Hot Water Heater Prep this Winter

The holidays are here and so are the out of state visitors. Of course, you’re playing tourist and taking them to see all the local sites from the St. Pete Pier to Sand Key Park. You are amazed and not at all envious about their stories of how they prepare to survive the icy cold winter. But one such tale caused your ears to perk up – how they prep their plumbing for the bad weather. Your friend was specifically discussing his hot water heater. Even though we don’t experience the same cold weather they do, the tips, you thought, could be as useful in Florida as in the frozen north.

Winter Water Heater Tips that Florida can Borrow from the Chilly North

Yahoo.com explains the details: “Take the necessary steps to prepare your hot water heater tank for winter to ensure it functions efficiently when you need it most. Winter water heater maintenance can help ward off potential issues caused by cold temperatures. Maintaining your hot water heater involves a simple process.” Yahoo’s suggested checklist has four items.

1. The first thing you should do is check for leaks. That’s a good way to save energy, water and money. So, if you find no moisture after inspecting the joints, connections, and pipes, then you likely have no leaks.
2. If your temperature setting is higher than 120 degrees, you might want to lower it for the winter. But don’t go lower than that or you risk bacteria going in the tank.
3. You should open the drain valve and let out a few gallons of water to drain sediment from the tank. This can improve water pressure. And, it can also extend the water heater’s lifespan and improve its efficiency.
4. You should open the pressure relief, or bleed the valve. Because, if you don’t get hot water or if leaks after, you may have a problem.

You might want to insulate the hot water tank if you live in an area of Tampa Bay that freezes overnight. If it threatens to freeze overnight, you should insulate cold water pipes. You also should consider insulating outdoor hot water heaters.

If you are totally confused about the best way to treat a hot water heater during the winter, then it is time to call on Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

You will have no worries if you call Billy the Sunshine Plumber for help. Home plumbing problems can range from a minor inconvenience to a major headache. But, addressing problems promptly can save you time, money, and stress. Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.

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Need a new water heater? Billy the Sunshine Plumber can help you choose the water heater that’s right for you and for your home.

The holiday season has started off badly for you. When you returned from the tree lighting the other evening, you discovered that your water heater was refusing to do its job. It’s old, so you figure you might as well go ahead and replace it rather than trying to get it repaired.

You thought it would be easy. Just pick up the phone, call a plumber and have a new water heater delivered. But it turns out, it’s a bit more complicated than that. That’s because there are several different types of water heater and, of course, they each have their own strengths. And that’s just the start.

“When it comes time to replace the water heater or if you are simply looking for an upgrade, then the first thing to consider is whether you want a tank or tankless heater. Tank heaters take up more space, but they have the advantage of being able to store heated water for future use. Point-of-use and tankless water heaters are a good option for small condos or houses where space is a limitation, though these efficient systems come at a higher price than conventional tank water heaters,” according to thespruce.com.

Thespruce.com adds these tips:”Another factor to think about is the fuel type. Most water heaters rely on gas, electricity, or a combination of the two. You can also install a solar water heater if you prefer to use renewable energy sources. For tank heaters, you should check the capacity of the tank before purchase. On average, a 40 to 50 gallon tank is sufficient for a home with two or three people. If you have more people living at your home full-time, increase the capacity by about 10 gallons per additional person.

“The capacity of a tankless heater is more difficult to calculate because it is based on the flow rate in gallons per minute. Before selecting a tankless water heater, you will need to figure out how much hot water the family or residents use at the peak point of the day, like first thing in the morning when everyone is getting ready for work or school. Also, it’s a good idea to ask about warranties on the water heater, so you can feel confident about your purchase.”

If that only confuses the issue for you, your best bet is to discuss the decision with an expert like the plumbers at Billy the Sunshine Plumber. 

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you, even on holidays.

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Billy the Sunshine Plumber can help you maintain your water heater and decide when it’s time for a new one.

People who live in the parts of the country that are seeing snowstorms right now are laughing at us here in Tampa Bay where we’re getting chilled from overnight temperatures in the 60s. But it really isn’t funny, especially if you jump into the shower in the morning expecting warm water only to discover cold water flowing from the tap.

That could mean you need to change the thermostat on your water heater or it might be an indication that you need a new water heater.

According to energystar.gov: “Sometimes water heaters can appear to be working fine and then fail without warning. Most times, though, there are early signs that your water heater may need help. Some of the more common red flags for possible water heater failure are:

“Visible corrosion – Corrosion is a sign that the water heater is breaking down. Whether the corrosion is around the water lines or on the unit itself, it is a sign of deterioration that can lead to weakening the system and contributing to the water heater failing.

“Water leaking – Leaks from any joints, seals, or seams of your hot water heater is usually an indication there is a problem (potentially caused by corrosion, as mentioned above). Hot water heaters are designed to be a ‘close’” system and any moisture outside of that system is an indication that something is breaking down. Water leaking can get worse and not only be damaging to the water heater itself, but potentially the area and things around it.

