normally, they don’t usually make a sound, so homeowners who hear any noises from the water heater should investigate and call for professional assistance. Unusual water heater noises are most often caused by sediment buildup in the tank. Pockets of air in this layer of sediment boil along with the water in the tank, causing popping, creaking, or rumbling noises that indicate the need for water heater maintenance.

Most of the time, this can be solved by flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod during maintenance. However, more severe damage can be done if water heater maintenance is neglected because the water heater can corrode without replacing the anode rod or flushing the tank of sediment. Then water heater replacement might be the only viable solution.

Smelly and Discolored Water

Any changes in the appearance and smell of hot water at home may indicate a problem with the water heater. Water that smells strange or slightly metallic could be a sign of sediment buildup or corrosion in the hot water tank. The same is true for water that looks cloudy or murky or water that looks like it has a slightly orange or reddish hue to it.

These could be an indicator of a corroded water heater or pipes that have corroded. When corrosion occurs in a hot water tank, replacement often becomes the best solution. It’s essential to keep up with routine water heater maintenance to prevent corrosion and extend the water heater's lifespan.

Presence of Leaks

A leaking water heater is a problem that needs immediate professional attention. A leak in the water heating system - either in the pipes or the water tank itself - creates problems with dropping water pressure and may also lead to water damage. Homeowners who notice signs of a water leak, such as wet spots or dripping water, should have their water heaters inspected by a professional right away.

Even if there are no visible signs of a leak, any decrease in water pressure that affects only the hot water from plumbing fixtures could indicate a problem with the water heater that needs to be fixed. The good news is that these problems can be resolved by a professional plumber, though whether this problem requires repair or replacement may depend entirely on how severe the damage is to the system.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has over four decades of experience serving the Sacramento area since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and live answers 24/7. Call them today for water heater repair and replacement in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Easy Ways to Save on Water Bills This Summer

How to Spend Less on Water During the Summer Months

During the summertime, utility bills tend to be higher for California homeowners. Between all the water use and running the AC all day, it’s just the price of getting through the dry, hot summers. But many homeowners spend much more than they need to – particularly on their water bills.

Things like leaks, outdated fixtures, and poor usage habits can add up to high water costs, so it’s worth it for homeowners to do everything they can to conserve water. This article will share some of the easiest ways to reduce water usage at home!

Install Water-Saving Devices & Fixtures

Installing water-saving devices is a great way to save money on the monthly water bill. Faucet aerators are small devices installed on the end of faucets that control water flow by infusing air into the water to conserve water while preserving the water pressure. In many cases, it may be necessary to remove older fixtures entirely and put new water-saving fixtures in their place to save water. Low-flow showerheads are great options that use less water than standard showerheads while still providing strong water pressure.

Similarly, water-saving toilets can save significantly on water and water bills since they use less than 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to the 1.6 gallons used by standard toilets when the EPA mandated in 1994 that new toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush. However, if a toilet is older than the EPA’s mandate, it could be wasting a lot of water and money and should be upgraded. Since toilets are the primary source of water usage in the typical home, this upgrade will pay for itself!

Water the Lawn More Strategically

Another way homeowners can save water during the summer is to adopt a more efficient watering schedule for their lawns and gardens. This partly means watering less frequently (twice or three times a week for lawns is usually sufficient). But the time of day also matters.

Generally, it’s best to water the lawn early in the morning before the sun comes up. This will help ensure the yard can absorb as much water as possible before it evaporates in the day's heat. It’s also better than watering the lawn in the evening, as this can leave the grass dry in the hottest parts of the day. And even though most of California doesn’t get much rain, when storms do roll in, it’s best to turn off the irrigation system and let nature do the watering!

Other Ways to Cut Down on Water Waste

Homeowners can do plenty of other little things to reduce their water usage. Making sure to turn off the tap when brushing teeth, shaving, or scrubbing dishes is one that most homeowners know to do already. But taking shorter showers is a water-saving tactic that often goes overlooked, even though it can save hundreds of gallons weekly.

Homeowners can also run the dishwasher only when it’s full, do larger loads of laundry (to cut down on frequency), and wash cars using a bucket of water rather than under running water with a hose. While waiting for the water to warm up, homeowners can save it in buckets or watering cans to water plants or use it for other applications instead of letting the colder water run down the drain.

These are just a few examples, and although they may seem like small changes on their own when practiced regularly and combined with other water-saving tips, they can dramatically reduce the water bill each month and help conserve water throughout the summer!

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a veteran-owned company serving the Rancho Cordova and Sacramento area since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and thoroughly screened plumbers. Call them today for kitchen and bathroom plumbing services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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What Are the Benefits of Water Softeners?

What is a Water Softener?

A water softener is a type of water filtration system designed to remove specific minerals that cause hard water. Through ion exchange, water softeners remove calcium and magnesium from the water. Since hard water can negatively affect the plumbing and household residents, minimizing scale buildup from hard water is extremely important for any home. This blog will share the benefits of installing a water softener for the home and its residents.

Better and Easier Cleaning

Hard water can be a nuisance when it comes to cleaning. Dishes washed with hard water often come out spotted, bathroom fixtures become stained and covered in deposits from hard water, and clothes may fade quickly after washing. However, installing a water softener is an easy fix that provides numerous benefits.

Water softeners remove the minerals that cause hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, which means less time scrubbing away at scale buildup on tubs, sinks, and showers. Plus, clothes stay looking brighter for longer because the minerals that can cause fading are no longer present in the water. And finally, dishes become sparkling clean and spot-free after washing, making them ready to put away with minimal effort.

Protects the Plumbing System

Hard water can also lead to significant issues with the plumbing system. The minerals in hard water can build up over time in the system's pipes and fixtures, leading to problems such as clogs, corrosion, and poor water pressure. These mineral deposits can also damage water heaters by reducing energy efficiency or causing premature failure.

