Tag: replace

Repair vs. Replace: What Your Water Line Needs

When To Call For Water Line Replacements or Repairs

The water line is vital to a home’s plumbing system, delivering clean, fresh water to the faucets and appliances so families can safely use and consume water. However, like all home systems, water lines can deteriorate over time due to age, corrosion, or damage. 

Knowing when to repair or replace the water line is crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system. Here are the key signs that it may be time for Brookhaven homeowners to repair or replace the water line and what they should do if they notice any of these issues.

Rust and Corrosion

bad smell Rust and corrosion are common in older water lines and can lead to significant issues if not repaired quickly. Corroded pipes not only compromise the integrity of the plumbing system but also impact the water quality in a home.

When determining if there is corrosion in their pipes, homeowners should watch for these signs:

  • Discolored Water: If the water appears brown, orange, or cloudy, it may be due to rust inside the pipes.
  • Strange Taste or Smell: Corrosion can introduce metallic or unpleasant tastes and odors to the water supply.
  • Poor or Worsening Water Pressure: Corroded pipes can restrict water flow, leading to noticeable drops in water pressure.

If homeowners notice these signs, they should call a professional plumber. Depending on the severity of the corrosion, the affected pipes may need to be replaced to restore water quality and pressure.

Leaks

bills A leaking water line clearly indicates something is wrong with the pipes and cannot be ignored by homeowners. While some leaks may be repairable, extensive damage or aging pipes may require a full replacement.

There are numerous signs of water line leaks that homeowners should watch for, including:

  • Higher Water Bills: An unexplained spike in the water bill could mean a household has a hidden leak, wasting water.
  • Wet Patches on the Lawn or Floor: Soggy spots on the lawn, even during dry weather, or damp areas inside the home can point to a leaking water line.
  • Poor or Worsening Water Pressure: Similar to corrosion, leaks can cause water pressure to drop as water escapes the system.

If homeowners suspect a leak, they should contact a professional plumber immediately. Experts can inspect the water line to determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary.

Old Age

Unfortunately, water lines don’t last forever. Exactly how long they last largely depends on the material they’re made from. In general, plumbers use the following guide:

  • Galvanized Steel Pipes: Typically last 40-50 years.
  • Copper Pipes: Can last 50-70 years.
  • PVC Pipes: Often last 50+ years, but external factors can shorten their lifespan.

Homeowners should prepare for water line replacements if they start to see signs of aging. Some key signs to watch for are:

  • If the home’s pipes are older than 40-60 years, it’s wise to have them inspected by a professional plumber.
  • Older pipes are more prone to leaks, corrosion, and other failures that can lead to costly repairs or property damage.

Repiping the home is a significant investment. Still, it can save property owners money in the long run by preventing water damage and improving the efficiency of their plumbing system.

About The Plumbers Guild

The Plumbers Guild has been providing quality plumbing services to the Brookhaven area since 2013. They offer flat-rate pricing and easy scheduling to ensure outstanding customer service. Call them today for water line repairs and repipe services in Brookhaven, GA.

When to Replace a Water Heater

Ensure There’s Hot Water in the Cold Months

When the weather gets chilly outside, homeowners must ensure they have a fully functioning water heater to provide hot water to their household. If a system malfunctions, it can be time for property owners to schedule water heater replacement services.

To ensure they schedule water heater replacements before it’s too late, Brookhaven plumbers recommend that homeowners look for key signs indicating the system is breaking down. These include a lack of hot water throughout the house, a leaking system, and an aging unit. Recognizing these symptoms can keep families safe and help homeowners save money on urgent services and rising energy bills.

Fluctuating Water Temperature

As a water heater starts to break down, homeowners may notice changes in the water temperature. While the most telling sign is when a family member steps in the shower and is surprised by cold water instead of hot water, there are also more subtle signs to watch for.

If the water temperature is uneven or fluctuates, it can indicate a problem with the water heater.

Homeowners should also pay attention if they experience a hot water shortage sooner than usual. If one notices their showers turn cold after a few minutes of enjoying the warm water, it can indicate that an experienced plumber should inspect the water heater. A professional can determine if these water heating issues require repairs or replacements.

Leaking Water Heater 

water heater leak A leaking water heater is an obvious sign that it needs to be replaced. Other visible signs are water stains on the ceilings or walls near the water heater. If homeowners notice leaks around the base of the water heater tank or near the system’s connections, property owners must call a plumber as soon as possible. 

Property owners must schedule tank water heater services as soon as they notice the first signs of a leak. Leaks can quickly lead to major water damage if not repaired or addressed immediately.

Signs of Aging

water heater corrosionHomeowners should watch for signs of aging or corrosion in their water heater. These symptoms can quickly indicate that a new water heater installation is needed.

On average, water heater tanks last between 10-12 years. If a system is nearing this age, homeowners need to be alert to signs of wear and tear—like corrosion—that can indicate the unit needs to be replaced. Signs of rust can signal the unit is corroding, weakening the tank and leading to leaks.

About The Plumbers Guild

Since 2013, The Plumbers Guild has provided professional services to Brookhaven. They offer flat-rate pricing, simple scheduling, and outstanding services. Call them today for water heater replacements in Brookhaven, GA.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater? Watch for These Issues

Signs You Need to Install a New Water Heater

If a household’s water heater is aging and experiences certain issues, it can signal the end is near, and a new one will need to be installed. Waiting too long to replace a water heater can negatively affect a household, like losing hot water and cold showers. To avoid this, homeowners should schedule water heater replacement when they notice certain signs. 

Signs of Corrosion

old water heater When water heaters age, they can start to break down and experience corrosion. This can cause numerous issues with a system, including leaks and rusty water. To determine if there is corrosion in a hot water tank, homeowners can look for signs of a corroded water heater, like rusty-looking, cloudy, or orange-tinted water, and whether the hot water has a metallic taste or smell. 

Homeowners should also look for visible signs of rust and corrosion on the water heater tank and any noticeable leaks. When households notice these symptoms of water heater corrosion, they must consider water heater replacement. 

Absence of Hot Water or It Runs Out Too Quickly

cold shower As water heaters fail, households may notice the water coming from the water heater isn’t as hot as usual, or they might run out of hot water sooner than expected. This can be due to various causes, some requiring replacement, while others requiring maintenance or repair. 

One common reason for a lack of hot water is a buildup of sediment in the unit. A broken heating element or thermostat can also prevent the water from heating to the proper temperature. When plumbers inspect a water heater, they will also determine if the system is undersized for the demands of the household or nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. 

Frequent Repairs or an Aging Unit

If a homeowner is scheduling water heater repairs more and more often, it can signal that the water heater is nearing the end of its life and needs replacing. Water heaters that are old and close to their life expectancy will also need to be replaced before they completely break down. 

As water heaters age, they can become less effective and efficient at heating water and encounter more problems that require repairs. The lifespan of a traditional water heater is around 10 to 15 years, while the lifespan of a tankless water heater is about 20 years. These timelines can vary based on the amount of maintenance performed on the units, but if systems are nearing these life expectancies, homeowners should be prepared to replace them soon. 

About The Plumbers Guild

The Plumbers Guild is a locally owned and operated company serving Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, easy scheduling, and financing. Call them today for water heater repair and installation services in Brookhaven, GA.