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5 Fall Plumbing Tips From JOB Heating and Air Conditioning

Here are 5 fall plumbing tips to help protect your home this season. 

Tip #1: Disconnect and Store Outdoor Water Hoses

Since outdoor hoses are made from rubber, freezing and thawing weakens the material and causes cracks. Disconnecting hoses in the winter and storing them in an area of your home that does not reach freezing temperatures will ensure the longevity of your hose is maintained. If you leave your outdoor hose connected all winter long, any leftover water can freeze and expand. This causes faucets and any connected pipes inside your home to freeze and potentially burst. 

After disconnecting your outdoor house, it is important to check the faucet for any leaks. Faucet leaks can lead to water damage and cause plumbing issues when temperatures drop and things freeze. Once faucets are checked for leaks, it is a good idea to insulate them for further protection.

Tip #2: Shut Off Outside Faucets 

Most homes are equipped with an interior shut-off valve for the outside faucets. Be sure to shut off and drain them so there is no remaining water in the outside lines that could freeze and create plumbing issues.

Tip #3: Inspect Your Hot Water Heater and Ensure Maintenance is Completed

The fall season is the perfect time to drain your hot water heater as it needs to work much harder in the cold months to provide hot water to your household. Maintenance includes flushing your hot water heater to remove sediment build up. The sediment build up is important to remove as it causes rust and can block proper heat transfer. Flushing your hot water heater will ensure it is operating efficiently, saving you money on your hot water bills. 

If your hot water heater is more than 20 years old it may be time to consider a replacement before something goes wrong. You do not want to be stuck without hot water, especially heading into winter.

Tip #4: Insulate Your Pipes

Be sure to insulate any pipes that may be exposed to cold temperatures such as those in your basement and garage. Insulating your pipes properly will prevent them from freezing in the winter. 

It is important to note that it is common for gaps to develop in the areas where pipes enter your home. These gaps between the pipes and the walls allow for cold air to get through. Cold air seepage can lead to pipes freezing and thus increase your heating bill. Luckily these gaps can be sealed using caulking and weather stripping, and taking the time to seal them can prevent larger issues down the road.

Tip #5: Inspect Your Sump Pump

A working sump pump is extremely important to prevent flooding as it removes excess water from the foundation of your property. If your sump pump is left exposed to extreme temperatures it can freeze. Freezing prevents your sump pump from operating correctly and can compromise its ability to protect your home. Be sure to inspect your sump pump this fall to ensure it is working as it should, or have it inspected by a professional if you are unsure.

These are just a few plumbing tips to help protect your home this fall. If you need any assistance with your plumbing, furnace, or home heating equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. They show up on time, deliver on budget, and leave the work area cleaner than when they arrived! They take pride in their work in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from their clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Are Trusted Saskatoon Plumbing Professionals 

Tips to Reduce Water Heater Energy Bill Expenses

Water heaters account for nearly 20% of the average home energy bill. In fact, the only appliance that costs more to run than your water heater is your furnace. If you are looking to cut costs on your energy bill, water heaters are worth paying special attention to. Learn tips to reduce your water heater energy bill expenses from the experts at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning.

1. Insulate your hot water heater tank and pipes.

If you have a hot water heater tank, ensure it is insulated. Not only does tank insulation prevent heat loss, but it also lowers the risk of fire in the home. The same goes for your hot water heater pipes. If the pipes are not insulated, your water heater has to work harder to heat water. In order to conserve heat energy, it is recommended that you insulate a minimum of 6 feet of piping.

2. Lower the thermostat temperature on your hot water heater. 

When your hot water heater comes from the manufacturer, chances are the thermostat will be set to 140 F (60 C). However, a thermostat setting of 120 F (48.88 C) is the hottest you should require. Having a lower thermostat temperature will reduce the risk of mineral buildup and will extend the overall life of your water heater.

3. If your hot water heater is older, be sure to add heat traps.

Heat traps are valves that trap heat energy that would otherwise be lost and can reduce your energy bill by up to $30 each month. Newer hot water heaters will come with heat traps already installed, so it is best to consider an upgraded unit rather than installing heat traps on your existing unit if your current hot water heater may be nearing the end of its life.

4. Use a timer on your hot water heater.

Traditional water heaters typically heat water all night long, which is very inefficient considering you do not use hot water at night. If you do not have a tankless water heater, installing a timer will give your water heater a rest and save you money.

