Company: Super Plumbers

Rusty metal tank on cobblestone pavement, showing aging features typical of plumbing equipment maintenance needs.

How to Know When to Break Up With An Old Water Heater

The Right Time For a New Water Heater

The water heater gets daily usage in most homes as it provides the household with hot water for essential tasks such as cooking or cleaning. Homeowners may take their water heater for granted until it breaks down. Hot water on demand is critical to the safety and comfort of modern homes.

In this article, our expert plumbers share advice on when to replace that old water heater. No water heater can last forever, and after about ten years, most water heaters need frequent maintenance and repairs. By returning an outdated water heater, homeowners can keep their utility bills low, spend less time on water heater maintenance, and protect the safety of their homes.

Aging Water Heater Malfunctioning

After about ten years, homeowners may notice that their water heater is less efficient than it used to be. Most water heaters only last between eight to 12 years, with an average life expectancy of ten years. By doing regular system maintenance, homeowners can drastically improve the longevity of their system.

Some water heaters last longer than others. Electric water heaters last up to 15 years, which is slightly longer than their gas water heater counterparts. The most efficient type of water heater system is a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters reduce energy use for maximum efficiency and last for around 20 years, ten years longer than gas water heaters.

Preventing a Leaking Water Heater

Leaking water heater with water pooling on the floor, indicating potential corrosion and maintenance issues.When a water heater starts to leak, it could indicate a severe problem. Water heater leaks should never be ignored because if the water reaches the home’s electrical wiring, it could lead to a house fire. Doing regular water heater service can help prevent water heater leaks.

The most common reason for a leaking water tank is corrosion is a build-up of sediment within the system. Sediment build-up in water heaters results from natural minerals in the water separating into solids when heated.

Over time the sediment can be too much for the system, causing the internal pressure to spike, which wears down the inside of the tank until it springs a leak. The technician will safely remove sediment from the tank during water heater maintenance to prevent corrosion.

 

Plumber inspecting water heater, checking for leaks and maintenance issues, emphasizing importance of regular service to prevent corrosion and sediment build-up.

Water Heater Is Not Working

When the water heater fails to heat water, this indicates a problem with the system. A broken heating element could be why the system is not working. Replacing the water heater may be the only option if the heating element is not repairable.

Another reason why a water heater may not be working correctly, especially if it is a newly installed system, is if the water heater tank is improperly fitted. Trusting an experienced local water heater installer with water heater installation and maintenance can help to prevent problems down the line. Improper installation can void manufacturers’ warranties, cause a spike in the power bill, and be dangerous for the safety of the household.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local plumbing company with high-quality services from trusted technicians. They are committed to the safety and comfort of their neighbors. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for water heater installation or repair in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding communities!

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Water heaters in a utility basement with pipes, connectors, and control panels by Super Plumbers for plumbing solutions.

Check a New Water Heater Off of The Holiday Wish List

Isn’t a New Water Heater the Perfect Gift for a Loved One This Holiday Season?

When thinking of holiday gifts, most consumers don’t think about gifting loved ones with major home appliances or repairs like upgrading the home water heater. Gifts usually consist of coffee mugs or toys for the kids, but why give gifts that the receiver might not use? A water heater might not be affordable for some homeowners and would be a delightful surprise in that instance. Financing the purchase as a group could be a great way to fund the gift without breaking the personal budget. Group gifts are fun because the group can plan together and share the experience. Holidays are about caring for others and showing them that they are important!

Is the Water Heater Malfunctioning?

