Company: Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Warning Signs of a Broken Water Heater

Gray water heater and white expansion tank with copper piping for plumbing by Bud's Plumbing.

Signs of a Faulty Water Heater 

  • Noisy water heater
  • The water heater is 10+ years old
  • Spike in utility bills 
  • Inconsistent water temperature
  • Rusty brown water
  • Smelly hot water 

The water heater is one of the most important pieces of plumbing hardware in the home. A faulty water heater can make it difficult to complete daily tasks like bathing and cleaning. No water heater can last forever. After around 10 to 15 years, they usually show signs of needing repair or replacement. 

A new water heater can save homeowners money on frequent repairs and skyrocketing utility bills. New water heaters provide more efficient performance, larger water capacity, and are longer-lasting. 

Homeowners who are tired of never having enough hot water or are experiencing the signs of a faulty water heater should contact a professional for help. A faulty water heater can be a hazard to homeowners. The high temperatures and gallons of water contained within the water heater tank could cause extensive home damage or personal injury if it breaks. 

Noisy Water Heatersounds

One of the first signs homeowners may notice of a hot water heater needing repair is strange noises coming from the water tank. A hissing or screeching sound could indicate a leak or a broken valve. The most common noise homeowners report to their local plumbers is a rumbling sound inside the tank. 

A rumbling water heater tank usually means a buildup of sediment in the tank. Sediment in water tanks comes from the natural minerals found in water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are found in drinking water and are safe for consumption. During the heating process, these minerals separate into solid sediment. 

During professional water heater maintenance, the plumber empties the water heater tank and flushes out the sediment. This needs to be done once or twice a year to keep the water heater running in optimal condition. Too much sediment in the tank can eventually lead to corrosion, leaks, and system failure. 

waterBrown and Stinky Water

As the slurry of mineral sediments wears against the inside of the tank, the metal gives way to corrosion. Combined with water, the damaged metal begins to form rust. Flushing the tank helps to prevent problems with corrosion from occurring. 

The rust from a corroded metal water tank is why hot water turns reddish-brown. Water from a faulty water heater may also have a foul smell from minerals in the water. Brown and stinky water are signs of a serious problem with the water heater. 

Rust on the inside of the water tank can lead to further corrosion of the important parts of the water heater. Eventually, rust and corrosion will lead to a complete system breakdown. An anode rod is an important part of the water heater designed to prevent corrosion effects. 

The anode rod attracts corrosive materials to keep them from damaging the water heater. The anode rod needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. An old or faulty anode rod could lead to rust and corrosion in the water tank. 

Leaking Water Heater Tank

A leaking water heater tank is a serious problem that needs immediate attention from a professional water heater technician. Once a water heater tank starts leaking, the corrosion is usually beyond repair. It can be hazardous to leave a leaky water heater in a state of disrepair because it could cause extensive water damage or start an electrical fire. 

A leak is not always a death sentence for water heaters. Some leaks can be simple to repair for a professional. However, getting to the leak early on is important before it becomes a bigger issue. Catching the problem early on can help homeowners complete repairs before a water heater failure occurs.

Replacing the water heater can be a good thing for the home value. It provides the home with more hot water, faster. The efficiency of new water heaters also makes them better for the environment, with fewer carbon emissions and lower utility bills. New tankless water heaters only heat the amount of water needed for each task.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is a local plumbing company that homeowners can count on for all their water heater repair, maintenance, and installation needs. Homeowners can depend on Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service team for award-winning customer service and up-front pricing. Give them a call today for water heater replacement in Evansville, IN!

Distribution Links +

3 Tips to Keep the Water Bill Affordable This Summer

Human hands washing in clean water, emphasizing plumbing and home improvement services by Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Best Ways to Spend Less On Water for More Summer Fun

Homeowners feel the pinch as prices skyrocket, including their water bills. With increasing fuel costs, many choose to forego the beach and stay home. Being homebound means more gardening, yard work, and washing cars at home, which could mean a higher water bill. For homeowners hoping to save wherever they can, these tips can help cut the cost of water this summer.

