At Oak Plumbing, our core mission is to bring customer service back to the industry. Our founder started Oak Plumbing in 2016 after spending 20 years in the plumbing business. During that time, he witnessed the decline of customer service over the years and started a company that put people before profits. If you’re sick of being treated like just another payday, call Oak Plumbing and find out the difference our company makes.
Contact us today for honest, industry-leading results. We offer competitive pricing and fast responses!
Why Water Heater Maintenance Is Important
If you’re like most San Rafael homeowners, you probably don’t ever think about your water heater until it stops working. However, as your water heater ages, it can develop various problems that shorten its lifespan and cause it to run less efficiently.
Another reason to maintain your water heater is safety. Every water heater has temperature and pressure valves to guard against excess pressure buildup, which can lead to your water heater exploding. These valves require regular testing and maintenance to ensure they’re working correctly.
Minerals in your water build up in the water tank over time, which can cause your water heater to lose efficiency. Mineral buildup creates a barrier between the heating element and the water, which means you don’t get the amount of hot water that you used to, and your water heater works harder to provide hot water, which shortens its lifespan.
If you’re not confident in performing water heater maintenance, call the professionals at Oak Plumbing and ask about our water heater maintenance plans.
Signs You Need Hot Water Tank Replacement
The typical water heater works quietly day after day, delivering hot water on demand, and because of this, most people ignore these systems until they develop problems. Here are the main signs that it may be time to replace your water heater.
- Corrosion: If you notice rust on the outside of the tank or a corroded inlet nipple, it could mean that the inside of the tank is rusting through and that it needs replacing.
- Age: Most household water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, depending on usage and whether you maintain them. However, regardless of how well-maintained your water heater is, you should plan on replacing it after it hits the ten-year mark.
- Lack of Hot Water: If you have enough sediment buildup inside your water tank, it reduces the amount of hot water you get. Symptoms of sediment buildup or corrosion inside the tank include running out of hot water during showers, lukewarm water regardless of what the thermostat says, and a constantly firing burner.
- Strange Sounds: Another issue caused by sediment buildup is when you hear banging or rumbling from the storage tank. If you don’t take precautions to stop sediment from building up over the years, you’ll end up with a water tank that fails long before it should.
Before you call us, be sure to check out our online reviews to find out what your neighbors are saying about our work.
When to Call a Drain Cleaning Company
Functioning drains are crucial to every home. And while they’re a vital component of your home’s plumbing system, drains often go neglected for months or longer. You must keep your drains clean, so they operate effectively and help you avoid significant clogs and blockages that require repairs.
While not every drain problem requires a call to a professional drain cleaning company, here are a few situations where it’s warranted.
Slow Drains
Clogs typically don’t form in your drain overnight. Most slow drains and clogs develop slowly over time as waste sticks to the pipe walls and grows inward over time like cholesterol clogging an artery. As this muck builds up, the water drains more slowly. If you notice that your drains are emptying more slowly, it’s a good indication that you have a serious clog developing and that you should fix it now instead of waiting.
Foul Odors
Another common sign that you need a professional drain cleaner is when you notice foul odors coming out of the drains, particularly in the kitchen. Over time, food waste and other organic debris build up in your pipes and begin to rot, which causes an awful smell.
Annual Maintenance
You can avoid most clogs and drain issues by scheduling annual drain cleaning with a professional plumbing company. With routine cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your drains free-flowing and protect your plumbing for years to come.
