It seems like water heater issues come up when you least expect them to, and it can be frustrating to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Whether or not you are a mechanically-inclined person, finding the source of an issue with your water heater, let alone resolving the problem, is not an easy task. The good news is that, with the help of a plumber in Mesa, AZ from PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, you can more effectively troubleshoot water heater problems and get them resolved quickly by learning a little bit more about the most common water heater issues.
Preparing to troubleshoot your tank
Before you can actually get to the bottom of your water heater problem, you need to prepare your tank. First, turn off your water heater at your electrical panel or gas supply, depending on how your tank is powered. Wait for a while so that the water inside can cool off a little bit. Next, close the cold water intake on your tank and connect a hose to the drain valve. To allow air into the tank so that it drains properly, open a hot water tap in your home. Direct the hose to drain outside or down a basement drain and open up the drain valve.
After you’ve emptied your tank, close the drain valve and open up the cold water intake valve to add more water to the tank. Once you’ve filled the tank halfway, open up the drain valve again to rinse out any sediment buildup in your tank. In many cases, excessive sediment buildup in your tank may be the source of your water heater problems. After you’ve followed these steps, you will be able to get a better look at what’s going on in your tank.
Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate trouble with your water heater:
Unusual noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from inside your tank, it’s possible that the heating element is burning up the residual sediment inside the tank. There’s also a possibility that your heating element is starting to deteriorate and is becoming noisy as a result.
Temperature issues: In some cases, you might notice that the temperature of your hot water seems to be too high or too low. You can usually resolve this problem by resetting your thermostat. If you have no hot water, the issue is probably a malfunctioning heating element.
Component rust or corrosion: Once you’ve emptied your tank, you will be able to see the components, valves and parts inside. Any kind of rust or corrosion of these components can cause issues with your water heater, including ineffective operation and leaks. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to hire a plumber in Mesa, AZ to resolve the issue.
Hire a plumber in Mesa, AZ
If you need some professional help with water heater repair, reach out to PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Since 2006, we have been serving commercial and residential customers with a wide variety of HVAC and plumbing services. Our team of expert plumbers in Mesa, AZ is experienced in providing comprehensive services, whether you are looking for maintenance, repair, product sales or installations. You can find out more about everything that we have to offer by browsing our website or giving us a call today.
No matter what kind of service or repairs you need in your home or business, you want to feel confident that you are choosing the best provider possible. When you’re looking for local HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ, you’ll probably find quite a few options, but how do you know which company is right for you? It can be challenging to find the right HVAC contractor, but there are several things that you can do to make your search easier. Consider the following questions that you should ask a service provider before you make a hiring decision:
Are you qualified? HVAC contractors and technicians are required to have certain credentials, licensure and insurance in order to be in compliance with the law and ensure that you are receiving reliable service. Unfortunately, even professional-looking websites can be deceiving, and you will probably encounter a few providers that claim to be HVAC experts but don’t hold the necessary license or insurance. You should ask about a company’s credentials so that you know whether they have all of the qualifications necessary to provide repairs and maintenance.
Do you have references? One of the best ways to learn about HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ is to ask for references. Former customers will be able to tell you a lot about what you can expect from a company and whether you should hire them for your project. You can also look for reviews from former customers online to learn more about the reputation of the company you are considering.
Are you experienced with the kind of work I need? The more experience a company has, the more capable it’s likely to be of handling a wide variety of projects and services. Ask about the experience that a company has in working with different types of clients, and find out whether they offer the specific services that you need.
What can I expect from you? Any time you hire a company to provide you with a service, you want to know exactly what you can expect. Do they offer flexible appointment times? Will they prep for the job and clean up afterwards? Is there anything that you should do to prepare for your technician’s arrival? This allows you to feel more informed going into your service appointment, and it can also make it easier for your technician to give you the help you need.
What are your rates? Cost shouldn’t be the primary determining factor when it comes to hiring an HVAC company, but it’s still an important thing to take into account. Ask for quotes from several different HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ, and avoid companies that offer rates that seem either unreasonably high or suspiciously low.
When you’re looking for a reputable HVAC company that you can trust for all of your repair and maintenance needs, reach out to PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. For over a decade, we’ve been proud to provide commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing services. We are dedicated to the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our customers and want to ensure you have the best experience possible with our team. Reach out to us today to get a quote or request service.
Many households across the country have pets. Dogs, cats and other creatures are considered a part of the family, so it makes sense that you would want to keep them safe and out of trouble. Pets can cause damage to a list of household fixtures, but it may come as a surprise to hear that your plumbing may be subjected to extra strain. The good news is there are things you can do to ease the worry of potential plumbing problems caused by pets.
