Category: Plumbing Info

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Tankless Water Heater

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If your tankless water heater has been acting up lately, it can be hard to know whether you should have it repaired or replace it entirely. In some cases, a simple repair will restore your water heater to function as good as new, but in other cases it makes more sense to simply get a whole new unit installed. Here are the factors to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace your tankless water heater.

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Age of Your Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters generally last about twice as long as hot water tanks, but they still fail with age eventually and need to be replaced. Hot water tanks usually last about 10 years, while tankless water heaters will last an average of 20 years. If your tankless water heater is around 20 years or older, it’s time to think about getting a new one.

Frequency of Repairs

If this is not the first time you’ve had your water heater repaired recently, that may be an indicator that you should have it replaced instead. As tankless water heaters near the end of their lifespan, they will start to have more and more issues until they eventually break down completely. If you notice that your water heater is requiring repairs more frequently, the most cost effective solution may be to cut your losses and get a new unit, as opposed to paying more and more to repair it over and over again.

Warranty Coverage

One of the most clear deciding factors of whether or not to replace your tankless water heater is its warranty coverage status. If your water heater is still covered under a warranty, it makes the most sense to simply have it replaced free of charge. If the warranty has expired and the cost of replacing your unit will be coming out of your own pocket, give more thought to repairing instead.

Cost to Repair vs Replace

Generally speaking, when it comes down to it, you should do whatever makes the most sense in terms of cost. If the repairs on your tankless water heater are going to be very expensive and/or it seems likely that you’re going to have to keep repairing it frequently, then the cost to replace will be lower than the cost to repair. If you are not sure if your most cost-effective option is to repair or replace, ask your plumber’s opinion. They can inspect the problem and let you know if, in their professional opinion, it would be worth it to repair or if replacing will save you more money.

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Houston tx Repipe Specialists – Is It Time for A Houston Repipe?

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Not sure whether or not you need our Houston tx repipe specialists? Here are common signs to watch for that indicate it’s time to replace your pipes.

Unexplained Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure gradually gets slower with no obvious explanation, it’s likely that you may need a Houston repipe. It’s probable that you have a sediment and rust buildup inside your pipes. This buildup creates blockages that make it hard for water to flow freely, leaving you with a weak shower. Keep in mind that very sudden drops in water pressure are likely due to a different issue.

Discolored Water

Sediment buildup and rust forming on the inside of pipes can cause water to have a slightly reddish-brown hue or be otherwise discolored. This is also a strong indication that you may be in need of our Houston repipe services. While this is not dangerous, it can affect the taste of your water as well as indicate that your pipes are getting old and should be replaced soon.

Visible Rust or Cracking

Over time, pipes of any material will begin to rust and crack. Tiny hairline cracks and visible rust are often the first noticeable sign that you should consider our Houston repipe service. Make it a habit to visually inspect any exposed pipes in your home every 6 months or so. Look for small cracks, rust, and other discoloration. If you start to notice many signs of rust or cracking, contact our Houston tx repipe specialists to get an opinion on whether or not it’s time to replace your pipes.

Noisy Pipes

Pipes that are breaking down or rusting from the inside will make a lot of noise because water flow is impeded and the water will crash into the inside of the pipes and cause them to vibrate and clang as it makes its way through. There are a number of other things that can cause noisy pipes, however, to be safe you should still contact our Houston tx repipe specialists to inspect the situation to get to the bottom of the strange sounds.

Multiple Leaks

Are you noticing frequent leaks in your pipes? If you find yourself having to get leaks fixed on a regular basis, this is a strong signal that you should contact us for our Houston repipe services to have your piping replaced. If your pipes are leaking often, they will likely just continue to leak more and more frequently until they eventually break down completely, and it is more cost effective to have them replaced now as opposed to paying to have them repaired over and over again.

If you are looking to have your pipes inspected, replaced or want to learn more about what our Houston tx repipe specialists can do for you, get in touch with Santana Bros Plumbing today!

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Houston Garbage Disposal Installation Benefits

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Thinking about having a Houston garbage disposal installation for your kitchen? Here are the top benefits.

