Category: Plumbing Services

When we talk about water heaters with our homeowners, we’re often surprised by the way they think of it. If you’re taking your water heater for granted, we want today to be the last day you do so. Your home’s water heater is one of the hardest working and most important systems that you have in your home. This is because you use your water heater daily and heavily. It’s the system you’re relying on to take a shower, wash your dishes, and wash your clothes. If you need great water heater service in Peoria, AZ, then understanding your water heater is a great place to start. 

Today, we want to make the subject of your water heater knowledge start with the anode rod. If you have a tank water heater in your home, the anode rod is essential for the function of the system. 

What’s an Anode Rod?

An anode rod is a rod made of magnesium and zinc housed in the tank water heater. The reason that magnesium is used in this system is because magnesium breaks down much faster than steel does, especially when in contact with zinc. You need a magnesium rod breaking down inside of your tank because your water heater tank is made of steel. Without the magnesium rod inside of your tank, the steel of the tank would break down and corrode in no time. 

If you talk to professionals about an anode rod, you might hear it referred to as a “sacrificial anode rod.” This is because an anode rod breaks down to better benefit your home’s water heater. It’s necessary for the overall function of your system.

The Genius of Water Heater Manufacturers

Most things that are exposed to water long enough will eventually break down. Although your water heater has one job and it’s to heat up your home’s water, this isn’t something that’s going to be feasible without the right protection. The people who manufacture tank water heaters understand this. Your water heater is typically full of certain chemicals over time. This is when the anode rod needs to go to work.

The anode rod is the unit that hits back at any corrosive elements sitting in your home’s water heater system. The anode rod consumes corrosive elements like steel. This can occur in your home’s water heater over time as the unit corrodes from age. The anode rod keeps your system balanced. 

What Professional Service Does for You

Now that you know the ins and outs of your water heater and the anode rod specifically, we want to leave you with our most important note—professional service is required. Don’t think that you can sidestep professional care when you need repair work or any maintenance care. Professional service is important because we’re the only ones who have the training necessary to keep your water heater in good working condition. 

Our plumbers are ones that you can always rely on for quality service. We make sure that the service we provide is as prompt as it is high quality. 

Contact The Trusted Plumber today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. 

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The holiday season can be draining. Don’t let issues with your plumbing add to your holiday stress. Check out these tips on making sure your drains are holiday-ready.

1. Grind as you go. Don’t wait until you’ve stuffed your drains like a stuffed holiday turkey. Run your garbage disposal while you’re prepping or cleaning up.
2. Shotgun showers. While guests may race to be the first for a hot shower, ask the next person to wait 15 minutes to allow drains to have time to clear.
3. Save the sink. Hold back your overly ambitious kitchen help. Let grease on pans solidify and then scrape it off into a container or trash before cleaning. That will limit the amount of grease running into your kitchen drain.
4. Set a trap. Use a sink trap to put a physical barrier between your guests and what they can put down your drain. Removable sink traps automatically catch the food on the naughty list rinsed into the sink.
5. Avoid a hairy situation. Ensure your showers have drain screens or hair-trapping tools that can limit the amount of hair headed down your shower drain.
6. Do a dry run. Avoiding a holiday drain issue starts with ensuring your plumbing system is up to the task. Existing small leaks and slow drain issues can become big ones when the holiday drains are tasked with big jobs. Do a pre-holiday plumbing check to ensure your system is ready for the workload. If you notice slow drains, call an expert for a professional cleaning.
7. Throw it away. Things such as cotton balls, sanitary products, and baby wipes shouldn’t go down the toilet. Make it simple for guests to dispose of them by providing trash cans in all bathrooms.
8. Check the temperature outside. Freezing temperatures and frozen pipes can really put a damper on a holiday gathering. Make sure to disconnect exterior water hoses and consider leaving your faucets dripping to keep water moving in pipes.
9. Take the plunge. Now is a great time to upgrade that plunger. Consider having a plumber’s helper in each bathroom so guests can do a quick plunge and avoid an embarrassing conversation.
10. On Auger on Blitzen. No, it’s not the name of Santa’s newest reindeer. An auger is an easy-to-use tool to help dislodge a clog that is close to the surface. Keep one on hand for emergencies.

