Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

There may be nothing wrong with your water heater. It may be that your faucets and showerheads are the culprits. Some older showerheads put out up to 5 gallons per minute, while newer showerheads only allow around 2.5 gallons of volume per minute. Switching to lower-volume showerheads and faucets can sometimes solve the problem. It could also be that your water heater's dip tube needs to be replaced.

The most severe cause of water leaks from water heaters is a rusted-out tank, which requires replacing the entire heater. If your water heater is not near the end of the manufacturer's estimate, it could be a much simpler and less costly problem. The pressure relief valve, usually located at the top of the unit, could be leaking. The cause could be a defective or worn-out valve or one that needs tightening. Your owner manual should have detailed information about repairing or replacing the valve.

There are several possible causes for this problem. It could be that the flapper isn't sitting properly. The flapper can accumulate a thin layer of scale or a slippery film over time, which can cause the water seal to fail. Cleaning or replacing the flapper will correct this problem. Another cause can be a kinked or tangled lift chain, which is also easily fixed. If neither is the problem, it could be a worn-out flush valve. Many kinds of assemblies are available at any hardware store, plumbing supply company, and most discount centers. Installation is relatively straightforward.

The cause is often a tripped high-temperature cutoff, which can be fixed by simply pressing "Reset." If that doesn't work, it could be a faulty heating element. In that case, you will have to replace the element.

The answer depends on several factors, including the number of people in your household, the number of bathtubs and showers, whether your home has a dishwasher, a washing machine, or a whirlpool bathtub, and whether your water heater is a natural gas or electric unit. Typically, for a family of 4, a 40-gallon gas water heater will be sufficient for your needs. If your water heater is electric, you will want to consider a 50 to 60-gallon unit. Consult your plumbing contractor or water heater dealer to ensure your chosen unit meets your needs.

"Hard water" contains high levels of calcium or magnesium. The presence of these minerals in large amounts can result in deposits, called scale, on appliances and fixtures and can adversely affect their performance over time. Hard water can also decrease the cleansing action of soaps and detergents we use in cleaning our dishes, clothing, and bathing by creating adhesive films on surfaces instead of dissipating the soaps and detergents for optimal effectiveness. Depending on the level of minerals in your water, you may want to consider installing a water-softening system in your home. Water softeners eliminate calcium and magnesium through interaction with sodium through ion exchange.

The problem may be water lines that are not properly isolated from the structural elements of your home. If this is the case, water moving through the pipes may transfer to beams, joists, or studs in or beneath your flooring or the walls. If the pipes are accessible, the solution may be as simple as inserting an insulating material between them and the structural elements they touch. If your pipes only rattle when the water is turned on or off, you may need to install a water hammer arrester, which will eliminate the jolt caused by quick-closing water valves. Diagnosing this problem can be tricky, and you may want to consult a professional plumber.