Pratt Plumbing News

The average lifespan of a below-ground well pump is 15 years, and an above-ground model has an average of 10 years. Being able to differentiate between when it is actually time to get a new pump and when a more minor fix is in order can mean hundreds of dollars in saved equipment and labor costs. Signs of Minor Problems If users are not getting any water to any of their appliances or faucets and the tank is empty, not being replenished by the pump, then check the pump’s circuit breaker....

All valves play a part in making a machine safe and functional. The Watts 210 automatic gas shutoff valve is used to make some water heaters safer, similar to a regular temperature and pressure (T&P) valve. What Does It Look Like? The Watts 210 valve looks like a three-way connector with the middle of the ‘T’ shape having an elongated thermostat that is meant to be fitted down into the heater itself. The other two ends are where the gas line connects through. How Does It Work?...

If users are a do-it-yourselfer in the house, they may be the type who wants to remove an old water heater, as opposed to having a plumber do it for them. Fortunately, it’s not all that complicated, and can be done. While it’s fairly easy to disconnect everything and get the heater ready to be moved, they’re often quite heavy. Sediment that has built up in the tank might make it even heavier, so be prepared to have help removing it, if need be. Removing an Old Water Heater...

Did homeowners know that they could change the temperature on hot water heater? The maximum temperature on most water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s some disagreement among experts on whether it’s best to set it at 140 degrees, or at 120 degrees. Ultimately, it will depend on what’s right for them and their family. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the arguments for both. 120 Degrees Because of the energy involved in heating water, setting the heater...

Have you ever walked into someone’s garage and noticed their water heater was raised high off the ground? It might look strange, but it’s actually a safety precaution. Plus, if you decide to install a new tank water heater at your home (which we don’t generally recommend), you should be aware of codes for ground clearance.  Height requirement for water heater installed in a garage According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be inst...

Why is it important to test the sump pump? Despite its clunky name, the sump pump is arguably the most important piece of plumbing equipment for the basement. Why? Because it transfers water (usually from heavy rainfall or rising groundwater) away from the home. A sump pump prevents extensive and expensive damage to the foundation of the home and the possessions. Knowing if the sump pump is ready to go for the spring and summer months is key to preventing hefty repair costs. At the very least,...

Natural gas may be the most popular type of tank water heater, but there are valid reasons to consider going electric. Electric water heaters offer many advantages, including being simple to install, easy to use, and good for the environment. While typically less expensive up-front, electric water heaters can cost more to operate. Let’s take a deeper look into these pros and cons. Pros of electric water heaters Environmentally friendly. Electric water heaters are great for t...

It doesn’t take much effort to convince homeowners of the benefits of tankless water heaters. Whether it’s unlimited hot water (meaning no more cold showers), high energy efficiency, or taking up less space in basement, there’s a lot to like about going tankless. Tankless water heaters However, many customers experience a bit of sticker-shock when they get an estimate to install a tankless water heater in their home. Tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost tha...

There probably isn’t a day that goes by that homeowners don’t use water heater. So it’s not entirely surprising when they fall victim to wear and tear after a few years. When they realize water heater is leaking, it can be worrisome. However, not all water heater leaks require a full replacement or even a major repair.  Common reason for leaks Of all the issues that could cause a water heater to leak, the most common are faulty cold and hot water connections, loose gask...

Tankless water heaters have earned a range of nicknames, including on-demand water heaters and instant water heaters. These nicknames are accurate when they understand how tankless systems work compared to standard tank water heaters. But the reality is that the hot water isn’t literally ‘instant.’ With tankless water heaters, there can be a short delay as hot water must travel from the heater to the open outlet. If this is a major concern, a homeowner can try a few methods su...

Calcium is good for the bones and teeth – but not for the home’s water heater. If left unchecked, calcium can build up inside the tank of the water heater, which can increase the monthly energy bills and cause the unit to break down earlier than expected. The good news is simple maintenance tasks can prevent calcium deposits from harming the water heater. Whether users are on a municipal water supply or have a well, the water coming into the home includes common minerals that are ge...

Keeping up with the home maintenance checklist is incredibly important to prolong the lifespan of major appliances. Whether they are performing annual service checks or replacing filters, it’s imperative to get the job done on time and using the proper technique. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining the hot water heater.  Water heater maintenance is important for keeping the unit running efficiently and for the safety of the household. Draining the water heater h...

They say it’s the little things that can make a big difference. That can certainly be the case with the pilot light and water heater. The pilot light is a small component but if it’s not working properly, the entire unit is useless. If homeowners are having trouble with the pilot light staying lit, Pratt Plumbing explains the most common causes. What does the pilot light do? The pilot light creates a small flame that is used to ignite the burner which then warms up water in the ta...

Water heaters are one of the most frequently used appliances in the home. As such, they often fall victim to signs of overuse, commonly caused by a lack of routine maintenance. There are many ways to prolong the life of the water heater, in addition to keeping the home safe. Maintaining the water pressure within the tank water heater is extremely important. Water pressure that is too high is one of the most common causes for a leaky or burst hot water tank. To prevent this expensive and potenti...

When it comes to water heater maintenance, there are a few essential items to include on the 'honey-do' list. Fortunately, most tasks necessary to prolong the life of the water heater only need to be done once every few years. Descaling the hot water heater is one of those 'must-do' projects and one that should be completed every two years. What is descaling and why is it important? A home’s water heater is almost constantly working. The water inside the tank also contains minerals, suc...

A water heater is an essential appliance in the home. Most tank water heaters use either natural gas or electricity to warm up water and hold it in the storage tank until it’s needed. If the unit is older and they’re looking to replace it with a new one, they may be wondering if users could change the type of water heater. The answer is yes, but there is a lot to consider. Allow Electric water heater It’s not as easy as removing one type of water heater (say electric) and in...

Here’s a fun fact about Texas that probably noone knows. The state ranks as one of the highest for water hardness in the country. Hard water means that there are high levels of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water isn’t bad for health but it can damage plumbing fixtures, and home appliances over time. For that reason, many of Pratt Plumbing's customers choose to install a water softener system in their homes. A water softener system offers many benefits, rangi...

It’s never a good sign when water is seen on the floor around the water heater. But before panicing, it’s important to figure out where it’s coming from. Upon further investigation, if water is found to be discharged from a small tube that comes out of the top or side of the unit, runs down the side of the tank, and ends near the ground, then the source is likely the temperature pressure relief valve, or relief valve, for short. What does the relief valve do? The relief valv...