Not sure what signs to look for that point to water heater trouble? The following are a few examples of red flags:

  • Very little hot water: Most water heaters hold 30-50 gallons of water in storage. If the hot water is lukewarm or takes longer than usual to warm up, that is often a sign of failing water heaters.
  • Popping or rumbling: Hard water and mineral buildup cause a layer at the top of the tank that forms air pockets that boil when water is heated. Popping and rumbling are heard when the air pockets burst.
  • Water is cloudy or metallic scented: Murky or ill-scented water is caused by mineral deposits being expelled by the water heater. The deposits can cause rust or clog pipes.
  • Leaking pressure release valve: A leaking or faulty valve could indicate that pressure in the tank has gotten too high due to mineral deposits in the system. This could be dangerous and cause the tank to exceed boiling point and rocket through multiple floors of the home. Call a water heater company immediately for a water heater service call.  
  • Leaking tank: Corrosion from mineral deposits can rust the bottom of the water heater tank over time, causing water to leak onto the floor of the home surrounding the water heater. 

When To Repair Instead of Replacing?

Leaking water heater tank with visible rust stains on the floor, indicating potential corrosion and mineral deposit issues.Common problems that water heaters have that require a repair service call rather than replacement include: 

  • Parts replacement
  • System reset
  • Water heater flush 

As a preventative measure, water heaters should be flushed out twice per year to maintain the system and help it last as long as possible. Of course, if the system is leaking gallons of water or simply isn’t providing enough hot water for the family, an upgrade may be needed. 

Benefits of Installing a New Water Heater

Plumber in blue shirt and cap using tablet next to water heater, illustrating installation and maintenance services.Installing a new water heater will save money because more recent models are more energy-efficient, which is great for the wallet and the environment. An environmentally-friendly option is a tankless water heater. Older water heaters get louder as they age, so a newer model would decrease the noise in the home. 

If the family has grown larger since the unit was originally installed, a larger unit will allow for longer showers or the ability to get more laundry done before the hot water runs out. 

Another major benefit is that newer units' life expectancy is at least 10 years, so, with proper maintenance, homeowners with new units shouldn’t have to worry for at least that long.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers, located in Tyler, TX, provides a range of plumbing services to homeowners in need. They are a local and family-owned business that has been awarded “Top 3 Local Plumbers in Tyler” for 2021 because of the prompt, high-quality service and 100% satisfaction guarantee they provide. Contact them for water heater services in Tyler today!

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Stacked towels and soap dispensers on wooden shelves in a clean bathroom. Super Plumbers.

Readying the Home for the Holidays

Getting the Home (and Bathroom) Ready for the Holidays 

The holidays are the busiest time of the year. Between planning meals, wrapping presents, and decorating the house, it’s easy to forget the most important thing: the bathroom and kitchen’s plumbing. It always seems that the toilet, sink, and garbage disposal pick the worst time to break down. Instead of scrambling to fix things this season, homeowners can employ preventive measures to prevent costly repairs.

 Some tips include watching for puddles, patching leaks, and calling a plumbing service, if necessary. 

Keep an Eye Out of a Troubled Toilet Person using pliers to repair a toilet, highlighting plumbing maintenance tips for homeowners during the holiday season.

Here’s a surprise: toilets can last more than 25 years with proper maintenance. While the pipes and internal components might need replacing, the porcelain throne itself is here to stay. That is unless there’s a crack in the toilet bowl. 

The toilet bowl holds most of the user’s weight. Even a hairline fracture can comprise the foundation’s integrity, which can turn an ordinary trip to the bathroom on its head. Most professionals would recommend toilet replacement in the event of a crack. While caulk and patches can provide a temporary solution, in the long run, it will be best to consult a plumbing services expert. 

Other signs that a toilet needs professional repairs include: 

  • Frequent clogs 
  • Puddles around the toilet’s base 
  • Wobbling when a user sits down 
  • Inadequate flushing 
  • Waste resurfacing after flushing 
  • Consistently low water levels 

Spot the Signs of a Failing Kitchen System Plumber inspecting kitchen plumbing under sink, taking notes with toolbox and tools visible, emphasizing professional plumbing services and maintenance.

Many homeowners won’t call in kitchen plumbing experts until it’s too late. Seemingly innocuous problems, like clogs and leaks, can quickly escalate into major issues. It’s best to respond to an issue before it transforms into a thousand-dollar problem. 

