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When To Replace Your Water Heater

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a water heater

When water heaters run correctly and efficiently, they operate in the background of your home and make your life easier without you having to think about it. However, when water heaters start having problems, they can become a major headache.

The top question that homeowners ask about their water heater is how they will know when it’s time to replace it with a new model. Luckily, there are several signs to look for, such as an uptick in your energy bill, leaks, weird noises, inconsistent water temperature and more.

Some homeowners also experience a rotten egg smell coming from their faucets or water heater, which is a sign of damage inside their water tank.

Lastly, leaking from the side panel of your water heater is usually due to your temperature pressure relief valve releasing, which is a crucial safety mechanism.

If you experience any of these issues with your water heater, it’s important to … Read Full Post »

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Garbage Disposal Is Jammed: What Should I Do?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a kitchen sink

A jammed garbage disposal can interfere with a lot of your activities in the kitchen. If there is a humming sound, but the blades are not turning, that is a sign of a clogged motor. Sometimes, all it takes is pressing the reset button to get it running again. But other times, it requires more effort.

Here’s an in-depth guide to help you troubleshoot a jammed garbage disposal and understand why it happens in the first place. If you are having trouble fixing the issue, contact a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done.

How To Fix a Jammed Garbage Disposal

Safety should always be your top priority. While a garbage disposal’s blades are dull, they can cause harm if you don’t practice basic safety measures. Never put your hands inside the garbage disposal, even if you think something is lodged inside.

Additionally, never work while the garbage … Read Full Post »

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Bathtub Faucet Leaking After Water Is Turned Off

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a bathroom

A hot bath is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day. But it can lead to frustration if the bathtub faucet keeps dripping when you turn it off. Not only is it an irritating sound, but it also wastes a lot of water and can raise your water bill.

There are many possible reasons for this issue. It is best to troubleshoot it as quickly as you can. If nothing works, contact the professionals. A licensed plumber will pinpoint the cause and fix your bathtub.

Reasons Why Your Bathtub Faucet Is Leaking After the Water Is Turned Off

There are three common culprits behind a leaking bathtub faucet. Here’s a closer look at each of the possible causes and how you can troubleshoot them.

Worn-Out O-Ring or Washer

Faucets have various small parts inside them that work together to manage the flow and temperature of water. But they can corrode and … Read Full Post »

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How To Test Water Quality

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a shower head

Water is part of our everyday lives, so we often don’t pay much attention to it. But, it is important to find out if the water in your home is clean and safe. It should be free of chlorine, lead and other impurities.

Homeowners on municipal water should receive a Confidence Consumer Report for their water’s quality. You can contact your local water supplier if you are not getting your annual water quality report. You can also test your water yourself. Doing so will take a little effort, but your body will thank you later.

If you don’t know how to test water quality, here is everything you need to know about the process.

How To Use a Water Home Testing Kit

If you are worried about contaminants in your water, a home testing kit can provide accurate results. They come in various forms, depending on what you are testing for. They can be … Read Full Post »

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My Toilet Keeps Running: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a toilet in a bathroom

The only time toilets should make noise is when you flush them. If you hear it running continuously, it indicates a problem that requires fixing. A running toilet can cause your water bill to skyrocket and can waste water, so it’s important not to ignore this issue.

Fortunately, the basic toilet design hasn’t changed in decades, and troubleshooting this problem is typically straightforward. However, you should contact a professional plumber if you’ve tried everything but still can’t get your toilet to stop running.

Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

There are a few possible culprits and solutions if your toilet keeps running. But, before you troubleshoot, familiarize yourself with the different toilet parts and understand how they work. You can do this by shutting off your toilet’s water supply and removing the tank lid to see the components inside. You’ll find the following:

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How To Flush a Water Heater

. Posted by in
a water heater

Hot water at home is a luxury. There’s no better feeling than having a steaming hot shower after a long day. But, did you know you have to take care of your water heater to keep enjoying the comfort and relaxation that hot water brings?

Water heaters are one of the most overlooked appliances for many homeowners. Homeowners often tend to forget to clean them. If you haven’t given yours any TLC in a while, here’s a guide on how to flush a water heater. With regular upkeep, you can keep it running smoothly for years.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Flushing Your Water Heater

If you haven’t flushed your water heater in a long time, or have never done it, expect a lot of sediment buildup. To prevent any long-term damage and keep your water heater running efficiently, experts recommend cleaning it or getting it cleaned by a professional at least once a … Read Full Post »

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What To Do if Water Is Leaking From Your Ceiling

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
water leaking from the ceiling

A ceiling leak is a problem that no homeowner should ignore. If you see water dripping, brown stains forming or paint bubbling, these are signs of a ceiling leak, and you should address it as soon as you can.

Here’s everything you need to know about the issue, including the causes of leaks and what you should do. Contact a professional plumber to get to the root of the problem and find a solution before the damage gets worse.

There are two common reasons why water is leaking from the ceiling. It can be a plumbing issue, such as a leaking shower or damaged piping. Or, there is an issue with your roof, causing water to come in. Here’s how these problems can lead to a ceiling leak.

Damaged Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of ceiling leaks in the winter. When temperatures get extremely low, the water inside the … Read Full Post »

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How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a sink with a garbage disposal

Knowing how to clean a garbage disposal is necessary for the upkeep of a home. Like any kitchen appliance, garbage disposals need a thorough cleaning once in a while, or else bacteria can start to accumulate. Most of the food items you throw into it will disappear for good. But small chunks can get stuck in various parts of the garbage disposal and eventually rot. Oil and certain vegetables can also leave residues that can cause bacteria buildup.

To help you keep your garbage disposal grime-free, here’s an in-depth guide on how to clean it properly. We also include troubleshooting tips that can help address any issues. However, it’s always best to contact a plumber for severe problems so that you don’t cause further damage to your garbage disposal.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Cleaning your garbage disposal isn’t a complicated task and should take no more than 30 minutes. … Read Full Post »

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What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
A home with a tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters have become popular as more homeowners look for energy savings and more sustainable appliances. Compared to traditional tank water heaters, tankless units save homeowners about 30 percent or more on their energy usage for such a unit.

Traditional tank water heaters use energy–whether fueled by electricity or gas–in standby mode. They hold the hot water in reserve, waiting for someone to need it. How does a tankless water heater work? Tankless models heat the water as needed. You will have a momentary delay while the hot water runs through your pipes, but generally, no more heating, depleting and waiting. But, how do you know what size water heater you need if you go tankless?

If you have a tankless unit that is too small for your needs, you will run out of hot water when you might need it the most. If you purchase a unit that is too … Read Full Post »

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Toilet Making Noise: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in
a toilet that is making noise

Is your toilet making weird noises by itself? Maybe you hear a loud banging sound after you flush or notice spooky “ghost flushing.” There are several reasons why your toilet is speaking for itself, and they usually indicate a problem with your plumbing.

Some toilet noises are quick fixes, while others require a deeper investigation into your home’s pipes and plumbing. The first step to solving the problem is identifying your toilet’s noise: a bang, gurgle, flush, hiss or vibration.

One of the most common types of toilet noises is a loud groan from your pipes after you flush. This sound is usually a sign of constriction in your waterline. To solve the problem, you must identify the location of the clog. Contacting a professional plumber is the best way to handle this situation because they are more educated on piping problems.

Finally, another common toilet issue that confuses homeowners is when the … Read Full Post »

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