Winchester Plumbing & Gas Services, Inc Blog

What You Didn't Know About Water Heaters

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:09:22 GMT

You might not know your water heater is responsible for a large percentage of your monthly utility bills. It is essential to keep this appliance working properly in order to avoid costly repairs and replacements. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your water heater and reduce its energy consumption, leading to lower monthly costs. Below are some things you may not know about water heaters.

They Can Be Energy-Efficient

Water usage for a family of four shouldn't be more than 120,000 gallons every month, according to Rural Water Impact. However, some families might use more than that, which can increase their monthly utility bills. It's important to look for a water heater that is energy-efficient to help balance out any water usage. Investing in one might seem expensive at first but it can save you money over the long run. To check if a water heater is energy-efficient, look for an energy star rating.

They Can Stop Working

Your water heater can stop working unexpectedly and it might be difficult to determine why. It could be because of mineral deposits that accumulated in the water tank or a malfunctioning thermostat. If you find your water heater is no longer working correctly, it might be time to call in a professional. A certified technician can diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

They Need Regular Maintenance

You should not wait until something goes wrong with your water heater before you schedule maintenance. Performing regular maintenance on your water heater can help extend its lifespan and reduce energy consumption. This includes checking for leaks, draining the tank, flushing sediment, and inspecting the thermostat. Make sure to schedule a maintenance appointment with a qualified technician at least once every two years.

There Are Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional tank water heaters. They can provide hot water on demand and don't require a storage tank, making them a great option for those who want an eco-friendly option. However, they come with a heftier price tag than traditional tanks and require more maintenance due to their greater complexity. Still, many people find that the money saved over time makes it worth the cost.

Your water heater is responsible for a large portion of your monthly utility bills. Regular maintenance and investing in an energy-efficient model can help prolong its life and reduce energy consumption. Knowing these things about your water heater can help you make informed decisions for the future. If you need help choosing a water heater, call Winchester Plumbing & Gas Services Inc today!

3 Things You Didn't Know About Your Home's Leaky Plumbing

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 18:42:09 GMT

According to the EPA, about 10% of home leaks waste 90 gallons or more daily. Most people don't know this, and it leads to massive water wastage. It's important to take care of the leak as soon as you identify it. Here are some things you may not have known about plumbing leaks.

1. Leaks Can Occur Out of Sight

Not every plumbing leak is visible in plain sight; some are very difficult to identify. In fact, you can stay with a leak in your home for a long time without noticing the signs, especially if you are not suspecting anything. This is what usually happens if a leak occurs in areas of your home that you don't usually access. These types of leaks occur above ceilings, behind walls, underneath the home, and under your floors. Because they can go undetected for a long time, they may cause some serious water damage. It's best to find a reliable plumber if you start detecting a musty odor in your home or if there is mold or mildew growth. Other signs of hidden leaks include damaged wall paint, staining on floors, and high water bills.

2. Most Leaks Have an Easy Fix

You must never delay getting a plumbing leak fixed because you think it will cost you lots of money. The majority of leaks are quite easy to fix. Dripping faucets, worn-out toilet flappers, and faulty valves are the most common leaks you will see in homes. Plumbers deal with these every day, and they are considered minor repairs. This means they usually charge small amounts of money to fix, and they won't spend a lot of time in your home. If you see any of these leaks, you should look for the nearest plumber to avoid water damage and stop losing water unnecessarily.

3. Leaks Can Threaten the Structural Integrity of Your Home

Leaks commonly cause water damage to your ceilings, walls, and flooring. However, there are others that will cause damage to the foundation of your home. This is what happens with slab leaks. As the leak gets worse, it can start creating cracks in your foundation. Some will even cause your foundation to shift. As you must imagine, that's bad news for your home's structural integrity. As such, you should get any leaks fixed as soon as possible.

If there is an active leak in your home and you can't fix it, shut off the main water supply and find a plumber. In the meantime, you should clean up all the water as soon as possible. This will help avoid mold and mildew growth. Get in touch with us today here at Winchester Plumbing & Gas Services Inc if you have spotted a leak in your home.

