holiday Archives - Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Guarantee Hot Water Is Available For The Holiday Season

How To Tell if a Water Heater Is on Its Last Legs

Hot water is essential during the winter, especially when guests are in town. In addition to causing cold showers, a broken water heater raises energy bills and can make cooking even more time-consuming. Before the cold months arrive, it's important to understand all the warning signs of a faulty heater so that one can fix issues before the holiday season.

What if Warm Water Is Still Available?

A malfunctioning water heater does not necessarily break all at once. Just because hot water is available sometimes does not mean the heater is working. Temperature fluctuations typically occur weeks before the water heater stops producing any heat.

If the hot water runs out after a ten-minute shower, there is a problem. This is likely due to the build-up of mineral deposits. A water heater technician will need to extricate sediment that accumulates around the heating components.

leaks

Leaks Are a Common Warning Sign

Water heater leaks are not always obvious. Most problematic leaks are from small cracks and corrosion that cause damage to the heater over time. Homeowners should also check for water around surrounding appliances to ensure it's not from the furnace.

If the leak comes from the top of the water heater tank, this may be a problem with the pipes. Sometimes connections become loose and can be fixed with a standard pipe wrench. If the side of the tank is leaking, this is likely due to a damaged valve. A trained technician will need to examine both bottom and side leaks. Water heater replacement may be necessary.

Geriatric Water Heaters: When Is It Time for a Replacement?

Water heaters last approximately ten years. After that, they need consistent repairs to keep energy use efficient.

Water heaters affect personal finances in a variety of ways. The more energy it takes for a hot water tank to generate heat, the more likely utility bills will rise. If repairs are needed every month, this will add to the overall price of a faulty heater.

Average wear and tear signs include higher utility bills, leaks, and cooler water temperatures. If the heating elements are old, these can be separately replaced rather than getting rid of the entire water heater. The motors and valves are also easily repairable.

Water heater maintenance is recommended regardless of the type of water heater. One should inspect even new heaters that are only two or three years old annually. This helps prolong the heater's life while keeping monthly energy bills to a minimum. The water heater will need to work harder for large households to provide enough hot water for everyone.

Replacing an old water heater may save money if the heater is causing strange noises or murky water. Foul odor is usually a sign that the water heater is on its last legs. There are several models to choose from when picking the right replacement, and tankless water heaters can last up to twenty years. A qualified professional can help assess whether water heater replacement or repair is the best option.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air offers upfront pricing with zero overtime charges for water heater repair during the holidays. To learn more about their VIP membership inspections, call Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air in Fairhope, AL.

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Everyone Should Add a New Water Heater to Their Holiday Wishlist

Why Getting a New Water Heater Can Save Power (and Money)

Water heaters do more than heat water; they make the home a warm, cozy paradise during the winter months. A water heater that doesn't get the water hot enough (or can't maintain a consistent temperature) needs replacing. Plain and simple.

Water heaters, like other home appliances, come with certain lifespans. On average, a homeowner can have a water heater for six to 13 years without any problems. Beyond that range, they should consider the benefits of water heater replacement.

Signs of Water Heater Malfunction

As mentioned, if a water heater can't maintain a certain temperature or gets cold too quickly, it needs professional attention. There are other warning signs, however, including:

Leaks: Water heaters rely on electricity or gas to work. So, before a homeowner identifies the source of the leak, they should cut power to the appliance. From there, they should inspect pipes, inlets, and connectors for any leaks. They can either patch the leak themselves or consult an experienced water heater company.
Poor water pressure: This could indicate sediment build-up in the water tank. In this situation, homeowners should shut off the water heater's power and drain their tanks. It's worth noting that sediment build-up usually doesn't affect tankless water heaters.
Abnormal sounds coming from the water heater: Any hissing, clanking, or banging could indicate a faulty heating element. It could also mean that sediment is melting inside the water tank. Both require prompt attention.

To Repair or Replace? That Is the Question

Whether to repair or replace a faulty water heater depends on a lot of factors, including:

The problem: If the cost of fixing a water heater costs more than it's worth, homeowners should consider replacing it. Water heater installation could mean the difference between months of repairs or years of consistent water temperature.
Budget: A homeowner might not have the funds to buy a new water heater. In that case, they may consider fixing problems as they go, rather than spending a lot of money all at once.
Safety: If a water heater is severely damaged and poses a threat to a home's residents, it needs replacing. These hazards might include exposed wiring, gas leaks, and exposed heat elements. Each of these problems can result in fires or other life-threatening issues.

The Three Benefits of Installing a New Water Heater

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, three benefits of having a high-functioning water heater (or getting a new one) include:

Energy efficiency: A faulty water heater wastes energy. Homeowners might have to wait long periods for the water heater or shower more often. These can add hundreds to homeowners' heating and electricity bills.
Increased recovery efficiency: This refers to how well the heating element works. The better it works, the more satisfactory the water temperature.
Size: Homeowners can save space by opting for smaller water heaters. In turn, they increase their home's usable square footage and may even see lower energy costs.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating, & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air provides quality service to Fairhope, AL. These professionals offer emergency services, diagnostic procedures, and same-day estimates. Interested parties can call them today to explore their options.

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It's Time to Start Planning for Holiday Visitors

Make Sure the Bathroom Is Ready for Holiday Traffic

The holidays are coming, and there are many things to remember to make sure they are enjoyable. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by holiday responsibilities, but the best way to make sure things go smoothly is to be like Santa and make a list. One of the things to add to the list early on is the plumbing. If hosting parties or guests during the holidays is a priority, it can give homeowners peace of mind to know that the plumbing won’t contribute to problems and give them one less thing to worry about.

To get peace of mind for the holidays, enlist the help of local plumbing system services. Professional bathroom contractors can help make the holidays a breeze with a simple toilet repair or sink replacement. Read on to learn other tips that can leave homeowners with enough peace of mind to focus on family and fun this season.

Can the Toilet Handle the Holidays?

This time of year is the peak season for traveling. That means that a guest bathroom will likely be seeing more activity than it has in some time, raising the likelihood that a plumbing problem could crop up. Of the things that could go wrong in the bathroom, a clogged toilet is probably the worst.

Catching a failing toilet early could prevent a holiday plumbing emergency. Some of the indicators that a toilet needs repairs are:

Frequent clogs
Weak flushes
Noxious odors
Leaks
Gurgling noises

Scheduling a toilet replacement or repairs now can help beat the holiday rush. As soon as problems become apparent, call for help.

Get the Kitchen Plumbing Up to Speed

Along with hosting holiday guests, most holiday activities revolve around the dining room table. No holiday is complete without a gigantic meal, and in the process of preparing that meal, the kitchen plumbing will do its fair share. When preparing the kitchen plumbing for holiday feasts, there are two things to consider: gas lines and garbage disposals.

Whether a homeowner is looking to upgrade a gas range or make sure the sink won’t suffer clogs, plumbers can help. When considering installing any gas appliances to make holiday cooking easier, a plumber is necessary for installation. Likewise, scheduling a plumber to check out the kitchen drains and garbage disposals ahead of time can make sure meal cleanup is easy.

Upgrade to Bathroom Plumbing

As with any get-together, there is a certain amount of pride that goes into hosting duties. A point of pride for any host is showing the progress of improving the home over the years. Home improvements can come at a cost, but they don’t have to. Instead of spending an arm and leg to impress holiday guests, consider simple changes that have big impacts. Some good ideas to spruce up the joint without planning a whole bathroom renovation are:

Change out sinks
Upgrade fixtures like faucets and bathtub hardware
Install new towels racks
Remodel the shower

These simple changes can bring a whole new feel to a guest bathroom that will keep guests talking about it over the coming years.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air provides fast turnarounds to customers in Fairhope, AL. With highly-rated emergency service, they can keep holiday problems from getting out of hand. Call today to get trusted plumbing service and upfront pricing.

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Get Your Kitchen Ready for Holiday Hosting

How Will the Kitchen Plumbing Perform This Holiday Season?

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and nothing could be more true during the holidays. The weather outside may be frightful, but inside it’s warm and cozy. The air fills with the laughter of friends and family and the aroma of a home-cooked meal. The central hub of any such gathering is the kitchen, where food and drink are shared with love.

For homeowners anticipating hosting gatherings this holiday season, they should make sure the kitchen plumbing is up to snuff. A simple faucet replacement or sink upgrade can add sparkle to the room. And if they remember to prep the garbage disposal before the big feast, they’ll have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

5 Signs the Faucet Needs Replacing

Replacing the faucet can instantly add a whole new level of chicness and modernity to the kitchen. Faucets are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and finishes. Some even collaborate with smart home features using voice-activated technology.

But how do homeowners know if it’s time to replace the kitchen faucet? Here are five telltale signs:

It’s loose: A kitchen faucet should never wobble or come loose from its mount. When a faucet seems to be on the brink of collapse, it should be replaced.
It leaks: Kitchen faucets usually leak from the tap or the base of the handle. These leaks can often be repaired, but it may be time to replace the whole faucet after frequent repairs.
It’s corroded: Kitchen faucets are susceptible to mineral deposits from hard water and rust. Not only is this unsightly and difficult to clean, but it can also contribute to foul-tasting water or leave stains.
It doesn’t have the functions they need: If homeowners struggle to wash unwieldy pans or fill large pots with water, they might consider upgrading to a kitchen faucet with a higher tap. Other features to look for are built-in sprayers and voice-activated or one-touch technology.
It’s old: Old faucets are more likely to need repair, and they are often out of style, too.

Make a Splash With a Kitchen Sink Upgrade

Families can be critical of our homes, so if a homeowner wants to make an impression this holiday season, they should upgrade to a fancy new sink. These days, kitchen sinks are available in several materials and finishes, including traditional brushed stainless steel, black composite granite, off-white fireclay, and everything in between. Homeowners can opt for a single or double basin, as deep or as shallow as they need. Whatever they choose, the new kitchen sink will be the star of the show.

Prep the Disposal for Thanksgiving Scraps

Thanksgiving leftovers are great; inedible scraps, not so much. What is there to do with those turkey bones and gizzards, potato peels, and cold, lumpy gravy? The garbage disposal may be the answer.

If the garbage disposal is not working properly, homeowners should schedule an appointment with a professional plumber to check the electrical connections and make sure it’s not clogged. They can also make sure the blades are sharp and have enough horsepower to meet demand. After getting the a-okay from a professional, homeowners can keep their garbage disposal in top form by always running it with cold water, using vinegar and baking soda to keep it clean and fresh, and not disposing of foods that can harm the unit.

Get Help From Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air will be happy to help make sure the kitchen plumbing is ready for the holidays! They have been serving Baldwin and Mobile counties since 1996, and their technicians are experienced with all manners of kitchen plumbing. Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air prides itself on quality workmanship and unbeatable customer service. Call them now for drain cleaning services!