water Archives - Maxwell-White Plumbing

How to Identify a Water Leak at Home

Catch Leaks Early and Call a Plumber for Repair

Water leaks should be identified as soon as possible so a plumber can be called for leak detection and repair. The longer a leak is allowed to continue, the more money will be wasted, and the more water damage can occur. But many water leaks are out of sight behind walls or underground and can go unnoticed for a long time, increasing the water bills and the chances of water damage like wood rot and mold growth.

To protect their homes from further damage and keep water bills from skyrocketing, homeowners should try to catch any leaks as quickly as possible. This article will share a few helpful tips and signs for identifying a water leak so a plumber can be called to fix the leak quickly.

Common Signs of Water Leaks

A hidden water leak can be tricky to find, but it’s possible for homeowners who know what to look for. Here are some common signs that can alert homeowners to a leak:

Wet spots, water stains, or discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings
Warped or damaged flooring
Peeling or bubbly paint or wallpaper
Mold and mildew growth
Musty odors in the house
The sound of running water when no water is in use
Low water pressure from fixtures

Unusually High Water Bills

Another clue that the home has a water leak is if the water bills are higher than normal for no apparent reason. Even a seemingly minor leak, like a dripping faucet, can waste thousands of gallons of water per year, so a spike in water costs without an increase in the household’s water usage can be a sure sign of a leak in the home.

Leaks can cause significant costs, not only on the water bill but also to repair any water damage that occurs, particularly if the leak isn’t addressed quickly. Fortunately, once the leak is located and repaired, the water bills will go down, so suspected leaks should be addressed as quickly as possible.

How to Test for Leaks Using the Water Meter

Homeowners can also be alerted to a leak by running a test with their water meter. Some water meters have a leak indicator in the shape of a triangle or asterisk, making it more obvious that there’s a leak. It will spin if water is flowing through the meter. If no fixtures are in use but this dial is turning, it indicates a leak. But if it doesn’t have this feature, a leak can still be detected with these steps:

Make sure no water is being used inside or outside the home. This is essential for an accurate result.
Go to the home’s water meter and record the number displayed on the meter face (this number indicates the amount of water used, usually in cubic feet).
Wait one to two hours, ensuring no water is used during this period, and then return to the meter.
Compare the recorded number with the number currently displayed on the meter face. If the number has changed, water has continued to flow through the meter despite no water being used, which indicates a leak.

This test, along with the signs of a leak mentioned previously, can alert homeowners to a leak in the home, but it can’t tell them the precise location of the leak. So, the next step after suspecting a leak is to call a professional to perform water leak detection services to determine the exact location of the leak and then leak repair to fix it.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company that has been serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and prompt, professional service. Call them today for water leak detection and repair in West Salem, WI.

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Why Get a Tankless Water Heater Installation?

Reasons to Go Tankless for the New Year

With the new year, many homeowners are taking stock of the state of their homes to look for areas of improvement. The addition of a tankless water heater shouldn’t be overlooked. Tankless water heaters can heat water on demand and provide an endless supply of hot water for a fraction of the space and cost required by traditional storage water heaters. There are plenty of reasons for homeowners to consider installing a tankless water heater and discussed below are some of the most important ones.

It’s More Energy Efficient

It’s not surprising to see that energy efficiency is at the top of the list of reasons why tankless water heaters endear themselves to the hearts of homeowners, after all, who doesn’t want to save money on energy costs, especially when water heating makes up a considerable amount of a home’s energy use.

Tankless water heaters have greater energy efficiency than traditional storage water heaters, saving homeowners money because they only turn on when hot water is being used. This is unlike storage water heaters, which constantly turn off and on to maintain the temperature of the water stored inside the tank so that hot water will be available when required.

A Space-Saving Solution Offering Endless Hot Water

Another notable feature of a tankless water heater is its size. Compared to conventional storage water heaters that require a large storage tank to store hot water, a tankless water heater is compact since it doesn’t store hot water and only heats water as needed. Only heating water when a hot water tap is on provides an unlimited supply of hot water since it’s not limited by the size of a tank.