The Two Biggest Reasons You Need to Fix Leaks ASAP

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:46:02 GMT

The plumbing system in our homes is used every single day. We often don't think about how much work the system does. Sometimes, this work can leave your pipes and water heater worn out, causing a leak. Although the leak may not seem like a big deal at first, there are two very big reasons why you need to address the issue as soon as possible.

Loss of Funds

Even if a leak seems minuscule, over time it can create gigantic problems. A small leak can accumulate to a large water bill at the end of the month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks were found to be the cause of over a trillion gallons of water waste every year. Not only is this leak hurting your wallet, but it's also hurting the planet.

If the pipes leading to your bathroom have sprung a leak, calling in affordable plumbing services is going to be your best option. Not only will this save you from spending money on an entirely new plumbing system, but it'll also prevent water waste. Water heaters may begin to leak for a number of reasons. If your water heaters start to leak, it's best to turn them off immediately and contact the professionals. This is especially important if you have a gas water heater.

Moisture and Mold

An untreated leak can lead to immense moisture buildup in your home. Where there is a lot of moisture, there is sure to be a lot of mold. Mold can quickly make you and your family sick, without you even realizing it's present. It can lead to respiratory issues, especially if you already have asthma or other lung conditions. If there is mold buildup in your walls or flooring, you'll need to enlist the help of professionals to remove the problem. Without their help, it could lead to even more unexpected costs.

In addition to causing health problems, moisture and mold can break down the structural integrity of your home. This damage can manifest itself in your walls, flooring, and furniture. It can then begin to peel, rot, and disintegrate due to moisture. This will lead to a multitude of unplanned, expensive repairs and replacements. Keeping moisture at bay by fixing leaky pipes and water heaters is an incredibly important aspect of keeping your home safe.

If you find any leaks in your home, it's crucial to take action right away. Fixing the problem as soon as you find it is the best way to protect your home, family, environment, and wallet. Contact us at Winchester Plumbing & Gas Services, Inc. today. We offer comprehensive affordable services for plumbing, sewers, drains, pumps, water heaters, and gas piping.

How to Choose the Best Plumbing Service

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:54:39 GMT

Most of the time, we don't hire plumbers for regular maintenance or preventative work. Instead, we wait to hire a plumber when there's been an emergency. For that reason, all too often homeowners hire plumbing services that aren't as reliable as they should be. It's frustrating, discouraging, and even financially devastating at times to work with plumbers that don't know what they're doing. A poor plumbing job is not only a waste of your time and money, it can actually result in you spending more money in the long term on corrective work.

However, you can't just ignore those seemingly minor plumbing issues. Right now, household leaks waste over one trillion gallons of water per year nationwide, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. If you don't want to waste water and money, you need to choose the best possible plumbing services in your area. Below, we'll explore how you can do that.

1. Read Reviews

While this may seem obvious, many homeowners don't read reviews before selecting a plumbing service. Rather, they choose the least expensive service providers immediately, which ultimately results in a low-quality job. While you can find affordable plumbing services from great providers, don't choose a provider solely because they are the least expensive option. At the same time, don't assume that the most expensive services are the best. By reading reviews, you can understand what actual customers have been through. Choose a plumber based on positive reviews regarding their customer service, quality, and experience.

2. Ask for Local Recommendations

Ask around for recommendations before selecting a plumber. While reading reviews is one thing, being able to talk to someone and ask questions about their experience is even better. If none of your personal friends have recommendations locally, try browsing community forums and social media groups to get recommendations.

3. Inquire About Experience

Believe it or not, experience really does matter when it comes to hiring a plumber! You should always ask a potential plumber about the skills and qualifications they offer. Some plumbing companies have an experienced plumber in the "lead" role, while they allow less experienced plumbers to handle the actual day-to-day work. Make sure you know who you're working with and that they're fully experienced.

Don't neglect plumbing issues. Get them taken care of as quickly as possible, and make sure that you're working with an experienced plumber! Contact us today for high-quality plumbing services.