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Helps Prevent Clogs

Perhaps the best reason for a Houston garbage disposal installation is the fact that it will help maintain your plumbing system by preventing annoying and damaging clogs in your sink. When you use a garbage disposal, you grind up all of those little food bits that inevitably wash down the kitchen sink. When left whole, those bits will get stuck somewhere in your pipes and eventually create blockages, but when they are ground up by the disposal they will wash through your plumbing without getting caught up.

Cuts Down on Odor

Homeowners know how pesky kitchen odors can be. A common culprit of lingering kitchen smells is food bits that have gotten trapped in the drain. Using a garbage disposal mitigates this problem because the disposal grinds up any pieces of food that are stuck in the drain and washes them down your pipes, keeping your drain cleaner and stink-free.

Prevents Bacteria Buildup

In addition to preventing unpleasant odors, using a garbage disposal regularly also keeps bacteria from building up in your drain. Bacteria buildup in a sink is unhygienic and can contribute to poor indoor air quality as well as attract flies and other pests to your kitchen. A Houston garbage disposal installation is a simple way to keep your kitchen sanitary and bug-free.

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal Unit

When choosing your garbage disposal unit, you want to make sure that you pick one that makes the most sense for your particular needs. Think about how often you use the kitchen and whether you need a more heavy-duty disposal or something basic. Consider motor size, noise levels, and cost when making your decision. If you have questions about our Houston garbage disposal installation services or would like a professional opinion on which model is right for your kitchen, get in touch with Santana Bros Plumbing today!

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Emergency Drain Cleaning, When Do You Need It?

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Wondering what emergency drain cleaning is for? Here are the most common situations where you should call us for emergency drain cleaning services.

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When Your Sink Won’t Drain After Plunging

If you’ve got a clogged sink and have already tried clearing the blockage with a plunger but still can’t get the sink to drain, it’s time to call in the Houston drain cleaning pros for our emergency drain cleaning services. Having a blocked sink out of commission for too long is a huge inconvenience, which is why you should treat it like an emergency and book a our Houston drain cleaning experts immediately to come and clean out your drains as soon as possible.

When Your Toilet is Overflowing

A clogged toilet can sometimes be addressed by plunging the blockage loose, but if your toilet is fully overflowing, you’ll want to turn off the water and call a professional immediately to clean the drain. There are a number of things that can cause a toilet to overflow, including clogs caused by flushing products other than toilet paper, or sewer backups. Our Houston drain cleaning plumbers will be able to identify the problem, clear the drain, and give you recommendations on how to prevent it from happening again. If your toilet is overflowing and you do not have a solution, contact Santana Bros plumbing for our professional Houston drain cleaning service!

When Your Basement is Flooding

A common emergency drain cleaning call that we get is when a client’s basement is flooding due to a drainage problem such as a sewer backup. If your basement is flooding, don’t wait! Call Santana Bros Plumbing right away. The faster you book our Houston drain cleaning service, the less water damage you’ll have to contend with.

Call (713) 494-5504 now for emergency drain cleaning & plumbing services!

Non-Emergency Drain Cleaning

Plumbing emergencies are never fun, and we want to help you avoid them as much as possible. The best way to avoid the need for an emergency drain cleaning is to have your drains professionally cleaned once a year or so. This gets rid of sneaky blockages that might cause major problems later and ensures that your drains are running (and draining) smoothly, before things get too out of hand.

Get in touch with Santana Bros today for our effective Houston drain cleaning service!

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How to Flush Out Your Hot Water Tank and Why You Should

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It is important to flush your hot water tank once a year in order to prevent too much sediment buildup. As sediment accumulates, it causes blockages in your hot water tank that make it function less effectively. Hot water tanks that are flushed out annually are likely to last a few years longer than those that are not.

1. Turn off Power/Gas

If you have a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting. If you have an electric water heater, shut off the breaker at your home’s electrical panel.

2. Turn off the Cold Water Supply Valve

This is usually located at the top of the water heater and will be connected to a pipe that feels cold to the touch. 

3. Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve

The drain valve is located near the bottom of the tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve so that you can control where the water goes as you drain the tank.

