Being knowledgeable about Lucas water heater repairs can come in handy the next time you suddenly find that there’s no hot water or if the temperature is not at your desired range anymore. Having your water system professionally serviced is ideal, especially if you’re no handyman, but if time’s of the element, knowing the basic things about your water heater and how it runs may be of good use. The basic components of a water heater, apart from the thermostat, are the vent and pressure relief valve.

If you find water leaking but the temperature is fine then it’s the valve that may need replacement. Other possible causes of problems may include a rusty tank. In some instances like if there’s noise, the tank may simply have to be drained, flushed and refilled. A common unfavorable problem would be dirty hot water coming out of your heating device. Smelly hot water is another problem that can be traced to impurities like bacteria forming, in which case the heater may need to be flushed with chlorine water, or the aluminum anode rod may have to be replaced.

The first thing individuals would need to assess when faced with the possibility of a need for Lucas water heater repairs is to see if the device can be fixed, or if it must be replaced. Proper care and regular servicing is actually a must to prevent the heater from conking out or malfunctioning. Take note of what a Lucas plumber will normally do at least once in about three or six months – drain the tank of water to prevent sediment from building up underneath the tank. Before draining, though, don’t forget to turn off the heater and close the water intake.

Water heater repairs would also depend on the type of device you have. There’s the storage tank and there’s the tankless type. Problems with the tankless type may be a rare occurrence. Nonetheless, a periodic maintenance is advisable. It would also be helpful to read about troubleshooting tips. If you’re simply wary about replacing the heating element, much less siphoning the water out of the heater, then there’s really no option but to get professional help.

When dealing with the repairman, it’s still very important to be in the know. Find out how much it’ll actually cost to replace your water heater, and how long you’ll be able to use the device when fixed. Lucas water heater repairs will also depend on the specific type and model and the overall quality and the installation of the device. Talking to your Lucas plumbing contractor can help you decide exactly what kind of water heater you may need to install.

Not many of us know a whole lot about Wylie water heaters or water heater repair. However, it is something that every homeowner has to deal with at some time or another because no water heating unit lasts forever. Determining whether or not you should repair your water heater or buy a new one depends solely on what is wrong with it in the first place. Below is a list of problems and what the best solution is for each.

1) Leaks. Almost always, leaks can be fixed very easily. The leak will usually come from one of three places – the drain valve, the pipes or the tank. The drain valve is the easiest fix. You can simply tighten it and in most cases the leak will stop. If the leak is coming from the pipes, inspect the fittings and tighten each one. If the leak persists, the leak is most likely being caused by a hole or crack in one of the pipes due to corrosion. This is a relatively easy fix and is worth it to do because of the relatively small cost, even if you have to hire a professional. Lastly, if the leak is coming from the tank, the tank most likely needs to be replaced. Generally speaking, purchasing a new one is most likely the best fix here.

2) Water that is too hot or too cold. This is usually caused by a faulty temperature pressure relief valve. This valve is supposed to shut off the water heater’s heating element once the water reaches a certain pressure. If this valve is faulty, it can be dangerous because of the scolding hot water the unit could produce, plus the fact that the unit could burst due to built up pressure. Make sure to call a licensed repairman to inspect your unit.

3) Pilot light. If the pilot light keeps going out on your gas water heater, the problem is most likely with the orifice. Clear it from any dirt or debris. The problem could also be with the thermocouple. If this is the case, it will not cost too much to replace it. If you are handy, you could even do it yourself.

4) Water not hot enough. If the hot water being produced is not hot enough or not hot at all, the problem is most likely with the heating element. If this is the case, buying a new one is probably the best option because repair will be expensive. Contact your Wylie plumbing contractor to help decide whether to repair or replace your water heater.