Biggest Mistakes That Will Make You Call the Plumber

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:05:34 GMT

Your home's plumbing system is very important, and your home won't be as comfortable if it's not functioning properly. This is why it's important to ensure that you use your plumbing properly and that you hire a professional to carry out regular maintenance. Here are some of the biggest mistakes that will cause you to call the plumber .

Misusing the Garbage Disposal

This might come as a surprise to you, but just because the garbage disposal is meant for garbage, it doesn't necessarily mean that it can handle all types of garbage. Not all garbage belongs in the garbage disposal. So if you cram every type of waste down there, the blade might stop running, and you will have a real problem at your hands. You must avoid dumping things like watermelon rinds, potato peels, and pumpkin carvings into the garbage disposal. You must also make sure that everyone who visits your home knows to use the garbage disposal properly.

DIY Plumbing Repairs or Maintenance

It might be tempting to try and handle your plumbing repairs and maintenance on your own. However, this is not a good idea. Apart from not having enough experience and tools, you probably don't have enough time as well. You might think to yourself, “Why does it matter?”. Unfortunately, most plumbing problems look a lot less complicated than they actually are. What you don't know is that most plumbing issues are just a sign of more serious issues. This is why you must leave all plumbing repairs and maintenance tasks to a professional plumber.

Even something as small as a dripping faucet can turn ugly if you don't know what you are doing. According to the EPA, a showerhead leaking at ten drops per minute can waste more than 500 gallons yearly. If you try to fix it and things go sideways, you might end up losing even more water than that.

Using Liquid Drain Cleaners

When your drain is clogged, one of the things you must never do is to use a drain cleaning liquid. These chemicals are usually highly corrosive, and they can easily damage your pipes. Apart from that, they can also destroy the good bacteria that prevent buildup in your drains. To make things worse, some plumbers charge more to deal with problems if you have used a drain cleaning liquid. This is because the liquids are hazardous, and they make the plumber's job more complicated.

Plumbing jobs are best left to the professionals. Attempting to fix things on your own without consulting a professional can cause disasters that will be more complicated to fix. If you are having plumbing problems and need help, contact us today.

Easy Ways to Make Your Water Heater More Efficient

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:44:50 GMT

If you ever look at your utility bill and wonder why it is so high, your water heater might be the reason. Heating up water requires more energy than just about everything in your house except heating and air conditioning. When your water heater is not efficient, they do not work well and cost more money. However, there are some easy fixes to help make your water heater efficient.

Clean the Tank

Minerals build up on your water heater as you use it. When the minerals settle at the bottom, the hardened material forms sediment. Sediment causes your water heater to work harder. This causes a build-up of pressure which leads to overheating. Draining and flushing your water heater annually removes sediments and helps it run efficiently.

Insulation

Heat naturally leaks out of pipes and your water tank. While this occurs naturally, it does cause your water heater to be less efficient. As the heat is released, it means that more water needs to be heated. This causes your water heater to run more and longer. Insulating the pipes and tank prevents some amount of the heat from leaking.

Repair Leaks

While plumbing leaks are common, you do not want to ignore them. They are problematic for your home. Leaks waste water and use more energy. According to the EPA, leaks account for almost 10,000 gallons of wasted water per year, and 10% of homes with leaks waste more than 90 gallons of water each day. Often, leaks occur at the water heater. It is best to check your water heater for any signs of leaking, especially at the drain valve and temperature-pressure relief valve. Even the tiniest leak can waste a significant amount of water.

Lower the Temperature

Your water heater has a thermostat. This tells the system to what temperate it should heat the water. The higher the setting, the hotter you want your water. The hotter the water means that your water heater may have to work harder and longer. Reducing the temperature helps to make your water heater more efficient.

If you believe that your water heater is running inefficiently, contact professionals to assess your water heater to ensure it is running as well as it can. This will help you save energy and lower your utility costs.

5 Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Should Watch For

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:46:42 GMT

Plumbing issues are more common than you may think, but most homeowners try to ignore plumbing issues until they become more severe. While many of the most common plumbing problems may not seem significant, they can end up costing you a lot of money and they can all grow in severity over time. To help you be able to identify five of the most common issues, here is what you need to know.