5. Install low-flow faucets in your home.

Though this may seem like a bit of an investment, replacing your faucets with low-flow options can reduce annual hot water usage in your home by up to 60 percent. Installing low-flow faucets will ensure more money stays in your pocket.

6. Schedule maintenance service for your hot water heater.

Often, homeowners will maintain their own hot water heater tank, including draining and cleaning the unit themselves. This often leads to problems and ends up costing more money. It is best to let an experienced professional maintain your hot water heater. 

Let the experts at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning ensure your water heater is not costing you more than it should. Schedule your maintenance service today.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.
JOB products and services include:

• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Air Conditioners
• Water Heaters
• Gas Lines
• Garage Heaters 

‘Your Comfort is Our Concern!’

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning Trusted Saskatoon Plumbers

Several types of water tanks exist these days. Some of the most common include natural gas, electric, and propane. It’s important to know what type you use at home because different types require different repair methods.

If something breaks down, you can tell the repair specialist the type of unit in your home so that the experts can bring along the right tools. You can assist them further by writing down the model and serial number of your tank. This way, the chances of a mix-up will be minimized and the repair technician can complete the work quickly. This coding information is also needed in case your model is under warranty or you want the exact model as a replacement under warranty or otherwise.

Understand How to Turn off the Water

Whenever you encounter an issue with hot water tanks, always turn off the water first. Every model is different, so, you need to practice in advance. This prepares you for emergency scenarios such as a leaking water heater or the presence of gas. Most shut-off valves are located near the water heater.

Consider keeping the necessary specialized tools near this shut-off valve. So, when you’re short on time and something drastic happens, you’ll know exactly where to look and don’t have to second-guess your actions.

Identify Warning Signs of a Failing Hot Water Tank

Like all household appliances, hot water tanks are not designed to last forever. No matter what you do in terms of maintenance, there’s going to be a time when you have to say goodbye and get a new unit. Most units last an average of 10 years.

Other than age, some clear warning signs indicating your tank is failing include rusty water and rumbling noises. Signs of rust usually indicate the tank is rusting from the inside. You should act fast to prevent any harm to your family.

Over time, water begins to harden in your tank and turns into sediment. This sediment then causes your tank to make loud noises. Not only does this mean your tank is not working as efficiently as it should, but it may cause severe damage to the internal components of your tank.

If you have done all you can to keep your hot water tanks in good condition and they still need repair, talk to a repair specialist. Let them inspect your unit to see if it can be salvaged or if a new tank is the best option for your household.

Pipes can last for a long time, depending on their composition. For instance, brass can work for up to 40 years while copper can serve you for more than 70 years. It’s a long time, but nothing really lasts forever. You will have to replace your bathroom plumbing at least once in your life. Just the constant use of water for baths, showers, and toilet flushes can eventually wear down the pipes. The age of your pipes therefore becomes a concern. But, most often the gunk from beauty products, soaps, lotions and pastes impedes your bathroom drainage. If gunk doesn’t block the pipes, some of the chemical-laden solutions can gnaw away at them.

The reasons for re-plumbing your bathroom can vary. Regardless, it is first important to learn and notice the signs that portend pipe replacement.

Glaring Water Problems

Leaks and drips shouldn’t be ignored. These are obvious signs that your pipes suffer some problems. For instance, water dribbling out around the sink tap or other fixtures means the hardware lacks proper sealing. The same goes for water pooling around the tub when in use.

Slow draining water also spells trouble. It means that the drain is being blocked. You can use a plunger to deal with it, but if the clog persists even after you and your plumber. in Saskatoon have tried other options, pipe replacement might be the answer.

Low Water Volume

Water should be coming out “full blast” from your shower. Otherwise, corrosion might be damaging the pipes. This is common in galvanized steel pipes when they start to corrode and degrade. Their decreased diameter lowers the water volume. Aside from the shower, your sink, tub, and toilet can suffer the same syndrome. Again, a pipe replacement may be the only solution.

Poor Water Quality

The smell of your water can say a lot about the condition of the pipes. A foul scent can mean that the water heater is collecting “sacrificial anodes,” which pertain to the steel cores wrapped in zinc, aluminum, or magnesium. These anodes attract bacterial and corrosive elements. Though these elements don’t enter the pipes, the anodes can wear out over time, resulting in rusty, smelly water.

The bathroom is one of the most crucial parts of your home. It meets your basic needs while serving as a relaxing, refreshing place for you and your family. If plumbing in the bathroom fails, it can significantly affect your living condition. Once you spot any problems, don’t ignore them. Call your trusted plumber immediately.