Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Inspected

The longer you live in your home, the more likely it will be that you need water heater repair & replacement. Tanked water heaters are only rated for 10 to 15 years of service before they begin experiencing problems. If your water heater is beginning to show its age, these are the signals that tell you it's time for a water heater inspection.

Water Leaks

A leaking water heater is often the first sign that your water heater needs to be inspected. Water heater tanks are made with a relatively thin skin of metal that will rust or corrode over time. The tanks must be replaced when leaks occur because the damage will continue to grow.

Discolored Hot Water

Discolored water is a side-effect of a water tank that is nearing the end of its usefulness. The coloration comes from rust, corrosion, and sediment in the tank. Discolored or odorous water from the hot water lines are definitely indicators that you have a water heater replacement in your future. 

Mold and Decay

Excessive moisture in the area will eventually cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left uncorrected, this problem will spread and may affect the health of family members. Mold is frequently a sign of a small water leak that you haven't detected, but you will need a water heater inspection to know for certain.

Water Doesn't Get Hot

When the heating element in your water heater begins to fail, the temperature of your water may be cooler, warmer, or even fluctuate from one use to another. Similarly, the element is operated by a thermostat that may get stuck or stop working altogether. Either way, lukewarm water from the hot water tap is a sign that you should have the water heater inspected.

Low Hot Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your hot water lines indicates a blockage of some sort in the hot water system. This could be related to sediment in the tank, corrosive buildup in your water lines, malfunctioning valves, or other problems. Because this problem is a symptom of a variety of issues, scheduling a home plumbing inspection is the most efficient way to address the issue.

Nobody wants to replace their water heater, but it is a necessary task for homeowners. On the other hand, water heater replacement is a great opportunity to upgrade to a tankless system that provides hot water on demand, uses less water, and has a longer span of use.

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drive with Damaged Windows

There are a lot of reasons to get an auto glass replacement if you have damaged windows in your vehicle. Auto glass is very important, contributing to the safety of your passengers, avoiding legal costs, and more. Here are 10 reasons you should have damaged windows repaired as soon as possible.

1. Auto Glass Provides Comfort

Replacing auto glass will make every ride more comfortable. Your auto windows and their seals keep out road noise and maintain a barrier between the outside elements and your vehicle's interior.

2. Structural Integrity

Depending on your make and model, your auto glass is responsible for as much as 45 percent of the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Cracked and broken windows reduce that protection considerably. 

3. Cracks Expand with Driving

The force of wind created by driving will cause cracks to get longer and splinter into new cracks. As the glass weakens, it will eventually fail completely and may cause serious injuries to passengers.

4. Dirt and Dust Affect Cracks

As you drive along with cracked auto glass, particles in the wind become lodged in the cracks. These particles build up and begin to wedge the crack wider until it eventually shatters.

5. Climate Enlarges Cracks

Unbroken windows aren't affected by extreme temperature due to their design and manufacture, but once the integrity is lost the elements become a major problem.

6. Reduced Visibility

Cracked auto glass makes it harder to see what is going on outside the vehicle. This begins as an effect of the crack itself but often leads to milky glass expanding around the crack. 

7. Legal Troubles

Intact auto glass is a matter of law in most states. If you are seen driving with cracked, broken, or missing auto glass you can be stopped and will face fines or other charges.

8. May Affect Safety Devices

Cracked or broken windows have been shown to cause safety devices such as airbags not to work properly. Replacing your auto glass keeps your vehicle operating the way it was designed to do.

9. Risk of Ejection at Impact

Since the glass is already weakened, your passengers are no longer protected properly against being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision. 

10. Increase Resale Value

Replacing cracked or broken glass before you put your vehicle on the market will make it more valuable to prospective buyers. Because auto glass is so important, it will have a huge impact on your resale value.

Most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement, so your auto glass repairs may cost you little or nothing. The important thing is to get the glass replaced as soon as possible because the situation will only grow more serious.

Why You Should Keep Up with Drain Cleaning for Your Business

One of the most common problems encountered by commercial plumbing services are drains that drain slowly or fail to flow at all. Your best course of action is to have your drains checked and cleared as necessary by qualified plumbing technicians. Failure to maintain your drains can lead to a few different unpleasant conditions in your business, including the major issues described here.

Avoid Odors

Decomposing organic matter releases gases in your sewer lines that eventually escape into other parts of your business. This can be demoralizing for your employees, but it can also lead to dissatisfied clients who choose to take their business elsewhere. No one wants sewer smells in their offices and warehouses, and regular drain cleaning is the most common cause of them.

Prevent Water Damage

If drains don't get cleaned regularly, the line can become clogged, resulting in water that backs up in the toilet, bathtub drain, and sinks. When one of those fixtures overflows, extensive water damage can occur very quickly, leading to replacing floors, ceilings, and walls. Home remodeling is very expensive compared to the cost of a regular drain inspection routine.