So, what are some of the best ways to pet-proof your home’s plumbing? Let’s ask a qualified plumber in Mesa, AZ:
Keep pet water bowls full: You know to make fresh water readily available for pets, but not leaving out enough drinking water can be an even bigger issue. When there’s no water in their bowl, pets are known to drink out of the toilet to quench their thirst. Check water bowls several times a day and refill at least twice, and they should leave the toilet water alone.
Close toilet lids: If you have a pet that just won’t leave the toilet water alone even though they have water in their own bowls, it’s best to just keep toilet lids closed. Not only does this protect pets from chemical residue left behind by cleaners, but it can save smaller pets from falling in and drowning. Then there are pets like rodents and snakes that can actually make their way through plumbing pipes. In some cases, a plumber may have to tear out the wall or floor and pipes to retrieve adventurous critters.
Cover up floor drains: Another way that small animals can get into plumbing is through open floor drains. Remember, animals like hamsters, rats, mice and even tiny kittens and puppies can fall into the smallest drains, so make sure floor drains and other openings that lead to pipes in your home are covered securely.
Protect exposed pipes: Pet-proofing and childproofing a home are similar processes. Both animals and children are curious by nature, and as a result won’t hesitate to investigate pipes underneath open cabinets. Cover up these pipes to avoid an emergency trip to the vet. If your pet bites through a pipe, you could end up with a pricy problem on your hands—leaky pipes might cause water damage to your home.
Watch where your dog digs: Although residential sewer and water lines are supposed to be buried deep in the ground, some lines may not be far below the surface of your lawn. If your dogs like to dig, consider having a local utility technician come out and locate the lines in your yard so you know where your pup should and shouldn’t dig.
Take pet bath time precautions: Excess dirt, debris and fur can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If washing your pet outside is not possible, at least rinse or wipe them off before heading to the bathtub. Also use a drain stopper or strainer to catch any grime.
Need a plumber in Mesa, AZ? PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air is here to help with all sorts of plumbing issues. Call us anytime with questions or to schedule an appointment!
A number of out-of-sight features and components work together to create a comfortable home environment. This list includes your home’s insulation and its entire ductwork system. However, many people rarely if ever check these features for efficiency. Along similar lines, most homebuilders are deficient in both the amount of insulation they use and the location of ductwork that’s installed. All too often this leads to inefficient distribution of air throughout the home and cooling the attic area unnecessarily.
But there’s good news: here at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, we offer a free in-home analysis to homeowners! Our goal is to help you achieve significant cost savings on your heating and air conditioning all year round. Let’s take a closer look at what our HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ want you to know about insulation and ductwork.
Residential insulation and ductwork
If you want a more energy efficient home without having to move, then you should take the time to evaluate your insulation and ductwork situations. Keep in mind that your home’s heating and cooling system works together with the ductwork to distribute airflow in your living spaces. It does this by pulling air from inside your house into the air conditioner or heater to be cooled or heated before getting pushed back through the ductwork.
Unfortunately, because insulation and ductwork are generally hidden behind walls and in the attic or crawlspaces, it’s all too easy to forget about them. It’s for this reason that you’ll have a hard time telling whether there’s a duct leak or that you have an insufficient amount of insulation. The good news is that homeowners can benefit from professional inspections of these features. A pro can find inefficiencies within your forced air system and determine whether they’re impacting your indoor comfort and energy bills.
Common ductwork and insulation problems
Leaky and poorly connected ductwork can cause a serious loss of cooled or heated air. What can you do to catch this problem? The following are two common indicators of home ductwork and insulation inefficiency:
Higher energy bills: If you’ve noticed a significant increase in your energy bills from the same time last year, and your household usage has not increased, you could have leaky ducts. Duct leaks can add hundreds of dollars each year to your cooling and heating bills, which is all the more reason to schedule an insulation and ductwork inspection. If you do have duct leaks, you will need to insulate, seal or replace them.
Hot or cold air loss and poor air quality: Leaky ducts are also a matter of health and safety. There’s no doubt that your indoor air quality can be affected, especially since things like insulation particles, gas, dust and outside chemicals can get sucked into unsealed ducts and distributed throughout your living spaces. In addition, improperly functioning ducts can cause humidity that leads to mold growth inside the air system. A lack of insulation is another reason for poor air quality.
PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air offers a free in-home analysis of insulation and ductwork. Call today to take advantage of this offer by scheduling an appointment with our experienced HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ!
One day you’re carving a pumpkin, and, before you know it, people are talking about New Year’s resolutions. The holidays rush upon us each year, filled with activities, festivities and deadlines. Amidst the hustle and bustle, don’t forget about your plumbing and heating repairs in Mesa, AZ.
