WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER HEATER ISN’T WORKING?

Unlike household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, your water heater will be used daily. This device is used to provide hot water for everyday purposes such as washing dishes, bathing, washing clothes, and making toilets. Your family uses water heaters every day, so it is not uncommon for problems to arise. Fortunately, tank water heaters are designed with minimal parts. You don’t have to hire a professional to fix your water heater. We’ve compiled a list of common problems and solutions if your water heater isn’t working.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS OF WATER HEATERS

LOOSE OR DAMAGED DRAIN VALVE

Unlike leaks near the bottom of the tank, leaks at the top of the system can be easily repaired. The most common cause of tank leaks is a loose tube valve. It’s the top handle of a tank designed to turn the water flow on or off. To solve this problem, you need to hold the nut on the ball or globe valve. If the leak worsens after you tighten it, go to your local hardware store and get a new water heater valve.

 

OVERPRESSURE VALVE DEFECTIVE

Most types of water heaters are equipped with a pressure relief valve that reduces tank pressure when the tank pressure is too high. If there is a valve leaking on the top of your water heater, we recommend purchasing the new one online or from a local store. Removing and replacing the regulator is not difficult.

 

THERE IS NO HOT WATER

If you have an electric water heater in your home, the number one cause of water shortage is a broken heater. The water heater has two heaters that heat the water entering the tank. When the heating element begins to fail, there is little or no hot water for showering, washing, and rinsing.

On the other hand, various problems can prevent hot water from being generated in a gas heater. This could be because the lights are off or the gas valve is defective. If the thermocouple is damaged, your home will run out of hot water. Any of these components can be easily replaced by purchasing a new component. If your water heater is not working properly, you will need to purchase new parts or contact a licensed plumber to repair the water heater.

 

LACK OF HOT WATER

Do you often run out of hot water? This problem can be a by-product of a bad hose. These pipes are designed to push and heat cold water at the bottom of the tank. If the dip tube begins to crack or leak, the cold water supply line may be at the top or center of the tank. This will send cold water to your home faucet and shower at the top of the tank. This water heater problem can be solved by replacing the immersion tube in the system. Since installing new piping is complex, we recommend that you seek the help of a qualified technician.

A lack of hot water can also be a sign of excess sediment in the tank. When the water heater reaches mid-life, water minerals such as magnesium and calcium begin to build up at the bottom of the tank. If the pain continues to increase, there will be less space to store hot water in the tank. To solve this problem, clean the water heater to remove excess minerals.

 

The temperature of the water is either too hot or too chilly.

If the shower water is too hot or too cold, you can adjust the water temperature by changing the thermostat setting. Setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will save you energy costs. This temperature is suitable if you are concerned about burns or rashes. Is this temperature too cold? You can set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to make the bathroom more comfortable. If the Want Water heater repair San Diego does not move after the temperature change, the thermostat may be defective. Find a qualified plumbing or heating company near you to repair or replace your thermostat.

 

LOW WATER PRESSURE

The breakdown of a water heater is not always the cause of low water pressure. If you live in an older home with little plumbing, the water flow will be restricted before it reaches kitchen or bathroom surfaces. The only way to fix this water heater problem is to connect a new 3/4 inch water line to the system. Another problem that can negatively affect water pressure is limescale deposits in the water pipes. If the pain continues to increase, there will be less space to store hot water in the tank. To solve this problem, clean the water heater to remove excess minerals.

As magnesium and calcium build up in the pipe, the diameter of the water pipe decreases. As a result, hot water from the water heater will not flow efficiently to the sink or electronics. The process of replacing plumbing involves removing drywall so the average unlicensed owner cannot fix this water heating problem.

Colored water

The water that comes out of your sink needs to be clean. Have you ever noticed that the water in your house is colored? This is a sign of aging at the anode start of the tank or water heater. Fortunately, if the problem is identified early, it can be fixed. If your home’s water heater is not working properly, contact your local plumber for repairs and adjustments. A licensed HVAC plumber or Want Water heater repair san Diego can easily remove and replace the anode rod system.

