All Plumbing Related
Pipe corrosion can be caused by a number of things, almost all of which are related to water quality, including:
- Chemicals in the water
- The pH of the water
- The amount of oxygen in the water
- The temperature of the water
- The water pressure and the speed at which the water moves through the pipes.
If you think you have a leak in your home, there’s an easy way you can check. Go out to your water meter and record the level. Make sure no one uses any water for a few hours, then go back and check the meter again (it’s easiest to do this when everyone goes to bed, then check it again first thing in the morning). If the level has changed, you probably have a leak – call Len The Plumber to have it taken care of right away!
Yes! Not only do leaks get larger with age (see above) but they can also potentially cause damage to your home. Leak detection and repair offers a number of other benefits, including:
- Reduced or eliminated water loss
- Reduced risk of damage associated with leaks
- Reduced need for emergency repairs
- Reduced need for water treatment and pressurisation
Yes. Water leaking out of your pipes or fixtures will eventually cause enough corrosion that even a pinhole-sized leak can eventually grow and potentially cause damage to your home.
All Heating Related
High pressure coming from your water heater can cause your relief valve to leak. There are a few reasons for this:
- Incoming water pressure from the main water line is too high.
- Thermal expansion (water expanding in volume as it is heated) is causing the pressure to build up.
The easiest way to deal with a leaky relief valve is to call Clark Heating Fife to replace it!
When it gets really cold out, the water that enters your home is much colder. This causes the hot water in your tank to lose a lot more heat when it mixes with the incoming cold water. In addition, you may have a buildup of sediment in your tank that’s inhibiting your water heater’s performance.
A well maintained gas water heater should last you about 8-12 years. An electric water heater will last longer, around 10-15 years. A tankless water heater will last you even longer than that! That said, you should think about having your water heater replaced if you notice any of the following signs:
- Rust colored water
- Lack of hot water
- Moisture or flooding around the base of your water heater
If you are on a well, the hard water can limit your water heater’s lifespan. Water softening or installing a water conditioner will help extend the life of your water heater.
Foul smelling water is caused by the combination of hydrogen, sulfur and bacteria in the water. Sulfur and bacteria are naturally present in the water your appliances use, and they will not make you sick. When the magnesium anode rod in your water heater tank reacts with the sulfur and bacteria in the water, it creates enough hydrogen to create an odor. There are many ways to take care of this, from replacing the magnesium anode rod to purifying the water in your water heater.
