Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating

Different Ways Old Water Heaters Can Fail

With regular maintenance and care from an experienced plumbing company, your water heater can last upwards of 20 years. However, time and neglect can take their toll. There are several ways that older water heaters can fail, either over time or all at once. Some problems cause a slow degradation of the water heater’s integrity and efficiency, while others can cause sudden and catastrophic leaks. Read on to learn a few of the ways old water heaters can fail:

Sediment Buildup and Heating Element Failure
One of the most important reasons to maintain your water heater is because sediment will build over time if you don’t. This is especially problematic for electric water heaters, as the electric heating element’s effectiveness can be severely compromised. Layers of sediment block the heat from affecting the water inside the tank, resulting in a burnt-out element. A sediment buildup can raise your bills whether you have a gas-fired or electric water heater, and shorten the unit’s life.

Corrosion Problems and Leaks      
Storage tank water heaters have an anti-corrosion measure already installed, called the “anode rod.” The anode rod is made of alloys that corrode before the material of the tank. Eventually, the rod will need to be replaced; if it is not, water’s corrosive effects can then focus on the skin of the water tank. Corrosion severely affects the integrity of a water heater, and can cause small leaks. Because corrosion has cumulative effects, neglect allows water pressure to eventually cause the tank to fail.

It is very important to maintain your water heater to ensure you get the most life out of it. By recognizing the signs of an aging water heater and having yours inspected regularly by your plumber, you can decide when it’s time to have it replaced. Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating can help you choose the perfect new water heater for your home, or provide the attention your current one needs to last for years to come. Give us a call at (510) 984-3207 or visit us online for more information.

How to React To A Water Leak Before Calling Your Favorite Berkeley Plumber

A leak in your home’s plumbing can lead to extensive water damage and exorbitant repair costs. Spotting a leak early on and knowing what actions to take can help you avoid severe damage and get your home back to normal as soon as possible. If you suspect you have a leak in your home, the first thing to do is call your local plumber. While you wait, follow these steps to help limit the damage:

Shut the Water Off
Your home’s plumbing system is outfitted with shutoff valves at certain points, usually located by fixtures like sinks, water heaters, and toilets. If you can see a leak near a specific fixture, shut the water off at one of these valves. Your home also has a main shutoff, perhaps located in your basement or near your water meter outside. For major leaks, shutting this valve off can limit the amount of water that enters your home.

Locate the Source
Next, see if you can locate the source of the leak. Check for obvious areas of standing water and look for water stains in ceilings that can indicate a leak within walls or above a room. By narrowing down the source, you can help your plumber quickly fix the problem. If you can’t locate the leak, don’t worry—your plumber has the advanced equipment and experience necessary to find it fast.

Minimize Water Damage
In order to contain the amount of damage done by the leaks, put down towels or blankets. You can also place buckets or other containers underneath pipes to catch dripping water, and the flow should slow down after the shutoff valves have been closed. It helps to reduce the pressure of a leak by opening faucets or taps around the home and allow water to drain.

Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating can locate and repair leaks before they cause extensive damage to your home. Call us at (510) 984-3207 if you suspect you have a leak, and we’ll talk you through measures that will help mitigate water damage. Visit our website to learn more about our company. 

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See How Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating Can Help Get Your Plumbing Back in Order!

Plumbing problems can be a major disaster—but with the right care and maintenance, you can keep your home’s plumbing in great condition. Any time you need help with plumbing repairs, call the expert plumbers at Albert Nahman Plumbing & Heating.

• Read through this article from Angie’s List to learn more about caring for your home’s sewer line.
• Learn more about what to avoid putting down your home’s garbage disposal by reading through this article from The Huffington Post.
• Want to learn more about what you can and cannot flush town your toilet? Read through this page from UnitedUtilities.com.
• The National Association of Realtors offers helpful advice on avoiding plumbing leaks.
• Discover helpful tips for fixing leaky pipes and learn when to call a plumber by reading through this How Stuff Works article.

 We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 24 hour customer care in the Berkeley area. Call (510) 984-3207 for a free estimate today.

Deconstructed: Inside Your Toilet

Toilets may seem simple at first glance, but they are actually complicated fixtures. By understanding how your home’s toilet works, you can get a better understanding of why plumbing problems can occur.

This video explains the science and technology of today’s toilets. It shows the mechanisms and designs that make toilets flush successfully, and addresses the concerns behind leaking and other plumbing problems.