4. Place the Hose End Where it can Drain Safely

Run the hose so the end is somewhere water can drain safely, such as in a large bucket or on your driveway.

5. Turn on a Hot Water Tap

Turn on a hot water tap that is relatively close to the water tank. This helps to relieve pressure on the system and makes the water drain more quickly. 

6. Open the Drain Valve

Open the drain valve to allow water to begin draining from the tank. Let it drain until it is empty.

7. Close the Drain Valve & Remove the Hose

Once the tank has been completely drained, close the valve drain and remove the hose. 

8. Turn the Cold Water Supply and Power/Gas Back on

Turn the cold water supply back on as well as the gas or power. You’re all done!

Draining your hot water tank once a year helps to maintain it and lengthen its lifespan, but problems still happen from time to time. If you need any water tank repairs done or are ready to upgrade to a new water heater, get in touch with Santana Bros Plumbing today!

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Signs You Have a Hidden Leak

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Lots of plumbing leaks occur in places you can’t see, such as behind walls or under floors. Here’s how you can find them.

Mysterious Stains on Your Wall or Ceiling

Do you have strange stains appearing on your walls or ceiling? Those could be water stains coming from water behind the walls. If you notice water stains where, as far as you know, there has been no water exposure, you should definitely take that as a sign to call a plumber. Have them inspect your system to determine where the water is coming from and whether a leak is the cause.

An Unexplained Increase in Your Bill

Is your water bill suddenly higher with no obvious explanation? It could be that the extra water usage is coming from a hidden leak somewhere. If you notice a suspicious spike in your water bill, keep an eye on it and watch for more signs that you have a hidden leak. 

Musty Odor

If something smells off or musty around your home, that can mean you have a hidden leak. The moisture from a plumbing leak creates a humid environment where mildew and mold can grow. If the mildew or mold is growing in a hidden spot, the first noticeable sign of it will be the smell.

Reduced Water Pressure

If your water pressure is lower than usual, that could be a sign that some of your water flow is being diverted by a leak. There are lots of other things that can cause reduced water pressure as well, including high simultaneous water usage and clogs. However, if you rule out other factors and/or notice other signs from this list, the pressure change in your home is likely due to a leak somewhere in your system.

If you suspect a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing, get in touch with Santana Bros today! One of our plumbers will do a thorough inspection of your plumbing in order to identify and fix any leaks.

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How to Choose the Right Plumber

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Need a plumber but not sure who to call? It can be overwhelming choosing a plumber because there are a lot of different companies out there. Here’s how to identify the most professional, reliable plumbers before you hire them.

Check Reviews

The first thing you should do when considering a plumbing company is to check their reviews online. Pay attention to what both positive and negative reviews say. What was the experience like for those who were happy with the plumber? What was it like for those who were unsatisfied? Choose a plumber who has good reviews and who has impressed reviewers with customer service, efficiency, and thorough, professional work.

Ask About Credentials

When getting in touch with a new plumbing company, ask them about the credentials of their team before you hire them. You want to make sure that any plumber coming to your home is fully licensed, certified, and insured. If a plumber hesitates too much or dodges the question, it’s probably better to move on and choose a different company.

Choose an Experienced Company

Plumbing is a complicated field that requires knowledge of a ton of different parts, techniques, and equipment. Because of this, your best bet is to choose a company that’s been in the business for a while. Plumbers with years of experience are generally much more skilled at diagnosing issues quickly and knowing exactly what repairs or upgrades are needed.

Request a Quote

A good plumber will be able and willing to give you an accurate price estimate for the job you want done. If you give a plumber a few basic details about the job you’re looking to have done for you, they should be happy to let you know a price quote for what you’re looking for. If they refuse to give you a quote, that is a red flag and you should look for another company.

At Santana Bros Plumbing, we’re happy to provide customers with free quotes on all types of plumbing services, including repairs, inspections, and installations. Get in touch today for your free quote.

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Hot Water Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater: What’s Best for My Home?

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Wondering whether a hot water tank or tankless water heater is better for your home? This quick guide will help you make the right decision for you.

