Tips on Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater in Your Atlanta Home

Many homeowners are now using gas water heaters in their homes. They find these devices energy-saving, convenient, and can heat big areas efficiently. Gas water heaters can be operated on propane or natural gas, and some of these need vent while others do not. Unlike the electric heaters, gas heaters use an insulated standard storage tank.

Generally, gas water heaters are very reliable. Yet, occasionally operating problems occur with these types of water heaters. Some of these problems are just minor and can be corrected easily by simply complying with the troubleshooting steps provided in the operating manual. Following are some of the common problems and basic steps for troubleshooting a gas water heater.

If the gas heater no longer heats the water, making a few adjustment can get the gas heater to work properly again. The first thing that needs to be done is to find the source of the problem. For instance, the heater’s thermostat regulates the amount of gas fed to the burner assembly. It also keeps the initial flame burning. Due to improper temperature settings, kinked thermocouple, and blocked gas lines could cause the thermostat to malfunction. If this happens, consider calling a local, licensed plumber to replace the thermostat as improper replacement of this device can cause danger of leaking gas.

If gas odor is smelled inside the home, shut off the gas and water valve. Open the windows and doors in the house to ventilate the room. Then call the gas water heater company immediately.

If hot water supply is not enough, check the gas heater’s thermostat and increase the temperature. Check also if there are sediments accumulated in the water tank, and try draining it or hire an experienced plumber to do the job. Replacing the water heater with another model that has a larger capacity may also solve this problem. Alternatively, it is also possible that the problem is caused by low gas pressure. If that is the case, have it checked with a utility company.

If you are still unsure of the cause of the problem and what to do, call the gas heater’s manufacturer for troubleshooting instructions or contact your local, professional plumber in Atlanta.

If your water heater is not working and is in need of repair, call Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-753-9191. Our team of experts is available to quickly repair or replace your hot water heater, and are on-call 24/7 for your convenience.

How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies This Fall in Atlanta

Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime and usually during inconvenient times. For instance, during winter, the freezing temperatures cause water to freeze and eventually expand. It then causes pipes to burst, resulting in catastrophic damages to your home’s plumbing system. It causes water to flood on the floors, walls, and ceiling, resulting in a costly damage and a huge mess. However, there are a few things that a homeowner can do while the weather is nice this fall season, to avoid plumbing emergencies that can be prevented such as frozen pipes this winter.

The pipes that are located in the unprotected areas are more susceptible to freeze, such as pipes in the unheated attic, exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated basements. Insulating these pipes properly through caulking, spraying, and wrapping is an effective way of preventing plumbing emergencies this fall. Also, adequate insulation in the ceilings and walls will not only help in preventing and protecting pipes from freezing, but will also keep the home warmer during winter months.

Installing specific products that are made to insulate exposed pipes, such as pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat cables and heat tapes can also help in preventing pipes from freezing during cold temperatures. Consider engaging an experienced plumber to ensure that the water pipes are carefully wrapped for better insulation.

The flow of water throughout the home is controlled by the main water valve. Turning it off when a pipe bursts can help prevent more leakage until a professional plumber arrives. The valve should be easily located and should always be in a working condition. Test the valve by turning on the faucet in the sink or bathtub, and then turn the main water valve off. The water that is flowing in the sink or bathtub should turn off fully. If the main water valve is not working, consider calling a professional plumber to replace the valve.

Engaging with an experienced plumber to do routine inspections periodically and to fix minor issues or leaks is one great way to prevent major plumbing emergencies. Maintaining the plumbing system in your home will surely increase your peace of mind.

Ready to hire the right emergency plumber for your home's needs? Call Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-509-6866.

Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaning Options

When it comes to drains and sewers in the house plumbing system, preventing serious clogs and back-ups is better than clearing them out after they build-up. Drain clogs can be removed inexpensively and easily if caught early. However, if the clog stays longer in the pipe, breaking or dislodging it becomes complicated. Drain clogs can cause germs and bacteria to breed and contaminate the home’s water supply. These clogs can also cause the water to back-flow and flood the home. Also, the home’s plumbing lines that are connected to a bigger sewer line can be clogged with the growing roots of the trees. This can also cause flood in the home, resulting in more damages and expensive repairs.

Not until recently, if the drain gets clogged, cracked, broken, or warped, the entire pipe would have to be excavated, unclogged, and replaced. Today, there are simpler, quicker, and cheaper drains cleaning options which are not only as effective as they used to be, but are also more eco-friendly.

One environment-friendly option is the high-pressure jetting. Devices of 300-400 psi are being used for this process. The high-pressure water jets clear most blockages that have been accumulated in drains like grease, debris, and waste. There are also numerous specialized plumbing tools used to clear stubborn drain clogs like chewing gum and graffiti. Mechanical drain snakes and plungers are some of the tools used by experienced plumbers to free up clogs.

Another green option is the use of bacteria-based drain cleaners. These enzymatic biological drain cleaners use natural enzyme and bacterial mixture to keep the drains clear. These enzyme cleaners multiply and eat away all grease, hairs, and any organic matter that have been build-up in the pipes, making them a long-term solution for drain cleaning.

Have a clogged drain or considering preventive maintenance drain cleaning? Contact Plumbing For Less in Atlanta today at 404-509-6866.