1. Dripping Faucets

One of the most common plumbing problems in most households is dripping and leaking faucets. While this may seem like more of a minor annoyance than anything, if you pay for water, you could be paying for this problem. According to the EPA, fixing problems like this can save you around 10% on your water bills, and save approximately 5.7 gallons of water every day, per faucet. The more dripping faucets that you have, the more money and water you will be losing down the drain every month.

2. Running Toilets

Running toilets are another common plumbing problem and they can be even more costly and wasteful than a dripping faucet. Capable of wasting between 20 to 30 gallons of water every day, this is one problem that you will want to have fixed as soon as you notice it. If you've tried jiggling the handle and still can't stop your toilet from running, call your plumber as soon as possible to save a lot of water and money.

3. Toilet Clogs

Almost everyone has experienced a clogged toilet at one point or another, and while it can be annoying and a bit disgusting, it can also be a sign that there's a deeper problem. Although not every clog is a sign that you need to call a plumber, if they are happening frequently or if you have water or sewage backing up into your home, you're going to want to call a plumber as soon as possible. It could be that there is a blockage in your sewer line or septic tank and if you don't have the problem fixed quickly enough you could be looking at an expensive, damaging, and disgusting problem.

4. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common problem and they are often caused by debris and detritus that falls into your drains over time. While sometimes you can fix the problem by using a drain cleaner to dissolve things like sludge and hair, if the problem is happening frequently or if you're unable to unclog your drain, you're going to want to call a plumber to avoid further damage.

5. Leaking Pipes

Leaky pipes are common and they can cause a lot of water damage if the problem isn't caught and fixed quickly. If you have noticed your pipes leaking, water stains in your home, musty smells, or growing visible mold, your best bet is to call a plumber who can locate the pipe that is leaking and replace it so that the damage can be minimized.

These are five of the most common plumbing problems that many homeowners will have to deal with at one time or another. If you have encountered any of these issues around your home, don't wait until it gets worse and call in a professional plumber to help save yourself both money and water.

Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Water Heater

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 13:40:37 GMT

Choosing a water heater for your home can be intimidating. The choices are many, and the prices range from affordable to “whoa!” Not only that, but you also have to decide whether it should be gas or electric, what size tank is right for your family’s needs (and budget), and so on. So how do you know which one is best? Well, here are some tips on picking the perfect water heater with just six questions:

1. What Type of Fuel Would Work Best in My Area?

You already know that electric water heaters are more popular in the majority of American households. But gas water heaters, though less popular than their electrical brethren, are still widely available. When you look at your situation, you’ll need to decide whether one is better for you than the other.

Here are some facts about each type of unit so that you can make a more informed decision:

Electric water heaters usually cost less than gas models, and they are considered an “energy star rated unit.” They have great efficiency ratings (score higher on the energy factor scale) and require little maintenance. When compared to natural gas water heaters, they are often easier to install and maintain. However, some people may not like the fact that there is an electric cord running from the unit to the wall outlet.

It’s also worth noting that the electric water heater is not a good choice for people living in areas with frequent power outages.

2. How Much Water Do You Use?

Many people will use water from the tap without even thinking about it. If your family is like this, then you need to get a bigger unit.

Are there other appliances or fixtures that use a lot of hot water in your home (like a dishwasher or washing machines)? Do you often have large groups of friends and/or relatives who come over for big parties? If any (or all) of the above scenarios are true for your home, you probably shouldn’t buy an undersized unit. It will run out of hot water too quickly, and you’ll end up wasting a lot of energy.

3. What’s Your Budget?

Again, this factor is very important. If you have a family and live in an area where the cost of living is high, you need to find ways to save money every year. However, buying a cheap water heater might not be a good idea. It might save you a few bucks now, but it can turn into an expensive mistake in the future.

4. How Much Space Do You Have?

You should also consider how much space you have in your home before purchasing a water heater. In most cases, gas water heaters are larger than electric models. Some of them even come with tanks that are more than 75 gallons in size! It’s recommended that these larger tanks be installed in areas away from the living space to reduce noise and for safety reasons.