“Rust in your water – Rust in the water is usually a sign that the interior of the water heating system is corroding and breaking down.

“Lack of available hot water – Aging and poor maintenance can cause sediment to build up inside the tank in a way that reduces capacity. Chemicals and minerals in our water can contribute to the corrosion and breaking down of the inside of the tank. The sediment and particulates can then build up and reduce the available water to be heated and used by your home.

“Rumbling noises – Water heaters are designed to operate consistently, quietly, and reliably. If your water heater is making unusual noises, rumblings, or vibrations, it is likely straining to operate correctly. Very often rumbling can be attributed to a build-up of sediment on the bottom of the tank, which can lead to bigger problems. Any noises should be checked out.

“Ignoring these issues can lead to sudden failure of the water heater, cold water, and in some cases, tank rupture and water damage to the floor and carpets. The other downside to sudden failure is that you may have to schedule an emergency replacement with the plumber, which can be more expensive, and typically limit your replacement options to inefficient models with high operating costs.”

If you’re not sure whether you need a new water heater or which is best for you, then it’s time to talk with the water heater pros at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you even on holidays.

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Call Billy the Sunshine Plumber for help if your water has a rusty tint.

You went into the bathroom to freshen up after your golf game this morning. Thing is, when you turned on the tap, the water wasn’t its usual clear flow. Instead the water had a distinct rusty hue. It’s not just your bathroom. The situation is the same all over the house.

“If your water comes out of the faucet with a brown, yellow, or red tint to it, there could be corrosion occurring inside your water heater tank or in the pipes in your home,” according to thespruce.com. “You might need to replace the anode rod in the tank, which typically requires the services of a professional plumber.”

If you’re looking for a trusted professional plumber, look no further than the 24-hour Tampa Bay plumbers at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays.

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Little, or no, hot water is one indication you might be due for a new water heater. Billy the Sunshine Plumber can help you decide.

You left home early this morning to get your run in preparation for Saturday’s Long Play Trail Run in Brooksville. But instead of a hot shower when you returned, you ended up with a barely tepid shower that didn’t last long because it turned cold faster than usual.

It sounds as if you might be in the market to have your water heater repaired or replaced. Not providing hot water is one clear sign that your water heater needs to be replaced, according to Bob Vila. Other signs include age, leaks, constant repairs, strange noises and water that isn’t clear.

If your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced, you need a trusted Tampa Bay plumber to help.You can find a reliable 24-hour Tampa Bay plumber at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays.

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Aging hot water heaters can signal when they’re about to give out. Here are some ways to tell if your hot water heater is on its last legs.

You decided to be brave and sign up for the Skyway 10K. Of course, that means you’ve got to get even more serious about training to be ready for it.

One of the pleasures of training is standing in a warm shower afterwards, or, on weekends, lounging in a tub full of warm, bubbles. That’s gotten more difficult recently because your shower doesn’t seem to have as much hot water as it used to.

Running out of hot water quickly is one sign that your hot water heater is about to fail, according to blog.constellation.com. Other signals of an aging water heater that’s going to need to be replaced include water leaks from around the heater, inconsistent temperature in the shower, discolored water, unusual noises from the water heater, and/or low water pressure.

“Hot water heaters typically last between 10 and 15 years,” blog.constellation.com says. “Several factors contribute to what causes a hot water heater to go out. Anode rods get used up over time. Metal tanks can corrode or leak. Heating elements break or stop working. Sometimes you can replace a part. But if your hot water heater keeps going out, you might be better off replacing the whole unit, especially if your current unit has been in service for 10 years or more.”

If you need a new water heater, or simply want to check to see if it can be repaired or whether you have a different plumbing problem, call a trusted plumber for help. You can find a reliable plumber at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the go-to company for plumbing repairs, maintenance and upgrades since opening almost 100 years ago in 1924. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is the trusted plumber of choice in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties where he is available 24/7/365. Days, nights, weekends, holidays, anytime – Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.

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Billy the Sunshine Plumber will help if your hot shower turns cold.

Whether you’ve been prepping for the upcoming John Holmes Trail Run or simply broken into a sweat while walking from your car to your home, a cold shower sounds good these days. But as much as you might want to cool off, a warm shower is also good to help iron the kinks from your daily run. Unfortunately, your shower isn’t cooperating these days. All you seem to get is cold water.

Your initial reaction is likely a suspicion that your water heater is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced. And you might be right. But, according to homeserve.com,  you could have a different plumbing problem ranging from a plumbing leak to a gas leak if your water heater is powered by gas. Your water heater might also be too small for the job. Or, it could even be the weather affecting your plumbing.

Of course, the easiest way to track down your plumbing problem is to call a trusted Tampa Bay plumbing expert to take a look and evaluate your situation. If you don’t have a plumbing technician you can trust, then it’s time to get to know the reliable 24-hour plumbers at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the go-to company for plumbing repairs, maintenance and upgrades since opening almost 100 years ago in 1924. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is the trusted plumber of choice in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties where he is available 24/7/365. Days, nights, weekends, holidays, anytime – Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber | 24-Hour Plumber | Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater | I Need a Plumber | Plumber Near Me

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Billy the Sunshine Plumber will help you when it’s time to repair or replace your water heater.

