Tag: water

Three Signs You May Have a Hidden Water Leak

What Homeowners Should Know About Hidden Leaks

Water leaks can be a huge problem in homes, causing water damage and expensive repairs. In many cases, homeowners won’t even know they have a water leak until it’s too late. Detecting a hidden water leak is essential to preventing any major problems down the road. Here’s a list of common signs that water leaks are present. 

Running Water Soundsrunning water sounds

There are a few things homeowners can do to check for leaks. One of the easiest ways to check for leaks is to listen for running water sounds. If running water is heard even when all the taps are turned off, there’s likely a broken water line. A leaky water pipe often makes a hissing or dripping sound. If a homeowner hears these sounds coming from the walls, floors, or ceilings, it’s time to call a plumber.

Sometimes leaks may be slow enough that the sound is too quiet to hear. When that’s the case, mold and mildew can signify a hidden water leak in the home. If there are any signs of mold or mildew, it’s important to take action immediately. Mold can cause serious health problems, so don’t want to wait to address the issue.

swampy spots

 

Swampy Spots in the Yard

Another great way to find a hidden water leak is by looking in the yard. Underground leaks can cause a pooling of water in an area of the yard. The swampy spot should not be taken as a sign of a leak if it has just rained or the sprinklers were recently on. Otherwise, the spot could be due to a hidden leak.

Leaks can also be identified by examining growth patterns in an area of the yard. If there are noticeable differences in growth patterns, such as some areas growing quicker than others, it could mean there’s been saturation in those parts due to leaking underground pipes. The area will likely be lush and grow much faster than the rest of the lawn. However, if the leak is more serious and the soil is too saturated, it could also kill off the turfgrass. 

Lower Water Pressure and Higher Water Bills

If a homeowner has noticed lower-than-usual pressure when flushing the toilet, washing hands, or taking a shower, then there might be at least one hidden water leak. When water leaks are present, the effect is similar to when more than one faucet or appliance in the home is using water; the pressure drops.  

The water bill may also be noticeably higher due to the continuous flow of water from a water leak. The EPA estimates billions of gallons of water per year are wasted on small leaks that leak less than one gallon per minute. By getting small leaks repaired quickly, homeowners can lower their water bills and help the environment by saving water. 

If a homeowner is experiencing any of these signs, the home likely has a water leak. If this is the case, it’s important to take action right away and repair the leak. Water leaks can cause serious damage to a home, so it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible.

About Platinum Plumbing

The highly-rated Platinum Plumbing provides its neighbors in the Bloomington-Normal area with trusted service. They offer upfront, no-hassle pricing, easy financing options, and tailored solutions. Call them today for plumbing services by experienced, fully licensed plumbers in Normal, IL.

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Why Now Is the Time for Water Heater Maintenance!

Why Now Is the Time for Water Heater Maintenance!

Water Heater Maintenance Keeps Cold Showers at Bay!

The crisp, beautiful weather of Autumn is in the air! There’s no better way to start a day than with a hot shower. So, don’t let the surprise of a broken water heater ruin the morning ritual. Instead, prevent hot water woes with an annual water heater check-up.  

3 Reasons Never To Skip Water Heater Maintenanceplumber

Water heater maintenance does more than just keep the shower water hot. Check out these three reasons why water heater maintenance is a must-have for every unit.
  • Promotes Efficiency and Performance: Over time, water heaters develop a layer of sediment in the tank. This sediment reduces the heater’s ability to warm water efficiently. The result? It takes forever to get a hot shower. A well-maintained water heater works faster than a neglected one, keeping up with the demands of a busy home.
  • Improves Longevity: Think of water heater maintenance as an annual doctor’s visit for the water heater. Regular heater maintenance guarantees the parts and pieces of the heater get the TLC they need to stay in working order, preventing wear and tear in the unit. In addition, water and electric bills reduce as regular maintenance keeps the unit in working order, thanks to preventative care of annual maintenance.
  • Enhances Safety: Sediment that develops in water heater tanks poses a danger to the unit and the household. As sediment builds up, pressure grows in the unit when water boils beneath the deposits. Without regular removal and care, this sediment can explode, causing damage to the home and any nearby occupants.

3 Things To Expect During Water Heater Maintenance Appointments

During an annual water heater appointment, a technician will generally do the following:

  • Anode Rod Inspection: Every water heater has an anode rod. The rod draws corrosive materials like magnesium away from the water heater and to the rod to preserve the heater’s integrity. Unfortunately, over time, the anode rod corrodes away as it’s designed to do. When this happens, a new anode rod needs installing. During maintenance, the technician will check the anode rode for corrosion and complete any replacements required. 
  • Sediment Flush: Hard water exists in millions of American homes. It produces sediment that collects in water heater tanks. To prevent damage to the heater, the plumbing technician will flush the tank and remove the sediment during maintenance.
  • Pressure Inspection: Water heaters need to have a controlled amount of pressure in the tank or risk explosions. Therefore, the technician verifies that the pressure valve works properly during an annual inspection to prevent any surprise explosions. 

3 Warning Signs of Water Heater Troublewater heater

When water heaters start to fail, they’ll give off some warning signs. If these three signs occur in the home, never ignore them; call a water heater expert right away to inspect the unit.

  • Leaking: Does the water heater have a leak at its base or around the plumbing? The unit may have corroded or had a pressure problem. More likely than not, a leak requires at least a minor repair somewhere in the unit. In extreme cases, a leak points to a damaged and dangerous water heater that needs immediate replacing.
  • Unreliable Hot Water: If it’s impossible to wash dishes or take a shower because hot water comes and goes without warning, call a plumber to inspect the water heater. A part likely needs replacing in the unit to bring back reliable hot water in the home.
  • Strange Noises: If banging, hissing, or cracking sounds are coming from the water heater, something is amiss. Often, the sounds are a sign of excessive sediment trapping water beneath it, leading to boiling water and high pressure in the tank. In some cases, strange noises are a sign of damaged parts that need replacing. In either case, it’s essential to have an expert investigate to prevent the possible explosion of the unit.

With proper care and annual maintenance, a water heater can enjoy a long life, and the house can enjoy reliable hot water. 

About Platinum Plumbing

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient moment to happen. The team at Platinum Plumbing knows how stressful a busted pipe or flooding toilet can be, which is why they stand ready to help their Normal, IL community 24/7. Call today for reliable water heater repair!

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