Month: May 2021

When you think about the potential dangers that could threaten your building and its occupants, your HVAC system may not immediately come to mind. Many companies are prepared for natural disasters and terrorist threats, which, although potentially devastating, are statistically unlikely to happen. Yet companies fail to consider the much more likely threat of indoor … Continued

The post IAQ Alert: Is Your HVAC System Contaminated? appeared first on Arista.

In every food and beverage company, production hygiene is paramount to ensure product safety. For this reason, all equipment that comes in contact with the food or beverage product must be adequately cleaned and sanitized, and operating in top working condition at all times. One area of particular focus and historically time-consuming to clean are conveyor belts.

What is Clean In Place (CIP)?

Like other specialty manufacturing, food production requires the highest level of hygiene during all instances of production. “Clean in place” (CIP) is cleaning or sanitation systems that are designed to clean without having to remove the underlying items, in this case, conveyor belts. CIP technology developed particularly for conveyor belt cleaning in food and pharmaceutical producing companies allows production to continue and reduces downtime and cleaning costs. Due to strict oversight, there is a need to ensure non-contamination when cleaning conveyor belts. Opting for the CIP is the best decision that guarantees profit by saving time and labor without compromising the safety and quality of all goods produced.

Advantages to Clean in Place Belt Cleaning Solutions

Speed and Efficiency

CIP systems help to immediately save time and labor costs, making it much faster than manual cleaning. It reduces the production downtime, increases production capacity translating into more products, sales, and profitability. One company even saved over $79K in indirect labor cost after installing clean in place conveyor belt systems on their lines.

Reliability

With CIP systems, the benefits of cleaning and sanitation are apparent. Continued testing for pathogens is always suggested, but CIP systems do tend to offer more reliability.

Safety

No doubt, safety is of top priority when it comes to food production. When CIP belt cleaning systems are in use, they can clean more efficiently than the human eye. Since 2011, the FSMA increased the need for cleaning equipment that typical hand cleaning cannot keep up with. It also can help reduce the tendency of accidents such as slipping and falling during cleaning.

Dry Steam and CIP – The Perfect Pair

When CIP belt cleaning systems are paired with dry steam, it produces a perfect cleaning duo. Dry steam is superheated steam with all the cleaning and sanitizing power of “Wet” steam, but only a 5% moisture content. It obliterates oils, soils, allergens, and more and leaves surfaces clean and dry.

CIP dry steam cleaning systems also reduce water consumption up to 98% vs. traditional wet cleaning systems. If the reduction in water consumption is a corporate initiative for your business, dry steam should be an immediate focus area.

THE FACTS ABOUT STEAM

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize conveyor belts without the use of chemical cleaners that could be toxic.
• Dry steam at a temperature of about 290 °F cleans grime, oils, kills microbes on contact, and leaves the belt dried almost instantly.
• Since little or no water is left after using dry steam, there’s little t worry about the growth of mold, bacteria, and other pathogens.
• Use up to 98% less water than other cleaning systems.

The Bottom Line

Better cleaning in less time that delivers more profitability. CIP solutions for belt cleaning offer almost immediate ROI, with most having 100% ROI in months, not years. Not only is it evident that manual cleaning of conveyor belts is time-wasting, but it’s also less efficient and prone to cause mistakes that could ruin the integrity of your food or beverage product. To install CIP belt cleaning systems in your food or beverage processing plant to ensure top-notch safety and optimum quality of your products. Check out our clean-in-place belt cleaning systems.

Next Steps:

Check out our CIP belt cleaning solutions

Learn more about our dry steam cleaning solutions

See how our CIP Belt Cleaning Solutions helped one of our customers

Get tips on How to Clean Ready -to- Eat Snack Manufacturing Equipment

This post appeared first on Goodway.com

If a faulty thermostat has been making your life in Crystal River, FL, miserable, then it’s time to replace it. Like many people who’ve been questioning if it’s time to replace this critical unit, here are signs to look for that will help you decide.

