Frequently Asked Questions
Let us put our experience to work for you and answer all your plumbing, electrical, and heating questions. Call today for service in Astoria and Queens, NY!
If your water heater demands exceed your supply, you’ll run out of hot water sooner than expected. The same thing happens if you run too many hot water appliances at the same time. Another common reason is setting your unit’s temperature below 120 degrees. Try turning it up to between 120 and 140 degrees.
If those aren’t the issue, you’re likely running out of hot water due to:
- A broken dip tube
- Sediment buildup in the tank
Drains are the part of your plumbing system that move wastewater from the sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers to the sewer line. Drains can get clogged by several things, from food and oil to grease, hair, and even lint from your washing machine. If a drain clogs on the way to the sewer line, you’ll need drain cleaning.
Sewer lines, on the other hand, are larger than regular drain pipes. They run wastewater from the various drains in your property to the sewer, but they can still get clogged. If you notice slow draining or clogs in more than one drain, you likely need sewer cleaning, which is more involved than drain cleaning.
Most tankless water heaters have freeze protection for when temperatures drop below certain levels. However, you still run the risk of your water heater freezing if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Here are a few helpful tips to prevent your water heater from freezing up:
- Drain the water from your unit in case of a power outage or extended vacation.
- Insulate your water heater and pipes.
- Install a recirculation system.
- Maintain an uninterrupted power source.
Since they have no tanks, tankless water heaters don’t explode. Traditional tank-style heaters, on the other hand, can burst for several reasons. The most common possible causes of water heater bursts include:
- A buildup of sediment inside the tank.
- Excess pressure.
- Rust buildup (if you have a steel water tank).
First, you need to assess the issue. Test the pressure on an outside spigot with a water pressure gauge. If the pressure reading is below 40 PSI, there’s likely something wrong. Start by adjusting the pressure-reducing valve.
These valves are located on your water main and may break after a decade or two. If adjusting the valve doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to replace it. Should the problem persist after replacement, then you either have a leak or clogged pipes that require professional attention. Ultimately, the best thing to do is call a plumber to assess your water system.
If you have a question not answered here, feel free to contact us! Call us at 212-949-0000 or contact us online to talk to our friendly experts. We’re proud to serve the Astoria and Queens, NY community!
