Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs that your water heater needs repair include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises coming from the unit, water discoloration, and leaks around the heater. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional for an inspection.

If your water heater is leaking, turn off the power supply ensuring no further heating is occurring and water supply to the unit. This will help prevent further damage. Then, contact a professional repair contractor to assess and fix the leak.

It’s recommended to have your water heater serviced annually. Regular maintenance can help prevent major issues and extend the lifespan of the unit.

Strange noises such as popping or banging often indicate sediment buildup in the tank. This sediment can cause the heater to work harder, leading to noise and potential damage. A professional can flush the tank to remove the sediment.

Water discoloration is usually caused by rust or sediment buildup in the tank. Flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod can often resolve this issue. If the problem persists, it might indicate a more serious problem requiring professional attention.

The average lifespan of a tank water heater is about 6 to 10 years. However, regular maintenance and certain premium features – like anode rods – can extend its life. If your tank water heater is older than this, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Tankless water heaters typically last 20 – 30 years with proper maintenance, including regular flushes and descaling.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, do not run out of hot water, are more energy-efficient, and have a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional tank water heaters. However, they may have a higher upfront cost.

While some minor issues can be addressed by homeowners, most water heater repairs require specialized knowledge and tools. It’s safer and more effective to hire a professional contractor to handle repairs.

To improve efficiency, ensure your water heater is properly insulated, lower the thermostat setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and regularly flush the tank to remove sediment. Also, consider upgrading to a more efficient model – like a tankless water heater – if your current unit is old.

First, check the power supply or pilot light (for gas heaters) to ensure they are functioning. If everything seems fine but you still have no hot water, it could be an issue with the thermostat or heating elements, which will require professional repair.

Repiping involves replacing old, damaged, or deteriorated water lines in your home or building with new ones. You might need repiping if you experience frequent leaks, low water pressure, rusty or discolored water, or if your pipes are made of outdated materials like galvanized or polybutylene.

Signs that your home might need repiping include consistent leaks, water discoloration, reduced water pressure, unusual noises from your plumbing, and visible corrosion on exposed pipes. A professional inspection can also determine if repiping is necessary.

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the industry standard material for water lines. PEX is significantly cheaper than copper and does not have the chemical reactivity issues that plagued Polybutylene. PEX comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.

We are able to complete most repipes within one or two days. Shortly after the repipe is completed, city inspectors will come out to access the work. We will be onsite during the inspection.

While some access points will need to be created to reach the pipes, experienced repiping contractors take care to minimize damage. We make a point of being minimally invasive for our repipes.

The cost of repiping can vary based on factors like the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. While it can be a significant investment, repiping can prevent costly future repairs and improve your home’s water quality and plumbing performance.

In most cases, you can stay in your home during the repiping process. The water will be off during the entirety of the repipe to ensure safety. However, toilets are still usable with the water off, with one flush being stored in each tank.

To prepare for repiping, clear access to areas where pipes are located, such as under sinks, in attics, and behind walls. Removing personal items and covering furniture can also help protect your belongings.

Yes, repiping can significantly improve your water quality, especially if your old pipes were corroded or made of materials that leach contaminants into your water supply.

Modern piping materials, such as PEX, are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer of PEX. With proper maintenance, new pipes can last 50 years or more.