Your Thermostat Has Faulty Readings

If your thermostat is registering wrong temperature readings, the device could have a manufacturing defect, it may be too old, or it may be in the wrong location. These are some of the issues that people who don’t receive regular HVAC maintenance services face. Once you replace the device, make it a priority to keep your system in top shape with professional HVAC maintenance.

Your HVAC System Keeps Switching On or Off

When an HVAC system starts turning itself on or off frequently, one of the first components that an HVAC professional would investigate is the thermostat. Basically, you communicate with your HVAC system through your thermostat. If it has a wiring defect, electrical signals may not reach the HVAC system, making it switch off or on prematurely.

You’re Getting Unreasonably High Energy Bills

Faulty thermostats also tend to read the temperature incorrectly, forcing HVAC systems to work overtime. If your system cycles more times per hour than you’d consider normal, then you can expect it to consume more power and lead to high energy bills.

Your HVAC Unit Won’t Stop Running

As you already know, a malfunctioning thermostat may be unable to send the right signals to the HVAC system. As a result, the system may keep running endlessly, leading to uncomfortable temperature levels in your home.

If your thermostat is creating these or similar issues in your home, you need to look for a professional to help you out. Contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. today to install a new thermostat for you.

Image provided by iStock

This post appeared first on Senicaair.com

You may be dealing with an internal battle. The deal is that you have an air conditioner that is breaking down or, worse, has already given out completely. You need a new air conditioner. But here is where the struggle pops up. You are debating whether it is worth it.

You wouldn’t be the first to encounter this back and forth. We often end up talking to residents in Miami who find themselves caught between how much it costs to replace an AC versus being without any AC at all. We want you to know that an upgrade is well worth it and may end up being less of an issue for your budget than you might think.

Upgrading Now Is Always Best

Let’s say you are 110% sure that you need an upgrade–it’s been confirmed by a technician and everything! We get that the cost of a replacement can feel like a reason to hold off for a while. The reality is however that the sooner you upgrade your AC the most you’ll benefit. Here’s why:

• Better comfort: This one might seem obvious. A new air conditioner is going to be able to cool your home much more effectively and efficiently than an older system would. What’s more, a new system is always going to operate better than one that is in the process of breaking down or no longer works at all.
• Less energy use: A new air conditioner is likely to have a better efficiency rating than a system that is 10 years older or older. Depending on your use of the system a more efficient AC can be a great investment because it will help reduce your overall electricity use.
• A system that pays for itself: New systems are going to help you save money in the long run. Because they will improve your comfort and use less energy to do so they will keep your bills lower. With the newer system, you are likely to save up the same amount of money that you spent on an upgrade within a shorter amount of years
• Fewer repair needs: A newer system won’t have the same wear and tear that an aged air conditioner might. This of course will mean that you’ll enjoy it for a good long while without any repair needs…as long as you have a professional install your new system at least.
• No unnecessary wait times: An upgrade will benefit you pretty quickly but getting this job done soon will also help you avoid having to wait a longer period of time later on this summer to have it done. Due to the trouble caused by COVID, there are shortages and price hikes coming for different materials, systems, and parts. This means getting your system upgraded now will help you avoid the hassle that comes from those shortages.

An upgrade is a great idea if your AC is on its way into retirement. As we mentioned before, we understand that the cost of a replacement can feel prohibitive. That is exactly why we offer financing options to help ensure that you can get the system upgrade you need without destroying your budget for the year.

Contact Air On Demand today to get started.

This post appeared first on AironDemand.com

The P-trap is the curved section of pipe you see under your kitchen sink, shaped remarkably like the letter “P” (which explains how it got its name). 

Many homeowners who deal with clogged or slow draining sinks don’t know that the P-trap can actually get bogged down with soap scum, hair, grease, and other debris that may have accidentally fallen down the drain. In your entire sewer system, the P-trap is the most common place to find a clog.

