How Do I Know It’s Time To Have My Plumbing Service Upgrade My Plumbing? | Saginaw, TX
Buying a new plumbing appliance or fixture can be expensive. But sometimes, you will have no choice but to replace your plumbing. Otherwise, you could end up with a flooded home or paying for more costly repairs. In this article, we’ll talk about when it’s time to upgrade or replace your plumbing. If you have questions, get professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX.
Old Piping Materials
Do you live in an older building? The plumbing pipes may still be made with either galvanized steel or iron. While galvanized pipes can last up to 100 years, this type of material is likely to corrode. Modern homes usually have PVC, brass or copper installed. They are ideal for homes as they are less susceptible to corrosion. Also, copper lasts up to 80 years and PVC can last up to 45 years. To help you determine what type of pipes to install for your new home, please don’t hesitate to get a professional plumbing service.
Discolored Water
When the pipes corrode, the water turns brownish. The mineral deposits may also end up clogging your pipes and lead to a major plumbing emergency. What you can do is get plumbing service for an inspection. Our plumbers can provide you with the best solutions to permanently resolve the problem. We may ask you to completely replace your plumbing pipes.
Low Water Pressure
Clogs and leaks in your plumbing can affect the water pressure. When water pressure is low, check first if the problem is only from one faucet as that’s likely a fixture problem. If there is low water pressure in all the faucets, get a professional plumbing service for leak detection. There is likely a clog or a leak somewhere in your plumbing. Monitor your water bills as that can also tell you if there might be leaks in your plumbing. Leaks must be addressed right away or you’ll end up paying for a costly repair. A plumber might recommend you upgrade your plumbing to resolve the problem.
Old Home
Check for any bumps, flaking, or discoloration in the pipes and get professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, immediately for an inspection. It might be time to get an upgrade to ensure your plumbing is in the best shape. The last thing you want is flooding in your home. You can avoid this by making sure everything is taken care of, especially the pipes. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Frequent Repairs
If you keep calling a plumber in Saginaw, TX, for repairs, you might want to consider getting an upgrade instead. Repair costs can add up; it will be more cost-effective to get a replacement appliance or fixture. You can also consider getting an upgrade when your appliance is no longer efficient. For example, if your dishwasher can no longer properly clean your dishes. To save money, buy an energy-efficient dishwasher.
Leaks
Skyrocketing water bills, damaged walls and ceilings, mold growth and low water pressure may indicate a leak in your plumbing. You’ll want to get professional plumbing service so that a plumber can help you decide if it’s time to get an upgrade. You can avoid catastrophic problems that will cost you more money when you upgrade your plumbing.
Is It Time to Upgrade the Water Heater?
If you don’t know it’s time to get a water heater repair or replacement, watch out for the signs below:
Water Leaking From the Storage Tank
Leaks are a sure sign your water heater is failing. It’s possible the connections are just loose or the valves are not completely closed. In this case, you’ll only need to tighten them. Get a professional plumbing service if you need to replace them. In some cases, the water might be leaking from the tank and this is a serious problem. You will have no choice but to upgrade your water heater.
You Regularly Run Out of Water
When was the last time you drained your water heater? As part of annual maintenance, flush out the sediment buildup or you will likely end up with no hot water. You run out of hot water fast because the accumulated sediment leaves less space for the hot water. You can resolve this by flushing the sediment build-up in your storage tank.
If the problem isn’t addressed for too long, it may no longer be possible to drain the sediment from the tank. When the valves start corroding and clogging, you will have no choice but to get professional plumbing service for a water heater upgrade.
Another sign that you need to upgrade your water heater is when the hot water is inconsistent. One minute it’s hot and the next minute it’s cold. You will need to contact a plumber for inspection; you might need repairs or to completely replace the unit.
Age of the Water Heater
If you just moved into a new home, ask the old owners how old the water heater is or you can also check the label that has the installation date on it. You may also look for the unit serial number and the brand name to help you determine when it was manufactured.
Conventional water heaters can last 10-15 years. How long exactly depends on the maintenance performed on the unit. If your unit is more than seven years old and is no longer efficient, we suggest getting a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, for an inspection. Our plumbers can help you determine if it’s time to get a new water heater replacement. To save money, consider getting an ENERGY STAR UNIT. For installation, make sure to only get professional plumbing service. You need professional installation to ensure the unit is properly installed. Also, you might lose your warranty if you DIY the installation or when you hire unqualified plumbers.
