FAQ

Signs that your water heater may need repair or replacement include:

• Inconsistent or no hot water
• Strange noises like rumbling or popping
• Water discoloration or rust
• Leaks around the water heater tank
• A sudden increase in energy bills

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and recommend the appropriate solution.

Signs of a water leak in your home include:

• Unexplained high water bills
• Damp spots or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Mold or mildew growth
• A musty smell in certain areas
• The sound of running water when no fixtures are in use

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a plumber to inspect and address the issue before it causes further damage.

Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backward into your clean water supply, posing serious health risks. Backflow testing ensures that your plumbing system’s backflow prevention devices are working properly to keep drinking water safe. Regular testing helps protect your home and community from water contamination. Contact Scenic City Plumbing today to schedule your backflow testing and ensure your water remains safe!

You should have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of your household and the tank capacity. Regular maintenance helps prevent backups and ensures your septic system functions efficiently.

A faucet that won't allow water to flow is certainly a warning sign of frozen pipes. If severe weather arrives, you may prevent freezing and bursting of pipes by following these easy suggestions:

• Be sure to keep a running drip or small stream of water running from interior faucets. 
• Insulate your pipes. You may use insulating materials such as tape and foam. 
• Keep bedroom and all interior doors open as well as kitchen and lavatory cabinet doors open. 
• Heat your exposed sections of pipe with a small heat source. 
• Disconnect all garden hoses connected to the faucet to allow any water in the pipe to drain out.

Most people don’t think about their water heater until it stops working. To extend its lifespan, drain and flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup.

For an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker. For a gas heater, set the thermostat to “pilot.” Attach a hose to the drain valve near the thermostat but don’t open it yet. Next, turn off the cold water supply feeding the heater.

Inside your home, open a hot water faucet to prevent a vacuum from forming. Then, go back and open the drain valve to empty the tank. Ensure the hose drains safely, like onto a driveway.

Once drained, turn the cold water supply back on to flush out remaining sediment. When the water runs clear, close the drain valve and turn off the hot water faucet inside. Finally, make sure the tank is fully refilled before restoring power to avoid damaging the heating elements.

Thumping or noises in your pipes when you turn on a faucet are often caused by fluctuating water pressure. This can put stress on your plumbing system and lead to damage if not controlled. To prevent this, a pressure-reducing valve is used to regulate and stabilize the incoming water pressure, protecting your pipes and appliances. If the noises persist, it may be a sign that the valve needs adjustment or repair.

Conventional water heaters work by heating the water stored in their tank. Typically, this is between 30 and 50 gallons. When that water is used, there is no longer any hot water. The tank must accumulate more water and heat it before a new supply of hot water is available.

A conventional water heater, while cheaper to initially install, actually increases utility costs. The water heater is working to continuously keep the water in its tank warm. Because it is heating a set amount of water, your energy costs will be higher. 

A tankless water heater uses the power of the house – either gas or electricity – to warm the water as needed. These heaters are also smaller than conventional water heaters and take up less room. They can be installed in several locations in your home, and can also be installed outside. Tankless heaters provide endless hot water as they heat the water as it comes through the system. Though more expensive to initially install, tankless water heaters can save you money in the long run as they reduce energy costs and do not have to be replaced as often as their conventional counterparts.

To prevent leaking pipes, monitor your home’s water pressure and keep it between 30 and 50 psi; higher pressure can cause damage. If needed, call Scenic City Plumbing for adjustments. Installing a water softener also helps by preventing mineral buildup. In winter, cover exposed pipes and drain outdoor spigots to prevent freezing. Taking these steps will protect your plumbing and save you money.

While it may be tempting to try to save some money and handle a leaking pipe yourself, this can actually end up being a more expensive solution. If you do not completely repair the leak and it continues over time, you may end up with rot, mold, or worse. Having a professional plumber address the problem initially can save you time and money. Our team knows all of the things to look for to completely repair your leaking pipes and we can prevent future damage. However, it is important to call as soon as you discover the leak so that our team can help mitigate any damage.

As the seasons get ready to change, it is important to take preventive action to protect your home. As summer ends, go ahead and disconnect and drain your hoses. Inspect the spigots and faucets outside your home to ensure that they are not currently leaking. Take a few moments to cover your spigots with insulation kits available at hardware stores and seal spaces around doors and windows to prevent cold air from getting in your home or crawl space. Finally, be sure to check your sump pump to make sure that it works and is ready for the winter ahead.

If you have any questions or need assistance preparing your home, call Scenic City Plumbing. Our team will be more than happy to help you get ready for the colder weather on the horizon.