Knowing how to clean out your P-trap is a very useful skill as a homeowner, so let’s cover how to clean P-trap under a sink—specifically how to clean P-trap under a kitchen sink—in a few simple steps. 

Here are seven steps for how to clean your P-trap.

Cleaning a P-Trap

Knowing how to clean a P-trap can be incredibly helpful since you won’t have to wait on your plumber’s schedule or waste money on harmful chemicals that might not work and may end up damaging your sewage system. 

Here are seven DIY steps to help you learn how to clean P-trap under a sink:

1. Clear the Area Under Your Sink

Even if you’re a professional and already know how to clean P-trap under a kitchen sink, it’s still important to clear out the area. To properly clean the P-trap, you’ll need space, and you’ll want to be sure to get everything out of the way.

You don’t want anything to get damaged or soiled with dirty sewage water.

2. Place a Bucket Under the Pipes to Collect Water

Place a bucket or a large dishpan underneath the pipes once the area is clear. As you’re learning how to clean P-trap (or doing any under-sink plumbing), keep in mind that a bucket to catch water leakage is important.

If your sink is backed up or even slow to drain, you can expect there to be a lot of water waiting to pour out as you clean the P-trap.

3. Remove the Coupling Nuts Attached to the Drain Pipe

Once the bucket is properly placed, start removing the coupling nuts attached to the drain pipe. The nuts on each side of the trap must be loosened, which may be possible to do by hand.

If your plumbing is old or the nuts are too tight, however, then you can use a pair of channel lock pliers or a wrench to loosen the nuts. If you want to avoid scratching the metal, you can use a strap wrench or wrap a rag over the nuts before wrenching them loose.

Be prepared for the process to get messy. Water will likely begin draining out into your bucket at this point.

4.  Plug the Pipe Coming From the Wall

At this point in the process, you will want to plug the pipe coming from the wall. You can do this by stuffing a rag into the pipe, though you should make sure it doesn’t get lost or pushed too far down where it can’t be easily retrieved. This is to block any sewer gas from coming up the sewage pipe and into your home.

5.  Clean the Inside of the P-Trap

Now you can get to the part of the project you’ve been waiting for: cleaning the P-trap. To get a clean P-trap, you’ll want to use a bottle brush or another tool to clear out any debris found inside the trap.

Gently clean the piece coming from your sink and remove any dirt and grime that may be present in the pipe on the wall as well. If you want to, you can take the P-trap to another sink in your home and rinse it out.

Be sure to clean out all dirt, grime, soap scum, and hair trapped inside to prevent another clog from occurring anytime soon.

6.  Reassemble the P-Trap

Once you have a clean P-trap, it’s time to put it back together. Reassemble the P-trap and replace all the nuts as they were at the beginning. Leave the bucket or dishpan underneath the sink until you’ve tested the piping.

7. Run Water to Test if the P-Trap Leaks

It’s time to test it to be sure you did your work correctly. Run water for a few minutes down your sink drain and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, remove the bucket or dishpan and the job is done.

Should You Use a Drain Cleaner to Clean a P-Trap?

Using a chemical drain cleaner on your P-trap should absolutely be a last resort. While some drain cleaners are effective at removing clogs in drains, most of them are harsh on your plumbing and can end up causing more harm than good.

Some cleaners can corrode your piping and lead to massive plumbing expenses down the road, so it’s best to use safer methods when cleaning a P-trap.

How to Know You Need a New P-Trap

In most cases when your sink is clogged, cleaning the P-trap is enough to get everything working again, but in other cases, the P-trap may need to be replaced. How can you tell the difference?

Check to see if your P-trap is leaking water. If the nuts are properly tightened, but there’s still a leak coming from the P-trap itself, that means it’s malfunctioning or corroded and needs to be replaced.

If the P-trap is visually broken or corroded on the inside, it should be replaced. As you’re cleaning your P-trap, check the integrity of the trap itself for any signs of breakage or wear.