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Discovering you have a leaking water heateris unpleasant to say the least. There are many parts to a water heater that could be causing your leak. The majority of minor leaks can be repaired, however if the tank is leaking that is not repairable. The average life of a water heater in the North Dallas area is 8 – 12 years on a natural gas water heater and 12 – 15 years on an electric, although it is possible for a water heater tank to leak earlier than the average life span.

Possible sources of leaks at the water heater:

Leaking Water lines to the water heater

Temperature & Pressure Valve

Leak from Drain Valve

Leak at Thermostat or Elements

Water Heater tank

If your water heater is leaking give your Dallas area Plumber a call at (972) 509-0224. We will come out and help you shut your water off and give you a free in home quote to repair or replace your water heater during normal business hours. 

If you want to attempt shutting off the water and natural gas or electricity read below.

1. Locate the Emergency water shutoff valve(pictures of valves below to help you).  Once you turn of the water to the water heater and it loses water pressure the leak will slow down and eventually stop. Older shutoff valves may not completely close the water system off due to deterioration.
   
2. Locate the gas shutoff valve and turn it off
   
3. If it is an electric water heater turn off the breaker that controls the water heater.

If your water heater requires replacement, Texas law requires all replacement water heaters have a city permit and inspection upon completion of the water heater installation for your safety.

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The problem of clogged sinks, jammed toilets, pipe bursts and faulty water systems not only plague Dallas households but business establishments as well. They can impact any industry negatively, thus, the birth of commercial plumbing services.

Your professional Dallas plumber can offer a number of benefits to your businesses depending on the extent and nature of the plumbing concerns that you experience. Besides providing immediate solution to a plumbing emergency, following are other advantages of using an Dallas plumber.

Improvement Of Drain And Sewer Lines

Clogs are the most common problems of drainage and sewerage systems. With the help of modern science, specialists in the field are able to remove these clogs. The latter usually come in the form of fossilized grease, soap suds and mineral deposits which pass through the drainage along with water. The amount of these materials present in a specific line can now be easily identified by a professional Dallas plumber with video images even before he goes through the process of eliminating them.

Moreover, an expert can fix damaged lines, clear obstructions in the sewerage lines, pump septic tanks and the like. When all these are done properly, sewer systems will be able to operate. Thus, there are fewer chances of clogged sinks in restaurants, congested toilets in malls and jammed bath tubs in hotels.

Installation Of Plumbing Parts And Fixtures

Installation of plumbing parts and fixtures and entire plumbing system can only be done by qualified Dallas plumbers. They can readily set up complicated pipe networks and water meters for businesses. The fixtures that they install, on the other hand, depend on the establishment they are servicing. Say, sinks, faucets and toilets are usually installed in restaurants. Shower heads, hand-free faucets, sir dryers, commercial garbage disposal and low flow toilets are a few of what they install in hotels and hospitals.  They also set up water heaters, water filters and handicap fixtures for parts of the business like the bathroom, kitchen and the laundry room.

Upgrade Of Plumbing Pipes

Dallas commercial plumbing services also address the problems about old pipes. The latter are awful as they make water from faucets unfit for our health and hygiene. Expert plumbers can replace these old pipes with new ones, even the hard to reach ones. Gas lines are also another type of pipes that they can fix. With their tools, they are able to detect gas leaks in an establishment to prevent any disaster.

Water Heater Services

Making sure that water heaters are working properly would entail a lot of processes like hard water elimination, tank and water line cleaning, temperature checkup, leak detection and many more. Obviously, only a trained Dallas plumber can do all these tasks.

Commercial plumbing services entail extensive and technical responsibilities. This goes to show that only qualified specialists are to perform them. When hiring an Dallas plumbing service team, ensure that all its members are licensed and are capable of doing the tasks they were called to do.

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Whirlpool bathtubs have been around since the 1960s and until recently have remained unchanged. Although the basic concept of the whirlpool bathtub has remained the same, today’s jetted bathtubs are filled with innovative features and designed to be as aesthetically pleasing as they are comfortable and relaxing.