Now that the bear has left Phillippe Park, you’ve managed to squeeze in a few runs between rain storms. And while you’ve returned hot, sweaty and looking forward to a cool, if not cold shower, you have fantasized about the occasional hot shower. Unfortunately, your water is taking so long to heat up that even a warm shower has become a dream.

Water that takes a long time to become warm or never gets hot, is a prime indicator that you likely have an issue with your water heater. That’s especially true if your water heater is 10 or more years old, according to angi,com, the new name for Angie’s Lisr.

“Generally, most water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be considered for replacement. If your water heater is in a location that will not cause damage if there is a leak, you can wait until it develops a leak before replacing it, but that really is not recommended,” angi.com says.

Other indications that you need to replace your water heater include leaks, noises, and rusty-looking water.

If you’re looking for a trusted plumber to repair or replace your water heater, look no further than the reliable 24-hour plumbers at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the go-to company for plumbing repairs, maintenance and upgrades since opening almost 100 years ago in 1924. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is the trusted plumber of choice in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties where he is available 24/7/365. Days, nights, weekends, holidays, anytime – Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you, even on July 4.

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You might need help from Billy the Sunshine Plumber if you can’t get hot water in your tub but you can get it in the bathroom sink.

Getting dressed to attend the Memorial Day ceremony at Fero Memorial Gardens was especially frustrating this morning. That’s because the water in your tub never got hot. It was especially irritating because the water in the bathroom sink – a couple of feet from the tub – did get hot. You don’t understand what’s wrong.

That is perplexing. A number of reasons could cause the problem.

Among those reasons, according to hunker.com: a defective faucet, a malfunctioning water heater, a clog in a pipe, or a hidden leak.

Hunker.com explains: “A defective bathtub faucet may be the cause of the problem, particularly if you turn the faucet handle to open the faucet and no water comes out. If this happens, it probably means that something is broken between the stem and the seat of the valve that controls the flow of water. …

“Another possible reason why your tub is not getting sufficient hot water is a clogged pipe. This is especially likely if you live in an old home with pipes that have been there for decades. Old pipes sometimes get clogged with mineral deposits due to chemical imbalances in the water. This can block hot water from reaching the bathtub faucet, even though the sink’s hot water faucet is working fine. …

“If you have an electric water heater, one or more of the heating elements may not be working properly, causing water to flow cool or lukewarm. The heater’s thermostat may need to be replaced. Or you may just need to make an adjustment, such as relighting the pilot light in a gas heater or restarting an electric water heater. …

“A leak somewhere in your hot water pipe can cause the hot water to flow poorly or not at all. If you notice water damage and stains on the ceiling or crawl space below the tub, you almost certainly have a leak. Leaks are harder to identify when the tub is on the first floor of a slab-foundation home or apartment.”

Some of those potential problems are fairly simple to fix if you want to try tackling them yourself. If you don’t want to do that, or you have a more complicated malfunction, then it’s time to call in a trusted plumber like the reliable 24-hour plumbers at Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you, even on Memorial Day. 

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Routine maintenance will keep your water heater running at peak performance. Billy the Sunshine Plumber can help you with that!

A water heater is one of those many fixtures in your home that you rely on to perform when needed. Yet, you likely don’t think about it very often unless it malfunctions and delivers a cold shower instead of a nice warm one. But you can generally avoid such rude awakenings with a bit of maintenance, according to houselogic.com,

Houselogic.com’s suggestions:

• Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees. “You’ll save up to 5 percent in energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, plus you’ll reduce the risk of scalding,” houselogic.com says.
• Keep at least two feet of clearance around the water heater unless the owner’s manual states something different.
• “Drain about a quarter of the tank a few times a year to remove sediment and debris. Turn off the cold water supply, hook up a garden hose to the drain valve, then run into a bucket until the water is clear. If the water remains cloudy, briefly open the water supply valve to stir up remaining sediment, and drain the tank again. This also makes the unit operate more quietly.”
• Test the temperature relief valve once a year.
• “Examine the sacrificial anode rod every three years by loosening the hex head screw and removing it. Replace the rod if more than 6 inches of the core steel wire is exposed, the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick, or the rod is coated with calcium.”

If all is well, then head off to do something fun, like visit the animals at the Wildlife Survival Sanctuary. If you run into any problems that you can’t handle – or if you’d simply rather hand off the chore to someone else – call Billy the Sunshine Plumber.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the go-to company for plumbing repairs, maintenance and upgrades since opening almost 100 years ago in 1924. Billy the Sunshine Plumber is the trusted plumber of choice in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties where he is available 24/7/365. Days, nights, weekends, holidays, anytime – Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber | 24-Hour Plumber | Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater | I Need a Plumber | Plumber Near Me

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