Contact the Plumbers at John C. Flood

If you can’t figure out how to clean P-trap under a sink, or if your sink keeps getting clogged despite cleanings, call the plumbers at John C. Flood. We can help you with all your sink clogs and any other related plumbing issues that may arise.

You can easily schedule your service online or speak with our professionals for more information about your plumbing.

John C. Flood, Inc. cannot be held liable or responsible for any personal or property damages incurred if the end-user attempts any of the aforementioned DIY tips and instructions.  

The post How to Clean a P-Trap (7 DIY Steps) appeared first on John C. Flood.

Get to Know Chris

Please share a brief overview of your management background:

I spent 20 years in the electronic security business with my last position being the Vice President of Commercial Sales for Protection One/ADT. I’ve been in the HVAC business 11 years as a General Manager and most recently a Regional Director for Service Experts largest region covering Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Why did you choose Service Champions? 

To be part of something where my input and ideas were valued, and I could make a difference as the company continues to grow.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

TEvery day getting to work with the most talented people in the HVAC business, no one invests more in their employee’s training and development than Service Champions and knowing that I get to work along and influence the best in the business is incredible.

How have your past experiences shaped you?

I’ve seen how companies should and should NOT be run and I’ve owned my own businesses which gives you a different perspective and appreciation for what it takes to be successful. The financial bottom-line is always important but if you only focus on numbers and not the people, you’ll never reach your full potential as an organization.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone, what would it be? 

Focus on yourself and do the best job you can do everyday and don’t worry about distractors or negative influencers around you. There is a lot of negativity in the world, be the positive influence that changes others perception and be a great teammate.

What is your favorite and least favorite saying?

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win”. – My favorite movie quote is “If you ain’t first you are last.”

“Hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. (Least favorite because hope is never a strategy)

Where were you born?

I was born in New York.

What is one food dish you would not want to live without? Why?

Pizza!

When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing (hobbies)? 

Spending time with my family, nothing makes me happier than having both of my daughters together.
My biggest passions outside of my family is sports with Alabama college football and New York Jets pro football being my top two.

Unless you have a ductless AC system, your Angleton, TX, HVAC system has air ducts that play a crucial role in keeping your home’s temperature at a comfortable level. While you might call a technician to clean your ducts if there’s an airflow issue, below are five ways that duct cleaning improves HVAC efficiency.

1. Corrects Potential Problems

Once technicians start cleaning your ductwork, they can find potential issues before those issues become a problem. They can replace damaged sections, seal air leaks and remove dirt and debris that found its way into your ductwork. Energy Star states that leaky ducts reduce HVAC efficiency by around 20%.

2. Improves Energy Efficiency

When your HVAC system works efficiently, you save money when you operate your system. If your system has to work harder due to leaky air ducts or a blockage, it uses more energy to provide the same comfort level. In turn, this reduces energy efficiency and raises your energy bills.

3. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality not only affects your health but also the efficiency of your HVAC system. Dirty filters not only allow dust, pollen and pollutants to find its way into your home, but they also affect your HVAC system. Dust buildup affects components and, when left unchecked, causes unnecessary wear and tear.

4. Reduces the Need for Repairs

When you reduce wear and tear, you also reduce the need for repairs between regular maintenance tune-ups. When you reduce the need for frequent repairs, you extend the life of your HVAC unit.

5. Regulates Temperature

Improving your HVAC unit’s efficiency means you also help regulate the temperature within your home. When your HVAC unit works harder than it needs to due to blockages or wear and tear, it can’t always keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature.

Let yourself breathe easier this year by reducing your energy costs and saving on repairs. Contact Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., today to have our technicians show you the benefits of duct cleaning.

Image provided by iStock

The first hot day of the season could happen any time now! Is your building’s air conditioning system ready for the challenge? Getting your equipment tuned up and ready for the upcoming season is imperative not only for a smooth and comfortable transition, but also for the efficiency and reliability of your system. If your … Continued

The post Get Ahead of the 90 Degree Day with HVAC Preventative Maintenance appeared first on Arista.