The basic jetted tub comes in two different forms: the drop in bathtub which has been around since the 1960′s and the free standing jetted bathtub a new innovation that came along in the late 90′s. The free standing bathtub has revolutionized the way people install Jacuzzi style bathtubs. Free standing bathtubs are not technically considered a fixture; the free standing bathtub installation has more in common with a washing machine then a recessed bathtub. They are built atop a stainless steel tubular frame which gives the unit added stability and elevates the unit so it can utilize any existing drain the sits beneath the base. Just based on ease of installation, free standing whirlpool bathtubs have become more popular than their old fashion drop in cousins. Your Plano plumber can install your free standing whirlpool bathtub easily and efficiently and have you up and running in no time.

Since free standing jetted bathtubs are supported by a tubular frame there is also additional room for features that until recently couldn’t be found in any bathtub. Chromo therapy lighting, FM radio, speakers and waterproof televisions are just a few extras that can be found in today’s free standing jetted bathtubs. Although they may not appeal to everyone, these new futuristic bathtubs have made quite a splash with the tech and gadget crowd.

Technically savvy bathers are not the only ones who gravitate towards the new self-supporting tubs.  Plano interior designers and builders alike favor them for their ease of installation, low cost and wide variety of designs and styles. Unlike drop in Jacuzzi bathtubs, free standing units don’t just come in a few standard sizes; there are literally thousands of styles ranging from claw foot antique style jetted bathtubs to units inspired by our favorite aquatic life.

Compared to a standard whirlpool bath installation, a free standing jetted bathtub only takes a small fraction of the time, and they are designed for quick and easy remodels. The tubular frame has adjustable feet so the tubs can always be leveled even if your floor is not. The drain stub is also elevated and if there is an existing drain sitting underneath the base of the tub it can be attached easily with a Fernco connection. The water lines are connected via metal braided hoses ( ½” hot and cold). The electrical on free standing bathtubs ranges from unit to unit but many of them can simply be plugged into a standard outlet. The standard installation time for a prepped free standing whirlpool bath is around 15 minutes to an hour.

Overall if you are in the market for a whirlpool jetted bathtub for your Plano home, you might want to consider a free standing model. You will save money along virtually every part of the process as well as time and frustration. You will also find the selection of models, styles and colors to be superior to the traditional style bathtub.

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Drain cleaning can be a good thing for your Dallas household plumbing, but it isn’t cheap to have it done professionally. While it may be something you want to schedule regularly with your Dallas plumber, it isn’t something you want to be up against in an emergency. Having said that, millions of homeowners have found themselves in just such a position at one time or another. 99% of the time, these clogs could have been avoided by following some simple rules about what should go down the pipes and what shouldn’t. Stick to those rules, and you shouldn’t experience any trouble. Here are some of the most common clogs.

Hair

More than anything else, hair is the primary culprit behind most household clogs, especially as it pertains to the bathroom pipes. It’s only natural, of course. Shaving, grooming, even shampooing can cause you to lose quite a lot of hair over a short period of time. If you have people with long hair in your family, the chances of facing a clog in the near future grow ever more likely. While having everyone in the family shave their heads is a drastic measure to take, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid needing professional drain cleaning. Install some special filters or strainers and catch the hair rather than letting it flow into the pipes.

Cooking Oil

Pour a bottle full of vegetable oil down the kitchen sink and you probably won’t run into any problems. Pour that same amount down the hole after you’ve cooked with it and it may be the last thing that goes down without a fight. When it comes to your Dallas kitchen sink, no substance creates as much need for drain cleaning as used cooking oil. Once it cools after cooking, it hardens into a white, sticky mess that clings to the side of your pipes. It doesn’t take many times of doing this before you’re facing a real problem with water flow. Instead of pouring it down the sink, pour it into a sealable bottle or can and throw it out with the trash.