Rusted pipes are among the most concerning issues. A rusted pipe is a weak pipe, prone to leaks, corrosion, and other issues. It can also affect the water coming out of the pipes. Rusted pipes can cause tap water to taste metallic or sour. 

Indicators of a troubled kitchen plumbing system include: 

  • The garbage disposal backs up: This likely means that food residue is coating the inside of the pipes, making it difficult to carry away waste. Clogs and backed-up sewer lines could also be culprits. 
  • The sink takes a while to drain: This indicates a clog. Homeowners should avoid using over-the-counter solutions, like Drain-O, as this can corrode the pipes’ interior. 
  • The sink smells: This could indicate a clog, bacteria build-up, mold, and a host of other issues. Homeowners don’t have to worry about replacing the sink; however, they should consider the benefits of partnering with a professional plumbing service. 

Smart Home Appliances Are Changing Homes Nationwide 

On average, a sink can last 15 years without needing to be replaced. Garbage disposals generally last 10 years, and faucets can last 20 years. However, homeowners don’t need to wait that long to upgrade. There’s a host of “smart” plumbing appliances on today’s market. 

Some of those devices include: 

  • Smart toilets: There’s no need to worry about closing the lid or flushing waste. Smart toilets automatically flush, lift lids, and reduce water consumption. Some even come with bidets, eliminating the need for toilet paper. 
  • Automatic faucets: Kohler has voice-activated faucets that dispense just the right amount of water. They also come with smartphone apps, making them virtually hands-free. 
  • Composting garbage disposals: At Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020, engineers debuted the Sepura garbage disposal. Instead of flushing away food scraps, this device composts them. Homeowners can use the compost to enrich their properties’ soil. 

About Super Plumbers 

When homeowners in Tyler, Texas, need quality plumbers, they call on Super Plumbers. These bathroom contractors specialize in toilet repair, sewer mains, and faucet replacement. They offer same-day pricing, after-hours service, and much more. Call now for plumbing service!

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Smiling male plumber in casual work shirt next to silver work van at industrial site, showcasing tools for plumbing services.

The 3 Most Common (and Frustrating) Plumbing Emergencies

Are You Really Ready for These Common Plumbing Emergencies?

Everyone always expects the worst to happen to others. And while a plumbing issue may not be the worst thing they can think of, it’s definitely not high on their list of things they want to happen. As such, it’s no surprise that most people don’t expect a plumbing emergency to sprout up. And these things often happen at the most inopportune times possible. This is why there’s no better time like the present for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of the three most common plumbing emergencies. 

Clogged and Overflowing ToiletPerson using a plunger in an overflowing toilet, highlighting common plumbing emergencies and the need for immediate action.

The first and most common plumbing issue involves an overflowing toilet. Any home’s toilets work very hard every day to safely remove waste from the house, so it’s not a big surprise that toilets will clog once in a while. But clogs aren’t the only things that can cause a toilet to overflow. A malfunction can cause this, too, although it’s not as common as a clog. 

If a toilet does overflow, the first thing homeowners should do is locate the water shutoff valve behind the toilet and stop the flow of water to the fixture. This will allow them to address the situation without worrying about further water damage. Most clogs can be remedied by a plunger, but tough clogs may need the help of a professional plumber who will probably use a plumber’s snake or a hydro-jet.  

Sewer Line Backups

Next on the list are sewage backups. These mishaps can be hard for homeowners to identify because they happen out of sight and, as a result, out of mind. Residential plumbing systems include incoming lines for water to the house and outgoing lines for sewage to leave the home. But when obstructions clog those outgoing lines, they can cause sewage to back up into the home. 

It’s important for homeowners to be aware of signs of a sewage backup. These signs include gurgling drains or toilets, foul smells coming from the drains, dirty water coming up from the drains, and multiple drain clogs. Continuing to use the plumbing when there’s a drain clog can simply make matters worse, so it’s a good idea for homeowners to call a professional if they think they have a sewage backup. 

Broken PipesRusty pipe with a visible leak, illustrating plumbing issues like burst pipes and water damage, relevant to sewage backup concerns for homeowners.