You can take care of some AC problems yourself. For others, you need to call a professional. In this guide, you’ll learn what to do when your AC isn’t working correctly:

• How often you should replace the air filter
• How to do air conditioning troubleshooting
• How to prevent most AC problems

When AC problems appear, it’s normal to panic. After all, no one wants to be stuck in a Phoenix heatwave without a working air conditioner. The good news is that many of the most common AC issues that valley homeowners and businesses face are actually pretty simple fixes. This helpful guide shows you seven of the biggest issues to look for, what you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place, and how to solve them.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

One of the most common AC problems is caused by a dirty air filter. The air filter normally cleans dirt, allergens, and contaminants from the air, improving indoor air quality. Over time, as more and more dirt is absorbed, the filter can get dirty. Eventually, airflow is blocked completely.

How can you tell this is happening? For one thing, you’ll notice that less air is flowing out of the vents in your home. The air conditioner may seem like it’s constantly running. This is because it’s struggling to push cool air through a blocked system.

Now for the good news. Replacing a dirty air filter is incredibly cheap and easy to do. You just need to follow a few basic instructions in your owner’s manual. We recommend replacing the air filter every 45–60 days because of the dusty climate in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding metro cities. If you have pets, and especially if someone in your family has allergies, change the filter once a month.  

2. Blocked Outdoor Units / Frozen Coils

To work correctly, the outdoor part of an air conditioner needs good airflow in both directions. That way, hot air evaporates outside, and cool air reaches the inside of your home without problems. If the unit becomes blocked, the whole process breaks down.

Have you started to notice ice building up even though it’s the middle of summer? The problem is usually that something is blocking airflow. Leaves, branches, junk, and debris may be the culprit.

To solve this issue, make sure that the outdoor unit always has plenty of room to breathe. If you cover it in winter, don’t forget to remove the cover when spring arrives. Never store grass clippings, leaves, garbage bags, lawn equipment, or tools behind it.

3. Thermostat Issues

Does it seem like your air conditioner is having trouble reaching the right indoor temperature? Do you have to turn the controls down further than normal just so the temperature is bearable? The problem may be your thermostat, not the AC itself.

Typically, the thermostat controls when the AC turns off and how long it runs. It’s like a manager that tells the rest of the system what to do. If the thermostat breaks down, your air conditioner may not start at all, or it may turn off and on every few minutes (called short cycling).

What can you do? First, make sure the thermostat is on and that it’s set to “cool.” Also, make sure the thermostat isn’t located in direct sunlight. Otherwise, the problem may be a malfunctioning sensor or electrical connection. To fix these AC problems or replace the thermostat, you need to contact our pros for air conditioner troubleshooting.

4. Electrical Problems

Believe it or not, one of the most common AC issues happens because a circuit breaker gets tripped. If the AC stops working suddenly, take a quick trip to your circuit box and check if the breaker is turned off. If so, just flip the switch, and you should be back in business.

Other times, the problem is a loose electrical connection. This is more serious because it can damage important parts, make certain systems stop working, or trigger fire hazards. Electrical problems often happen when a “handyman” or someone inexperienced tries DIY air conditioner installation.

The best way to avoid this problem is to schedule periodic AC maintenance. As part of the cleaning and tune-up, our certified experts check all electrical connections, tightening loose connections, and protecting electrical components outside.

5. Water Leaks and Drainage Issues

It’s normal for some water to appear outside because of condensation. If there’s a lot of water all the time, however, you may have a problem with a clogged drain line. The drain system is backed up with algae or dirt, which doesn’t let water drain like normal. This makes the drain pan fill up and overflow, potentially damaging electrical components.

Inside the house, you definitely don’t want any type of moisture or water leakage from the air handler. Incorrect drainage can lead to mold problems or unattractive stains on the wall.

