Repair & Maintenance

Here are the 10 common plumbing issues you could face with a water heater:

1. No Hot Water: This one’s a no-brainer, right? When you can’t get hot water, something’s clearly up with your heater. It could be a broken heating element, a tripped circuit breaker, or a kaput thermostat.
2. Not Enough Hot Water: When your showers are more ‘meh’ than ‘ahhh’, it’s often because the water heater isn’t big enough for your needs. Or it might be the thermostat again.
3. Too Hot or Too Cold: Check your water heater thermostat if your water is giving you third-degree burns or turning you into an icicle. It could be set too high or too low or need replacing.
4. Strange Noises: If your water heater’s rumbling, popping, or hissing like a grumpy cat, it could be sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. This makes your heater work harder and can damage it over time.
5. Smelly Hot Water: Got a rotten egg smell? Yuck! That’s usually caused by bacteria reacting with the tank’s aluminum or magnesium anode rods. A good flush and rod replacement should help.
6. Cloudy or Discolored Water: This is often a sign of mineral deposits or rusty tanks. It’s not the prettiest sight, but it can be fixed with a tank cleaning or a change of anode rod.
7. Water Leaks: This can come from the tank, the valves, or the connections. A leak can lead to more significant issues if not caught and fixed early.
8. Pressure Relief Valve Leaking: This water tank valve is designed to release pressure when it gets too high inside the tank. If it’s leaking, it might not be working correctly, which can be risky.
9. Water Heater Pilot Light Problems: Your pilot light might go out if you have a gas water heater. It’s a common problem caused by a faulty thermocouple, a clogged vent, or a draft blowing the light out.
10. Corrosion: Lastly, rust and corrosion can attack your water heater over time. This could lead to leaks or cause the heater to stop working. Keep an eye on the anode rod that protects the tank from rust if it’s worn down; better to replace it than wait for the corrosion to start.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber if you’re not a DIY person or the issue seems too severe. No one wants a flood or a cold shower, right?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of garbage disposal replacements!

First, you must consider your trusty garbage disposal’s lifespan. These babies generally last about 8-15 years, give or take, depending on how well you treat them. If your garage disposal is worn out, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Now, let’s say you’re dealing with frequent clogs or jams. That’s a big red flag. Garbage disposals are supposed to make life easier, not harder. If you’re constantly hitting the reset button or reaching for the plunger, it’s time for a new one.

Notice any unpleasant odors that won’t go away? Sure, garbage disposals can get stinky sometimes – that’s their thing. But if you’ve tried all the tricks (think baking soda, vinegar, citrus peels) and nothing’s helping, the issue might be some gunk trapped in the unit—time to say bye-bye and bring in a new, non-smelly model.

Well, there an obvious sign you need a new garbage disposal is if it’s leaking. Leaks usually mean there’s a crack in the canister. In that case, it’s adios, amigo! Patching it up isn’t usually an option – you’ll need a replacement.

And hey, sometimes you might want an upgrade. Some super slick models are quieter, more powerful, and have cool features like auto-reverse to prevent jams.

It might be time to part ways if any sound like your garbage disposal. Trust me, a new unit will make your kitchen life much smoother!

Low water pressure in your Northern Virginia home can be quite frustrating, but let’s see if we can likely identify the issues. Here are some common culprits for low water pressure:

1. Partially closed valves: Check if any water valves in your house, such as the main or individual fixture valves, are partially closed. Sometimes, valves can accidentally get turned off or not fully opened, leading to reduced water pressure.
2. Clogged aerators or showerheads: Mineral deposits or debris can accumulate over time and clog the aerators or showerheads. Try unscrewing them and cleaning them thoroughly. You might need to replace them if they’re too clogged to clean.
3. Leaky pipes: If you have leaking pipes somewhere in your plumbing system, it can result in low water pressure. Look for signs of water leakage, such as damp spots, water stains, or hissing sounds. If you suspect a water leak, booking a service call with Veteran Plumbing Services is best to address the issue.
4. Water pressure regulator: Your home might have a water pressure regulator installed. If it’s malfunctioning or set at low pressure, it can cause reduced water pressure. A plumber can help you adjust or replace the regulator if necessary.
5. Municipal supply issues: Sometimes, low water pressure can be due to problems with the municipal water supply. It could be maintenance work, pipe issues, or high demand in your area. In such cases, you must contact your local water authority for more information.

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable or experienced with plumbing repairs, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber. We have the expertise to identify and fix the problem effectively.

Well, there are a few reasons why replacing old toilets can be a good idea. Let me break it down for you:

1. Water efficiency: Older toilets typically use much more water per flush than newer models. You can take advantage of improved water-saving technology by upgrading to a newer toilet. Newer and modern toilets use less water per flush, which is good for the environment but can save you long-term money on your water usage bill.
2. Performance and effectiveness: Older toilets might not flush as efficiently as newer ones. You know the struggle when you have to flush multiple times to get everything down the drain? Yeah, that’s not fun. Newer toilets have improved flushing mechanisms designed to be more powerful and effective, ensuring that everything goes where it’s supposed to go with just one flush.
3. Comfort and aesthetics: Let’s face it, older toilets may not be the most comfortable or visually appealing. Newer models often come with ergonomic designs, more comfortable seating, and sleeker styles that can enhance the overall look and feel of your master bath or guest bathroom. If you’re considering renovating or updating your bathroom, a new toilet can be a simple yet impactful change.
4. Durability and maintenance: Older toilets may be prone to wear and tear due to cracks, leaks, or other issues. By replacing them, you can enjoy the benefits of a brand-new toilet with better durability. Newer toilets also have improved features like better flushing mechanisms and easier-to-clean surfaces, making maintenance and cleaning a breeze.

Of course, if your current toilet is working just fine and you’re not particularly concerned about water efficiency or aesthetics, there’s no urgent need to replace it. But getting a new toilet can be worthwhile if you’re experiencing frequent clogs and leaks or are simply ready for an upgrade.

Remember to consider your specific desires and budget when choosing a new toilet. And if you’re not confident in doing a DIY installation yourself, it’s always wise to call our professional plumber to ensure everything is installed correctly. So, there you have it! Reasons why replacing old toilets can be a good idea. Happy toilet hunting!