FAQ
The short answer is, no, probably not. The most common causes of water heater noises are sediment buildup, heating element issues, metal expansion and contraction, and high water pressure. While these issues typically won’t lead to a catastrophe like an explosion, they can cause long-term damage or total failure for your water heater.
Experts recommend having your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year: once in the spring for your cooling system and once in the fall for the heating system. Regular maintenance ensures the system runs efficiently, prevents breakdowns, and can extend its lifespan. During these checkups, the technician will clean and inspect the components, replace or clean filters, and check for potential issues that could cause damage or failure.
A constantly running toilet is a common plumbing issue that could be due to several issues.
Flapper Valve: The flapper valve may be worn out or misaligned, causing water to flow continuously from the tank to the bowl.
Float: The tank float may be set too high, allowing excess water to enter the tank and into the overflow tube.
Fill Valve: The fill valve might be faulty or need adjustment. If you’re handy, these issues are easily fixed, but if not, call a plumber for help.
Several things can cause a water heater to run out of hot water more quickly than you’re used to, including sediment buildup, a faulty heating element, thermostat issues, more demand than the system can supply, age, or incorrect temperature settings. The best way to keep your water heater running efficiently is to schedule maintenance by a plumber. However, if your family has outgrown what your water heater can supply, you may want to invest in a larger model or a tankless system.
Loud, unusual sounds from the furnace could indicate one of these issues.
Banging or Popping: This can be due to expanding and contracting metal ducts or a dirty burner causing delayed ignition.
Squealing or Whining: Often a sign of a slipping or fraying blower belt or motor bearings needing lubrication.
Rattling: Loose panels or parts within the furnace can cause rattling sounds.
Humming: While some humming is normal when the furnace is on, loud or persistent humming could indicate an electrical issue or problems with the blower motor.
Call a furnace contractor if your system makes unusual sounds to diagnose and fix the problem and prevent irreparable damage.
A sudden drop in water pressure at a single fixture is typically caused by a clog in the feed pipe. However, low water pressure throughout the house could be caused by leaks, clogs, a faulty pressure regulator, corroded pipes, or demand surges. Check with your municipality if you have low water pressure at multiple fixtures to see if it’s an issue on their end, if not, call a plumber to investigate.
Many homeowners rely on drain cleaners to remove clogs but wonder if these products are safe for their plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners can effectively remove clogs, but they typically contain harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, which can cause severe skin burns, eye irritation, and respiratory issues if inhaled. They can also damage pipes, especially older ones, so it’s wise to use them sparingly or, better yet, call a plumber and be safe.