You Have Questions, We Have Answers

We’ve all heard stories about water heaters exploding, so it’s natural to worry if your system makes popping, crackling, or groaning noises.

The good news is water heater explosions are extremely rare, so if yours is making noise, you can probably relax. Here’s what’s typically going on.

Popping or Crackling: This is normally due to sediment buildup in the tank. The noise happens when water trapped under the sediment turns to steam and pops through the sediment layer.

Screeching or Whining: This could be caused by restricted water flow, often in the inlet valve. If you hear this sound, check the valve to ensure it’s fully open.

Humming: This often happens with electric water heaters when the heating element gets loose.

Rumbling: Rumbling noises could also be due to sediment.

As mentioned, a noisy water heater usually doesn’t mean an explosion is imminent, but it does mean you should call a plumber maintenance and flush the tank.

HVAC filter changes depend on various factors, but most experts recommend changing it every 30 to 90 days. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

If you live in a home without pets and no one in the house suffers from allergies, you can change the filter every 90 days.

If you have pets, you should change it every 60 days to prevent it from clogging with pet dander and fur.

If you or someone you live with suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, change the filter more frequently, like every month.

Also, consider the type of filter you have. For example, high-quality HEPA filters last longer than basic filters.

Finally, check the manufacturer’s recommendation on what filter is best for your system and how often they recommend you change it.

Using a toilet that seems to clog every time it’s used is frustrating and one of the most common home plumbing problems. So, what’s going on?

Too Much Toilet Paper: The number one reason toilets clog is people use too much toilet paper at once. Wads of toilet paper combined with waste is often difficult to go down the drain, and you end up with a clog or needing multiple flushes.

Low-Flow Toilets: Old low-flow toilets were made to reduce water usage, which they did. However, they lacked the flushing power needed to remove waste effectively. Modern toilets conserve water without sacrificing pressure.

Non-Flushable Items: You should only flush toilet paper and human waste. Things like baby wipes, ‘flushable’ wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, or diapers should go in the trash.

Blocked Trap or Vent: A blocked toilet trap or vent can restrict water flow, causing a clog.

Mechanical Issues: Issues with the mechanism in the tank could cause weak flushing.

The good news is most toilet clogs are preventable by being mindful about what you flush or upgrading to a newer model.

Water heaters are a costly, necessary investment, and you’ve probably heard about how much better tankless systems are. But is it true? Here’s what we think.

Tankless and traditional water heaters have advantages and disadvantages; whether one is superior depends on specific needs or circumstances.

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, last longer, and fit in smaller spaces than their tank-style brothers. However, they’re more expensive to install and may require retrofitting to upgrade gas or electrical lines.

Moreover, while tankless water heaters are lauded for providing unlimited hot water, they struggle to supply multiple streams at once, like if you’re using the washing machine while someone is taking a shower.

Traditional water heaters are less expensive, and the technology is simpler and more reliable than tankless systems. They’re easier to install because most homes are already equipped to accept tank systems.

Tank-style water heaters fall short because they can quickly run out of hot water and are more expensive to operate. They also have a shorter lifespan of 10-15 years compared to a tankless system with 20+ years.

The best choice for you depends on your budget, hot water needs, and available space.

The over-the-counter drain cleaner is the most popular method for most homeowners to deal with drain clogs. And while these products can effectively remove clogs, here’s what you should know.

Chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes, especially if they’re older or made from materials like PVC or galvanized steel. Over-relying on these products could shorten your plumbing system’s lifespan.

Drain cleaners are hazardous to people. They emit toxic fumes, cause skin and eye irritation, and could send you to the ER if you’re not careful.

Finally, drain cleaners aren’t effective on all clogs, like tree roots, sludge, or blockages deep in the plumbing system.

Calling a plumber in Richmond, VA, is the safest, most effective way to deal with clogged drains. They have the right tools like augers, snakes, and hydrojets that remove clogs safely.

Purchasing a new HVAC system is expensive, and it’s natural for homeowners to want to hang on to their current system for as long as possible. So, how do you know when to take the plunge and upgrade? Here are some guidelines.

Age: If your HVAC system is over 15 years old, it’s nearing the end of its useful life, and upgrading it is typically more cost-effective.

Repair Frequency: Frequent repairs add up quickly. If you’re constantly fixing your HVAC unit or repeatedly dealing with the same issue, it’s a clear sign it’s ready to be replaced.

Cost: Weigh the repair cost versus replacement. If the repair cost is 50% or more than a new system, replacing it makes more sense financially.

Freon: The refrigerant R-22 (Freon) is being phased out due to environmental concerns, making it more expensive to get. Most systems that rely on Freon are over 15 years old, so it’s better to replace them.