If the rust spreads in the tank, small cracks can form. This can cause water to spill on the floor or furniture. Unfortunately, most tank leaks are irreparable. Instead, to fix this water heater issue, you’ll need to buy a new system. To save money, it is a good idea to report the first signs of corrosion to a professional to make sure they have been fixed.

It took a long time to make hot water.

Once the tank is empty, it only takes a few minutes to recycle the hot water. If the water heater is taking an hour to get hot water, this indicates a dirty burner opening. On the other hand, increasing the pressure of the gas water heater can solve the problem of insufficient hot water supply. To clean the burner openings and adjust the gas pressure, contact your local licensed technician for immediate help with this water heater issue.

Call our team at  or make an appointment on our website in the event of malfunctions with the gas valve, the heating element, or the immersion tube. Our experienced team of technicians offers you repair and installation service for water heaters in your area. Want Water heater repair san Diego also provides repair and installation services for water softeners, drains, central air conditioning, ovens, and plumbing. Find Water heater repair San Diego offers upfront pricing for all types of HVAC and plumbing projects. Our team is billed for work, not hourly. In addition, every project we work on guarantees your satisfaction.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLING METAL BUILDING

Metal buildings are very practical, economical, and incredibly solid structures. They can keep warm and cold to extremes, so they are practical for all kinds of purposes. Metal structures can be used for different things like a garage, warehouse, or even a place to live.

Depending on the purpose, you also need to choose the best insulation for your metal building. There is no person in the world who doesn’t want to save money, and choosing good insulation is the main thing in this case.

Good insulation will reduce the electricity costs you need for heating or cooling and do that for you. However, there are many things to know before installing a metal building that will help to make a choice.

KNOWING YOUR NEEDS

Before engaging in the installation of a metal building, you must ask yourself what your needs and expectations are. First of all, do you need just a temporary object or a building you want to use in years ahead? If it’s just a temporary object, you can easily do it yourself. But if you need it for something more lasting, it is better to contact some experienced contractors. It is good to know that experienced contractors will save you from poor insulation quality and structural damage. 

INSTALLATION ON YOUR OWN

Installation of your own metal building can be very interesting and simple if you have even a little construction knowledge. But if that’s not the case, it’s better to find someone with experience to help you. Before you embark on the installation process, take a good look at the instructions manual. In order to do this job properly, you must follow every step of the instructions manual and do it to the end. In order to do that keep your instruction manual near you every step of the way.

INSULATING 

Maybe you’re one of those people who choose to build a building without any insulation to save money. In that case, depending on what you need for a metal building, insulation can be crucial. If it’s located in an area with extreme climate or temperature change, then you need to think of properly insulating a metal building if you want it to last. With good insulation, you can prevent corrosion and rust, most of them absorb moisture. In any case, think of it as something that will protect your investment, and keep you cozy during the coldest or warmest days.

THE FOUNDATION

One of the most important steps involves preparing the ground surface for pouring the foundation slab. The surface where your slab of cement will go must be completely flat. This is important so that the anchor bolts will be easily found. Make sure to see instructions to find out where your anchor bolts go.

Don’t forget that during this phase, you need to install the I-beams, support columns, and secondary framing. It is good to install purlins at two-foot centers to give your building additional strength. Make the frame for openings, such as doors and windows, during this step as well.

ROOF 

When we talk about the roof, what’s very important is knowing that there’s a formula for determining the steepness of the roof compared to its horizontal length. Here’s how to calculate it, if the roof gradient value of 1:12 means the roof rises 1 inch for every 12 inches of roof’s length. Roof pitches of 3:12, 4:12, 5:12, or 6:12 work best for metal buildings if you live in a snowy climate country. Anything over a 6:12 pitch tends to make huge amounts of snow slide off the roof. Standing seam metal roofs, which permit snow to slide more easily, might do better with a 2:12 or 3:12 pitch. The other benefit of this formula is that insulation can be firmly pressed against the structures, without creating cracks. 


