Tag: water heater repair

Plumbing

What Is Plumbing?

Karen Hubbard

Bryco Plumbing is the network of pipes, fixtures, and other apparatuses that convey fluids—mainly water—throughout buildings. Plumbers install, maintain, and repair these systems. They also design and layout plumbing networks.

To become a plumber, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and undergo an apprenticeship that includes classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training. You must also obtain a license to work independently.

Plumbing Basics: This Is How Your Home Plumbing System Works

When most people think of plumbing, they envision their kitchen and bathroom faucets and fixtures. However, the plumbing system is much more than that. It comprises a network of pipes that bring clean water in and carry wastewater and storm runoff out.

The main water line brings freshwater into the home from a municipal supply or private well. It then travels to the water meter, where it is recorded for billing purposes. From there, the water is distributed to individual fixtures like sinks, toilets and showers via supply pipes. Water heaters are also part of the plumbing system, as they heat up and distribute hot water throughout the house.

A properly functioning plumbing system is essential to a healthy home or business. Regular maintenance can help prevent plumbing problems and ensure that all parts of the system are working correctly.

Plumbers use a variety of tools to inspect and maintain plumbing systems. These include video cameras for inspections, high-pressure water pumps for drain cleaning, and special tools to repair or join pipe materials.

Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are devices that deliver water to the places where people need it most. They include sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and bidets. They also include appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines. Most are designed to be long-lasting and durable, using materials that resist erosion, corrosion and staining. These materials include ceramic tile, stainless steel, fiberglass and plastic. Most plumbing fixtures have drains in the bottom for water to evacuate and stoppers that can be manipulated to control or block flow of water.

Upgrading your home’s fixtures is a great way to improve the look of your interior and increase its value. New fixtures may also be more energy-efficient, saving you money on your monthly utility bills. When choosing new fixtures, consider their water-flow rate and gallons per minute (gpm) to ensure they are a good match for your family’s needs and the design of your home.

Many plumbing fixture manufacturers offer high-efficiency, low-flow options, which can help you reduce your household water usage and your utility costs. These products are rated with the WaterSense label and come in a wide variety of styles, finishes and colors to fit your interior decor. Your plumber can provide suggestions for efficient fixtures that will suit your home and budget. They can also show you a selection of quality products that have been tested and approved by independent laboratories. They can help you find products that will meet your installation requirements and pipe-sizing guidelines.

Drain Pipes

Drainage pipes collect wastewater from your sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets, channeling it into the main drainage pipe that leads outside the home. The main line is usually 4 inches in diameter and runs beneath the lowest level of your house to the municipal sewer or septic system.

Most residential drainage pipes are made of ABS or PVC plastic, but cast iron and orangeburg are also used in some homes. A plumbing professional can advise you about the best drainage pipe for your situation based on anticipated soil conditions and the expected load of wastewater.

The main drain line is typically sloped downward to promote the flow of waste water. It may be lined with a P-trap (S-trap for toilets) or a J-trap. The traps seal the drains and prevent the buildup of debris, thereby preventing clogged drains. A plumber can remove or replace the traps to clean a clogged drain.

Blocked drainage pipes can result in sewage backup, which poses health risks for the entire household. The trapped fecal matter can breed bacteria and fungi that can lead to respiratory issues, skin problems, and other discomforts. Getting your drains regularly cleaned can prevent this from happening and save you the cost of repair or replacement. Regular cleaning can also help keep your plumbing fixtures working efficiently.

Sewer Pipes

All of the drains in your house, from sinks to toilets and showers, connect to pipes that carry waste to the sewer lines. The sewer system transports solid waste and grey water to either a public sewage treatment plant or your private septic tank. This is why it’s important to understand what your sewer line is made of, and to limit the amount of debris you put down your drains.

Your sewer pipe can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are cast iron and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastic. Both are long-lasting and durable. However, over time, the corrosive qualities of cast iron can cause clogs and other problems.

Newer, more modern types of sewer pipes are available to reduce the risk of clogs and other issues. One example is vitrified clay, which is a more sustainable option because it is environmentally friendly and unaffected by the acids found in wastewater.

Regardless of the material, any pipe work should only be conducted by a licensed professional plumber. Typically, this means a licensed master plumber. Sewer work requires special skills and tools, as well as a different scope of insurance than regular plumbing services. It’s also very dangerous to do it yourself. Contact the Balkan Team to schedule a free assessment and estimate from a qualified NYC sewer contractor.

