Tag: water

Silencing the Phenomenon of Water Hammers

What is a Water Hammer?

Understanding what a water hammer is will be the first step in solving the problem of banging pipes. The simple explanation of this phenomenon is the backpressure of water caused by a sudden stop, or change of direction, of the movement of the fluid. These shockwaves are characterized by a loud banging or knocking from the pipes.

Dangers of Water Hammers

pipeIf the noisy water pipes are not enough to drive a person crazy, the damage a water hammer can cause will. The best option when this issue arises is to immediately call a professional plumber who has dealt with the problem before. The damage caused by water hammers can be extensive, and the longer it’s ignored, the more damage they will do, and the repair bills will be substantially more. Dangers of water hammers include:

  • Damage to water pumps – The shockwaves caused by the sudden stop or change of water flow can cause serious damage to the inner workings of the pump. If the pump is damaged and stops working, no water will be pumped into the water lines when needed. The damage means no water in the building until the pump is replaced.
  • Water leaks – The joints and fittings within the plumbing system will start to spring leaks from the excessive amounts of pressure caused by water hammering issues. Water leaks in the piping can cause lowered amounts of water pressure, water damage, and excessive water usage and require damaged joints and fittings to be replaced. 
  • Broken or Burst Pipes – When the water hammers are repetitive and intense, ruptured pipes can occur. This can cause significant damage, especially if it’s not noticed right away. The break in the plumbing system will cause a complete drop in water pressure, cause severe water damage, and waste water and money. 

Solutions For Water Hammer Problems

plumberThe sooner a plumber is called for water hammers, the better. The first thing that a professional will do is locate and diagnose the cause of the banging pipes. Plumbers will be able to diagnose the problem with a few simple tests. Depending on the issue that causes the water hammer, solutions can include: 

  • Replace Valve – To fix water hammers, plumbers may need to replace valves used during the plumbing system’s original installation. The common style installed will depend on gravity to open and close. The best solution will be to have a spring-driven check valve installed, which creates a smooth, soft closing of the valve.
  • System Flush – If lucky, the only problem may be that the system has some dirt or debris inside pipes or possibly some air bubbles caused by the sudden back-shift of water flow. A qualified professional can completely flush the system, basically resetting the flow to the original amounts that the system was designed for.
  • Installing Pressure Regulators – The plumbing professional may decide that the problem lies in the main water lines coming into the building. Installing a pressure regulator in that line will control the flow of water coming in, which will prevent water hammering by reducing the amount and pressure of water.
  • Air Chambers – Plumbing vents are commonly installed on a plumbing system to help prevent water hammer problems. If the system in the building is old and does not have an air chamber installed, it would be a good time to do so. If one is present, the professional will check to ensure it is working properly and repair it if not.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over four decades of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and a membership plan with many perks. Call them today for plumbing services in Palm Springs, CA. 

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Learn About Water Heaters This Back To School Season

What Are Hot Water Heaters?

A water heater is a piece of plumbing hardware that provides the home with hot water on demand for important tasks like washing hands, cleaning, and bathing. The water heater is one of the most expensive and essential pieces of plumbing equipment found in modern homes. Homeowners can protect their investment in their water heater by educating themselves on the basics of water heater systems.

What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?

types of water heatersThe main types of water heaters are gas, electric, and tankless water heaters, and there are pros and cons to each. Gas water heaters are the most common type in modern homes, but electric water heaters are also popular. Tankless water heaters are a modern solution to provide hot water with minimal waste of energy by only heating the exact amount of water needed for each task.

Gas water heaters are slightly more expensive to install than electric water heaters but have much lower operating costs. A gas water heater uses a gas burner to heat the water. This means that the water heater needs to be connected to natural gas. Electric water heaters are a more versatile option because almost every home has electricity hooked up, while not every house has a gas connection.

While electric water heaters are easier to install, they have higher operating costs than gas water heaters. Tankless water heaters have the cheapest operating costs because they do not waste energy in the heating process. Installing a tankless water heater is more expensive than the traditional options, but homeowners can expect to get 20+ years of performance compared to gas water heaters 10-15 year lifespan.

How To Do Water Heater Maintenance?

leave it to a professional Plumbers recommend that homeowners drain water heaters annually or twice a year to flush the tank of sediment. Sediments result from natural minerals in the water separating into solids during the heating process. Over time, sediment buildup can corrode the water heater tank and cause valves to age prematurely.

During maintenance appointments, the water heater technician will flush water heater tanks and inspect the system for signs of damage. Most water heaters use a system of valves to control the flow of water. Valves are notorious for wearing out over time, and replacing them can help to promote efficient and long-lasting water heater performance. The anode rod must also be checked and replaced if it is over three to five years old. Anode rods attract corrosive materials in the water to prevent tank corrosion.

Leaving water heater maintenance to a qualified professional is best because working on water heater tanks is extremely dangerous. Up to a hundred gallons of hot water contained within a water heater tank could pose a serious threat to property and people if it bursts. It is a good idea to have a trusted plumber just a phone call away in case of a water heater emergency.

Water Heater Repair or Water Heater Replacement?

Homeowners should look out for signs that their water heater is failing. A broken water heater is not just an inconvenience because of a lack of hot water. If it’s malfunctioning, it could pose a safety hazard to the home. Water heaters contain high temperatures and a large amount of water, which could be dangerous if it bursts.

Signs that a homeowner needs to call a plumber for water heater repair include discolored water, foul-smelling water, or a noisy water heater. Other obvious signs of an old or broken water heater include inconsistent temperatures, waiting a long time for water to heat up, or not enough hot water to complete tasks. Water heaters typically only last between 10-15 years, and as water heater repairs become more frequent, homeowners should consider their options for water heater replacement.

About KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has over 40 years of experience serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and financing. Call them today for water heater services in Palm Springs, CA.

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