Month: April 2019

When Should I Get Water Heater Replacement

If you are purchasing a home for the first time or are settled into your home and wondering when to expect to make repairs, you might be asking yourself when you should get your water heater replaced.

A gas water heater usually lasts for about 15 years, and an electric water heater will often last for a few years longer than that.  Fortunately, you can impact the longevity of your water heater by providing it with proper routine maintenance. If you don’t care for your water heater along the way, it might break down much sooner than 19 years of age. You can’t have a water heater installed and then just forget about; neglecting your water heater will lead to expensive repairs and even an early replacement.

There are several factors you should pay attention to when maintaining your water heater. These are a few to consider.

Draining Your Water Heater

When a water heater heats hard water, it creates sediment because of the minerals in the water. Occasionally, this sediment needs to be drained from the water heater so that it doesn’t accumulate on the bottom of the tank and cause problems. A buildup of sediment inside the water heater will cause it to overheat, and this leads to the melting of the protective glass lining inside the water heater. If the glass lining melts, you will have no choice but to replace the water heater.You can prevent this by periodically draining the water heater.

Dealing with Small Leaks

One of the benefits of sticking to a regular schedule of maintenance for your water heater is that you can catch small problems before they become big problems. This holds true for leaks. If you pay attention to your water heater and discover a small leak, you can address the problem before the small leak turns into a big leak. A big leak means big problems, and at that point, your water heater will likely need to be replaced.

Discovering the Anode

Some parts just have to be replaced periodically, no matter how well you care for your water heater. One of these parts is the anode. The anode is a piece that is screwed into the water heater tank. Its job is to prevent the accumulation of rust inside the water heater tank. How does this work? Well, the anode actually connects two metals inside the tank, in the water. One of them corrodes, which protects the other. For this reason, the anode is known as a sacrificial anode. There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of an anode. These factors include:

  • – Water quality
  • – Frequency of use of the water heater
  • – Water temperature
  • – Quality of tank

Anodes will also corrode more quickly if you use a water softener and add salt to the water.

If you run into one of these issues with your water heater, it is a good idea to call a professional plumber for advice. The plumber can help you determine whether you are dealing with a big problem or a small one, and advise you whether it is cost-effective to repair or replace your water heater. If you do choose to replace the water heater, a plumber can help you to choose a replacement and install it for you.

When you need a plumber, call Scott English Plumbing. We have more than 19 years of experience, and we routinely handle water heater repairs and installations. We provide quality service at reasonable rates, so call Scott English Plumbing to handle your water heater concerns today.

Signs of a Sewer Clog

Nobody likes to have to deal with sewer and drain clogs. They are messy, difficult to repair, and can cause large amounts of costly damage to your home or business’ plumbing system. Nothing good comes from a sewer clog. However, the experts here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. understand that sometimes clogs are difficult to detect (at least before they cause sewage backups and other nasty surprises). So, we decided that it would behoove home and business owners to have a reference list of all the signs of a sewer or drain clog. Here it is:

  • Foul smelling drains
  • Slow Drains
  • Gurgling Drains
  • Backed Up Toilets and Plumbing Fixtures
  • Backed Up Sewage Seeping Into Your Yard

Sign 1 – Foul Smelling Drains

One of the less-well-known signs of a clogging sewer line is smelly drains. If you smell stagnant water (or really anything but what you just poured down the sink), then that is a sign of buildup in the sewer line. That smell you smell is bacteria that has begun to grow on the blockage in the line. If you have stinky, smelly drains, then please give our drain cleaning experts a call right away.

Sign 2 – Slow Drains

This one is pretty obvious. If the drains in your home or business have suddenly started moving much more slowly than they used to, then that is a sign that a clog is beginning to form. Usually, this is the best time to get a clogged sewer line fixed; before it reaches emergency status. If you have slow moving drains in your home or business, calling us here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. is definitely a good idea.

Sign 3 – Gurgling and Bubbling Drains

This sign is similar to the first one. If your drains and/or plumbing fixtures are bubbling or making a gurgling noise as they drain, then that can be a sign of the beginnings of the main line clog. Drains gurgle and bubble when air gets trapped amongst the blockage and the pressure builds up. Once the pressure gets to be too much (when you’re using the drain), it has to escape somewhere. Unfortunately, what escapes often smells bad and makes your drains gurgle and bubble. If you have bubbling and gurgling drains, call a plumbing professional from Scott English Plumbing, Inc. right away.

Sign 4 – Backed Up Toilets and Plumbing Fixtures

If your toilet or other plumbing fixtures are backing up and spilling wastewater and sewage on your property, then it is definitely time to call in the professionals. When it comes to backups, the clog in your sewer line has reached a critical point and needs immediate attention. If you have backed up plumbing appliances, then please contact the expert drain cleaners here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. as soon as possible.

Sign 5 – Backed Up Sewage Seeping Into Your Yard

Another major sign of a main sewer line clog is backed up sewage seeping onto your lawn and into your yard. If this is happening to your home or business, then, just like with backed up fixtures, you need the help of a professional plumbing company right away. For backed up main lines causing flooding and sewage leaks, turn off your main water line and call our expert drain cleaners straight away.

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