Homeowners can often take care of this problem by unclogging the drain pipe using a wet vac or neutralizing algae with vinegar. But, let’s be honest, do you really want to deal with something so messy? It’s usually better to call a pro for system cleaning just to avoid the gross factor.

6. Low Refrigerant Levels

With a high-quality air conditioner and good maintenance, you may never have to worry about refrigerant problems. On the other hand, older ACs or dirty systems may develop leaks. Refrigerant is responsible for the entire system functioning, so when levels drop, cooling is affected. Eventually, the compressor or other expensive components can be irreparably damaged.

Here are the signs of low refrigerant:

• Green or blue liquid around the outside unit
• Air coming out of vents feels warm
• You turn the thermostat lower and lower to cool the home
• The air conditioner runs constantly
• Energy bills rise sharply

Fortunately, maintenance technicians measure refrigerants as part of preventative maintenance. That way you can avoid this problem altogether.

7. Failure of Fans

There are two critical fans in the AC system. One is located inside, and it blows cold air into the home. The other is outside, and it’s responsible for cooling off the evaporator coil by getting rid of warm air. When these fans stop working, the air conditioner runs but, nothing happens. You may hear a buzzing or rattling noise.

What should you do? Turn off your air conditioner immediately. Otherwise, the condenser can overheat, leading to very costly repairs. The good news is that as long as you call us as soon as you notice the problem, there’s a good chance we can just fix or replace the fan, which is fairly inexpensive.

Expert Air Conditioner Troubleshooting and Repairs in Phoenix, AZ

Your home’s air-conditioning system is worth every penny — especially with blazing summer temperatures outside — but it’s also a significant investment. You want it to deliver cool and comfortable temperatures for ages. Scheduling preventative maintenance every six months can make a massive difference for your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, performance, and longevity. If AC problems appear, call our team right away for air conditioner troubleshooting and expert repairs.

At Howard Air, we offer a number of maintenance plans to make service more convenient and affordable. If you are experiencing problems with your system, you have multiple options for scheduling service. You may fill out a service request form here on our website, or you can simply call 602.953.2766 to speak with someone directly.

Featured Image: Andrey Popov/Getty Images

The post 7 Air Conditioner Problems That Homeowners Face & Their Solutions first appeared on Howard Air.

This post appeared first on Howardair.com

A leaking water heater is never good news, so if you’ve noticed water pooling around the base of your water heater, prepare yourself for some emergency plumbing repair. Typically, a water heater leak is an easy fix and doesn’t always mean you’ll need to replace your heater.

That being said, it is always absolutely necessary to get to the source of the issue, especially when you find your hot water heater leaking from the bottom.

Here are five possible reasons why you found your water heater leaking from the bottom and how to solve each of them.

Drain Valve is Leaking

Problem: Believe it or not, this could be good news. Drain valve leaks are typically on the less expensive side of hot water heater repairs. If the water is leaking from the drain valve, it’s a sign that the drain valve is failing in some way. The leak may be slow and unnoticeable at first, but it still needs to be repaired or it could end up flooding your basement.

Solution: Call your plumber to have them replace your faulty drain valve if you determine it is in fact the reason you have water leaking from the bottom of the water heater. In some cases, a hot water heater leaking from the drain valve could be an indication that your hot water heater itself is failing, but usually, it’s due to an issue in the drain valve. An experienced plumber will be able to repair that quickly for you.

Broken Pressure Relief Valve

Problem: Regulating the water temperature and pressure inside your hot water heater is imperative to keeping your home safe. Without this, your hot water heater could end up exploding. The pressure relief valve is designed as a safety feature on your hot water heater.

When temperatures or pressure reach or exceed a certain level, the pressure relief valve opens to release some pressure and water, allowing cold air to enter the tank and lower both the temperature and pressure inside.

Your pressure release valve can leak or break for a couple of reasons, one being that it was triggered to open due to excessive pressure or temperatures. The other reason is that it was a faulty valve to begin with. 