They are small enough to be mounted on a wall or fit in small spaces. This on-demand type of water heating allows homeowners to fit a water heater in practically any home – even those with limited square footage. Tiny homes, extensions, and even old houses that can no longer be retrofitted with additional plumbing all stand to benefit from the addition of an instantaneous water heater.

Lasts Longer Than a Storage Water Heater

Another benefit of tankless water heaters is that they are built to last, typically over 20 years. Their life expectancy is longer than a conventional storage water heater, which generally lasts between 10 to 15 years. With a longer life expectancy, homeowners can have peace of mind that they have many comfortable years ahead of them before they need to replace their tankless water heater.

The longer lifespan of a tankless water heater is an advantage that not only yields more worry-free years but also creates more savings that come from delaying the replacement of expensive equipment. Going longer without needing a water heater replacement, in addition to lower water heating costs from better energy efficiency, leads to savings over time.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has been serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They offer transparent and upfront pricing, the latest technology, and financing. Call them today for tankless water heater installation and services in West Salem, WI.

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Would Your Home Benefit From a Water Softener?

Let’s Talk About Hard Water

For an overwhelming 85% of households in the country, hard water is a fact of life. It’s part of their bathing and cleaning routines, food and water consumption, and even at the back of their minds when it comes to home maintenance. That’s because hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which give water its hardness and also leave a mineral residue that can accumulate and wreak havoc on a number of things in the home.

The good news is that the minerals in hard water are considered safe for domestic use and consumption, but the side effects can range from a minor inconvenience to a major maintenance issue. This is why many homeowners opt to have water softeners installed in their homes. This article will discuss water softeners and the signs that a home has hard water and would benefit from water softener installation.

Understanding How a Water Softener Works

Water softening, as its name implies, is the practice of removing the hardness of water. This involves removing the minerals that give water its hardness, which can be achieved through various methods, allowing homeowners a range of water softener options. The following are different types of water softeners:

Ion-exchange: This kind of water softener replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions through ion exchange, which is why it is also called a salt-based water softener. Often, this involves using water-softener resin, which contains the sodium released once calcium and magnesium stick to the resin beads. This is one of the most popular kinds of water softeners and can come in various sizes – from whole-home systems to portable ones that can fit in an RV.
Salt-free: Instead of using salt in an ion-exchange process, this kind of water softener uses template-assisted crystallization and is great for those who don’t want sodium in their water.
Magnetic: These work to reduce scale deposits by stripping the negative or positive ions with a magnetic field, making the ions neutral and allowing the minerals to remain soluble in the water.
Dual-tank: This kind of water softener is an ion-exchange softener with two tanks instead of one. This dual tank system allows it to manage a larger volume of heavy minerals and water.
Shower head: These are located in the shower head itself and remove minerals from the water used for showering. It has filters that need to be replaced about once every three months.
Reverse Osmosis: This uses semipermeable membranes to filter minerals and nitrates from the water and is great not just for water softening but also for removing contaminants from the water.

How to Tell if You’ve Got Hard Water

When it comes to hard water, the easy part is figuring out its presence in your home. The signs are pretty clear, and usually, they are things homeowners have already grappled with for a while. With hard water, showers, and handwashing are followed by dry hair and skin, dishes and glasses come out of dishwashers spotted with hard water stains, and plumbing fixtures can have scale buildup.

Clothes fade faster and become duller when washed with hard water. But hard water can also affect the plumbing. The mineral scale builds up in pipes, fixtures, and appliances that use water, like the water heater, which causes them to wear out faster and can create a drop in energy efficiency, leading to higher energy bills.

Advantages of Having a Whole House Water Softener

Water softeners combat the negative effects of water hardness on hair, skin, and various household materials and appliances. Not only do they improve the health of skin and hair, but they also make it more comfortable to wash hands and take showers by eliminating the dryness and itchiness that come with hard water.

Water softeners also benefit and retain the quality of household appliances that come in contact most with water. Dishes and clothes come out cleaner, while plumbing is saved from a buildup of minerals and scale deposited within its interiors. Appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters also operate more efficiently, allowing homeowners to save. And they won’t have to be replaced as often since they won’t become damaged due to constant exposure to hard water.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and financing. Call them today for water softener installations and repairs in West Salem, WI.

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Is Water Heater Maintenance Really Necessary?