5. What Features Do You Need?

Though the choice between gas and electric water heaters is essentially your call, you might want to consider a few key features. For example, if you have kids in your household, it would be wise to opt for “safety features” like anti-scald devices or float valves. These can help prevent scalding, and they will ensure that your children are protected at all times.

6. What’s Your Climate Like?

Installing a water heater that isn’t suited to the weather in your area can create problems for you down the road. If you live in an area where temperatures reach below freezing regularly, you need to think about getting a tankless unit or adding insulation to the main unit. These measures are valuable investments because they will help keep your water heaters functioning properly for many years.

As you can see, many factors should be considered before a water heater installation. At Winchester Plumbing and Gas Services Inc., we can advise you on the best options based on your needs and preferences. Call us today for a consultation! We also offer affordable plumbing services as well as water treatment solutions.

Instances When You Need Affordable Plumbing Services

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:39:46 GMT

Many people think their plumbing system is not something they need to be concerned with until it breaks. This couldn't be further from the truth. Even though your home's plumbing system may seem like it won't break down, there are many instances when you should consider getting affordable plumbing including:

When You Have Leaking Pipes and Faucets

One of the most common plumbing issues is leaking pipes and faucets. These can be small leaks or major ones. It doesn't matter because if you don't fix them before they get worse, your home might have flooding problems that will require a lot more than just repairs to resolve. Again, fixing leaks can help you save about 10 percent on your water bills.

When You Have an Issue with Your Toilet

If you have flushed several times and notice water not draining away in your toilet bowl, this could be due to a blockage either further down the sewer line or at the level of the toilet fixture itself.

If there is no water in the bowl and the float ball has risen, something might be blocking pipes leading to the tank.

A toilet that won't stop running could indicate problems with either a worn or broken part called a "float valve." It also happens when somebody holds down the handle for too long. It could also mean that there is a leaky connection in the tank and pipes. In all these circumstances, you will need affordable plumbing services.

When You Have an Issue with Your Shower

Shower heads can become clogged or broken. This affects water pressure and makes for a less than desirable shower experience.

The pipe leading to the showerhead might also be leaking if it's cracked or corroded. This creates a host of problems, including reduced water pressure for nearby fixtures, and an increased chance of mold growth due to standing water on the walls/ceiling near the leak.

When You Have Clogged Drains

Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems and can occur for several reasons.

Tub/shower clogged: If water is not draining from your tub or shower, it could be because there's hair wrapped around the drainpipe or some other object blocking its movement.

Sewer backup: When wastewater backs up into your home through pipes or toilets, this is called sewer backup. It happens when storm sewers overflow during heavy rainstorms; sewage treatment plant back-ups; broken septic systems near homes; and many times, due to blockages by tree roots growing near the sewer line.

When Installing New Appliances

When installing new appliances, the pipes may need to be rerouted or expanded. This is best left in the hands of a professional plumber for safety reasons and can help prevent future plumbing issues.

Installing new appliances can also require special equipment that is not easily accessible to the average homeowner. Not only do plumbers have the equipment, but they are also trained on how to use them when installing these types of appliances without damaging your home's plumbing system.

Pressure Problems

When you have constant low water pressure at your house, then this might point to a leak somewhere on the line. It only takes a tiny hole for gallons of water to flow out and cause some pretty severe damage.

If There Is Flooding in One Area

This could indicate that something in another section of your home has stopped up and put pressure on other areas of the system. A plumber would know where to look for potential problems like this, so it doesn't happen again.

For Maintenance

Regularly inspecting all parts of your home will help you catch any potential issues before they become serious ones that require expensive repair work by an affordable plumbing service. It's always better to take care of these smaller issues early on instead of waiting for them to get worse, which could cost more money in repairs later on.

It is important to get affordable plumbing services whenever you notice any of the problems mentioned above. Remember, the longer you wait without getting repairs done on your piping system, the more likely serious damage will happen.