Your bank account may feel drained by the end of the holidays, but your plumbing system should come through the season unphased.

Eliminate plumbing stress from your holiday to-do list with help from Len The Plumber. Contact us online to tackle any plumbing issue this holiday season.

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Garbage disposals are the power horse of the average kitchen. They suck away food waste, slurp up flat soda, and in general help make homes a little less wasteful and a little more eco-friendly.

It’s not too difficult to keep your garbage disposal working at its best. First things first, know what things aren’t supposed to be put into the garbage disposal.

Fibrous materials, coffee grounds, liquid grease, bones, fruit pits, or egg shells. These are all things that can dull blades, cause clogs, or generally impede the performance of your garbage disposal. Next up is regularly cleaning it. We’ve listed a step-by-step process for deep cleaning your garbage disposal below.

First, flush it out with water.

This is going to work to dislodge any loose food waste, dirt, and grime. The best way to do this is by plugging the opening to your garbage disposal and filling the sink until there are around three inches of hot, standing water. Add some dish soap, swish it around, and then remove the plug so it can flush through the disposal’s pipes. Hot water is needed because it will liquify any grease or similar crud that’s built up on the insides of the pipes.

Next, throw some ice cubes and salt down the disposal.

This might seem like a peculiar step, but trust us when we say it works. After the ice and salt are in the disposal, two and one cups of each respectively, turn on your disposal. It’ll be loud, but don’t worry – that’s part of the process. Turn on water from the tap to run during this process and the combination will work to remove sludge and other debris from the inner walls of your disposal. An added bonus of this step is that grinding ice works to sharpen your garbage disposal blades, improving its overall performance.

Now you want to give it a good scrub.

Let us preface this by telling you that you absolutely should not put your hand inside your garbage disposal. We recommend using a long-handled scrub brush or an old toothbrush to reach inside and manually clean the inner walls of any remaining debris. You can do this with just water or with the help of some dish soap to be especially thorough. Like with previous steps, rinse it out with water afterwards.

Voila! Your garbage disposal is now clean. If you’d like to take further steps to freshen up the useful appliance, you can throw some citrus peels or essential oils inside and run it for added fresh scent.

If you’re interested in a garbage disposal installation, or have a clog you can’t quite clear, get in touch with the pros at Len The Plumber.

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When temperatures outside dip, there’s nothing better than a hot shower to take off the winter chill. However, there are important reasons why you should lower the temperature on your home’s water heater. Here are the three “S” reasons why you should consider lowering your water heater temperatures and how to do it.

Safety

Depending on the type of water heater you have, some are automatically set to 140 degrees. At that temperature, you are at risk for scalding. Consider dialing back your water heater temperature to 120 degrees to minimize that risk.

Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can realize up to 22% of energy savings when you turn down your water heater temperature. The savings come from reducing standby loss, which is the heat lost from the water heater into the environment.

The average household with a water heater temperature set to 140 degrees losses up to $61 annually in standby heat loss. If you opt to lower your water heater temperature, additional savings can come from the reduced energy required to heat the same amount of water to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.

Experts also recommend turning down your water heater to its lowest settings if you plan to be away for an extended period.

Sediment

Sediment buildup in your home’s water heater is a big factor in water heater tank corrosion which can shorten the life of your unit. Water temperature set above 120 degrees contributes to the accumulation of hard water mineral sediment. Sediment buildup can also cause your water heater to work harder and need more energy to operate.

How To Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

Turning down the temperature on your water heater is fairly simple.