Discolored Water and Noises
Your storage tank is equipped with a coating that slows corrosion but rust can form when the coating begins to rust. When this happens, it’s a sign that you need to replace your water heater. When the water heater makes strange noises, this could be a sign that the water element is breaking. The mineral deposits could be clogging the system and this can affect water flow. If you suspect your water heater is failing, we suggest getting a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX, for an inspection. Our plumbers can help you determine if you should keep your water heater or get a new replacement.
Why Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater
If you’re planning to replace your conventional water heater, consider switching to the tankless version to save energy and money. Below are the benefits of installing tankless water heaters. Get professional plumbing service for the installation of your new unit.
Lasts Longer
Tankless water heaters can last 20+ years compared to just 10 years for a conventional water heater. You can also just mount the unit on your bathroom wall, making it the most convenient option. This means there is no need to install it in the basement. Some homeowners prefer the tankless version as they don’t have to worry about leaks in the basement.
One of the downsides though is that the tankless water heaters are more expensive. But that’s only a one-time cost, and you won’t have to keep buying a new water heater every 10 years.
No Standby Heat Loss
Because you’re only using energy when you turn on the tap or the shower, this means there is no standby heat loss. Compared to the conventional water heater, the tankless version is up to 34% more efficient. Depending on how many people live in your household, you could save up to $100 in energy costs with the tankless water heater.
When to Upgrade the Garbage Disposal
Are you having problems with your garbage disposal? Watch out for the signs below. It may be time to get a new unit.
Clogs
When your unit keeps jamming on a smaller load, you may need to purchase another motor. The size to get depends on how many people are in your household, the kind of dishes you prepare, and how often you’re using the unit. Get 1/3 horsepower if you live alone and bigger if you live with your family. Get professional plumbing service so that our plumbers can help you decide what size to purchase for your home.
Frequent Resets
Resetting the garbage disposal usually resolves a common problem but if you keep pressing it to fix an issue, it might be time to get a new unit. Get a plumbing service so that our plumbers can help you decide if it’s time to get a new unit.
Leaks
If you notice the water coming out of the unit or into the dishwasher, the problem could be the O-ring that needs to be either replaced or tightened. You may want to also check for any loose connection from the dishwasher to your garbage disposal. If it doesn’t correct the problem, the issue could be the sink flange. In this case, you will need to get a professional plumbing service in Saginaw, TX.
Won’t Run
Check for any damaged switch or if the circuit breaker may be overloaded. Contact an electrician if the issue is an electrical component. If the problem is the garbage disposal’s motor, it’s best to get professional plumbing service ASAP. You may need to get it replaced if it’s beyond repair.
Jammed Unit
Do you hear humming sounds coming out of your garbage disposal? Something could be blocking the blades and the most common culprits are usually food particles such as bones, eggshells, and even stringy vegetables. You can remedy the problem by turning off the unit and removing the clog. You may also just get a professional plumber if you need further assistance in removing whatever is clogging the garbage disposal. When it doesn’t correct the problem, you may need to get new garbage disposal especially if your unit is already old.
Should I Get a New Sump Pump Replacement?
A sump pump is a submersible device installed in the basement to prevent flooding. You need to make sure it’s in good working order or you’ll end up with a flooded basement. Below are the signs it might be time to get a new sump pump.
Sump Pump Doesn’t Work
You can test the sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit, enough to turn on the float switch. If the device doesn’t drain the water from the sump pit, it might be time to get a plumbing service to help you resolve the problem. If the plumber can’t fix it, you will need to get a new unit.
Blocked Drainage Parts
The discharge lines must be working properly to avoid issues with the sump pump. Check the exit points to ensure that it’s protected and to prevent rocks and dirt from entering the system. Make sure to also protect the pipes so they don’t freeze in the winter. When the discharge lines are damaged, get a professional plumbing service for an inspection.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need plumbing service in Saginaw, TX? Our plumbers are always ready to assist! We can help you decide if it’s time to upgrade your plumbing appliance or fixture. We’ll thoroughly inspect the unit and provide you with the best plumbing solutions.
We are an experienced plumbing company committed to ensuring all our customers are satisfied with our services. We can help install your water heater, garbage disposal and sump pump. Our plumbers can also repair anything. Call us anytime and we will quickly send someone out to help! Get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an appointment.