Improve Employee Morale

Company plumbing problems can have a disastrous impact on the morale and productivity of your staff. Because drains are the source of a large portion of commercial plumbing problems, regular drain cleaning may be able to boost the productivity of employees or attract new clients who notice your restrooms are well maintained and view that as a positive aspect of your company.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Clean, freely flowing drains increase the sanitary conditions of your basins, tubes, and washrooms, This can be especially cost-effective when drain cleaning is weighed on breathing problems or other health concerns. The consequences of sick or unhappy staff members can be devastating, resulting in absenteeism, increased workplace confrontations, and more. 

Maintenance Vs Emergency Repairs

Emergency plumbing repairs can be very expensive, especially when they happen outside of normal business hours. A better idea is to have your drains cleaned regularly, make sure your plumbing system is kept up-to-date, and repair faulty lines, leaky faucets, and other problems as soon as they occur.

The bottom line is that keeping your sewer lines in good condition improves productivity in the workplace, promotes communication and teamwork, and entices customers to shop longer, buy more, and stay interested. This may seem like a tall order for a simple task like flushing a drain or removing a clog before it overflows, but most plumbing issues start out as little more than a damp place on your lawn or unpleasant odors permeating your office space.

Why Picture Windows are Perfect for Upper Floor Offices

There are excellent reasons to consider picture windows as part of your commercial glass replacement project. They are great for ground floor windows because they allow potential customers to window-shop, give employees natural lighting benefits, and save energy. You may not know that picture windows are perfect for upper floors as well, and this shortlist of benefits is only a sampling of what you can achieve.

Eye-Catching Views

Upper floor offices sometimes offer exquisite vistas of the surrounding countryside or unique views of local landmarks. Commercial glass installation of picture windows is a low-maintenance way to bring those views into the office, promoting office morale, creating a friendlier atmosphere, and more. A picture window in your customer waiting area creates a calmer, more pleasant business environment and may even lead to increased sales, faster contract signings, and higher sales rates.

Energy Efficient

Picture windows are available in many styles. They are already more efficient because there are no moving parts to replace, but you can also have them tinted or install double-paned, gas-filled windows to offer maximum energy savings. Since windows are the single largest source of energy loss in a building, taking steps to install more efficient glass could save you 35 percent or more on your office energy bills.

Non-Opening Windows

The EPA considers picture windows to be among the most efficient types of windows because they are fixed-position glass. Windows with hinges and latches have more areas for potential leaks and are more vulnerable to leaks causing damage. Additionally, upper floor windows that can be opened have the potential for dropped items, falls, or other property damage or injury. 

Fast Installation

Under the right conditions, a picture window can be installed in a single day. Your glass installers will arrive with glass that has already been sized and tinted to your specifications, will begin the process by creating an opening of the right size, and then install a custom frame and glass. There are situations where the process can take longer, including openings that have electrical or plumbing lines in the area to be removed, but once the opening has been prepared, the actual installation won't take long to complete.

Picture windows also offer consequential benefits such as a happier office environment, improved employee health, and more. If having your commercial windows replaced is already on the drawing board, you may find that picture glass is a more affordable way to achieve superior natural lighting, improve productivity, and make the office a happier, healthier place to work.

Why You Should Use a Tankless Water Heater

The debate over water heater repair & replacement sometimes misses the opportunity to upgrade to a tankless water heater. There are a few indications that it's time to replace your existing water heater, and installing a tankless system offers a handful of benefits that tanked water heaters can't provide.

Energy Savings

Energy savings is the immediate benefit of a tankless water heater. As the name implies, on-demand water heaters create hot water only when it is needed, eliminating the need for continuously heating a tank of water. Tankless systems reduce energy use by saving water, as well, because you aren't wasting water waiting for heat to arrive. In an average home, tankless water heaters can reduce energy use by as much as 36 percent, with the savings declining as usage increases.

Instant Hot Water

On-demand also means that when you turn on the valve you can usually expect hot water within a second or two. No more long waits for water that has gotten cold in your plumbing to be pushed out by water from the tank. Keep in mind, however, that families using more than about 46 gallons of hot water per day will see declining efficiency, and the distance from a tankless heater the water travels will delay delivery time.

Space Saving

Tankless systems are typically placed below a sink, in the attic, or some other place that allows tying into the existing hot water line. Since there is not a tank, the heater requires very little space and is mounted inline. And since you are eliminating that bulky tanked water heater, you are also regaining space inside the home that had been locked away since the home was born.

Longer Usefulness

Tanked water heaters are not built to last beyond about 12 to 15 years before components begin to fail or the tank itself springs a leak. Tankless systems have fewer components to malfunction and less risk of corrosion. This results in product life of around 20 years, with a much lower risk of leaks. 