Lower Use with Water-Saving Devices

showerOne sure way to spend less on the water is to use less water. Several devices can help reduce water usage. Washing machines over 5 years old are likely to use more water than updated high-efficiency models. In the shower, homeowners can install a low-flow showerhead, automatic shut-off nozzle, and a shower timer that automatically shuts off the water when the set time expires.

Also, the toilet can use vast amounts of clean, precious water to flush away waste in the bathroom. Displacing the amount of water in the tank with a brick, water-filled bottle, or tank bag reduces each flush's amount. 

Useful on the toilet and in the garden, a gray water diverter recycles used water and uses it for toilet flushing and watering garden plants. If the park is on a sprinkler system set on a timer, a rainfall shut-off device not only saves water, it shuts the system off when rain has fallen, so plants don't end up overwatered and soggy.

Updated faucets and dual-flush toilets are additional devices homeowners can install to reduce water use and lessen the water bill sticker shock.

Strategic Lawn Watering Tactics

lawnMany townships and villages now restrict when outside water can be used. There are varying opinions on morning watering vs. evening. Most gardening advocates favor morning as any water falling on leaves has time to be absorbed by the plant, eliminating potential mildew problems. As far as water conservation goes, with cooler morning temperatures, this time also works to keep more water in the plants and ground and less evaporating into the air.

In humid regions and some coastal areas, homeowners can further reduce water bill strain by taking advantage of rainy weather patterns and allowing Mother Nature to water the lawn. The aforementioned rainfall shut-off device can keep automated sprinkler systems from kicking in. If allowed in the area, rainwater collection systems can be an alternate water source for tending gardens and lawns.

A Splash of Advice on Limiting Water Usage

Regular everyday tasks can use a significant amount of water. Simple awareness can cut back water usage and costs without installing a single device. For example, filling a bowl with soapy water to wash pots and pans or produce and only turning on the faucet to rinse can keep gallons from going down the drain. Additional measures include only running the dishwasher when the load is full and making sure to only run full laundry loads, along with selecting the correct load size. Homeowners can also shut off the water while shaving and brushing teeth, only using it to rinse as needed. 

Taking shorter showers, installing water-conserving devices, and letting Mother Nature water the lawn are just a few ways homeowners can reduce water usage and lessen the water bill's impact on their wallets.

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

In Evansville, IN, Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service provides honest, upfront pricing and full-service solutions to even the most challenging plumbing needs. Trusted since 1920, their customer's safety and comfort are their top priority. Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service professionals offer fast service and complete customer satisfaction and will never leave a mess behind. Call them today for all plumbing service and repair needs in Evansville, IN.

Distribution Links +

Best Company for Sewer Line Repair Service in Evansville, IN

Who to Call for Sewer Line Repair 

The sewer line connects the home's plumbing to the main sewer line to dispose of wastewater from the drains. Most of the sewer line is found underground beneath the lawn or the home's foundation. Common sewer line problems include clogged, leaking, or broken pipes. 

Sewer line repair is a complicated job that requires the skill set of a professional plumber. Unqualified individuals could seriously injure themselves when attempting "DIY" sewer line repair. When a sewer line pipe bursts or gets clogged, it is best to call a trusted local plumber right away for sewer pipe repair. 

Not every plumbing company is qualified to quickly and safely resolve sewer line problems. This article gives an overview of homeowners' factors before hiring a professional plumber for sewer line repair.

Licensed & Insured Sewer Line Repair Company

plumber

One of the most important factors for homeowners to focus on when researching is licensing and insurance. The company's insurance will protect the liability of the homeowner and the company in the case of accidental injury or property damage. Without the right training, someone could become seriously injured while working on the sewer line. 