Guest Contributor: Mike

UNIQUE BACKYARD PLAYGROUNDS

Are you looking for ways to spice up your backyard for your kids to play that isn’t the standard playground? We gathered our favorite ideas of backyard playground that can mostly be done DIY style.

Have a child who doesn’t like playing in a playground but you’d like for them to have their own space? This cute little treehouse makes it easy for your little ones to escape to their own area to play and can easily be made with basic lumber.

Already have certain materials but want to spice it up still? Adding the rock climbing wall will definitely add a little extra to the slide and make it a bit more difficult to get up to burn some more energy.

We would recommend this for older children, but a DIY wooden playground seems like so much fun. There is a variety of things to do in such a small space but it definitely will burn some energy and create problem solving skills and aid in strength.

For those children who like rock climbing, make your own wall! This one is completely DIY by using blocks of wood instead of the typical rock climbing materials. Either way, your child should enjoy it just as much.

This one looks like loads of fun! If you don’t want to DIY a whole playground, this is definitely a good idea. Build a nice sturdy base for the playground, and then add things that are in a typical playground.

This is a great idea if you have guests over frequently with other little kiddos. A sandbox connected to a slide that comes off of the porch is an easy way to step away from your kids and let them play since the adults will be close by on the deck, able to supervise.

This jungle gym type of playground looks challenging but so much fun! It’s definitely unique and will challenge the kids to use their skills and problem solving skills.

A little play house with a playground attached to it, that’s the real definition of fun! This one looks almost completely all DIY, but like mentioned before, if you build a sturdy base and add pre-bought things, it will be just as fun!

The colored logs are a cute, creative way to lead to a playing area, and perfectly in the shade!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

SMALL BATHROOM INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Adding in a new small bathroom or looking to renovate the bathroom you already have? It’s a good idea to look at other bathrooms to get an idea of what you’d like the remodel to look like.

When you add white to the bathroom it surely makes the bathroom way brighter and inviting. Everything looks well lit and everything matches white when it comes to choosing all of the other materials and decorations.

Using tile is a great way of making your bathroom have a theme and match. The tile can be used to tie in the appliances and make the bathroom look more pleasing to the eye.

Sage green is making it’s come back in 2022! Almost everything matches with sage green, and all of those plant lovers out there love to incorporate it because it looks so good with plants.

Adding a pop of color with the cabinets is a great way to make a statement without having multiple colors in your bathroom or having the bathroom any other color than white.

Farmhouse aesthetics are making a come back as well, and this bathroom is definitely inspired by it. The rug is a pop of color but adds so much detail without overwhelming the bathroom.

Blue, white and gold really compliment each other, and compliment even better when it’s in a tight space like a small bathroom. The colors just go so well together.

Need storage space but don’t like the look of cabinets? This small bathroom is the perfect example of adding storage directly on the wall for all of the bathroom necessities.

Do you want to incorporate your washer and dryer into the bathroom but don’t know how? This is a great way of adding them into the corner but still making it look nice and neat.

In really tight spaces, to make a statement in the bathroom it’s always a good idea to do a textured floor to bring some type of pattern.

Adding different textures makes them both stand out better and give more dimension in the room.

Another beautiful option is adding wallpaper into the room to give the room dimension. A cute vanity and nice wallpaper can really bring the bathroom together.

Small pops of black can really compliment the white in the bathroom and make it look even brighter.

Make the bathroom inspirational! Add pops of color on the shower curtain or the carpet.

A minimalist bathroom but still looks so spacious.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

BEDROOM COLOR SCHEMES

Are you updating your bedroom and need inspiration for color schemes? Look no further! We gathered our favorite color schemes so you don’t need to search!

Beautiful shades of pink and purple with the 2 dark shades to bring everything together

Sage green is a beautiful color and not often used for a bedroom color scheme. These shades of green match perfectly together and give off a relaxing aesthetic.
Incorporating different textures like the green blanket really ties together all of the color schemes.
Blue and dusty pink are the perfect colors to pair with each other. They match so beautifully.
This color scheme is unique with the amount of different colors, but they all seem to work so well with one another and compliment each other.
Another blue/grey with dusty pink. These compliment so nice!
A darker more elegant looking aesthetic, the blues really pull together and give a “clean, sleek” vibe to the room.
These are popular colors in 2021/2022 when it comes to putting colors together. The green and burnt orange match so well together.
Another dark blue room, except this time it’s brightened up by the choice of the blankets.
A range of different colors that blend so beautifully together!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

WHY IS DRANO BAD FOR YOUR PIPES?

