Frequently Asked Plumbing Service Questions About Your Plumbing Appliances | Saginaw, TX
You can extend the lifespan of your plumbing appliances when you know how they work and how to properly maintain them. A well-maintained appliance will work efficiently and avoid costly repairs. Get to know your plumbing appliances in this article. We’ll talk about common questions about your water heater, garbage disposal, and dishwasher. If you have other concerns, feel free to get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX.
Water Heater
A water heater provides us with the hot water we need. Read our FAQs to get to know your water heater:
What Water Heater Should I Install for My Home?
You can either install a tank-type water heater or a tankless water heater. For installation, don’t forget to get a professional plumbing.
Conventional Heater or Tank-Type Water Heaters
Tank-type water heaters are more affordable compared to tankless versions. They can last between 7-10 years, depending on the maintenance performed on the unit. You can extend their lifespan if you regularly flush out the sediment build-up and get the unit professionally serviced. With a conventional water heater, you’ll need to have a space for it as it can be huge, depending on what size is suitable for your household. If you’re concerned about flooding in the basement, consider skipping the tank-type version and buying the tankless water heater instead. Get a plumbing service so that our plumbers can help you decide.
Should you decide to get a tank-type water heater for your home, please make sure you only get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX for installation. A trusted and reliable plumber can properly install the unit. You can avoid repairs and other problems associated with poor installation by hiring qualified professionals.
Tankless Water Heater
Compared to conventional heaters, the tankless version is a little more expensive. However, they also last twice as long. That means that you won’t have to keep buying a new water heater every few years or so if you decide to go with the tankless version.
Another advantage of getting a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, for tankless water heater installation is that you won’t need to have a bigger space. You can save that basement space because the tankless water heater can be mounted on your bathroom wall. Also, so long as you have the right size, you’ll never run out of hot water in your home. Consider the tankless version if you want to avoid flooding caused by a water heater tank leaking. But for installation, please make sure that you only hire a licensed plumber for it to avoid problems down the road.
Tankless water heaters also require less maintenance but the biggest benefit is the energy you save. Because it’s a demand water heater, that means you’re also using energy when you’re running the faucet or the shower. If you have a tank-type water heater, you need to constantly heat the water. You won’t have to do this when you go with the tankless version.
Do you have a water heater tank that’s more than seven years old? Get a plumbing service so we can talk about the benefits of tankless water heaters. You might want to consider it and save money in the long run.
Why Do We Run Out of Hot Water?
Are you constantly having problems with hot water? One of the causes could be the unit’s heating element. We suggest that you get a professional plumbing service today so we can inspect the unit, diagnose the problem and resolve it for you.
If you have an old water heater, it may no longer be that efficient. Consider getting a replacement if you’re constantly having issues with your unit. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to get a new one than keep paying for frequent repairs.
Another reason is that you may not have the right size for your needs. Talk to us today and we can help you determine what water heater size is suitable for your needs. Our team of licensed and highly experienced plumbers can also help you install your new unit.
What Should Be the Water Heater’s Ideal Temperature?
Some water heaters have a pre-set temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But to save money, consider going for a lower temperature. You may want to also get a smart thermostat to let you set schedules for your water heater. Adjusting the temperature and managing water consumption is quicker and easier when you have a smart thermostat installed. If you’re thinking of buying one, please hire a professional plumbing service for proper unit installation.
What Type of Water Heater Is Suitable For Me?
If you want to conserve more water and save energy, we suggest that you consider getting a tankless water heater for your home, and ensure you also get professional plumbing service for the unit’s installation. Homeowners who are planning to sell their home in the future might want to also go with the tankless water heater to increase their home’s value.
But if affordability is your first priority, then the tank-type water heater may be right for you. Should you decide to get this one, just make sure that you properly maintain it to avoid problems down the road. If possible, have it professionally serviced too. Don’t forget to insulate the area where the water heater tank is placed to avoid heat loss. Also, don’t forget to flush out the sediment buildup in the tank otherwise the unit’s efficiency will be affected. Failure to flush out the mineral buildup can also lead to other problems such as leaks and other costly repairs.
How Do I Know It’s Time to Get a New Water Heater?
Conventional water heaters can last up to 10 years while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. If yours is beyond its lifespan, we highly suggest that you get a new one. And take your time in choosing the right water heater for your household. Get a plumbing service so our plumbers can help you make an informed decision. Our staff is quite knowledgeable about water heaters — we don’t just help you install them, we can help you choose the best one for your home too.