Professional plumbers go through years of training to work on complicated plumbing systems. The underground location of the sewer line can make repairs particularly challenging. The proper license ensures that the plumber is trained to clear sewer pipe clogs or repair burst pipes. 

Because the sewer line is underground, disrupting the home's lawn or its foundation may require reaching the damaged pipe. Professional plumbers have specialized tools at their disposal, such as leak detectors that help them locate the source of the problem without ripping up the lawn. A skilled plumber can sometimes repipe the plumbing to avoid an overly disruptive repair. 

The Best Sewer Repair Company Evansville Has to Offer

reviews

  • Latest plumbing technology 
    •
  • Experienced plumbers 
  • Friendly customer service 
  • Timeliness 
  • Up-front pricing 
  • Fair and affordable 

    • These are six factors for homeowners to look for comparing companies. Homeowners can ask around their neighborhood to find out which plumbing companies the community trusts. Internet reviews are another great resource for homeowners searching for the best sewer line repair nearby. 

    By reading online reviews, homeowners can get an unbiased view of the experiences others have had with the company. It can be expected for there to be one or two disgruntled reviews for most companies, but if the number of negative reviews outweighs the positive, this is a bad sign. 

    Reach Out With Questions Regarding Sewer Repair Service

    Homeowners are recommended to reach out to their chosen sewer line leak repair company with any questions they have regarding pricing or service options. Talking to the plumber on the phone can quickly clear up questions that the homeowner may have and give insight into the quality of customer service they can expect. 

    Most trustworthy plumbing companies are happy to schedule homeowners with a free consultation with a plumber. Up-front pricing is an important factor because this allows the homeowner to compare the value offered by different companies. 

    About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

    Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is proud to serve the Evansville, IN community with high-quality plumbing services with fair and up-front pricing. They are a plumbing company that homeowners can count on for integrity, professionalism, and timeliness. Give Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service a call today to schedule an appointment for professional sewer line repair! 

    Distribution Links +

    Everything You Need To Know About Detecting Hidden Water Leaks

    Watch Out for These Three Signs of a Hidden Water Leak!

    Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face - and they can also be one of the most damaging to the home. But they aren't always as easy to spot as a dripping faucet or a geyser coming out of the front lawn. In some cases, a leaking water pipe can go weeks, months, or even years without being detected. And in the meantime, all that leaking water could be costing the homeowners a fortune and causing all sorts of problems, from mold growth to wood rot to foundation damage. So in this article, homeowners will find all they need to know to spot signs of a hidden leak!

    water

    The Sound of Running Water

    The first to keep an eye out for - or rather, an ear - is the sound of running water coming from the walls, floors, or ceiling. This is normal when a fixture is used somewhere in the house, be it a shower, sink, washing machine, or anything else. But if no person or appliance is using water, that hissing or rushing sound may be water escaping through a broken water line, loose pipe fitting, or even a pinhole leak.

    During a quiet part of the day, homeowners can make sure no appliances or fixtures use water, including outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems, then listen carefully for that telltale sound. If a running water sound only appears periodically, it could also be a leaky toilet whose tank keeps refilling as water slowly drains out. However, if the sound is continuous, it may be time to call a plumber for water line leak repair.

    Soggy Spots In the Yardyard

    Another possible sign of a leaking water line is if a certain spot in the yard is perpetually soggy, muddy, or swampy. This is often due to an underground pipe leak releasing a constant water flow, saturating the surrounding area. This can be caused by several things, including tree roots, shifting soil, corrosion, or aging pipes.

    This could also manifest as a patch of grass that tends to grow thicker, greener, or more rapidly than the grass in other parts of the yard. A particularly swampy or flooded patch likely indicates a serious leak that could be wasting hundreds of gallons per week, so it's best to address this as quickly as possible.