Solution: If your pressure relief valve has opened due to excessive temperatures or pressure within your tank, then what looks like a leak is actually part of your unit’s normal working procedures. In this case, the water will drain out of the discharge pipe and everything should return to normal.

If your pressure relief valve is faulty, then that could be due to an inability to properly seal, or it could have gotten stuck in an open position. In this case, a professional plumber will need to inspect this section of your unit to identify the issue. They will probably need to replace the valve. 

Inside of Tank is Leaking

Problem: If you notice water leaking from the bottom of the water heater, but you cannot identify a valve or pipe that it seems to be coming from—rather, it seems to be coming from the tank itself—then there’s some bad news. If a leak is coming from the tank itself, the most likely reason for this is that sediment has built up inside your tank and caused corrosion on the inside.

Essentially, your hot water heater is corroding from the inside out which is extremely dangerous not only for your quality of water but also for your home. 

Solution: Contact a plumber immediately. Your hot water heater will need to be replaced as soon as possible. 

Anode Rod is Corroded

Problem: If you find your hot water heater leaking from the bottom, check your tank’s anode rod. The anode rod is a long, thin rod that sits inside your hot water heater. It is designed to absorb any and all corrosive materials that live inside your hot water heater—essentially so these materials “eat up” the anode rod and don’t corrode your actual hot water heater tank. 

If your anode rod has completely corroded, then there is nothing left to distract these corrosive materials, and they may end up going after the inside of your tank. 

Solution: Any time your anode rod has been all used up, it will need to be replaced to protect the integrity of your unit. Any time you leave your hot water heater to operate without an anode rod, you risk water leaking from the bottom of the water heater or even the top. Have a professional plumber come out to replace your tank’s anode rod as quickly as possible.

Condensation

Problem: If you find your hot water heater leaking from the bottom, check to be sure the moisture you’re finding is actually a leak and not condensation. Your hot water heater is capable of creating up to a half-gallon of water vapor per hour of operation due to the intense process of taking low-temperature water from piping and transferring it full of heat.

The condensation can collect on your unit, making it appear as though you have a water heater leaking from the bottom when in reality, it’s harmless condensation.

Solution: Condensation collecting on the outside of your unit is harmless to your hot water heater. It’s not actually a leak, so it doesn’t require any attention from a professional plumber. Make sure you always inspect any water collecting around your hot water heater, even if you think it is just condensation, to be sure a more serious issue isn’t present.

If what you thought was your hot water heater leaking from the bottom seam turns out to be condensation, don’t worry about it. This is normal for hot water heaters.

How to Prevent Leaks from the Bottom of Your Water Heater

It only makes sense that you would want to prevent your water heater leaking from the bottom as leaks can be dangerous and expensive. Keep in mind that the age of your unit, the quality of installation, and regular maintenance all have a huge effect on the health and working quality of your hot water heater.

Older units are more prone to leakage and while that’s something you cannot help, there are some things you do have control over: who you allow to work on your hot water heater. You can easily end up with a hot water heater leaking from the bottom if it was poorly installed. Always work with a professional when dealing with your plumbing installation and repairs.

Regular maintenance plays a big role in preventing your water heater leaking from the bottom since regular inspections and tune-ups allow you to catch a problem before it occurs. Things like faulty valves, corroding anode rods, pressure regulation, and more are all checked by a professional during regular hot water heater maintenance. The best thing you can do to keep your hot water heater leaking from bottom seams is to get it regularly serviced.

Call John C. Flood for Water Heater Repairs

If you cannot easily figure out the reason why your water heater is leaking from the bottom, you should call a professional plumbing service to get the issue repaired quickly and correctly. The skilled plumbers at John C. Flood can not only help you identify the source of your hot water heater leak, but they can also help you repair it and protect your home against additional water damages. Visit us online to schedule service today.

John C. Flood, Inc. cannot be held liable or responsible for any personal or property damages incurred if the end-user attempts any of the aforementioned DIY tips and instructions.  

The post How to Fix a Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom appeared first on John C. Flood.