Avoid Getting Caught Without Hot Water!

Hot water heater maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to leave off the to-do list. As long as there’s hot water coming out of the faucets, most homeowners don’t give it much of a thought. However, water heater maintenance is essential for maintaining a well-functioning and efficient hot water heater for as long as possible.

Without regular maintenance, the water heater will become less and less efficient, costing homeowners more and more money — far more than the cost of yearly maintenance. But it’s not always easy to know when to schedule maintenance or what signs to look out for that the water heater needs some care. Read on to learn about water heater maintenance and signs of water heater troubles.

Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance

There are many benefits to routine water heater maintenance, but the biggest and most obvious one is the continued use of the water heater with fewer issues. The more often homeowners skip yearly maintenance, the more likely the heater will fail. While this may not happen immediately (or even very quickly), the water heater will suffer if maintenance is skipped. Plus, some water heater warranties require proof of yearly maintenance. So, if something happens to the heater without proof of maintenance, it could void the warranty.

Routine maintenance helps extend the life of the unit. Water heaters generally last anywhere from 10 to 15 years (around 20 years for tankless water heaters), and yearly maintenance is essential to getting the full life out of the water heater. Maintenance also helps the appliance operate more efficiently, helping homeowners spend less on energy bills.

What Water Heater Maintenance Entails

It’s essential to know what happens during water heater maintenance to understand its importance. One thing that gets done during maintenance is the flushing of the tank. During the normal operation of a water heater, sediment and minerals build up inside the unit. This is true for both tankless water heaters and traditional storage water heaters. So, flushing a water heater removes that buildup, allowing for more efficient heating and helps prevent tank corrosion.

An anode rod is also used in water heaters to help prevent the tank from corroding. However, it must be replaced occasionally to continue protecting the water heater, so a plumber will check it during a maintenance visit and replace it if necessary. They will also check the pressure, temperature, and all the valves and connections to ensure that the water heater continues to operate correctly and efficiently.

Signs the Water Heater Is Failing

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important for homeowners to know the signs that a water heater is failing and needs service. One sign is strange noises coming from the water heater. It may just be a signal the tank should be flushed, but it could be due to a more significant problem.

Discolored or bad-smelling hot water is also a sign of something wrong with the water heater. This may point to a corroded tank. Inconsistent temperatures or a lack of hot water is another sign of trouble. Finally, if the water heater is too old or needs frequent repairs, it’s likely time to replace it.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of expertise serving West Salem and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater repair or maintenance in West Salem, WI.

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Does the Hot Water Heater Need Repair or Replacement?

Three Signs of a Broken Water Heater

A failing water heater can mean more than just cold showers. It can cause stress and high utility bills. But homeowners don’t have to live in uncertainty any longer. One can breathe easier by knowing the signs that a water heater has issues and may need replacement or repair. Some signs that it’s time to have a professional inspect the system include the following:

Loud Noises Coming From the Appliance

Ideally, the home’s water heater shouldn’t make any loud noise. If someone hears any sounds like these from the water heater, they should consult a plumber:

Screeching: Pressure can build up inside a water heater, creating an unpleasant screeching or hissing sound. A professional can run a diagnostic test and get to the root of the problem.
Rumbling or popping: Sediment can build up inside a water heater over time. If too much sediment builds up inside a water heater tank without maintenance, it can make sounds like these. The system must be drained and flushed and may need a new anode rod. This component attracts sediment from the water heater tank to prevent corrosion.

Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water

There’s nothing worse than reddish, cloudy, or brown water that smells bad coming from the tap. Some reasons behind this can include:

A faulty anode rod: As noted, an anode rod attracts sediment from the water heater. This piece may need replacing, leading to foul-smelling (or looking) water.
Rust and corrosion: Many water heaters rely on storage tanks. If a tank begins to rust and corrode, it could affect the smell and look of the home’s hot water. The corrosion may also be in the pipes.
Leaks: When most people think of leaks, they imagine water escaping the plumbing system. However, leaks can also let contamination into the system, affecting the water.

If one notices foul-smelling or discolored water from their plumbing fixtures, they should call a plumber immediately. It’s likely an issue with the water heater if the foul smell and odd look of water occur with the hot water.

