Riley Plumbing & Heating is here to guide you through the summertime! Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and with kids running amok, your plumbing system will be working hard to keep up. If you follow these plumbing tips from Riley Plumbing & Heating, your summer will go by like a breeze.
Here at Riley Plumbing & Heating, we’re one of the most reputable providers of toilet repair in Hartford County, CT. In fact, we’ve fixed hundreds of bathroom problems for a multitude of homeowners across the region. Many people call us when they’ve tried everything they can to fix a toilet, not realizing that they’ve worsened the problem and could have avoided calling us at all.
The birds are chirping, the sun is setting later and later, and the temperature is beginning to rise slowly; signs which all point to the beginning of spring. However, if your sump pump isn’t working correctly, then the spring thaw could bring an unwanted danger to your home this season — flooding. Read more “You Might Be Ready for Spring — But What About Your Sump Pump?”
Today, technological advancements and breakthroughs have attempted to make just about every facet of our lives more comfortable, more efficient, and in many cases, just plain better. This inventiveness and innovation also applies to household appliances, where much of the equipment that we have come to rely on has been vastly improved over the years and decades. However, not all appliances need to be high-tech.
Even though your water heater is usually tucked away unseen in a basement or laundry room closet, it plays a vital role in the warmth and comfort of your home. At Riley Plumbing & Heating, the leading plumbing company Hartford County, CT, we believe you can avoid the damage and inconvenience of a water heater repair by watching for specific signs. Below, we’ve listed four indicators that your water heater may be on its last legs.
#1 Your Heater Is Over 10 Years Old
A rule of thumb is that most water heaters that are more than ten years old should be considered for replacement. Find the age by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker, which can be located on the upper portion of your heater. The first two numbers in the sequence usually indicate the month and year, but these stickers can vary based on manufacturer. Always check the manufacturer’s website for more information if you’re unsure.
#2 You’ve Got Rusty Water
If there is rusty water coming from the hot piping in your home, this is an indicator that your water heater is rusting on the inside. Unfortunately, once your heater starts to rust, it may develop holes and begin to leak.
#3 It’s Making Lots of Strange Noises
Over time, debris builds up on the bottom of your water heater tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden. The rumbling or banging sounds you often hear from an older water heater is the sediment heating up. These sounds can indicate intense overheating or pressure build-up and they should not be ignored.
#4 There Are Puddles of Water Around the Base
As your water heater expands, it can cause small leaks or fractures in your water heater tank. This kind of damage to the tank can cause moisture build up around the bottom of the tank, making puddles of water. Double check to be sure no other leaks are coming from the fittings or connections to the tank.
#5 You Have Reduced Water Flow
If you notice your rate of water flow slow down then you may have a build-up of scale or sediment which should not be ignored; this scale can increase if left and eventually leave you with a water heater that doesn’t work at all.
If you’re a home or business owner who is experiencing any of the signs above and is concerned about their water heater possibly failing, contact the experts at Riley Plumbing & Heating at 860-225-1534 today. Don’t hesitate, our commercial and residential plumbing specialists in Hartford County, CT is here to help!
Rain or snow, there’s one appliance that needs constant maintenance, and that’s your sump pump. Hidden in your basement, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that keeps your basement dry and flood free. A poorly maintained sump pump, however, could mean thousands of dollars in water damage. No homeowner wants to deal with a soggy basement, and luckily you don’t have to.
A leaky faucet can be a frustrating problem, especially when you can’t seem to find the source of the leak. Damaged faucets, however, can cost you $20-200 every year in wasted water, and can lead to much more expensive water and structural damages. It might be a pain to call a plumber in for a damaged faucet, but properly maintaining your faucets saves you money and protects you from an electrical hazard. Knowing what exactly to do can be tricky, as your plumbing is complicated. If your home has a damaged faucet, it helps to know whether you need to repair or replace your faucet.
With the weather getting chillier, it’s likely that you’ve already dragged your winter clothes out of storage and piled a few extra blankets on your bed. You may be prepared for the cooler seasons, but is your home ready? Freezing temperatures can harm areas of your house if it’s not properly prepared, especially your plumbing. Here in Kensington, CT, we know how extreme the weather can get in Late October and Early November. Will your home be ready? Here are a few things that you can do to get your plumbing ready for the cold weather ahead: Read more “Preparing Your Plumbing For Fall”
If you rent or own a home, then chances are you know how expensive it can be to maintain warmth inside your house. In fact, as much as 60 percent of your utility bills can be spent on heating your home this year. Now that the cold season has officially arrived, there’s more incentive than ever to make sure your heating system is efficient and working at optimum capacity.
At Riley Plumbing & Heating, we don’t just provide expert boiler repair, replacement, and maintenance services for our customers in and around Kensington, CT. We’re also your source for valuable information, like how to get the most out of your boiler and ensure it’s working properly. With a few tips, you can improve your boiler’s efficiency, keep your home warmer, and even reduce your monthly energy bills.
Use Preset On and Off Times
One of the best ways to use the boiler is to have pre-set times for it to turn off when you go to sleep and back on again just before you wake up. This can prevent unnecessary wasting of energy and money.
Turn It Off Before You Leave
It’s much less expensive to keep the boiler switched off when you’re out of the house than leaving it on all day at a low temperature. In fact, the notion that you should leave the heat on low all day, even when you’re not in the home, is a myth. The best way to save money and stop energy loss is to use a timer.
Turn It Down One Degree
How high is your thermostat set? The recommended ambient temperature for a living room is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Try turning down your thermostat one degree to see if you and your family still feel warm enough to be comfortable. This single degree can actually save you money over the season, and even more over the life of your boiler.
Use Insulation
To make your heating system even more efficient, try putting plastic insulation over your windows. This can be purchased affordably at most home repair or hardware stores, and can help to retain up to 50 percent of the heat lost through old or poorly insulated windows.
Consider a Replacement
If your boiler and heating system is older than ten years, or has required a significant amount of repairs and maintenance, then it might be time for a replacement. At Riley Plumbing & Heating, we feature a knowledgeable staff of friendly and prompt technician who can expertly install a brand new and efficient heating system in your home, keeping you warm and toasty for many winters to come.
To schedule a tune-up or maintenance for your boiler or heating system, call us today at 860-225-1534!
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