It happens to everyone, a clog in one of your drains. Most people panic, and run straight to Google to find DIY solutions on how to unclog the drain. We’ve all heard the phrase, “you can’t trust everything you see on the internet,” and this is one of those times where you can’t trust what the internet says.

The main thing you’ll probably see is the drain cleaner, Drano. We urge you to not use Drano in your pipes for many reasons. Sure, it’ll get rid of the problem. But, it only fixes the problem temporarily, and when it comes to clogs, you want to get to the main issue sooner rather than later. The repairs that it could cause could be very expensive and avoided if Drano is not used.

So, what is Drano? According to Drano.com, “they contain ingredients chemicals that quickly dissolve hair, soap scum and gunk. You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets.” When pouring Drano in your drains, almost instantly you will see the issue go through a reaction.

That doesn’t seem like a problem, right?

Wrong!

Drano has corrosive abilities because of its strong ability to break down even the toughest clogs. Since it is corrosive, it can ruin PVC, eat at pipes or cause toilet bowls to crack (even though Drano has advertised it is NOT meant for toilets).

Since there is a build up of multiple things in your drain causing the clog, you can create a chemical reaction between the gunk in the drain and the chemicals from Drano. This can emit fumes that shouldn’t be inhaled, and if you were using a plunger with the assistance of Drano and it splashes you, it can burn your skin, eyes, or mouth. If you have tried any other remedies that involve chemicals before going to Drano, you can create a toxic chemical fume from combining those products.

Once Drano unclogs your mess, it can still contaminate water and continue to ruin your pipes without you knowing it. Drano is a temporary fix that usually will end up causing other issues in the long run.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

THESE CLEVER TIPS WILL MAKE YOUR GARAGE EVEN MORE USEABLE

Most people think of a garage as nothing more than a storage area. But garages can be so much more! In fact, it doesn’t take much to make your garage an efficient workspace and pleasant place to spend time. It starts with clearing out the clutter, which you should do every year or two, and applying a coat of paint or giving the ceiling a fresh look. After that, all you need are some shelving units for tools and other supplies to keep them tidy but accessible. Pretty soon your garage will feel like an extension of your home – comfortable and convenient!

1 – PLACING STORAGE ON THE CEILING

Garages are rarely finished to the same standard as homes and it is sometimes difficult to find a surface where you can place shelves or storage units. This is not the case for those with high ceilings, however. If there’s extra space up there, consider placing storage on the ceiling of your garage. You can use a hook, and bracket system. These don’t have to be anything fancy just a few planks of wood or strips of metal will work. Hang them so they are about 6″ below the ceiling, but not touching it. This way you can store things on them without worrying about them getting wet or too dirty. You can attach the shelves yourself with screws, nails, or even magnets if you don’t want to put holes in the ceiling. Or, you can go for something a little more complicated. The choice is yours.

2 – CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER

The next step to making your garage more functional – and habitable – is clearing out the clutter. Every time you open your garage door, your first instinct should be to clear it all away. So go through everything stored in here and get rid of what you don’t need or use anymore. If that isn’t motivation enough, remember that having a tidy space will make it much easier for you to find tools if you need them in a hurry. Every few months, sort all the supplies and equipment you have down there, checking for broken or dated tools. Toss things that are useless or in poor condition and take the rest to a local thrift shop or donate them to charity. You’ll be surprised by how much extra room you have!

