Has your water heater gone kaput? Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether you need repairs or water heater replacement. At Toluca Lake 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros, we help homeowners answer this question every day. Here are some basic guidelines to help you determine what the next step is for you.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Water heaters are not appliances that can last for decades. Due to the everyday usage and wear and tear these appliances won’t last forever. Manufacturer recommendations vary. Some suggest replacing your water heater once every 7 years. Others suggest somewhere in the range of 8-12 years.
With so many different opinions on the matter, how do you know which is right? Our opinion is that if the unit is under 10 years old that you may want to look at repairing the appliance before opting to replace. Older units may not be as cost effective to repair, especially if you need repairs often.

Leaky Water Heaters

Once a water heater starts leaking water it may be time to consider replacing the unit. A newly installed heater may have been hooked up incorrectly or there may be a missing component. Older water heaters that leak may have developed holes in the tank and this is something that cannot be repaired. You’ll need to replace the water heater.

Rust-Colored Water Leaking from Taps

Sometimes this is nothing more than a sign that you need to flush your water heater. It’s when you have an older water heater that you need to be concerned. There may be rust forming in the tank. The anode rod will usually attract the corrosive material in water heaters, but if the rod is damaged or years of sediment has caused the interior of the tank to break down then you’ll need to get a new water heater.

No Heat

Before you decide to replace your water heater check for some other reasons why the water may not be heating as well. Gas water heaters have pilot lights. Check to see if this has gone out and relight it to see if that fixes the problem. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it is working and set to the right temperature. Have your burner and other heating elements inspected. These are all parts to your water heater that control the heat. Replacing these parts may be the answer and are a lot less expensive than installing a new water heater.

Other Signs

Additional indications that it may be time for a new water heater are as follows:

• Popping or rumbling sounds
• High-pitched whirring
• Intermittent operation
• Rotten egg smell when hot water is in use

If you notice any of these problems, call a plumber for assistance. Toluca Lake 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros has a team of qualified, licensed plumbers in Toluca Lake and surrounding areas ready to go to work for you whenever you need us. When you need water heater replacement, we’ll help you choose a new heater and provide you with precise water heater installation services.

Clogged sinks and clogged toilets happen. When they do, you need the right tool to clear the clog effectively. Most people know they need to use a plunger, but do you know which plunger you need to use?

There are two kinds of plungers for clearing clogs, the flange type and the cup type. In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between the two types and explain why you need both plungers at your house.

Cup Plungers

Cup-type plungers are used for fixing kitchen sink clogs, floor drain clogs, and shower and bathtub clogs. This plunger has a rubber bell at the end of a wooden handle. Before you start plunging, do the following:

• Cover the overflow drain with a wet towel
• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly along the rim of the plunger
• Place the plunger over the drain
• Push up and down to create suction and continue this motion for 30 seconds

Flange Plungers

Toilet clogs need a flange plunger. This plunger type has a rubber extension protruding from the bottom of the bell. This piece helps create an airtight seal.

For flange plungers to do their job well, you need to turn off the water to the toilet. Do this by locating the supply hose behind the toilet. Next, place the plunger in the toilet water until the rubber flange connects with the drain opening. Rapidly move the plunger up and down until the drain releases water.

When to Use a Drain Snake

Sometimes plunging won’t do the trick. In a case like this, you need a drain snake. This tool is also called a hand auger and can be found at your local plumbing supply store.

Snaking a drain can be a messy job. So, make sure you put towels around the toilet or sink. You also want to be careful not to scratch your toilet or sink with the snake.

When to Call a Plumber in Toluca Lake

When plunging and snaking don’t do the trick, call Toluca Lake 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros. We have professional drain cleaning solutions that get rid of the toughest clogs fast. Our licensed plumbers will analyze the problem and provide you with effective solutions.

Hydro-jetting is a great drain cleaning method we use to get rid of years of built-up debris in water pipes and sewer lines. To learn more about our drain cleaning services in Toluca Lake, call us today!

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