Clogged Drain? Here Are Some Dos and Don’ts

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. 

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The Top 7 Spring and Summer Plumbing Problems

As one of the top-rated providers of electric water heater installations in Hartford County, CT, and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on our expert knowledge and ability to give sound advice. That’s why we’re advising our clients on the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face during the summer months. Let’s take a look at what they are and how to deal with them. Read more “The Top 7 Spring and Summer Plumbing Problems”

Tankless Vs. Conventional: Which Water Heater Is Best for Your Home?


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.

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Is Your Water Heater About to Fail? Here Are the Warning Signs

Water Heater Repair

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!

Sump Pump

The Importance of Sump Pump Maintenance

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.

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How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

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.

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Preparing Your Plumbing For Fall

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:
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Getting the Most Out of Your Boiler: 5 Ways to Improve Its Efficiency and Save Money on Heating Bills

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.  

  1. 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.

  1. 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!