Paper Products

Toilet paper is very light and practically disintegrates when put through the plumbing system. Paper towels, tampons, and feminine napkins are not the same and should never be flushed down the toilet. It is another of the most common reasons for a clog and it is why nearly all Dallas drain cleaning specialists advise finding something else to do with these paper products.

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Here’s a checklist that you can use to do your own pre-inspection on your plumbing. There’s no reason not to check your Plano home out yourself before you hire a certified home inspector.

This way you can compare notes and ask questions. He will give you a thorough report on the home’s condition. Between what you found and what the inspector found you will be able to take care of what needs to be done before you put your house on the market.

For now we’ll focus on plumbing, including bathrooms, the laundry area, and water and septic systems.

* Look for signs of leaks in exposed pipes, including in areas where pipes run through the walls or foundation.

* Look for signs of corrosion, which could indicate a problem with the water, or with the pipe itself. Are there green stains around brass and copper fittings and on shutoff valves? This is a sign of either corrosion or a reaction that occurs with mismatched metals. If this is left uncorrected, it will cause leaks and bad connections.

* Check water pressure. Low pressure could mean a problem with the line or sediment buildup in the faucet aerator or shower head.

* Check drains for speed of drainage. A slow drain may mean there’s a clog or a blocked vent pipe. Look for a full swirling drain. Bubbling drains are a sign of a problem.

* Flush toilets to make sure they operate as they should. Open their tanks and look for worn or missing parts. Wait around for a few minutes to see if the toilet runs after a while. This is a sign of a slow leak.

* If you have a gas water heater, look inside the burner chamber for rust flakes. Check the flame. It should be an even blue, with no yellow. A yellow flame indicates soot or a problem with the gas-air mixture. The jets may need cleaning.

* You may need help for this next task. It’s a good idea to drain the water heater to remove sediment that has settled to the bottom. If you have an electric water heater, turn it off first or you’ll burn up the heating element.

* Check for cracked tiles in the shower area or around sinks. Tap on tiles to find loose or hollow ones that could be masking rotted backerboard behind them.

* Check on the state of the tub and shower caulking. Is it time to replace it?

* Look for evidence of mildew wherever water has a chance to stand for longer periods of time.

* Check the toilet base to be sure it doesn’t rock. There could be a leak that has damaged the floor around it.

* Look for cracks on the toilet tank or bowl and also on sinks

* Slide shower doors to check for sticking or rust. Examine the gaskets around the door glass for any gaps or tears.

* Turn on the shower and bath faucets to check for leaks around the handles and valves. Are they easy to use, or harder to turn on and off? Check any set screws you see.

* Unscrew the shower head and look for collected sediment. This could be lowering the water pressure.

* Examine vent fans for blockages or dust. If it sounds really loud when you turn them on, the bearings may be worn out or a flapper may have gotten stuck.

* Check washing machine hoses for signs of cracks, brittleness, or leaks.

* Check the dryer vents for tears. Vacuum or brush out lint in the hose and around the lint screen inside the dryer. Look for lint around the floor or on the wall, which indicates there’s a clog in the vent hose.

* If you have your own well for water, send out a sample of your water to your county cooperative extension to test it for chemicals and bacteria.

* Be sure that the well cover is tightly sealed but that there is still access to the pump.

* Check the sump pump by pouring water on it to see if it turns on automatically.

* Look around your septic tank/field for soggy ground or lush vegetation. This may mean the tank is full or failing.

Being familiar with your Plano home inside and out will give you an advantage when dealing with your home inspector and prospective buyers.

If you determine there are some plumbing issues, get with your Plano plumbing contractor to take care of any issues and make any plumbing repairs necessary to successfully pass the inspection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Haigh

The plumbing system is a vital part of your Dallas home and requires care to keep it functioning properly. The water heater is one important plumbing fixture that requires maintenance in order to keep it running efficiently. Over time, sediment and sludge can accumulate in a water tank which will make the heater less efficient and it will also shorten its life span which can be very expensive to replace. As well, the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the water tank can solidify andclog the drain valve. To avoid sediment accumulation, it is important to drain the water heater to get rid of the debris and sludge.

