Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

The most common type of water heater is a conventional storage water heater. These hold between 20 and 80 gallons and release hot water from the top of the tank. These provide you with a reservoir of hot water to use for household usage. A more uncommon unit is a heat pump water heater. These systems use electricity to move heat from the air and move it to a tank at a higher temperature. Another option is a tankless water heater. These provide hot water on-demand.

There are several reasons why your water heater might run out of hot water sooner than expected - or desired. Some reasons can include:

• Multiple appliances are using hot water at the same time.
• There is sediment building up in the unit.
• The dip tube is broken. This allows cold water to move to the bottom of the tank to be heated.
• Your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Your unit’s thermostat is not working properly.

Our experts recommend having your drains professionally cleaned at least every 2-3 years. You should schedule services sooner if your system is old, or if there is a large root system near the sewer line. Sewer drains might need to be cleaned more often as well.

If your water pressure suddenly gets low, you should call a professional. Some potential reasons for the dip in pressure can be due to:

• Too many plumbing fixtures running at the same time.
• Faulty fixtures, like shower heads or faucets.
• A broken pressure regulator. These are meant to stabilize the water pressure in your home.
• Closed valves that are preventing your water supply from traveling through them.
• Clogged pipes are disrupting the water flow through the pipes.
• Older plumbing systems that are corroding.

Our plumbers recommend having your water heater inspected by a professional at least once a year to keep it running properly. During a routine tune-up, you can expect a plumber to perform several tasks, including checking the inside and outside of the unit for any cracks, defects, or signs of aging. He or she will also drain the basin to remove any sediment that’s building up and change the filters as needed. The professional will also check the hoses for any cracks.