A Leaking Water Heater

Leaks around the home’s water heater are another apparent sign of a problem with it. In addition to wet spots around the appliance, one may also notice:

Mold and mildew growth
Soggy drywall
Higher-than-average water bills
Poor water pressure

Reasons for leaks in the water heater may include corrosion and rust, age, and wear and tear. Yet, whatever the reason for a water heater leak, one should consult a professional. Leaks do not get better with time. The longer these problems last, the worse the issue could become.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water heater repair or installations in West Salem, WI.

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Easy Ways to Reduce Water Usage This Summer

Save Money and Use Less Water

Summer is here, and it’s time to start thinking about ways to reduce water usage. Summertime often brings higher water bills, so it’s essential to be mindful of how much water households use. Homeowners should look for every opportunity to reduce their water usage to make the summertime easier on the budget. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that can be taken to help conserve water this season while still keeping lawns and gardens lush and green. Here are some simple tips to help reduce water usage and costs this summer.

Invest in Water-Saving Devices

The most effective way households can save water is to install water-saving fixtures. Luckily, every plumbing fixture and water-using appliance found in a home has a water-saving version available that can help reduce water usage every time it’s used.

Examples of water-saving devices include fixtures like:

Low-flow showerheads save water during showers without sacrificing comfort
Water-saving toilets come in many types and save water with every flush
Water-saving faucets that aerate the water to save water but keep good water pressure
Appliances like clothes washers and dishwashers also come in versions that can save water and energy

Know the Best Time to Water the Lawn

One big drain on the summer budget is keeping the lawn looking great. As the seasonal rains slow down in the late spring, it will be the responsibility of the homeowner to water the landscape and the garden as much as necessary to keep the plants healthy. Knowing when to water the yard can reduce the water bill by preventing having to water it more.

For best results, make sure plants can absorb all of the water they need before the sun starts to evaporate the water. Always water in the early morning before the sun gets too high in the sky. This ensures the water has plenty of time to soak into the soil, and plants have time to absorb the water to prepare for the day. Watering in the early morning also stops mold and mildew, which is a problem that can occur when watering is done at night because the water sticks around too long before evaporation.

Other Tips to Limit Water Usage

Adopting the above strategies can significantly reduce water usage year-round, but more can always be done. There are many water-saving habits people can adopt to use less water. Some of the best water-saving habits a family can have are:

Taking brief showers instead of baths
Turning off the tap while shaving and brushing teeth
Using the dishwasher instead of handwashing dishes
Using a bucket to wash cars instead of a continuous water flow from a hose
Ensuring rain sensors on irrigation systems are operational

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly three decades of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for kitchen and bathroom plumbing services in West Salem, WI.

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Three Reasons Homeowners Should Invest in a Water Softener

How Water Softeners Benefit Homeowners

Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause issues for the home and homeowners, such as build-up on and inside plumbing fixtures, impede the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, lead to dry skin and hair, and leave a chalky residue when dishes are washed or clothes are laundered.

A water softener is a device that helps reduce the effects of hard water by removing minerals from the water supply. It passes the water through a bed of tiny beads that act as a filter, trapping calcium and magnesium particles and allowing other minerals to pass through. The device then replenishes itself with salt so that it can continue to remove impurities. By using a water softener, the effects of hard water can be significantly reduced. Below is a discussion of three reasons homes and their inhabitants can benefit from a water softener.

It Makes Cleaning Easier and More Effective

The thing about hard water and cleaning is that the minerals react with soap in unpleasant ways. Calcium in hard water is responsible for the soap scum on sinks and tubs. A few of the everyday inconveniences that come with hard water include:

Spotted or cloudy-looking glasses and dishes after washing
Faded clothes
Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and surfaces

Soft water does not cause these issues and makes creating a lather easier with soap and other cleansers. It will leave glasses and dishes squeaky clean, and clothes will be less likely to fade and will last longer. In addition, there will be less soap scum and buildup to clean from the plumbing fixtures.