Another sign that it’s time to get a new replacement is when you keep calling for repairs. Keep in mind that plumbing repairs can be expensive — it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one than keep paying for repairs because they can add up.
When your water heater is no longer that efficient, we suggest that you get professional plumbing service so we can thoroughly inspect the unit. We’ll let you know if it’s better to get a replacement than keep your old water heater. If your bills are higher than usual, the water heater could be the culprit. Get a new water heater to conserve energy and money. For installation, make sure that you only hire a licensed plumber in Saginaw, TX.
Can I Install the Water Heater by Myself?
Your manufacturer might require you to get a professional plumbing service to help you install the new unit to keep your warranty intact. Avoid hiring unqualified people to help you with installation as that might end up in plumbing disasters. Never attempt a DIY as well because a mistake may cost you more money down the road. To be on the safe side, get a professional plumbing service.
Garbage Disposal
Consider installing this appliance as it’s beneficial for your home. Below are the common questions about your garbage disposal:
What Is a Garbage Disposal and How Does It Work?
A garbage disposal is a motorized appliance that grinds food waste into smaller particles to help you dispose of them properly. It’s a good addition to your home especially if you struggle with managing your food waste. This appliance is also called a waste disposal unit or a garbage disposer.
How it works: when you turn on the garbage disposal, a small plate at the bottom would start to rotate. This plate is equipped with impellers that help grind the food down into the tiniest particles. If you’re planning to install one for your kitchen, please get a professional plumbing service.
Items not to put in the garbage disposal
If you want to avoid repairs, please make sure that you don’t throw the items below:
- Pasta
- Large food particles
- Beans
- Eggshells
- Grease/cooking oil
- Stringy fruits
Always break down large food particles first to avoid problems with the unit. After grinding down food, run the disposal for at least one more minute to avoid unpleasant smells.
What Size Do I Need?
The size of the garbage disposal suitable for your home depends on how many people live in the household, how often you intend to use the garbage disposal, and what kind of food do you usually prepare. Contact us and our team can help you decide what size of the garbage disposal you need for your home.
Common sizes include 1/3 horsepower, 1/2, 2/4, 1 and 2 horsepower. Go with a bigger horsepower if more people live in your household. Get a plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, so we can help you make an informed decision and help you install the unit too.
Why Does My Unit Smell?
When the garbage disposal smells, there is likely food waste still stuck inside. Try running plenty of cold water with lemon to flush out all the remaining food particles. If your unit still smells, consider getting a plumbing service for assistance. Our plumbers can check your garbage disposal, diagnose the problem and help you permanently resolve the issue.
How Do I Install a Garbage Disposal?
Please avoid DIY installation or hiring unqualified people as that would only lead to more problems down the road. Instead, get a professional plumbing service to ensure proper installation of the unit. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you need assistance and rest assured that our plumbers will make sure that the unit is in excellent shape.
Dishwashers
Save time by buying a high-efficient dishwasher for your home. Make sure that you get professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, to help with installation.
How Do Dishwashers Work?
Think of them like a washing machine for your utensils. A dishwasher can clean all the dishes inside the unit by spraying them with detergent, rinsing them, and then drying them. To ensure efficient cleaning, we suggest that you remove food particles in the dishes before loading them in the dishwasher.
If you haven’t used a dishwasher before, read the manual first before using it. Make sure that you know how to properly load the dishes to avoid issues with the unit. As a rule, the dishes must face inwards for efficient cleaning. Those large and bulky items must be placed either at the bottom or on the sides. Glasses should go to the top rack and ensure they have enough space in between.
Items made with iron, crystal, aluminum, and wood shouldn’t go to your dishwasher. To avoid damage, consider hand-washing them instead.
What Type of Detergent Should I Get?
If you’re planning to buy an energy-efficient dishwasher, please only use the special detergent suitable for your unit. Otherwise, the dishes may not be cleaned properly. Check the manual for advice or call your manufacturer. For other issues with the dishwasher, please get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX.
Avoid DIY installation or repair to prevent problems. Call Benjamin Franklin instead for assistance.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you have other questions about your plumbing appliance or do you need plumbing service for installation? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our plumbers are licensed and highly experienced to help with any issues with your plumbing. We are an established plumbing company committed to providing top-notch service on every appointment. Rest assured, we strive hard to ensure you’ll be completely delighted with our service. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.
