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Year: 2021

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How to Tell that your Water Heater needs Service

Every homeowner hates it when there is an issue with water heaters. It can be disruptive, frustrating, and cause significant inconveniences to your day to day activities. Imagine coming home after a long day at work, and you can’t wait to take a hot shower, but to your disappointment, the water heater fails to work. Luckily for you, some subtle signs will notify you when your water heater needs service before it’s too late.

Below are some of the signs:

Lukewarm water

There are situations where water coming through the heater fails to get as hot as it should. This can mean that your heater needs repair. However, it is not always the case, as someone might have tampered with the temperature settings without your knowledge. Therefore, if such a thing happens, you should first ensure that it has nothing to do with the settings. Additionally, if the outdoor temperature is too cold, it might hinder the heating process, making you end up receiving lukewarm water.

However, if you have checked and everything seems okay, it will be time to call in the experts and have the heaters checked. It might just be a slight disconnection that will be repaired immediately, taking things back to normal.

If the hot water doesn’t run for long

Are you getting the sense that the water is running out faster than usual? Sometimes you find out that when you are taking a shower or washing utensils, the water gradually turns cold.  This can of course be that you’re using more hot water than you expect, perhaps your water heater is undersized for your home, but if the hot water doesn’t return quick enough then you could have a genuine problem.  It could be that there is a broken element within the heater or maybe other more severe problems. A professional diagnosis will help pick out the specific issues, making it easy to correct the situation.

Water discoloration

Water coming from the taps should always be colorless. Sometimes it might turn out to be a little hazy, but this is mainly attributed to the pressure being used to pump it. The hazy color disappears once the pressure evens out. However, if you notice that the water has started coming out with an unusual color, it might be time to seek professional help. Sometimes people even see tiny dark particles in the water; the water heater is to blame here.

You should take water discoloration more seriously. It can even pose a risk to the health of your home’s residents.

Unusual or Funny Noises

Just like any other system, the ageing of your water heating system will cause mild buzzes. These might grow and develop to become rumbling sounds. Even though it is normal for the heater to produce a little noise, too much of it should not go unchecked; it might even weaken some parts of the heating system can damage the whole system.

It’s common for most water heaters to build up with sediment after many years without service – this is especially true in hard water areas, like a lot of Connecticut.  An increase in sediment can cause your water heater to work harder, cost you more money, and not work so well.  It’s a relatively simple task for a heating professional to flush and clean a water heater of sediment, but it’s not something that you should leave and assume it will go away; because it won’t, it will only get worse.

Takeaway

A deteriorating water heating system might not seem like a major inconvenience until you have to endure an ice-cold shower. However, when your water heater is checked and serviced regularly, it will go a long way in excluding inconveniences and preventing surprises and upsets.

If you have concerns about your water heater in Berlin, New Britain or the rest of Hartford County, CT then contact Riley Plumbing Company to schedule a reliable water heater service from top-rated heating specialists. – Read Reviews

Call: (860) 225-1534

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Common Causes for No Hot Water

No hot water can be a big concern for homeowners; if not at least very frustrating. Sometimes hot water will return, but if it doesn’t then you may have a more serious problem. Cold showers may be a new trend, but most people would probably prefer to have a working hot water heater!

If your water heater has stopped working, here are some common reasons why:

 

Common Causes why you have no hot water

 

You’re using too much water

It could be that you’re using more hot water than anticipated and your water heater is too small for your needs. This can cause you to run out of hot water from time to time.

 

Incorrect temperature on thermostat

Some hot water heaters have adjustable thermostats which control how hot the water is. You could check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.

 

Clock and timer

Double check that the timer on your water heater is set correctly; this can be confusing when the clocks change.

 

Tripped circuit breaker

Check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped and switch it back on if it’s gone off.

 

The water heater tank is leaking.

This is a serious issue and should be addressed quickly by a water heater repair technician; this is not something you can or should fix yourself. If you have a gas system, then switch off the gas. If you have an electric system you should switch off the electricity before you do anything else.

 

Gas Leak

This is unlikely, thankfully, but if you have a gas-heated system and you notice a rotten egg smell in your house that doesn’t go away then you may have a gas leak.