A water softener is an effective way to reduce the effects of hard water on the plumbing system. Water softeners can help protect pipes and fixtures from damage and extend the life of the plumbing system, as well as save homeowners money on repairs or replacements due to complications from hard water. Additionally, a water softener can help reduce buildup in the water heater, allowing it to work more efficiently and last longer.

Better Skin and Hair Health

Hard water contains high amounts of minerals that can prevent skin and hair from retaining moisture. Hard water makes it difficult for soaps and shampoos to lather up and rinse off, leaving a residue on the skin and hair that can cause dryness or irritation. It also makes it harder for body lotions or conditioners to penetrate the skin and hair, leaving them feeling dry and brittle.

Installing a water softener can reduce the mineral content of water and make it much easier for products to be absorbed deeply into the skin or coat hair evenly. Softened water helps restore moisture balance in skin and hair, making them softer, smoother, more hydrated, healthier, and less prone to breakage. Softening the water can also reduce acne or other skin irritations caused by mineral deposits clogging pores.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated business serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas. They provide live answers 24/7, same-day service, and financing. Call them today for water softener installation or repair in Sacramento, CA.

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Why Your Faucet Might Be Leaking

Three Common Reasons Faucets Can Leak

Some homeowners may believe the gentle drip of a leaky faucet may not warrant immediate attention. However, not only do these leaks waste water, but the slow drip also lulls most people into thinking that there isn’t much water being wasted until they receive the water bill. Aside from a sky-high water bill, a leak can also create damp spots that may encourage mold growth.

The good news is that faucet leaks are easy to repair for qualified plumbers. A trained professional can determine what’s wrong with a faucet and the best solution, whether it’s a faucet repair or replacement. Here are three of the most common reasons why faucets can start to leak.

Worn Out O-Rings

A faucet leaking or dripping from the handles might need an O-ring replacement. An O-ring is a circular ring used to prevent leakage and seal two surfaces together. In plumbing applications, O-rings are used to form a water-tight seal around the stem of a faucet.

O-rings deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, causing the seal to break down and resulting in dripping near the handle. If an o-ring is worn out, it must be replaced to stop the dripping. It is vital to use the correct type and size of O-ring for a successful seal.

Worn Out or Corroded Washers

A worn-out or corroded washer can cause leaking at the spout of a faucet due to an inability to effectively seal off the water from coming out. A washer is essential to plumbing fixtures, as it acts as a lid and helps prevent water from escaping through the spout. It’s typically located inside the faucet and can be found in either round or flat shapes.

Over time, the washer may show signs of wear and tear, such as corroding or losing its shape, which can cause it to fail at providing a watertight seal. If left unchecked, this could result in leaking at the spout of the faucet. Replacing a worn-out washer requires special tools and expertise, as even slight errors could damage fixtures further. Therefore, it’s best to leave the task to a professional plumber.

Valve Seats Have Corroded

Another possible cause of a faucet leaking or dripping from the spout is a corroded valve seat. A valve seat is a ring or disc installed in a piping system that acts as an interface between the valve plug and the pipe wall. It creates a seal to prevent backflow, pressure loss, and other issues that can occur when liquids flow through a valve.

A corroded valve seat can cause the seal to become weakened or broken, resulting in leaking and dripping at the spout of a tap. The corrosion can be caused by several factors, including age, weathering, chemical exposure, or foreign objects blocking the water flow.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has over four decades of experience serving Rancho Cordova and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, financing, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them today for faucet repairs and replacements in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Forget the Headaches and Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Benefits of Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains can be a major nuisance and cause inconvenience, especially if homeowners are unaware of the blockage. From water backups to slower draining, it's essential to take care of household plumbing systems by regularly getting drain cleaning maintenance before these types of issues arise. Not only will this help prevent future problems from occurring, but it can also help save time, money, and stress in the long run! This blog post will explore the benefits of drain cleaning and why it’s essential for keeping a home’s plumbing running smoothly.

Prevent Clogs and Remove Buildup

With all the waste that drains are expected to handle, it’s no surprise that they can clog occasionally. Once substances like soap scum and cooking grease hit the inside of drain pipes, they can merge, harden, and cling to the inside of pipe walls. Within no time, the line is clogged, and the only way to clear it is with professional drain cleaning.

Professional drain cleaning removes the buildup from the inside of the piping and can even prevent clogs before they form. With methods like hydro jetting, lines can be as clean as the day they were installed. If clogs are a problem or homeowners want to avoid them, drain cleaning services are the way to go!

Avoid Flooding and Water Damage

Clogs caused by a buildup of materials such as hair, grease, and foreign objects can cause significant damage to plumbing systems. Clogs can lead to leaks that can spread water throughout a home or business, leading to extensive water damage and mold growth. In extreme cases, clogged pipes can burst, causing flooding in multiple rooms.

Accumulating debris and materials in pipes can also cause sewage backups, resulting in a potential health hazard. All these scenarios create the risk of flooding and water damage that could have been avoided with proper plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning. Regular inspection and drain cleaning services can help catch clogs before they become a more severe problem.

Fewer Repairs and Cleanups

Routine drain cleaning also saves homeowners money in the long run. Drain cleaning helps to prevent blockages and clogs in drains and possible outcomes of severe clogs like leaks, burst pipes, and sewage backups. These issues can lead to flooding and water damage, even structural integrity issues, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs and cleanups.

Regular drain cleaning keeps the plumbing running smoothly, preventing the need for more invasive and expensive plumbing work and cleaning. Save money and reduce the risk of water damage by calling qualified plumbing contractors for drain cleaning services.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding communities since 1981. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Sacramento, CA.