Water Heaters

Hot water is one of the most important conveniences in your home. We use it for showers, washing dishes, laundry, and other daily tasks. It takes a lot of energy to heat your water, though. Whether you’re looking to cut your energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or both, it’s worth upgrading to a more efficient water heater.

Traditional water heaters have been around for decades and come with an insulated tank that holds between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water. These units are powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. They work by recording the temperature of water in their tanks, and when readings drop below a pre-set level, they kick into gear to warm up the water.

When you turn on your hot water tap, a sensor inside the unit detects incoming water and activates a gas burner or electric heating rods. The heater then sends the water to your faucet at the appropriate temperature. When the tap is turned off, the heater shuts off.

To determine the temperature of your water, locate the access panel on your tank (if you have a larger heater, this might mean removing two separate panels). Remove any insulation and a plastic cover, then use a screwdriver to carefully remove the thermostat. A red dial should be visible, and the temperature should read 120 deg-140deg F.

Plumbing Equipment

The equipment that plumbers use can vary depending on the type of plumbing work they do. For example, if they’re working on copper pipe, they may need tubing cutters to cut the material. If they’re installing push-to-connect fittings, they might need a special tool to connect the tubes securely. Plumbers also need a variety of wrenches, including adjustable wrenches, basin wrenches and faucet-valve seat wrenches. Finally, they need pliers with angled jaws to loosen and tighten nuts.

The job of a plumber requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must be able to weigh options and come up with solutions that are cost-effective and safe for the environment. They also need to have good verbal communication skills to explain their work to customers.

Some plumbers attend vocational schools to learn the necessary skills for their careers. Others complete apprenticeship programs, which can last from two to five years. These programs allow plumbers to learn from experienced tradespeople and gain hands-on experience in the field. In addition to formal training, plumbers must have physical strength and stamina to lift heavy equipment and work on their feet for long periods of time. They should also have the ability to work safely in tight spaces. Wearing gloves and long sleeves can help protect plumbers from cuts and other injuries. Safety goggles and a hard hat are also essential for protecting the plumber’s eyes and head.

Water Heater Repair
Plumbing

Water Heater Repair – Unsung Heroes of Water Heaters

Karen Hubbard

Water heaters can develop problems that require repair. Some issues can be expensive, but others are fairly easy fixes.Water Heater Repair

If there’s no hot water, check to see if the circuit breaker is in the “On” position or if a fuse hasn’t blown. However, if you need professional help, contact Denver Water Heater Repair now!

Cloudy water signals mineral deposits, and rusty or smelly water can indicate a broken anode rod.

The thermostat regulates the temperature of your hot water. If it isn’t working, your water may be scalding when you turn on a faucet. Thermostat problems also lead to long wait times for water to heat or the heater to kick on and off repeatedly. You’ll need to troubleshoot and replace the thermostat or heating element. Before starting this water heater repair, shut off the power to your electric storage tank. Make sure you close all the water valves inside the house so no one can open a faucet and flood the place. Also, make sure to shut the gas supply. You’ll need a Phillips and flatbed screwdriver, a multimeter, and a new thermostat (remember to check the dimensions of your new thermostat so it fits).

Start by turning the breaker inside the electrical panel off and taping or locking it in the off position. This will prevent you from accidentally working on the electric wiring and killing yourself. Then, remove the screws that hold the access panel on your tank to expose the insulation. Place a piece of painter’s tape next to each wire and assign a number to each thermostat screw where there is a wire attached. This will help you reconnect the right wires to the correct terminals when you replace the thermostat.

Next, touch one probe of your multimeter to grounded metal like the unpainted steel on the tank housing and the other to each thermostat and heating element terminal. The multimeter should read no voltage (Zero) at all times if these parts are working properly.

If the reset button is still tripping, however, you will need to check each thermostat and heating element for continuity – a continuous electrical path present in the part. You can use your multimeter to do this by touching the left side terminal on the reset button with one lead and the other multimeter lead to the bottom terminal of the heating element with the other lead. If the multimeter reads no continuity, then the heating element or thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Dip Tubes

The dip tube is an unsung hero of water heaters that transfers cold water from the top of your tank back down to the bottom so it can be reheated by the lower element. This is vital to a properly heated hot water system and signs that it’s wearing out are not to be ignored.

