The water heater is probably one of the most widely used – yet under appreciated – common household appliances. The average person will take for granted the privilege of having instantaneous hot water delivered throughout their plumbing system.

Power: Gas or Electric?

Where their power and energy come from has both pros and cons. Gas units cost more to install up-front than electric. However, within the first 1-3 years, they likely will make up the difference in cost-of-use by being less of a burden on your utility bills. Electric models are cheaper up front and better for the environment, but over time they cost more to operate.

How Do I Know My Water Heater Is Properly Functioning?

Simply put, if there is no hot water coming out of your faucet, it is likely a faulty unit – but it can be more complicated than that. Your water may seem warm, but just not hot enough. American families, on average, keep their hot water temperature somewhere between 125 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit which is very hot to the touch.

Noises are also a good indicator that it is not functioning properly. Over time, sediment can build up inside of the unit, causing it to bang, creek, clank, and knock. Another sign of strange noises can be an indication that the heating element may be burning out.

Age is also a factor. On average, these appliances are sold with a warranty of anywhere from 5 to 10 years. After this time, the manufacturer does not guarantee the product will still work. If your water heater is 5-10 years old, it may be beneficial to have an expert come out and ensure everything is still running fine. It’s better to take action before getting stuck in a cold shower while trying to get ready for work!

When In Doubt, Check The Water!

The water itself can also be a good indicator – aside from just the temperature of it – the way it looks and smells will also give you an idea of whether or not everything is functioning properly. Cloudy or murky water is a bad sign. The smell of rust or iron is also not so good. If your water looks or smells not like water should, you should have a specialist come out as soon as possible.

Whether you are looking to fix your current heater, purchase a new one, or simply get reassurance that your current one is running fine, we encourage you to contact a specialist in your area who has been professionally trained to take on any issues that may arise.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Mendo Lake, CA and surrounding areas. We have technicians trained to repair, install, and tune-up water heaters of all makes and models. Give us a call at (707)-263-1629 or visit us online at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.

*We have 24/7 emergency services available in Lake & Mendocino Counties

Toll Free: (877)-236-1776.

A home plumbing system has a variety of components. Each of these components has to be in peak condition in order for this system to run efficiently. Just like any other part of a home, eventually, your plumbing system will begin to show signs of wear. In some cases, worn out components can lead to plumbing emergencies. When these emergencies occur, the first thing you need to do is call in a reputable and experienced plumber. Read below to find out about some of the most common plumbing emergencies you may experience in your home.

Leaking Water Heaters Can Be Very Problematic

Getting a hot shower is something most people do to wake up in the morning. In order for you to get the hot water needed for this morning ritual, your water heater will have to function properly. As time goes by, your water heater’s tank may start to rust. If this rust makes its way through the tank, it will cause water to spill in the floors of your home. Instead of dealing with the water damage this can cause, you should call in a plumber as soon as these leaks are detected. The plumbing professional will be able to install a new water heater in a hurry.

Broken Plumbing Pipes

The plumbing pipes in a home perform a very specific and important function. If one of these pipes breaks or cracks, it can lead to an excessive amount of water being dumped into your home. The best thing you can do when experiencing plumbing pipe damage is to cut off the main water supply to your home. After this is done, you will have to call in a plumber to replace the damaged pipe.

Plumbing problems? Call us today and find out how we can help or visit our website at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.

Due to the complexity involved in maintaining and repairing a home’s plumbing system, allowing professionals to perform this work is important. Some homeowners think they can save some money by doing their own plumbing repairs, but this will usually backfire. When the time comes to replace your home’s water heater, finding experienced plumbers to help is vital. The money paid to a plumber for this work is worth it due to the damage they can help to prevent. The following are some of the reasons why hiring professionals to perform this job is wise.

Removing the Damaged Water Heater

The first thing a professional will do when hired for this job is to remove the damaged water heater. While this may sound relatively easy, it is anything but. Without the right tools and experience, removing a damaged water heater can turn into a disaster. If you insist on doing this job alone, it may lead to extensive water damage. Rather than increasing the amount of the repair bill for a job like this, you can find the right plumber to do the work for you.

A Faster Turnaround

Being without hot water for days on end can be inconvenient, to say the least. Instead of having to suffer without hot water, you can hire a plumber to get a new water heater in place. They will be able to get this job done in a hurry without you having to lift a finger during the process. Taking the time to do a bit of research will make finding the best plumber in your area much easier.

Be sure to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to find out more about the plumbing services we can provide. Our team is dedicated to providing customers with the best service and price around. Allowing us to handle your plumbing repairs will ensure they are done correctly.

If you have an older home, you should be aware of some of the issues that older homes may possess. One problem that you might not be aware of in your older home is issues with plumbing due to the type of pipes used. We’ll cover some of these issues here, but if still in doubt, contact a plumber.
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