  • Turn off the gas supply, turn the valve until it’s at 90 degrees from the pipe to shut off the gas supply.
  • Leave the house and call an emergency gas technician.
  • Do not switch on or off any appliances, lights, or electrical switches.
  • Do not use any mobile phones in the house.
  • If you feel unwell visit your doctor or local hospital

 

Pilot light gone out (gas water heaters)

Newer models don’t have a pilot light so you won’t be able to check this. But if your system does have one and the flame has gone out then this can be the cause of your lack of hot water.

Your manufacturer’s instructions should provide the best information to re-ignite it.

 

No water coming from the faucet.

Is the problem one faucet or more than one? Is the cold tap working? If it’s just hot water, you have a problem. You should check to see if the tank is leaking; or you may have a problem with your pipes.

If you have no water at all then you should check your water supply valve; if that doesn’t fix the problem, you need to contact your water supplier.

Need help from a professional? For water heater repair services in Berlin, New Britain and Hartford County, Connecticut call Riley Plumbing Company call: 860-225-1534

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5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Problems with your water heater?  Sometimes things might not seem quite right, but we put them off, or we’re not quite sure if they’re serious enough for a repair or not.  There are lots of things that can go wrong with water heaters; a common problem is scale build-up which only gets worse over time.   Getting your heater looked at sooner can help to prevent costly repairs and replacements.  We’ll help you to recognize the signs that you might need a water heater repair and when to call a professional:

1. Reduced Water Flow

Is the flow of water slower than usual?  You may have a build-up of scale or sediment in the water heater or connecting plumbing.  Scale is particularly a problem in hard water areas and if left can build up and only make the problem worse.  The solution could be a water heater flush and/or de-scale from a heating professional.

2. Water is Discolored or Smells

Discoloration in your water including rusty and muddy colors can suggest that there is rust or bacteria inside your water heater tank.  This can also suggest that the tank’s anode rod is broken -which usually helps to kill off bacteria and remove any rust from the water.

The most common smell from a faulty water heater is a rotten egg smell.  This is caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank – creating sulfate gas and that nasty smell.

  • If the problem is coming from your hot water only, then it’s likely you have a water heater problem.
  • If the problem is coming from your hot and cold water then it’s likely to be a water supply problem.

Smelly and discolored hot water can be resolved with a water heater flush.

3.  Strange Noises Coming From the Water Heater

Your water heater can make all kinds of concerning noises loud gurgles, bangs, cracks, pops, whining sounds.

Most commonly water heater sounds are associated with a build-up of scale which burns off inside the heater.

A sizzling sound can suggest a water flow problem, more than a problem with scale build-up.  Or if you have a gas heater than it can suggest a condensation issue.

4. Leaking Water Heater

Do you have water dripping or a pool of water beneath your water heater?  Don’t wait around – this can indicate a serious issue that should be addressed by a repair technician.  Leaks can often be repaired, but sometimes you may need a new heater.  Riley Plumbing Company offers emergency 24 hour water heater repair services in Berlin, New Britain and the rest of Hartford County CT.

5. Fluctuating Hot Water

Of course, you’re going to notice if you have no hot water at all, but fluctuating temperatures can be a little more subtle.  If you do start to notice this and you think something’s not right then you could either have a build-up of mineral deposits (scale) or a faulty water heater element that needs repair.

If you notice any of these warning signs then you should call a plumber to assess the problem. For water heater repair services in Berlin, New Britain and Hartford County, CT call Riley Plumbing Company: 860-225-1534

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Why Service a Boiler?

Do you service your boiler every year?  You might be wondering if a service is worth the money; especially if your boiler isn’t that old.

Maintain the Manufacturer’s Warranty

Have you read the details of your manufacturer’s warranty?  Generally, for a warranty to remain valid you need to be taking reasonable measures to look after your boiler.  Most manufacturers would recommend or require at least one yearly service; often manufacturers will require you to have your first service within 12 months of installation.

Reduce the chance of breakdowns

When your boiler is serviced by a heating professional it is less likely to suddenly break down on you.  Maintaining the system will help to keep the internal components of your boiler working smoothly for longer.  Small problems can be identified early and any boiler repairs will likely be cheaper than if they were left to escalate.

Safety for you and your family

A faulty boiler can be a serious risk to you and your family if it starts leaking carbon monoxide.  While this is rare it is even less so when you have a yearly service.  A full inspection from a heating professional tells you that your boiler is in good health and safe; it is not a guarantee but it can help to spot the early warning signs that could otherwise escelate into a carbon monoxide leak.