If you find small pieces of plastic clogging appliance filters, faucet aerators and showerheads it’s a good indicator that your water heater’s dip tube is degraded and needs replacement. Also watch out for a sudden decrease in your water heater’s water temperature, as a faulty dip tube may dump cool water at the top of the tank, reducing the overall hot water temperature.

For safety reasons, before doing any work on your water heater shut off the power at its circuit breaker (for electric) or gas control dial (for gas). Next drain the tank by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and running it outside or somewhere else where the water can escape.

Now that the tank is empty you should be able to access the dip tube’s inlet. The top of the dip tube sticks up from the tank and has a pipe nipple and connector on it, removing these should be enough to reveal the dip tube underneath. Once the dip tube is removed, you should be able to see the cracked or corroded surface of the metal inside that will need to be replaced.

Obtain a new replacement dip tube and make sure it’s the correct size for your model of water heater. It should also be made from a durable material that will resist corrosion and the effects of hard water on it. The replacement should have a flared upper end that fits over the dip tube inlet and a fastener or nipple on the bottom to secure it. To install it, first wrap plumber’s tape around the end of the replacement to seal off any possible leaks or messes at the interface of the two parts that screw together. Then simply drop the replacement in and tighten or screw it down on the nipple or connector.

Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve is an important part of the safety features of a hot water heater. The valve allows the excess water pressure inside a hot water tank to safely discharge, keeping the water heater from blowing up and causing a dangerous situation for your family. The valve is usually located on the top of the water heater tank or next to it, with a discharge tube that extends to a bucket or other container for the excess water to discharge into. The drain line connecting the valve to the discharge tube should be installed correctly and insulated to prevent freezing in cold weather.

Often, a water heater with a bad pressure relief valve will start to leak. A leaking valve does not mean that the valve is broken, however. The valve is actually doing its job when it leaks, releasing the excess water that builds up in the water heater.

If a water heater’s pressure relief valve is not functioning properly, it may be causing a flood in the garage or closet underneath the hot water heater. It’s essential to have this valve properly installed, and regularly tested for proper operation.

A faulty water heater pressure relief valve can become so stick that it fails to open when triggered, or it may not close after the excess water is released. In either case, it is not something to be ignored and must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a more serious situation.

If the relief valve is stuck open, a plumber will likely need to remove and replace it. In the meantime, a homeowner can try to determine why the valve is opening. This will help them decide if it is due to the temperature or the pressure, and which one can be remedied to make the valve functional again.

If the valve is not stuck, but it continues to leak, this may indicate that it has been set too high. This can be easily solved by adjusting the setting. The TPRV is typically set to release at 150 PSI or 210 deg F, which can be found printed right on the valve, or on a label on the outside of the water heater tank.

Heater Element

A water heater’s heating elements are what make the water hot. When they start to go bad, the water temperature goes down and you don’t have as much hot water as before. If you have a multimeter, you can test each element to determine which one needs replacement. Changing the element isn’t as difficult as it might seem at first glance, and you can usually do it yourself.

Before you start working on your water heater, turn off electric power to it by turning off the circuit breaker that powers the water heater. This breaker is typically located in your home’s central breaker box, which is often in the garage, basement or under a stairway. It might be a separate switch for your water heater or it may be the same as the one that controls your entire house.

Shut off the cold water supply to your water heater, open a hot water faucet, and attach a hose to the drain valve on the water heater. Open the drain valve and drain the water from the tank. This is a good time to clean the inside of your water heater tank as well.

With the water heater still drained, you can now remove the element and replace it with the new one. Before you do, however, ensure that the new element matches the voltage and wattage rating of your old one (you can find this information on the flange or terminal block of the heating element or on the data plate on your water heater). Also, replace the rubber gasket, or “O” ring, on the end of the element.

Once you’ve replaced the element, make sure that the electrical wires are connected correctly to the new thermostat bracket and the terminals on the element. If the wiring is corroded or damaged, you’ll need to replace it before connecting the element to the circuit breaker.

Before restoring electric power to your water heater, check the condition of the element and the thermostat with a multimeter. The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms, which means the element and thermostat are functioning properly.