Water Heaters FAQs:

How old is my Water Heater?

In most cases the manufacture date is encoded in the serial number of the heater, located on the plate on the front of the water heater.

Why does the hot water from my faucet smell?

This is caused by a chemical reaction between minerals and acids in the water and the anode rod in the water heater. If you do have this problem you might want to think about having your water tested and getting a water conditioner installed.

My Gas Water Heater makes loud sounds, why?

The popping sound is caused by a mineral build up on the bottom of the water heater that traps water between the tank and the mineral. When the water is being heated it turns this trapped water into steam. The steam then escapes or explodes through the mineral causing the popping sound.

Flat Rate Pricing FAQ's

What is flat rate pricing and why is it better?

Flat Rate Pricing is a system which enables you to know the cost of the work to be performed before it is started. It takes a plumbing task and figures a price based on the average time that it should take to complete the task. The two benefits that Flat Rate Pricing have over Time and Materials Pricing are:

Protection: Flat Rate pricing protects you from the slow working Time and Materials plumber who knows that the longer he takes, the more he can charge.

Fairness: Because Flast Rate pricing is based on the average time it should take to complete a job, you will never pay more than your neighbor for the same task.

General FAQ's

Why shouldn't I use a handyman?

Let's face it, saving money is the main reason for hiring a handyman. They don't have the expensive licensing and overhead of a legitimate plumbing contractor, so they're able to charge less. Why would any conscientious consumer hire someone that appears to cost them more money for the same services?

The problem is with the perception that the consumer is saving money and that they are receiving the same services from the handyman as they do from a legitimate contractor.

The truth is, they are getting ripped off. Reputable businesses do not stay in business by taking advantage of their customers, overcharging for services or using unlicensed or unqualified employees to perform shoddy work. Also, legitimate contractors stand behind their work. Hiring a handyman will not save the consumer any money. What you get with the handyman is a major liability to you and your family's health and safety.

Why shouldn't I have the home improvement store install my new fixture?

Many of the installers that are contracted by the home improvement stores are not experienced or licensed to perform the work that they're being paid to do. And since they are not officially employees of the home improvement stores, it can be extremely difficult to get them back out to your home should there be a problem.

What is a Pressure Reducing Valve?

It has been determined that pressures above 80 psi cause premature faucet wear and can lead to joint failure in a water piping system. Thus a PRV is installed to keep the pressure in your home at a regular level that is not harmful to the pipes in your home, usually about 50 psi.

High Pressure Makes My Toilet *Runs* (with new ballcock)?

If your water pressure is so high that it leaks past a Wolverine Brass ballcock or another new ballcock - then you NEED a pressure-reducing valve. Other water pipes, connectors, clothes washing machine hoses and your water heater could leak or break. Best to get a pressure regulator if your pressure to the house is more than 60 pounds (80 is code throughout most of the U.S.).

Bathroom faucet drips, Why?

Could be a loose washer The pressure holds it down when no other faucet is running water and the lower pressure let's it rise up a bit when other water is used.