It’s Better for the Plumbing System

Scale buildup from hard water happens on more than just the plumbing fixtures. A big part of the problem with hard water is scale buildup within the pipes and appliances it enters. This can narrow the pipes, making them more prone to clogging, and can build up in appliances like the water heater, reducing their energy efficiency and raising energy bills. Additionally, this can lead to shorter lifespans for the plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. The benefits of a water softener concerning the plumbing include:

Consistent Water Pressure: Water lines free from hard water buildup mean homeowners don’t have to worry about poor water pressure from this issue.

Fewer Clogs: A lack of scale buildup means the water flows better, and the pipes are less likely to clog.

Better Efficiency: Water heaters will function better and more efficiently, saving homeowners from high water heating costs.

Longer Lifespans: Without the hard water buildup and issues it can cause for the plumbing and appliances like the water heater, they can function better and last longer.

It Leaves Hair and Skin More Hydrated

Hard water contains high levels of minerals that can also leave residue and deposits on hair and skin. This can strip away natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness. Hair may become frizzy and brittle, while the skin may become flaky and itchy. In contrast, soft water eliminates these harsh minerals, making hair and skin feel softer and more hydrated.

With a water softener, people can enjoy the benefits of healthier-looking hair and skin with added moisture and fewer dry patches. Additionally, less residue left on the skin means it’s easier to remove dirt and makeup for a smoother complexion overall. Soft water can also be gentler on soaps and shampoos, allowing for a more moisturizing cleanse. With these benefits, it’s easy to see why investing in a water softener is the key to improved skin and hair health.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, emergency services, and prompt arrivals. Call them today for water softener installation or repair in West Salem, WI.

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Get a New Water Heater and Start the New Year Off Right

The Benefits of a New Water Heater Installation

Nothing beats a hot shower to drive away the cold of the winter, and despite the excitement of the new year, there is still plenty of winter left to make it through. Year after year, the water heater provides reliable and comfortable hot water but eventually, it will leave the family out in the cold. The winter time is not the season to take that risk, so homeowners should consider water heater replacements during the cold season.

Replacing the water heater is a decision that should be carefully considered to make sure it’s the right time. Here is some advice from local experts regarding water heater replacement that can ensure that homeowners make the right decision at the right time. Read on to learn the benefits of upgrading the water heater in the coming year.

Efficiency and Water Heating Cost

It’s no secret that energy bills are on the rise. Whether a water heater is powered by fossil fuels or electricity, chances are that it is costing more money than ever to heat water for the home. Another fact that is less well known is that water heaters lose efficiency every year they are in service. This means that over the course of five years, a water heater can cost more to heat the same amount of water.

A new water heater restores lost efficiency and thus lowers utility bills. Instead of struggling to keep up with bills, consider a water heater an investment. A new water heater will likely pay for itself during its lifetime in saved energy.

Get Hot Water Faster

Every water heater manufacturer is constantly striving to put new innovations out on the market. This results in better and better water heaters every time homeowners need to upgrade. Generally, homeowners will only need to install a new water heater around every 10 years, so each time this occurs, homeowners will have more options to choose from.

When shopping for a new water heater, homeowners may come across the term ‘hot water recovery rate.’ This refers to a water heater’s ability to replenish its supply of hot water after it has been depleted. A higher recovery rate indicates the appliance can produce more hot water in shorter periods and with fewer interruptions compared to a water heater with a lower rating.

Investing in a new water heater with a higher hot water recovery rate means a family can enjoy consistent access to hot showers or baths without worrying about running out of hot water. This benefit is especially important in households with multiple bathrooms since hot water usage is typically higher, and the recovery rate will be heavily relied upon.

Save Space With a Tankless Water Heater

In many homes, space is an issue. Today’s water heaters are more efficient than their predecessors and can save a great deal of space. This is especially true for tankless water heaters, which require far less real estate than traditional units. These highly compact units can be mounted to a wall, freeing up valuable storage space that would have otherwise been taken up by a bulky hot water tank. This makes them ideal for tight spaces such as garages, basements, and closets.

Additionally, since these units are only activated when hot water is required, they will not only save space but also help reduce energy bills. With all these advantages, it is no wonder why more and more people are turning to tankless water heaters as their go-to solution. For homeowners that need to save space and are conscious of their water heating bills, a tankless water heater is a great choice.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly three decades of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and the latest technology. Call them today for water heater and tankless water heater services in West Salem, WI.