1. Read your water heater’s instruction manual to find your water heater’s thermostat and operation instructions. Electric water heaters might have two thermostats, and both will need adjusting.
2. Find the current temperature of your water at its hottest point by testing a faucet located farthest from the water heater with a thermometer.
3. Dial back your water heater if the water temperature registers higher than 120 degrees.
4. Retest the same faucet after waiting a few hours.
5. Repeat the steps to get the water to the desired temperature.

If you’re looking to save money on your energy bill or looking to extend the life of your water heater, consider turning your water heater temperature down. You might also consider a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters don’t store heated water but rather generate hot water only when it is needed.

Whether you need to repair or replace your traditional water heater or you need help choosing a tankless water heater that is right for you, the professionals at Len The Plumber can help. Contact us online or call [site_info_phone_number] today,

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July’s temperatures may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you want a cold shower! Let’s break down why your shower isn’t heating up.

Check Your Water Heater

Is your chilly shower more of a wake-up call for bigger issues? Check to see if your hot water problem is only with your shower or if you are having issues with hot water at all your fixtures. A whole-house hot water malfunction points to an issue with your hot water heater.

That problem could be as simple as a temperature gauge issue or a blown fuse. Defective parts, sediment build-up, or other breakdowns might be causing the issue. Regular maintenance of your home’s water heater can help to make sure it is working effectively and efficiently.

In the case of electric water heaters, a failed heating element or tripped circuit could also be to blame. Electric water heater servicing is best left to the professionals to diagnose and fix your hot water issue.

Evaluate Your Valve

Your hot water problem might be right inside your shower. A shower valve helps to create the perfect blend of hot and cold water. A worn or broken shower valve can disrupt that perfect shower water cocktail. Pieces of the valve can also dislodge and create a blockage. If you’re handy you can remove the shower valve and replace the broken components but because of its positioning it may be difficult to access and it may be best to call in a professional.

Your Anti-Scald Device is Keeping You Cold

Hot water is flowing from your sinks but not your shower? The issue could be your safety feature that makes sure your hot water isn’t scalding hot is set at too high a limit. The anti-scald device is in place to limit how far your shower handle can rotate in the hot water direction. The fix is to remove your handle and find the anti-scald device sitting directly under the faucet head. Adjust the device and test the result before reassembling.

Shower Capacity

If your hot shower is cut short, you might discover your hot water heater can’t keep up with demand. Consider timing the use of your large appliances to allow your hot water heater to catch up with demand or consider increasing the size of the tank or switching to a tankless water heater.

If you want to keep cool this summer, hit the pool or run through the sprinklers. If you want a hot, relaxing shower and your home’s shower is giving you the cold shoulder, call the experts at Len The Plumber. Our professionals deliver prompt, same day service, so you can get right back into your shower routine.

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We all have enough to worry about when it comes to our health and well-being. Worrying about how clean and safe our home’s water is, shouldn’t be one of them.  Here are some reasons you may need a water filtration system and if you notice any of the following, you should have your water tested.

Your water supply is near a septic systemYour home’s plumbing system is agedYour notice staining when you do laundryYour water tastes “funny”You live near an area of intensive farmingYour water has a salty tasteYou had a chemical or fuel spill near your water supplyYou got a notice from your water supplier of a boil-water alert

You can have your water tested by contacting your local health department or you can contact a state-certified laboratory. You can find the laboratory serving you by contacting the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or on the EPA website.  Also, the experts at Len The Plumber can also provide you water analysis testing for things such as pH, Iron and other mineral contents that can be unsafe and undesired in your water.

Determining what is in your water will help when choosing the right water filtration system for your home. Water filtration systems can remove contaminants such as:

LeadMicrobesRadonArsenicPesticides

6 Popular Water Filtration Options

A water filtration system can be installed at an individual faucet which will only affect the water quality at that particular point-of-use or it can be installed at the juncture where the water enters the home.