The following is a guide on how to drain a water heater:

1. The first thing you should do is shut off the power to the water tank. For a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the ‘pilot’ setting. For an electric water heater, turn off the breaker at the main electric panel.

2. Next, turn off the main water source. There will be either a lever or knob on one of the water pipes coming out of the wall to the water heater. Turn it until the lever can no longer turn.

3. The next thing to do is locate the draincock. The draincock can normally be found at the bottom of the tank on the side. It looks like an outdoor tap. Get a garden hose and attach one end to the draincock and extend the other end outdoors so the water will drain outside and not on the floor.

4. Slowly turn the draincock to open and allow the water to flow through the hose and outside. Open the hot water faucet of the bathtub and let it run. Allow the water to run until you no longer see any sludge and debris coming out with the water. The water should be clear, not yellowish brown.

5. Close the drain valve and turn off the faucet.

6. Turn the cold water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Turn the power supply back on after the tank has filled with cold water.

Water heater experts and your Dallas plumbing contractor recommend that homeowners flush the sediment from their water tanks once or twice a year, depending on the quality of water in their area. If you live in an area with high mineral content in the water, draining twice a year may be necessary.

Generally, most Dallas homeowners do not think about maintaining their hot water heater until it breaks down and they end up with an expensive repair bill or replacement tank bill. Because the hot water tank is an essential plumbing fixture, it is essential to make sure the unit is properly maintained. It is important to flush the water tank to help extend the life span of the water tank. Your Dallas plumbing contractor has the experience and expertise to properly drain a hot water tank and check the tank for any potential problems.

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Plumbing Vents in Plano

A plumbing vent is basically a special pipe (or network of pipes) that leads from an appliance located inside your Plano home to the outside of your home. Although not always, many of these will lead to the roof. Also, many vent pipes are comprised of more than one pipe. So what purpose does a vent serve with regard to your plumbing?

What Do They Do

Unlike the other pipes in your system, vent pipes do not carry water. Instead they carry sewer gases safely from the inside of your home to the outside environment. This is an extremely important part of your Plano home plumbing. Residents should always ensure these vents are in good working order. Should you suspect they are not in good working order, it would be wise to contact your Plano plumber immediately.

Sewer Gases

Sewer gas can make you very sick. Without these vent pipes, these gases would build up in the system and eventually emanate out of your drains and taps and into your Plano home. The vents allow the gases to escape so they won’t build up.

As you can see, vents are an essential part of your plumbing. Plano community residents are required to maintain working plumbing vents for each of their appliances in order to comply with local and state building codes.

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Have you been having continuous drain problems at your Plano home, causing disruption in your life?

Do you remember when your Plano home was new and having years of trouble free drains? The drain pipes at that time were also new, unobstructed, and free flowing. However over time soap scum, sludge and grease has built up in your plumbing drain system eventually completely blocking your entire drain system.

When you call a Plano plumber to clean the line, what is the plumber really accomplishing? The plumber will run an electric sewer machine cable and poke a small hole in the blockage giving you temporary relief. When the plumber leaves you are happy because your plumbing is working again. Why pay for temporary relief when you can now have a permanent solution to drain problems.

Harvey West Plumbing has the technology for this permanent solution. Our technicians can clear the clog, but we don’t quit there. We also clean the drain pipes with our pressure washing hydro jet machine. The pressure washing hydro jet system will remove any leftover debris and grease buildup from your pipe. Once the pipe is “clean” we will run our video inspection camera down the drain line to verify the pipe was cleaned properly. Upon completion of clearing, cleaning and inspecting your drain we will guarantee our work for up to 2 years in our 4 step drain cleaning process.

Call Harvey West Plumbing today at (972) 509- 0224 to have your drains cleaned the right way with our 4-step drain cleaning process!