Signs the Water Heater is Dying
Water heaters and hot water tanks can have a pretty lengthy life, but eventually they will need to be replaced. Most people don’t notice the water heater is dying until they can no longer get hot water. However, it does give off warning signs before dying. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Leaks
Water leaking from the hot water tank is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. It also doesn’t mean the unit is definitely in need of being replaced. It’s best to call a plumber right away after noticing water coming from the water heater. They can determine if it’s just a valve, or if the inside has rotted out.
- Smelly Water
While some people have become accustomed to smelly water due to minerals, if the smell changes, or become more pronounced, it could be because of the water heater. Some of the parts inside the water heater can corrode, causing odors.
- Strange Noises
Banging noises coming from the water heater could mean large mineral deposits are breaking off and falling to the bottom of the tank. This means the water is too hard. Also, if bubbling or gurgling is present, the water heater should be shut down immediately and a plumber called. This means it is boiling, and could possibly explode.
If homeowners notice any of these signs, they should contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration. Whether it’s a repair or replacement, they are available 24/7 to fix the issue.
Choosing Faucet Finishes
When remodeling or upgrading the bathroom, one of the hardest parts can be choosing the fixture finishes. It can have a big impact on the feel of the room, and could clash with the rest of the décor if the right one isn’t used. Some are more versatile than others, and don’t show marks, dirt, or fingerprints.
Here is a rundown of finishes to choose from:
Polished Brass- Gives off a vintage look
- Advantages: Easy to clean, durable and easily matched
- Disadvantages: More expensive
Satin Brass- Has a brushed gold looked
- Advantages: Matte finish doesn’t show fingerprints and water spots
- Disadvantages: Hard to find and more expensive
Oil-Rubbed Bronze- Has a more traditional feel
- Advantages: Durable and easy to clean
- Disadvantages: More expensive
Copper- This is bold and goes well with marble countertops
- Advantages: Heals itself and has natural antibacterial properties
- Disadvantages: Requires more maintenance and not as durable
Satin Bronze- Subtle color that’s flexible enough to work with many different styles
- Advantages: Durable, easy to clean, resistant to water spots and fingerprints
- Disadvantages: Harder to find and expensive
Polished Nickel- Shiny with a darker finish than chrome
- Advantages: Easy to clean and durable
- Disadvantages: More expensive
Brushed Nickel- Has a soft metallic look
- Advantages: Most durable finish, doesn’t show wear, fingerprints, or water spots
- Disadvantages: Doesn’t coordinate with stainless steel
Chrome- Popular because of its versatility
- Advantages: Inexpensive, easy to clean, durable and matches with other fixtures
- Disadvantages: Water spots and fingerprints show easily
Matte Black- Matches well with other items
- Advantages: Easy to clean, doesn’t show dirt, fingerprints or water spots
- Disadvantages: More expensive and hard to find
White- Has a clean, bright look
- Advantages: Easy to clean, doesn’t show water spots or fingerprints
- Disadvantages: Porcelain is more fragile and chips easily
Benefits of Gas Lines
Natural gas lines have many advantages over electrical heating systems. These include lower cost, improved energy efficiency, speed of heating, and proper control of temperature. Within the major household application of natural gas, space heating, hot water, and cooking, there are both pros and cons of using it.
Space Heating
When compared to oil, electric heat, wood, geothermal, and solar, it’s relatively inexpensive to install and operate. However, next to geothermal and solar, it’s a little higher since energy from these two sources is always free.
Hot Water
While natural gas hot water tanks are smaller than electric hot water tanks, they heat water at a faster rate. If an electric hot water heater was to heat water at the same speed, it would draw such a high level of current that the demand could overwhelm a typical home power supply.
Cooking
Cooking with gas has gained popularity of the years for good reason. Gas stoves heat food faster than electric stoves. However, more heat energy is wasted with a gas stove because it rises around the pot on the burner.
Interested in switching to natural gas? Ask All Star Plumbing and Restoration about it. They can install gas lines inside the home as well as outside for barbeques or outdoor kitchens.
What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal
While garbage disposals are a great tool for getting rid of waste and not adding to the garbage pile, they still have their limits. Here are the 10 worst things to put in the garbage disposal:
1. Vegetable peelings
Large amount of peels can gum up on the garbage disposal blades and back up the system. Put peelings from potatoes and carrots in the garbage instead.
2. Fruit Pits
Garbage disposals cannot handle these large seeds.
3. Celery Stalks
The stringy nature of these vegetables can also gum up the blades.
4. Fat/Grease
When these cool and become solid again, they can create buildup and clog the pipes.
5. Pasta
The starch in pasta causes it to stick to the pipes and blades, causing clogs.
6. Rice
Although smaller, rice will still stick to the garbage disposal parts and cause it to become blocked.
7. Coffee Grounds
In excess, coffee grounds can get stuck on the blades.
8. Paper/Plastic/Glass
Non-food items should not be put down the garbage disposal.
9. Egg Shells
These tend to linger in pipes and cause clogs.
10. Shellfish shells or bones
These can damage the blades or get caught in them.
If the garbage disposal does get clogged or keeps making weird noises when turned on, contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They’ll have it running like new in no time.
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