The most basic water filtration option is a carafe system that uses a manual-filled pitcher with a filter cartridge. It’s inexpensive but also labor intensive for homes that go through a lot of drinking water daily.A simple option is attached to a faucet for an easy and quick filtration The downside is not every faucet works with faucet-mounted filters.One of the most commonly used filtration systems is one that is installed under the sink and uses cartridges which trap chemicals, metals and other contaminants.Another popular system is an ion exchange filter system. This system uses positively charged ions to collect ions that are harmful such as magnesium, barium and other harmful chemicals.Reverse osmosis units, which filters water through a membrane, is often used as an effective system to remove nearly all contaminants from the water. The filter does its job, but does require upkeep to make sure it is running smoothly and efficiently.Whole house water treatment systems treat all the water entering the home not just the water used for drinking. These systems are convenient and effective, and the most comprehensive. A professional plumber can evaluate your home’s plumbing and how it would integrate with a filtration system. If your home is on a well water system, a whole home water filtration system might be the best option for you.

Which Water Filtration System Should I Choose?

Before selecting a water filtration system, consider how you expect to use the filter and determine your budget. High-demand homes might be best with a system the provides ample filtered water daily.

Give yourself peace of mind knowing that your water is the safest it can be for you and your family. If you are considering a water filtration system, our experts at Len The Plumber can help. Call us today for a free analysis of your plumbing system. Len The Plumber is your Mid-Atlantic professional plumbing company.

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Today, we’d like to discuss hard water in your home.

We get a lot of questions surrounding hard water. We know it’s a topic that is a little confusing from the vantage point of homeowners. It’s not always something you’re going to notice right away. If you’re wondering if you’re struggling with hard water at home, we’re going to help you determine this today.

If you read through this blog and realize that you are, in fact, struggling with hard water, then you should schedule an appointment with one of our plumbers in Buckeye, AZ. We’re here to make sure that hard water never becomes a detriment to your home.

Do You Have Hard Water?

If you’re struggling with hard water, you might notice these symptoms:

1. Scummy Appliances

Have you noticed that your shower, tub, or even sink fixtures have become increasingly hard for you to fix? This is a problem that stems from hard water.

Hard water leaves residue around your home that presents itself in this way. Spot the signs and make sure that you’re noting them. Don’t think this is just an aesthetic issue. This is something that’s building up within your pipes as well.

2. Dry Skin, Hair, and Nails

Your skin feels like it’s about to peel off, your hair feels like hay, and your nails are brittle. If nothing has changed about the way that you’re taking care of yourself, then you probably have an issue with hard water.

3. Spots on Your Dishes

You take your plates out of the dishwasher and notice these annoying little spots. You’re always scraping them off or having to follow behind your dishwasher to make sure things are actually clean. These spots on your dishes are a symptom of a hard water issue.

4. Your Clothes Are Scratchy

Your clothes are always scratchy after you take them out of the dryer. Did you know that this could actually be due to hard water? Hard water affects your laundry too. Don’t try to drown your clothes in fabric softener. Address the issue at its core.

5. Your Location

Some areas are more prone to hard water than others. Hard water is common in most homes across the country, and Buckeye is no different. If you think you’re struggling with hard water in this area, then you’re probably on the right track.

What Are Your Solutions?

If you think you’re struggling with hard water in your home, start off with water testing services.

Water testing is the best place to begin because it’s a chance for our experts to pinpoint exactly what’s going on with your home. You might think you have hard water and actually have it, but only address that need and bypass another quality issue with the water. Water testing makes sure that you address everything that needs proper care.

The next step is choosing the right water softener system for your home. Water softeners remove the minerals that make your water “hard.” If you’re looking for a system that’s going to get rid of your hard water for the long term, then this is the system to choose for your home.

Contact The Trusted Plumber today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.

Now that fall has arrived, the temperatures have descended, and the fuzzy blankets have made their way back onto your beds and couches, you might want to be thinking about your home’s water heater service in Sun City, AZ. Of course, water heater services are different from home to home. This is why our professionals are here to help you discover what your individual home needs. We know that service isn’t one size fits all so we always take a direct and specific approach. 