3 – INVEST IN SOME GOOD SHELVING UNITS

In most homes, the garage is where everyone throws whatever they don’t want to deal with, from old toys and tools to boxes of who knows what. The trick to making this space work for you is taking a few minutes every so often to sort through the mess and store things in a place where you can easily find them. Shelving units are a great way to do this, as they’ll not only hold everything neatly, they’ll also allow you to see what you have. When choosing a set for your garage, look for one with rolling tracks that can hold a variety of different items. There are many affordable options available at your local home improvement store that you can build yourself or have assembled professionally, or you can hire a carpenter to do the job for you. The sky is really the limit when it comes to what you can use these for, and how you can customize your garage for comfort and functionality.

4 – PLUS IF YOU HAVE EXTRA LAWN EQUIPMENT…

Lawn equipment takes up a lot of space and it’s usually not stored in garages for long periods because it might get ruined by water, ice, snow, etc. If this problem sounds familiar (or if you want to utilize your garage while still enjoying some outdoor leisure), invest in an outdoor shed. These weather-tight structures are the best way to protect your lawn equipment from the elements.

5 – PAINTING CAN BRIGHTEN UP ANY SPACE

Why not think about giving your garage a fresh coat of paint or adding some stenciling on the ceiling. This is especially important if you don’t plan on having the space finished with drywall or wood paneling. Painting is an inexpensive way to spruce your garage and make it look like a brand new room!

6 – DON’T FORGET THE FLOOR!

Garages are typically made of concrete or asphalt, which can become very dirty and slippery over time. If you want your garage to be safe for all its users (including pets), consider investing in rubber floor mats that absorb moisture and help to keep the space clean.

7 – ADD SOME FINISHING TOUCHES

If you’re going to go through the trouble of making your garage more habitable, why not make it more pleasant? Many people choose to install ceiling fans in the ceilings. Not only do they keep the air circulating, but they also help to keep your appliances from overheating during the summer.

8 – CREATE A WORKBENCH FOR CONVENIENCE

If you do a lot of home improvement, installing a workbench will be useful. This doesn’t have to be complicated – just a couple of simple shelves will do. Not only will you have somewhere to place all your tools, but putting them within sight will make it much easier to find what you need.

9 – INSTALL WALL-MOUNTED CABINETS

Installing your storage off the ground and onto the walls is a great way to free up garage space. You can find specially designed cabinets and units that attach directly to your walls. If you have a lot of stuff to put away, installing these sorts of cabinets might be the best option. In addition to being space savers, they can look very stylish and modern.

Garages are often neglected in favor of the living space. But garages can be so much more! Your garage is a great place to store all your tools, supplies, and equipment that you may need for an outside project or just running errands. And it doesn’t have to look like clutter either–clearing out the clutter every year or two will make sure everything stays organized while being easy to find when needed.

SIX TYPICAL ISSUES WITH YOUR RESIDENTIAL WATER HEATER

The water heater is one of the most valuable electrical appliances in your home, especially in winters. It is true that it may not be visible to your naked eyes all the time, but the truth is it offers hot water every time you need it. In short, if it causes any of the small issues, it is like a significant disruption. 

Especially in the winter season when all your household work depends on hot water, from washing hands to washing dishes or clothes. That’s why it becomes essential to understand some of the common issues of your water heater because it may stop working. 

However, the reason to know about these issues is you can diagnose them correctly and, if not, can take appropriate action by calling the best water heater repair San Diego. So, let’s dive deep into the issues of water heaters and what you can do to fix them to get your hot water back: –

1.Not enough hot water is common, that water heater starts producing less hot water as they get older. But if you suddenly notice a significant loss in hot water while using it normally, then it’s a matter of concern. The reason for no hot water is a faulty thermostat. 

So, test your thermostat, and after that, adjust the thermostat on the water heater. Now, wait for a few hours and then test the water temperature from any fixtures. If this doesn’t work, check for a leak around the water heater, as repairing the water leak can decrease the hot water flow from the faucets. 

Moreover, if this also doesn’t work, try flushing the water heater tank because sometimes mineral buildup can prevent flow. At last, if none of the above work it’s better to call top water heater repair services near you.

2.Water leaks

Perhaps a water leak is another common problem with water heaters you may face while using them. Any water heaters can start leaking eventually as water corrode the tank and can create microscopic cracks or fractures. But this reason is not always valid as there can be many other reasons for water heater leaks.