To help you stay organized this season, use the following fall checklist. This will allow you to stay on top of home maintenance items and still get all your shopping done on time:
Exterior cleanup: As the seasons change, don’t miss the opportunity to spruce up your exterior. Before the holidays and winter set in, do a quick inspection of your home’s perimeter. Are the gutters in good shape? Are there any issues with the roof? Is the foundation showing any signs of cracks or other issues? Make arrangements for any needed repairs, clean up seasonal landscaping items and prep the yard for the cooler season.
Interior purge: You’ll probably accumulate a few new items during the holidays. Before it’s time to find homes for your gifts, take time to get rid of unwanted “stuff.” Donate the ugly tie you got last year. Throw out the laughing Santa fish you got at the office gift exchange. Get rid of any clutter that is taking up precious space in your home.
Filter change: This simple maintenance item is often forgotten. Make it a habit to check your furnace filter each month. Once the holiday season arrives, it can be especially easy to forget this task. Check it now and change it if needed. No one wants to spend the holidays searching for a technician to perform emergency repairs. Check and change your filter to help keep your system running smoothly for the holidays and avoid heating repair in Mesa, AZ.
Seasonal tune-up: In addition to a filter change, your heating system should be professionally serviced each year. Don’t wait until your schedule fills up or the technicians are completely booked for the holidays. Get your seasonal tune-up on the calendar today. Once this is scheduled, you can focus on the shopping, baking and other fun activities of the holidays.
Holiday plumbing prep: Will you be hosting any company over the holidays? Will your home’s plumbing system be subject to extra use? Will you need reliable plumbing as you cook, clean and host? Now is a good time to contact your local plumber to inspect your drains and pipes and ensure your system is clear, clean and running optimally—before it’s time for the party.
Tis the Season…
…for plumbing and heating repair in Mesa, AZ! Don’t wait until it’s too late. This year, take a proactive approach to your home maintenance. Get everything in order in plenty of time for the holidays. For inspections, repairs and installations, contact the professionals at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. We are your local go-to source for superior service. Our team provides the highest quality work, combined with the best warranty in the industry, at the lowest possible price. Contact us today to put your next appointment on your calendar!
Have you ever had to replace the water heater in your home? Because water heaters typically last eight to 12 years, this isn’t an everyday occurrence. If you move often enough, you might never run into this issue. For those who are inexperienced with water heater replacement in Mesa, AZ (or for those who haven’t done it in a while), you might be surprised at what you discover. Here’s the scoop.
Sticker Shock
Due to federal regulations, the average cost of water heater replacement in Mesa, AZ went up by 35 percent in 2015. This is when new regulations passed regarding the efficiency of these appliances. While homeowners will be able to enjoy greater efficiency from their water heater, they may be shocked at the new pricing when they start shopping for a new appliance.
Alternatives
Government officials are looking at long-term utility savings, but many homeowners are looking for alternative solutions. Rather than spend more on a traditional water heater, many consumers are seizing this as an opportunity to switch to a tankless water heater system. These modern machines offer many advantages over old-school water heaters that are causing them to grow in popularity.
Tankless Solutions
Valley-based TruTankless is at the forefront of these developments. This innovative tankless water heating system offers cutting-edge technology to provide a sophisticated solution for home water heating. The manufacturer focuses on energy conservation, long-term savings and endless hot water in the design of their appliances.
Tankless Benefits
The TruTankless water heater offers smart features and high efficiency. It is equipped with a touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in safety features and a mobile app. Its stainless alloy elements allow the unit to operate with greater efficiency than other systems. A custom heat exchanger features ceramic thermal insulation. The flow meter maintains a consistent water temperature with one-degree-range accuracy. Owners of this water heater enjoy an endless, reliable hot water supply.
The TruTankless water heater is known for being twice as reliable and a third of the price of other tankless water heaters. Homeowners who use this system save money on the product and on future utility bills. It’s no wonder many are switching to this innovative solution!
Tankless Supplier
Are you interested in taking advantage of the benefits of a TruTankless system when you need water heater replacement Mesa, AZ? If so, you will need to contact a certified distributor. Be sure to contract with a company that is qualified to sell and install these units and offers the expertise needed to get the job done right.
Certified Professionals
PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air is a certified distributor and installer of these next-generation tankless water heaters. We have found that our customers love the cost savings on their initial purchase and their electric bill. They also enjoy the additional features such as Wi-Fi enablement that these units offer. If you need water heater replacement in Mesa, AZ, contact our team and find out more about tankless solutions. Reach out to our experienced professionals today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