If you’d like to improve your home’s water heater efficiency, then you’ve come to the right blog. We can help you make sure your water heater stays in top shape so you get quality performance from it all winter long. 

Tips to Improve Your Water Heater Efficiency This Winter

These are a few tips you can try to improve your water heater’s efficiency. 

Flush or Maintain Your Water Heater

The first step you need to take is flushing or maintaining your home’s water heater. If you have a traditional tank water heater, then you need to flush the system. Most water heater systems build up sediment, and it affects the way your water heater runs. Flushing this system regularly will give your system the foundation to run in the most efficient manner. If you have a tankless water heater, you’re also going to need maintenance. Tankless water heaters don’t need to be flushed, but they do need to be looked at by a professional.

Choose an Appropriate Temperature

Is your water heater set to the appropriate temperature? It’s important that you check in and make sure this is the case. Sometimes your water heater’s default setting can be too low. Other times, you or a service provider might have turned up the temperature too higher. In reality, your water heater’s thermostat setting doesn’t need to be above 130°F. If yours is above this, we’d consider turning it down.

Consider an Upgrade When Necessary

If you have an older water heater, improving your water heater efficiency might be a matter of replacement rather than repair. This doesn’t have to be a chore, nor does it have to be a burden on your wallet. What you pay initially can be recouped in how much money you’ll save in energy costs with a new, efficient system. Don’t count this out. We’re prepared to make the transition easy. 

Put Your Water Heater in an Appropriate Place

It’s important to put your water heater in the most appropriate spot to perform. Is the area around your water heater clear? Correct water heater placement is more important than anything else. You need to give your water heater a little space so that it can work. If it’s cramped up in a spot in your home surrounded by boxes and other things that you want to keep out of your main living area, then you should move these things away. It’s a subtle difference but it can actually help your water heater perform better.

Contact The Trusted Plumber to schedule an appointment with our professionals. 

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Do you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your home? If you can’t answer that within five seconds, then you need to locate it and remember where in case there’s ever a serious leak. Otherwise, you could end up with a plumbing nightmare on your hands…

Where to Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

• The shut-off valve is almost always located near the perimeter of your home. There’s no need to check the central portions of the house.
• Forget the upstairs, too, as shut-off valves are going to be located on the ground floor. For those with basements, it will usually be located here.

• 

  Water lines usually run from the water main to the shut-off valve with no extra piping or detours. Therefore, if you know where your water main is, see where the shortest path to your home would be. The valve is more than likely located here.

• During the purchase of a house, an inspection report is supplied. The location of your main water shut-off valve is labeled in this report (hopefully, you’re organized so you have easy access to this report).
• Do you know where the big panel is in your home (not the electrical panel)? This panel houses the shut-off valve since it’s illegal to cover it behind the wall.

Shut-Off Valves on Plumbing Fixtures

When a leak springs, it’s not always a slow drip. Sometimes, the water will begin to rush out and start pooling on the floor of your home. Before you run to the main water shut-off valve, see if the fixture has its own personal shut-off valve.

• Toilet – On the wall your toilet sits against, there will be a small valve. It is usually located below the bowl and should be turned gently clockwise to stop the flow of water.
• Sink – Underneath the sink in the cabinet, there will be a small shut-off valve (similar to the toilet). During a pipe or faucet leak, turn the handle clockwise to suspend any water from leaking.
• Washing machine – Behind every washing machine should be two valves and sometimes a lever. Both of these valves should be turned clockwise (or the lever should be switched the other way) in order to cease water from flowing. If you don’t see these valves or lever, you may have to pull out the washer from the wall a bit.

Knowing how to stop the flow of water coming into your home can help prevent extensive water damage if there’s ever a serious leak. Whenever you need a leak repaired or a plumbing fixture fixed, contact Len The Plumber. If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!