If the water is coming from the top of the water heater, then the water connections are loose. So, check cold water inlet pipes and also hot water pipes. Moreover, if the water is coming from the bottom, there can be an issue with condensation, which can be resolved by turning up the thermostat. 

Lastly, suppose you notice that the water is spilling from the overflow pipe or the pressure relief valve. In that case, it is a sign of tank corrosion, and it indicates the replace and fix new water heater as soon as possible.

3.Tank takes more time to heat water.

If you are noticing that your water heater is taking ages to heat water, then there can be many problems with your water heater. First, the water heater thermostat may be set too low, which means your burner is not outputting enough energy to heat water quickly. 

Secondly, there may be a problem with your gas connection like poor gas pressure, dirty vent flue, etc. Cleaning these parts of the water heater can solve the problem. 

However, in many cases, if the water heater is taking enough time to heat water, then it is simply a problem for the water heater as it is not having the capacity to service your home. 

4.Smelly hot water

Before you decide on this issue, make certain only your hot water smells or both cold and hot water is smelly. If only hot water is smelly, then indeed something is not good with your water heater. To resolve this, let the hot water run in a faucet for around 3 minutes; if it still smells, flush your water heater tank. 

Apart from that, if it doesn’t resolve, your pilot light may have gone out. For this, turn off your gas valve and wait for a few minutes for the gas to dissipate. If you feel the strong odor of gas, then exit the building and call the professional plumber to do the work.

5.Water is too hot or too cold.

Do you notice inconsistent water temperature in your water heater? Do you feel that sometimes the water gets too hot and is too cold? Well, this is the sign of a faulty thermostat. For this, you have to replace your thermostat and get it cleaned to offer consistent hot water again. 

If you replace the thermostat yourself, it is fine; otherwise, you must call the best water heater repair in San Diego to do the work. 

6.Taps or knocking sounds

If you hear sounds of taps or knocks coming from the water heater, then there are chances of sediment buildup as it creates tiny tears in the metal, which causes leaks. This you can resolve by draining your hot water heater tank. If the problem persists, calling the top water heater repair service near you will be the best option as they know exactly the problem with the water heater. 

Things to consider when replacing your water heater

  • Your family’s hot water usage in terms of the amount and frequency of baths, dishes, laundry, and showers
  • Most essentially, your budget
  • Contact your trusted plumbing professional to figure out the best unit according to the needs of your home
  • Any of the rebates or incentives you can get from the local power or water utility
  • Type of fuel you want in your water heater
  • The capacity of the water heater

The bottom line

These are some common issues that any water heater may face while working. These issues can be fixed easily at home, but if not, you are free to contact the best water heater repair in San Diego. But make sure you only call a professional plumber to resolve the water heater issues as they are skilled, experienced, and qualified to determine them accurately.

I hope you liked this post on common issues with your residential water heater!

15 BACKYARD POND IDEAS

Are you wanting to spice up your backyard by adding a pond but don’t know where to start or what you would like the pond to look like? We’ve got you covered! We rounded up our favorite ideas to give you inspiration for a pond.

The pond doesn’t have to be huge, it could be small! Big or small, they’re all beautiful!

Raising the pond with wood makes it a beautiful eye catcher and takes it off of the ground.

Are you wanting to take it a step further and be more unique? Adding a stagger to let the waterfall hit makes a beautiful pond.

Another raised pond idea, these are gorgeous!

Adding a pond near the outdoor seating can add a relaxing vibe to the atmosphere.

A small, staggered waterfall pond. The lighting around it is beautiful and illuminates it perfectly.

Adding different heights around the pond makes it pop out more.

Adding a little bridge over the pond makes it pop and lets animals be able to cross the pond.

Adding the pond near a path is a good way to grab guest’s attention.

The raised wooden ponds are our favorite. They look very clean and definitely an eye-catcher.

This is our personal favorite. The pond in a shape of a boat, and surrounded with flowers. Beautiful!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell