Here at Best Plumbing, we hear a lot of questions from Seattle homeowners regarding their pipes, drains, and more. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding water leaks and hot water woes. If you haven’t already asked these questions, there’s a good chance you will later, so why not learn about them now?

How harmful are water leaks?

A single leak in your water system is a definite danger to your home. A continuous flow of water can amount to serious corrosion in your pipes and other infrastructural components like floors and walls. To make matters worse, leaks will grow in size over time, which means that the longer they go unnoticed, the more dangerous they become. Did we mention you’ll also pay a higher water bill for the constant loss of water?

How can I check for leaks?

To check for leaks, simply locate your home’s water meter, and check the water level at two distant time periods between which you don’t use ay water. To do an effective test, you should wait for at least six hours between checks. If there are no leaks in your home, the water levels should stay the same. If the levels are different, then that could be a sign of trouble. We recommend calling a professional if that’s the case.

My hot water isn’t very hot or won’t stay hot for long. What’s behind this?

There are some common reasons as to why this might be happening. In each case, the solution will require you to enlist the help of a licensed professional.

1. Broken Dip Tube: Water heaters function by cold water entering towards the bottom of the tank, being heated up through the heating mechanism, then exiting at the top of the tank. The dip tube is where the cold water first enters, but when this tube is broken, the
   cold water can hover near the top and middle of the tank as opposed to the bottom, which is where the heater is. As a result, the water is inefficiently heated before being drawn from the tank, making it less hot and lowering your reserves of hot water.
2. Buildup of Sediment: The water that enters your water heater usually carries small quantities of sediment which the tank filters out. Over time, these sediments can pile up at the bottom of the tank, close to the heater. With all the debris in the tank, the heater becomes less effective at heating the water. This effect can be prevented by draining out your tank once a year.
3. Malfunctioning System Parts: In the case of older tanks, it’s possible that mechanical parts of your tank have simply gone faulty. In particular, you might possess a broken thermal switch, thermostat, or heating device. In each case, you should enlist the help of a licensed professional to receive a proper diagnosis and advice on how to fix the problem.

Whether you fear you might have a leak or need a water heater inspection, our experts are here to help you with any and all of your plumbing needs. Just contact the local team at Best Plumbing today! We proudly serve the greater Seattle area. To find more tips on plumbing and maintenance, check out our blog and our Youtube page.

Our crew received this wonderful thank you letter from a young customer who was excited that we got the pipes in their home working again after a small plumbing emergency.  It really made everyone’s day!

A locally owned and operated business, we have been serving Seattle’s plumbing needs for 50 years. One of the best things about our work as plumbers is knowing that we’re helping our community by improving Seattle’s water infrastructure, one plumbing system at a time.

Visit our website to learn about our various plumbing services or check out our Youtube channel for some great plumbing tips!

While it’s easy to overlook plumbing until something goes wrong, smart homeowners will establish basic plumbing maintenance habits to make sure they spot and resolve small issues before they become major problems. Here are four things you can do stay on top of things!

Inspect for Leaks

It’s a good idea to occasionally walk around your property and inspect any visible water supply lines – such as under sinks, behind appliances, or in the basement. Some warning signs include oozing around pipe joints, dripping along the line, and damp spots or discoloration on the surrounding wall or floor. 

Check Your Appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines are two common culprits for plumbing issues. Make sure that hoses are securely fastened to the both the machine and the hot and cold water faucets. Test the hose flexibility — if it feels stiff or you notice any cracking replace it immediately. Also make sure the machine is draining properly.  

Examine the Water Heater

Look for any signs of water or sediment underneath the tank — this can be a sign of internal corrosion. Also check around the temperature/pressure relief valve for drips, rust, or build up of any kind. You should also make note of the water temperature and water pressure. Too much pressure can put undue stress on your pipes and appliances and decrease their lifespan.

Fix Small Issues Early

Take the time to complete weekend projects like replacing leaky faucets or descaling your water heater. Taking care of small problems in a timely manner can really add up to big savings in terms of preventing costly repairs down the line.

The experts at Best Plumbing are always available if you have questions or need assistance with any plumbing maintenance. Contact us today for an inspection in your home. You can also find great instructions and tricks of the trade on our blog and Youtube channel!