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The feeling of stepping into a shower and feeling the warm water gently run down your body is one that provides many people with extreme comfort. From having a long stressful day, a long journey, or coming in from the icy-cold, warm showers are an immediate source of comfort for many people of the world. Your hot water heater is in charge of making sure that your water is nice and warm, not only for your shower but also for doing the dishes, laundry, and helping clean around the house. When you come home and find that you have standing water in your home, due to a hot water heater burst, you know you have some trouble on your hands. It is important to know what to do when your hot water heater bursts and the signs that trouble might be brewing.

What causes a Hot Water Heater to burst?

Have you ever taken an empty plastic water bottle and twisted it so much that the cap suddenly shot off? If so, you know the unmistakable sound of the pressure forcing the cap to snap off, allowing for the trapped air to escape. When your water heater bursts, it is because of a similar principle. Your hot water heater is like the water bottle, holding contents that under extreme pressure, begin to swell. Here are some of the ways and signs that your hot water heater is about to burst.

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  Sediment build up can cause pressure inside your tank leading to a hot water heater burst. 

  Sediment build up occurs when natural minerals and debris from the water begin to collect at the bottom of the hot water tank. The sediment build-up makes it harder for your hot water heater to heat up the water, as the sediment acts as an insulator. Because of extra work, the water heater has to put in, the water heater becomes too hot, causing pressure to build up. Just imagine boiling water for too long in a pot with the top on, eventually, the water is going to try and escape from underneath the top, and spill out onto your stove. Unlike a pot though, the water heater doesn’t have an easy way for the pressure to escape, causing the water heater to eventually bust.

  • There are some warning signs before the sediment build-up becomes a problem. If you hear a popping sound coming from your hot water heater, you know it is time to get it looked at. A plumber will be able to help flush out the drains in your hot water heater, allowing for the sediment build-up to leave the tank and get rid of the problem.
• Corrosion on the hot water heater tank due to rust is a sign that the sacrificial anode rod has completely rusted. The sacrificial anode rod is designed to sit within your hot water heater to help prevent rust from occurring on the tank by acting as a shield. Once this rod is gone, then the hot water heater tank begins to rust. If not caught quick enough, can cause your hot water heater to have a hole which will result in water flooding your home.
  • The sacrificial anode rod should be checked every two years to make sure it doesn’t have too much wear, and if it does, that it is replaced. You will probably have to replace the rod every 4-5 years, but that is a lot less expensive than paying for a whole new heater. You can catch this problem early if you notice that your tap-water is beginning to take on a brownish coloring.
• Internal Pressure built up in the tank for too long can cause a hot water heater burst or, in worse cases, to explode. Pressure builds up naturally over time in your hot water heater due to steam caused by the hot water. Your hot water heater is designed to protect itself against that with its temperature and pressure release valve. It opens up, allowing the water and steam to escape from your tank. Like anything in life, the temperature and pressure release valve begin to wear down over time, causing it to be less and less effective and releasing the built up steam and water.
  • You will recognize this problem if your temperature and pressure release valve is constantly opening up to release water or if it leaking. These two problems signal that pressure is building up within your tank and you have the risk of a hot water heater burst. Making sure that the temperature of your hot water heater isn’t too high can help resolve this issue. The temperature should be anywhere from 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Making sure you get the temperature and pressure valve tested every two years will also make sure that everything is running properly, and if any repairs are needed, that they can be taken care of before a bigger problem emerges.

Notice any of these problems but are not sure who to turn to? Warranted Plumbing Services is able to help with all of your hot water heater needs. Whether your hot water heater needs a routine check-up or there is already a burst/explosion, our experts will be able to give you the help and guidance you need to not only fix the problem but to also give you a peaceful frame of mind. Call us at (925) 526-6230 in Pittsburg, CA to talk to our team today!

Is It Dangerous to Have a Leaking Water Heater?

A leaking water heater is usually a clear sign that something is amiss. Leaking water is dangerous, as it means the integrity of your hot water heater is in jeopardy. If left unresolved, that leaking water can lead to some serious problems such as a burst, an explosion from built up pressure, water damage to your property, and contaminated water from rusty pipes. If you notice leaking water, call a professional immediately, as it will save you from dealing with major damages and expenses later. Don’t forget that your trusty neighborhood plumbers at Warranted Plumbing Services can help with any of your hot water heater needs.

What To Do When A Hot Water Heater Burst?

One of most dangerous parts about a hot water heater burst is the flood of water that is escaping from the tank. It is crucial that you stop the water first, as to avoid any more water damage to your home. Make sure to turn off the water supply valve that is feeding water to your tank. (With a properly working tank, the valve shuts off automatically when it fills, but because of the burst, there is no way for the tank to ever be completely filled.) If this doesn’t work, turn off the main water supply to your home.

If you have an electric water tank, it is important that you cut off the power going to the tank. The heating element of your tank can cause a fire if it does not have water around it to act as a buffer for the heat. You can do this by switching off the breaker that is in control of the hot water heater. If you have a gas powered water heater, make sure you turn off the gas valve. WARNING: If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and wait until the gas dissipates, if it doesn’t, it means that the gas pipe was damaged as well and you have a gas leak.

If you have a basement, turn on the sump-pump and allow the water to drain as much as you can. If not, try to sop up as much water from your home, and remove any furniture or belongings that are at risk, or have already, come in contact with the water.

Finally, assess the damage and call your insurance agency. Most insurance agencies will work with you in covering the damages done by your hot water heater. That’s when you can turn to your trustworthy team, at Warranted Plumbing Services, to help you assess the damage, offer support, and provide either a water heater replacement or repair the damaged one, if it is salvageable. Dial (925) 526-6230 today to talk with an experienced plumber to help you with all of your hot water needs.

What Happens If A Hot Water Heater Explodes?

As mentioned earlier, your hot water heater can explode if the pressure inside the tank is too high. The gas in the hot water tank, caused by the heating of water, pushes against the walls of the tank when the release valve is blocked. When this happens, your water heater will respond much like a rocket and explode, blasting through your ceiling and landing a couple blocks away. This is extremely dangerous for not only you, your home, and your family, but it is also dangerous for your neighbors. The damages to your home would be extensive and costly, which would only leave you with more turmoil. If you suspect that there is a problem with your water heater, it is important that you call for professional help. Not doing so only puts you and your family at risk. If you are looking for a reliable team that is quick to respond to any call or emergency, just call Warranted Plumbing Services at (925) 526-6230 in Pittsburg, CA.

“Efficiency” is one of the key buzzwords of our generation. That’s why homeowners buy the latest energy efficient HVAC system installation and electricity-conserving light bulbs. But what are they doing about water efficiency? We’ve all been told that limiting water waste is critical for our community, but few understand the true benefits of conserving water use and improving efficiency. Today, we’ll dive into the subject to learn more about how our water usage effects those around us, plus how we can improve water efficiency to save money each month!

Water Efficiency and Conservation

First, let’s outline the differences between water conservation and water efficiency. To conserve water is to refrain from using it when possible, or to utilize less water when we do consume it. As one becomes more water-conservative, their total volume of water consumed will be reduced. 

Efficiency refers to how much of a resource a person, tool, or machine must consume to complete a task. For instance, if Bill utilizes one gallon of water to wash a bucket of clothes, while Sally uses two, Bill completed his task in a more efficient manner. A high efficiency clothes washer will consume less water than an inefficient machine to wash the same amount of clothes.

While many times greater efficiency can lead to high water conservation, the two are not the same thing. That’s why a home outfitted with high efficiency products may consume more water than another home. Enough of definitions, though! Let’s discuss how your family can save money on water.

How Can I Keep My Water Bill Low?

The only way to save money on water expenses is to consume less water (or conserve more water). All the fancy appliances in the world will not help you cut expenses if the total amount of water your family uses stays the same. That being said, high-efficiency water appliances can easily help you reduce the amount of water you consume and save you money at the same time. We’ll talk about this is a moment.

One of the easiest ways your family can save money is by regulating each person’s personal use. Ask your kids to only take one shower a day, unless absolutely necessary. Some people are guilty of washing before bed, then taking another wakeup shower in the morning. Others run the dishwasher when it’s only half full. The most effective water-savers plan out their laundry day by putting all the family’s reds, blues, etc. in combined loads. One controversial water-saving topics is the water efficiency: bath vs shower debate, which we will briefly touch on later!

As you can see, there are many ways to reduce your water consumption. Now, about water-efficiency…

Water Efficiency and Home Appliances

Your plumbing system regulates the flow, expenditure, and the conservation of water. Attached to that system is each and every home water appliance, including:

• Your Water Heater
• Bathroom and Kitchen Faucets
• Showers and Tubs
• The Fridge
• The Dishwasher
• The Clothes Washer
• Outdoor Irrigation (i.e. Sprinklers)

All of these appliances consume water, some more than others. The water heater is one of the biggest consumers of both water and energy in the house. When looking for replacement unit in the future, make sure to take a look at each option’s water heater efficiency rating. There’s a great guide available from the US Department of Energy on how to make an informed decision on your water heater.

One of the best things to do to improve the water efficiency appliances provide in your home, is to switch to low flow faucets. Nowadays, it’s a common habit to simply throw the shower or sink faucet on full blast without even thinking about it. Even if you spend the same amount of time completing each task (washing dishes, taking a shower, etc.), you’ll consume less water overall.

For outdoor irrigation systems, you can easily install a timer that turns off the water after a preset time. If you’re looking for an even deeper investment into energy and water efficiency, try replacing your dishwasher and clothes washer with high efficiency models. While these systems aren’t constantly running, they do consume large amounts of water during each load. Changes here can mean considerable savings over the years. Be sure to keep an eye out for water leaks as well in your plumbing. A constant drip, let alone a steady pour, can wasted hundreds of gallons in a short time frame.

What Uses More Water: a Bath or a Shower?

This is an age old question that’s been contested time and time again, but the answer is pretty clear. An average shower will consume far less water than the average bath. The average shower lasts 10 minutes, consuming a total of 25 gallons of water. The average bath requires 40 gallons of water (for a full tub, with the occupant). That being said, if a family member takes showers that last beyond 16 minutes, they’ll be consuming just as much water as someone taking a bath.

What are 10 Ways to Save Water?

We’ve talked about many ways homeowners can conserve water. Below, we’ll re-summarize some of the most popular water efficiency tips and add in a few bonus entries.

• Switch to energy efficient water appliances.
• Limit shower times to 10 minutes or less.
• Wash full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Keep an eye out for leaks (check your water bill).
• Install low-flow faucets. 
• Turn off the tap in-between uses (brushing teeth, hand washing).
• Install a recirculating pump to save cold water.
• Install timers on outside irrigation. 
• Wash the dog (or cat) outside to water grass and plants.
• Install a rain barrel on the roof.

Schedule Your Water Efficiency Inspection Today!

Need help with a new faucet installation or dishwasher? Our team at Warranted Plumbing Services would love to help your family with your water efficiency and conservation goals! There are many ways to save water for your household, and we know that your family will have fun discovering what works for you. To learn more about water efficiency in Pittsburg, CA or a surrounding community, give our team a call at (925) 526-6230.

 

If you have found yourself with a leak somewhere in your home, it is undoubtedly very frustrating. Leaks are not only annoying, but they can be expensive to have repaired and they cost you more money because it is a waste of water that is happening. The best thing that you can do for a leak is to turn the water off until you can have a plumber come out and repair it. This way you are not wasting any money and there is no chance of water damage happening while you wait. Unfortunately, most people at some point or another, have to deal with leaking happening. Even heating companies in Orange Ca have to deal with things like leaks all of the time. The best thing you can do is to find the source of the leak, turn your water off, and call your plumber to have a leak repair in Pittsburg, CA, done.

Possible Leak Sources

Under Sink – Often times the leaks underneath sinks go unnoticed because it isn’t an area you are looking at each day. The pipes under sinks can begin to leak and even cause mold.

Toilet – If your toilet begins to leak water from it, you will want to put towels down quickly to avoid damage.

Broken Pipe – A broken pipe could mean that a crack has occurred and that is something that you should be concerned about.

Hose Bib – A hose bib can become loose and begin to leak.

Many of our plumbing leads come from leak-related problems. If you end up needing a leak repair in Pittsburg, CA, give Warranted Plumbing Services a call at (925) 526-6230, today. 

Are you getting tired of having lower household water pressure? Fortunately, you don’t have to live with low water pressure, as there are several ways for you to increase the water pressure in your home. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading about how water pressure can be improved significantly.

Check for Clogs

One of the reasons that you have low water pressure is that there are clogs in your plumbing pipes, drain, or sewer. When there is a clog present, it can be hard for the water to move through the clog, which can cause low household water pressure. By getting hydro jetting to clean out clogs or your pipes repair or replaced, you can exponentially increase your water pressure.

Check the Water Valve

On occasion when you are getting plumbing maintenance or repairs, plumbers accidentally don’t turn the valve all the way back on. The issue with this is that the water valve controls the flow of water that you get in your home. If it wasn’t turned all the way back on, there can be a restriction in the flow of water going into your plumbing pipes. The valve is located by your water meter, so you can always check to see if it’s turned on all the way.

Check for Leaks

Leaks that are in your pipes can cause low water pressure as cracks and corrosion in the pipes to leak out water, which will make it hard to get the amount of water that you want from your faucet. The easiest way for a homeowner to check for a leak is to turn off all the water in your home, so turn off the water valve and record what your water meter says. In two hours if the water meter increases, it means you have a leak.

One of our plumbers at Warranted Plumbing Services can help with low water pressure, either with repair service or by installing a water pressure booster in your Pittsburg, CA home. Give us a call at (925) 526-6230 to learn more!