Regular servicing ensures the boiler is combusting fuel safely and efficiently; reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Save money on heating bills and repairs

A yearly service can be seen as an added expense, but it could actually help to keep costs down in the long-term.  Suddenly having a boiler break down on you can be more expensive than a

Over time unmaintained boilers can become less efficient.  One cause is the build-up of scale which causes the unit to work harder.  Having your boiler serviced can help to keep everything operating smoothly and efficiently – potentially reducing your energy bills.

Peace of mind

Ultimately a regular boiler service gives you peace of mind that your system is working safely, efficiently and isn’t likely to suddenly cause a problem – which can be pretty stressful at times.

Is it time to service your boiler? If you live in the Berlin, CT, New Britain or Hartford County area give Riley Pluming Company a call: 860-225-1534

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Why is there Soot in my Furnace?

If you have an oil or gas-fired furnace, you may sometimes notice an accumulation of soot. This is not uncommon and shouldn’t always be cause for alarm.  The seriousness of the situation depends on where the soot has accumulated. Nevertheless, there are occurrences that indicate hazardous problems. Let us delve into the places where you are likely to encounter soot and why you may need to call upon Riley Plumbing Company for professional help.

Partial combustion

The presence of a large amount of soot around your furnace can indicate that your furnace is giving off carbon-monoxide due to partial combustion.  If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, this might start going off to tell you – if you don’t have one, it’s a good idea that you do.

If your furnace isn’t combusting it’s gas or oil fully, the soot will be originating from the burner.  As the furnace burns the fuel to produce heat, some remnants are left behind as the process continues. This phenomenon is referred to as partial or incomplete combustion.

One of the byproducts of combustion is carbon, the main element in the black soot that you observe around your furnace. Normally, it is transferred safely out of your house through the heat exchanger.

If the vent setup in your house has an issue, the soot may start appearing in other places. If you notice a large amount of debris and soot, the air inside your house could be contaminated by carbon monoxide. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

If you are suspicious that your furnace is poisoning the air in your home, contact us immediately.

Burners

As you have probably noticed from the information above, it is quite common for small quantities of soot to collect on older furnace models. The build-up occurs due to natural processes.

However, a high concentration and buildup of soot around the burners eventually affects the ability of the appliance to ignite properly. The dirt that accumulates over time reduces the intensity of the flame produced by the burners, leading to a low heat output.

Let’s not forget that more power is needed for heating purposes. This is likely to result in increased energy bills. One way of concluding the presence of soot in your furnace is if you notice higher energy charges that keep rising every month.

If the sedimentation of the black soot continues, don’t be surprised if the gas burner in your furnace fails to ignite completely.

Pilot light

The pilot light is affected in a similar manner to the burners. It gets coagulated with soot after running for years or if there is a problem with the ventilation system that gets rid of the byproducts of incomplete combustion.

If your furnace makes use of a standing pilot light, your experience may be troublesome. This is because it prevents ignition or affects the stability of the flame. Problems with your pilot light are likely to present themselves in the form of yellow flames as opposed to normal blue flames. If you notice such incidences, give the pilot assembly a quick check.

Ducts

Soot in the ducts pose a critical risk. If it collects around the region where the ducts connect to the furnace, you may be dealing with a leaking heat exchanger. This will introduce the byproducts into the air around your house, contaminating the safe environment. The highly toxic carbon monoxide is likely to be released this way.

If you notice a high amount of soot in areas around the furnace, turn the appliance off and call us immediately.

When is it suitable to service the furnace?

Proficient plumbing and heating companies such as Riley Plumbing recommend that the unit be cleaned if the soot sediments found in the surroundings or around the flue are more than a millimeter. The soot problem is not likely to solve itself and regular maintenance is needed to help uphold high furnace efficiency.

Some proactive methods are sure ways of increasing the longevity of the furnace.

To learn more, contact Riley Plumbing Company for a reliable furnace inspection and repair. We provide steadfast, reliable and safe services including faucet repair, heating repair, tankless water heaters and furnace installation. Give us a call on 860-225-1534 for all your heating and cooling needs and emergencies.

Furnaces rileyadmin1

Why Service Your Furnace Every Year

Most of us know that we should get our furnace serviced each year; but it’s easy not to take this seriously, assuming that your furnace works fine and “it’s not that old anyway”.

If you’re not someone who insists on a yearly checkup for your furnace, you might like to know some of the unexpected benefits, and what you might be missing out on.

 

1. Stay Warm and Cozy all Winter

If you’re not a heating professional, how can you know for sure that your furnace isn’t going to break down on you midway through winter when it’s freezing cold and you’re snowed under?  Most people would probably prefer to pay for furnace repairs on their own terms, not when they’re cold and in an emergency.

When you have a yearly furnace tune-up before the start of winter your furnace service technician will be able to identify potential issues – long before they become a problem.  If your furnace is on the brink, you’ll know about it and have plenty of time to find a replacement before the cold weather sets in.

 

2. Reduce your Energy Bill

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners could save as much as 30% on their energy bill by maintaining their furnace, insulation and thermostat settings.  They also suggest that heating your home accounts for as much as 42% of your total energy costs each year, so it makes sense to do things to keep the cost of running your furnace down; especially when winter seems to drag on and on.

 

3. Ensure Proper Air Flow

As part of your furnace tune-up your technician should check that the heating system has proper airflow.  If the flow of air is restricted then this places unnecessary strain on your furnace which can reduce its lifespan, increase the likelihood of repairs and cause your energy bills to rise.

4. Peace of Mind Against Carbon Monoxide and Gas Exposure

Furnaces that use oil or gas that have a fault and start leaking can expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide – known as the silent killer.  Remember carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless.  If you have a gas furnace your first sign that you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide might be feelings of nausea, headaches and lightheadedness.  In low levels, carbon monoxide can cause cold and flu-like symptoms.  In higher doses, it can be fatal.

An annual tune-up from a furnace technician gives you the peace of mind that your furnace is in sound condition and isn’t likely to suddenly leak toxic gas into your home.

Any home or business that has a gas or oil-fired furnace or boiler or any other source of gas should install a carbon monoxide detector as an additional precaution.

 

5. Maintain Your Manufacturer Warranty

Most good quality furnaces have warranties of 10 years; and if you ever need to make a claim you can be sure that the manufacturer is going to want to know you’ve taken every reasonable step to care for it.  It’s not likely you’ll find any manufacturer that doesn’t recommend a regular service and they’ll want to see evidence that you’ve followed their advice when you make a claim.  If you do have an annual service tune-up, make sure to keep records to prove that you had the service in case you need to cash in your warranty.

 

6. Better Air Quality

This isn’t necessarily the first thing on people’s mind when they call up for a furnace tune-up, but it’s certainly something that’s worth having.  Data from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that indoor air pollution can be 2-5 times higher and sometimes 100 times higher than outside. One of the ways that you can keep the air you breathe clean and healthy is by maintaining your furnace, cleaning and replacing filters and ensuring the furnace is safe and clear to operate.

 

Would you like to learn more about how you can care for your furnace in Berlin, New Britain and the rest of Hartford County CT?  Riley Plumbing Company offers full repair, installation and service for gas, oil and electric furnaces.  Call:  860-225-1534 to find out more about annual tune-ups.

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Serious Furnace Problems You Should Know About

Modern furnaces are designed to be as safe and durable as possible; we rely on them a lot; and they use some serious energy; you wouldn’t want a load of natural gas seeping into your home for instance.

Sometimes, while rare, things can seriously wrong, and these machines need immediate attention. It’s important to be aware and prepared for these situations so you can spot the signs and quickly call for professional help.

1. Gas furnace – Rotten egg / sulphur smell

If you have a gas furnace then there is a very rare chance that you could experience a gas leak. If you do then you may notice a rotten egg smell in your home. If you notice this type of smell and it doesn’t seem to go away then you could have a gas leak.  The stronger the smell, the more substantial the potential leak.  

Don’t spend time trying to investigate it. If you suspect you have a gas leak leave your property and call a professional.

2. Dusty smell that doesn’t go

It’s not uncommon for furnaces to make a dusty smell when you first turn them on; but a persisting dusty smell should not be ignored. This can indicate that your furnace has components that are burning out and this can be very dangerous.

If you notice a lingering dusty smell call for a professional furnace repair right away.

3. Furnace vent is blocked

A blocked furnace exhaust/vent is bad for a number of reasons:

  • It puts pressure on the system

  • It can lead to fire/explosion

  • Carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide can leak back into the home

Most modern furnaces should have shut-off feature so the above instances should not happen; but either way the furnace will not operate if the vent is blocked.

Furnaces vents tend to get blocked more in the winter with heavy snowfal, but they can also get blocked from straying birds and other animals any time of year. The flue from your furnace may go out through the side of your home or sometimes out of the side of your roof.

It’s good to know where your furnace vent is so that you can check it when heavy snow comes and remove any potential blockage – or call for a professional.

4. A build-up of soot

It’s normal for small amounts of soot to accumulate in furnaces – particularly older models, but large amounts can indicate that carbon monoxide is in the air and that the furnace is not functioning as it should.

If you notice this don’t attempt to remove the soot, call a furnace repair technician immediately.

5. Signs of corrosion

Visible rust or corrosion should ring alarm bells for any furnace owner. This tends to suggest that your furnace is in a compromised state and could be dangerous. You should contact a heating professional as soon as possible.

6. Changes in the flame color

A healthy flame in your furnace burner is a steady blue color. A yellow or orange flame suggests problems. If the flame is also jumping about a lot then you could have a heat exchanger crack, which can be particularly problematic and warrants swift attention.

If you notice any of these problems with your furnace, or have any other concerns and you live in the Berlin, New Britain or greater Hartford, CT area then contact Riley Plumbing Company – your top-rated furnace repair company: 860-225-1534

Furnaces rileyadmin1

Signs Your Furnace is Failing

In the heart of winter, with freezing snow and icy weather battering our homes, we rely on our furnaces a lot.  No one wants to be stuck with a furnace that has suddenly failed them.  Spotting the early warning signs is key to preventing a heating emergency, a lot of panic and a cold house.

1. Strange noises

Furnaces can produce a whole host of noises when something’s wrong.  When spotted early, most problems for a young-mid aged furnace can be fixed simply, and make sense.  If you start to notice any unusual noises that are new, such as squealing, clicking, grinding or popping contact a professional company such as Riley Plumbing Company to assess the issue.

2. Increasing cold/flu-like symptoms

This can be hard to spot, but an uncharacteristic increase in cold or flu-like symptoms in your household could potentially be due to a carbon monoxide leak from a failing gas furnace.  This is less likely with newer furnaces and more likely in older furnaces that are on the way out.

It’s widely known that carbon monoxide is the silent killer, odorless, colorless and tasteless.  In higher doses it is extremely dangerous, in low doses it can cause cold and flu-like symptoms that persist.
If you have a gas furnace, the safest thing you can do for your family is to buy a carbon monoxide detector.  If you have any concerns, contact a furnace repair service such as Riley Plumbing Company.

3. Your furnace is over 15 years old

Many of us don’t know exactly how old our furnaces are.  If you simply have the sense that your furnace is really old, that should be enough cause to question things.  You should also be able to check the age of the furnace from the unit itself – look for an information label attached somewhere.

On average furnaces last between 15-20 years.  Generally speaking, the older they are, the less efficient they are, and the greater the risk there is that they’ll break down on you.  Even if your furnace still appears to be working fine, it could be working harder than it used to due to its age, so your energy bills increase, and wear on the unit increases as well.

4. Dry / dusty air

This can be caused by humidity control problems, but it can also be caused by an old furnace or improperly sized furnace.

Old furnaces are less able to moisturize and clean the air in your home, even if you have clean filters.  Do you find that you get a dry throat dry or dry skin?  Does anyone in your home suffer from allergies to airborne dust, dander, mold or pollen?  These things can suggest that your furnace is no longer able to provide you with the right level of comfort.

Dry air can also be caused by an undersized system that’s running too frequently or an oversized system that’s not running long enough.  If you have concerns, speak to a furnace specialist to determine if the system you have is right for your home.

5. Frequent repairs

Do you keep paying out for furnace repairs?  There must come a time when you wonder if it’s all worth it or whether you’d be better off purchasing a new system.   Increasing repairs might fix problems in the short term, but it could also be a sign that the furnace is failing and will soon go out on you entirely.

6. Increased heating bills

Have your energy bills gone up from what they used to be?  A failing furnace can be the culprit.  As furnaces age they become less efficient which can result in higher energy costs.

7. Your home has cold spots

Are some rooms in your home colder than others?  If your furnace is old it may be having a hard time heating your home, and this can be a sign that it’s going to be on the way out.  Furnace repairs can provide a temporary solution, but sometimes it’s better to replace the furnace before it causes a problem again.

If you have concerns with your furnace and you live in the New Britain, Berlin or wider Hartford County, CT area, call Riley Plumbing Company: 860-225-1534.  Riley are a top-rated furnace repair and service company, A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.

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