    High Water Bills and Low Water Pressure

    Other markers of a hidden leak are if the home's water pressure seems lower than before and if the monthly water bill is higher than usual. These symptoms often go hand in hand. Since a home's water lines are pressurized to deliver water quickly, even a slow leak can detract from the normal pressure as water escapes. And as all that water spills out, the water meter will continue to turn, driving up utility costs. 

    Depending on the leak's location, a reduction in water pressure could affect the entire home or only certain rooms and fixtures. Several other factors could also cause this, but if a suspiciously high water bill accompanies it, a hidden leak is the likely culprit. A simple way to test this is to take note of the number on the home's water meter dial, wait an hour or two (making sure no water is used for any reason), and check the number again. If it has changed, it's a sure bet there's a leak!

    About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

    The award-winning Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has been proudly serving the Evansville community since 1920. They offer up-front pricing, budget-friendly solutions, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every call. Their clean, courteous, licensed, and insured experts are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call Bud's for water leak repair in Evansville, IN!

    Distribution Links +

    What's Luck Got To Do with It? Three Ways To Go Green This St. Patrick's Day

    Going Green Has Never Been Easier 

    Now that the snow is thawing and St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, many people turn in their winter clothes for springtime attire. But that’s not the only thing many homeowners are thinking about; many wonder how they can switch to eco-friendly plumbing systems now that winter’s over. 

    Going green has never been easier. Not only do many states offer financial incentives for homeowners to upgrade to “green” appliances, but there are countless things homeowners can do to conserve both water and money. Here are just three considerations: 

    Homeowners Can Invest in Water-Saving Appliances 

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stands firmly behind WaterSense and EnergyStar appliances. Why? Well: 

    • These eco-friendly appliances are designed to save water, making sure homeowners get the most out of showering, dishwashing, and more. 
    • Many states provide tax incentives for homeowners to switch to these products. Some of those incentives could pay for the cost of the appliance or installation costs. It all depends on where one lives. 
    • One can power many EnergyStar and WaterSense appliances with renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. 
    • These appliances break down less than appliances on the market ten years ago. This isn’t only convenient, but it limits how many services a call a home needs. 

    Furthermore, eco-friendly appliances can increase a home’s value. This can increase how much homeowners can get for their residences if and when they sell. 

    Adapt Eco-Friendly Habits save money

    There’s no need to put off saving water any longer; homeowners can take action right now to reduce how much energy their homes use. The EPA recommends: 
    • Turning off the faucet when brushing one’s teeth or shaving. 
    • Using the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. 
    • Taking showers instead of baths. 
    • Using a compost bin instead of a home’s garbage disposal. 
    • Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets.
    • Only running the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full. 

    The best thing homeowners can do to save water is to be mindful. Being eco-friendly isn’t a passive, once-in-a-while practice; it involves consciously being aware of one’s water consumption habits. This isn’t just taking short showers. It also involves: 

    • Promptly addressing any leaks 
    • Installing new appliances once they’ve reached their life expectancy 
    • Monitoring the home’s water meter for any unexpected increases 

    Homeowners can talk to home improvement professionals to learn more about reducing their home’s water consumption. 

    Avoid Flushing Certain Items Down the Toilet flush

    An eco-friendly campaign unfolding in New York City: “Don’t flush it. Trash it.” If one wonders whether an item is flushable, they should err on the side of caution and trash it. The campaign encourages people to: 

    • Throw away sanitation wipes – even if they claim to be flushable. 
    • Do not pour hot grease down the drain; wait until it cools and pour it into the garbage can. 
    • Avoid flushing condoms, menstrual products, paper towels, and diapers down the toilet. 

    NYC says that, in doubt about whether to flush something, they should only flush the four P’s: poop, pee, puke, and toilet paper. Only flushing these items is just one way one can maintain a healthy plumbing system. 

    About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

    Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is a firm supporter of green plumbing. These professionals offer homeowners in Evansville an array of home improvement services and can help with green plumbing solutions.

    Distribution Links +