Manage High Demand

If your home does use more than 46 gallons per day, has periods of higher than normal demand, or you need to get hot water to specific locations faster, tankless systems are easily expandable. Your home plumbing contractors can install tankless heaters at the locations where they are needed most. So even if you have a lot of house or persistent guests, tankless systems can keep everyone happy in the shower.

Water heater repair & replacement is a serious home investment, and should never be performed by fly-by-night contractors who may not live up to your expectations. Always verify that you are dealing with home contractors that are licensed and insured, with years of experience in tackling home renovation and upgrades.

How Windows Can Improve Your Business

There are quite a few ways that commercial glass installation can improve your business, both literally and in supportive ways. Well-designed window glass can be an excellent way to attract customers, sell products, and keep your merchandise more secure. To illustrate, take a look at some of the most popular ways that businesses benefit from window glass.

Create Curb Appeal

Expert commercial glass installation will go a long way toward bringing new customers into your location. You can use glass to show off merchandise, provide a clear view inside, and create a showcase for passers-by to admire. Changing or installing window glass gives the building a new look, and that alone will draw curiosity.

Enhance Security

Windows can be a major security liability, and older windows may not have had the same security concerns that today's businesses face. From reinforced glass to windows that cannot be opened, to simply replacing aging frames, your windows play a large role in site security.

Improve Employee Morale

Research shows that getting more natural light into a room improves the mood and productivity of the people it reaches. The same effect is true for customers as well, offering an open feel and eliminating some of the stress of fluorescent lighting. Employees who accomplish more and customers who are willing to browse a little longer are potential benefits worth taking a closer look at.

Reduce Energy Costs 

Aging windows and their frames are often a major source of heat transfer between the interior and exterior spaces. Rattling glass, cold drafts, and excessive window condensation are potential signs of windows that are inefficient, and replacing them can reduce heating and cooling costs dramatically, plus the additional savings of using natural light in place of electric power. There are a lot of options to consider in this respect, and this quick primer from the Energy Department offers great examples.

Increase Exterior Visibility

Many businesses have a vested interest in what is taking place outside the walls of the business. Window glass solutions include installing observation windows on upper floors, installing transaction glass, or creating a wider field of view by adding windows in new or larger locations. You can even use glass designed for one-way viewing to increase security, observe employee performance, and more.

Commercial glass installation is a lot more than putting glass in holes in your walls. New glass can transform how your business looks, and how well your employees perform, and it will help you keep track of shipments entering and leaving your yard. The success of your business is important to you, and installing the right glass can help you make that happen.

How to Keep Your Ice Maker in Good Condition

You may not need residential plumbing services if you notice that the ice from your ice maker is not tasting as good as it should or the maker is not producing the same quality or quantity as it once did. Before you call your local plumbing contractors, try giving your freezer and ice maker a good cleaning. A lot of people are daunted by the idea of cleaning the ice machine, but it is probably a lot easier than you thought.

What You Will Need

You do not need any special tools or equipment used by residential plumbing services to clean an ice maker. Aside from it being in your freezer, cleaning this device isn't much different from the other appliances that keep your kitchen running. You will need an old toothbrush, a little white vinegar, 2 fiber-free cloths, and some hot soapy dishwater. The entire process shouldn't take more than a few minutes, and you will be able to taste the difference afterward.

Turn Off Power

Depending on the manufacturer and style, the plumbing for your ice maker may have an on/off switch on the front or rear of the device. Other styles can be turned off by raising a metal bar. Refer to your manual if you are unsure of how to power yours down. If you don't have a manual, try searching for your make and model of refrigerator online.

Remove and Clean the Ice Bin

The ice bin is designed for easy removal by either pulling it straight out or lifting and pulling. Take care not to use too much force. Empty the bin and remove any debris or ice stuck inside. Wash it in hot soapy water, rinse it, and dry it thoroughly.

Clean Freezer Components

Using the toothbrush and one of the cloths, clean the ice maker and its components. Gently scrub away any ice or other material on or around the icemaker. This is the perfect time to clean the entire freezer if you remove the contents before beginning the process. You can use soapy water and vinegar on all of the other freezer components but only use vinegar on your ice maker. Dry the ice maker well with the remaining soft cloth to prevent frost from forming before the ice maker can begin producing ice.

Replace Bin and Repower

Put the ice bin back in its place under the ice maker. Turn the device back on. Allow it to make a couple of trays of ice, discard the ice that has been made. Your ice maker is now clean and ready for use.

In some cases, cleaning the ice maker is not a solution to the problem. Once you have ruled out this simple solution, you may need to consult a plumbing contractor to determine what the problem is. Before you call, make a list of problems you may have noticed with your water system, because a series of different problems may be related to a single larger issue.