It doesn’t have to be freezing outside to make a pipe burst. High water pressure and weak joints can cause this, as can corroded pipes. Even a hairpin leak in a pipe can cause extensive damage to a home if it’s not caught early. Burst pipes are easier to notice because they generally make more of a mess than a pinhole leak. But since a burst pipe will drain massive amounts of water until it’s addressed, it can do as much damage as a pinhole leak in a short amount of time. 

These three common plumbing issues can happen at any time in any home, old or new. But calling a professional plumber can help get things sorted quickly, which can help homeowners avoid costly damage to their home or plumbing system. 

About Super Plumbers

The friendly techs at Super Plumbers have over 10 years of experience in Tyler, TX. They offer 24-hour emergency service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For expert plumbing service, call today.

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Corroded pipe with heavy rust and cracks, showcasing plumbing deterioration and maintenance issues for Super Plumbers.

Take The Right Steps To Prevent Pipe Corrosion!

Pipe Corrosion: What It Is and How To Prevent It

When people think of home plumbing issues, they often think of the most basic and traditional ones. Perhaps they are experiencing drain backups, maybe the air conditioning isn’t running properly, or something else of the likes. Rarely, however, do most homeowners think about issues with pipe corrosion.

Understanding why pipe corrosion occurs, what typically causes it, how to properly maintain pipes, and what to do if the pipes do corrode are all critical facets of responsible home care and, in particular, home plumbing systems. Continue reading for all of this information and more!

Reasons Why Pipe Corrode

What are some common causes of pipe corrosion? Well, there are many different reasons why pipes corrode. Some are largely in homeowners’ control, while others are more natural occurrences that can be harder to avoid. Perhaps the most controllable factor is chemical drain cleaners. When homeowners flush these through the pipes, they can introduce highly toxic chemicals that can quickly corrode pipes. These should be avoided at all costs.

Additionally, there are several other more natural factors that can corrode pipes. Low pH levels, for example, create an acidic environment that encourages mineral buildup. Oxidation and rusting can also occur in warm water pipes, and if homeowners have a closed-loop piping system, water speed can also contribute to corrosion.

Best Ways To Maintain PipesPlumber in blue overalls smiling confidently, representing plumbing maintenance and expertise.

Given all of this, how can homeowners begin to take steps to maintain pipes? First off, one of the best things to do is to introduce water softeners. These are specifically designed to limit acidic water conditions, which are prime conditions under which minerals like calcium and lime can build up and corrode pipes.

Additionally, homeowners should consider natural pipe cleaners that can further clear out corrosive contents within the pipes. Some very simple at-home remedies, like combining baking soda and vinegar, can act as natural cleaners. By flushing these solutions down the pipes periodically, they can clear out harmful minerals and prevent buildups that often lead to corrosion.

Importantly, remember that chemical drain cleaners are an absolute no-no. These can be extremely harmful and lead to corrosion themselves. Using them would put homeowners two steps back, so these should always be avoided!

Replacing Already Corroded PipesCorroded metal pipe with significant buildup and deterioration, illustrating the need for pipe replacement and maintenance solutions discussed in plumbing tips.

Ultimately, corroded pipes do occur. Perhaps homeowners have not taken adequate maintenance measures in the past, or perhaps they inherited degraded pipes when they bought their home. Regardless of the reasons, caring for already corroded pipes is necessary to ensure that the plumbing system functions effectively.

Repiping is the primary process by which homeowners can handle corroded pipes in their homes. This process should solely be handled by plumbing professionals, who often have years or even decades of experience managing home plumbing systems. During a repiping service, plumbers will be able to identify the problematic pipe(s) and install suitable replacements. They will also help homeowners establish better, more sustainable strategies to prevent pipe corrosion in the future!

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers of Tyler, TX is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing quality solutions for over a decade. With a commitment to honesty and integrity, their team of experts offers honest pricing, top-notch workmanship, 24-7 emergency services, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed for each customer. Call them for plumbing help today!

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