What’s the Difference Between a Hot Water Tank & a Tankless Water Heater?”

A conventional hot water tank is a large storage tank that contains a supply of hot water that is kept hot by the tank and ready to use. When you use enough hot water to empty the tank, the tank then refills with cold water and heats it. This water takes time to heat up, which is why you may find that you only have cold water after multiple hot showers have been taken close together.

A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, is a system that heats the water as you use it. This means that you do not need the space for a large storage tank and you do not need to wait for your water to heat up, since it is being heated as you run your hot water taps.

Hot Water Tank Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Large capacity for simultaneous hot water usage
  • More affordable to purchase and install

Cons

  • Waiting period for hot water to replenish
  • Takes up a lot of space
  • Shorter lifespan than tankless water heaters
  • Less efficient than tankless models

Tankless Water Heater Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No waiting around for hot water to replenish itself
  • Tankless water heaters are small, so you save space
  • Efficient, saves money on monthly bills
  • Tankless units last longer than hot water tanks
  • Reduced environmental impact

Cons

  • Lower capacity for the amount of hot water you can use simultaneously
  • More expensive to purchase and install

Ready to upgrade your home water heater? Trust the experienced professionals at Santana Bros Plumbing to get the job done right.

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Things You’re Probably Doing That Hurt Your Plumbing

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Are you guilty of any of these? Plenty of people do the following things and don’t realize that they’re actually hurting their plumbing system.

Letting Hair Go Down the Drain

The main cause of clogs in tub and shower drains is hair. Sure, it’s inevitable that some hair will wash down your drain while you shower, but there are steps you can take to greatly reduce the amount of hair going down the drain. Using drain strainers is a great way to prevent clogging–simply pop the strainer into your drain to catch loose hair and other debris, then empty it out into the trash when you’re done. Another good habit to get into is brushing or combing your hair before you hop in the shower–this will collect loose hair and reduce the amount that comes out in the shower.

Using Liquid Drain Cleaners

Most people use liquid drain cleaner as soon as they notice a slow drain, but this is actually bad for your plumbing. This is because liquid drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that eat away not only at clogs, but at pipes too. Using these products can cause leaks and damaged pipes. Instead, reach for a plunger the next time you have a clogged drain.

Using Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can

Many people use their garbage disposal units to get rid of kitchen waste of all kinds, including items like citrus peels, eggshells, and coffee grinds. This is not what garbage disposals were designed for and can damage the mechanism as well as clog up your pipes. Use your garbage disposal only for small kitchen scraps that inevitably wash down the drain and toss those bigger scraps into the compost instead.

Trying to DIY Something You Shouldn’t

One of the main reasons why our plumbers get called in for emergency jobs? When someone tries to DIY a plumbing repair and ends up making the problem much worse. If you’re not confident in your ability to do a DIY repair, don’t attempt it. Realize when you need a little help and call in the professionals. Believe us, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress.

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What’s that Racket? Common Plumbing Sounds & What’s Causing Them

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Have you been hearing strange noises in your home? Don’t worry, it’s probably not a ghost haunting the place. More likely, it’s a plumbing issue. Here are some common plumbing sounds and why they happen.

Gurgling Drains

Have you noticed a loud gurgling sound coming from your sink or shower drain? This usually indicates a blockage in the vent pipe or the drain itself. This is often due to something like a piece of food waste or a chunk of bar soap washing down the drain and getting caught up. However, if you are hearing gurgling sounds from multiple drains in different parts of your house, you likely have a blockage somewhere deeper in your plumbing system.

Banging Behind the Walls

When you hear loud banging coming from your pipes this is caused by what’s called “water hammer.” Water hammer is when high-pressure water bangs loudly into either pipe walls or shutoff valves inside the pipe, resulting in a loud knocking or banging sound. This happens when you have unusually high water pressure, which is commonly caused by a blockage in your pipes.

Whistling or Screeching

If you notice high-pitched whistling or screeching sounds when you turn on faucets or appliances like dishwashers, you probably have a worn-out washer or other valve component. Have a professional inspect your plumbing to determine the faulty part that is causing the noise. This usually just means you need a small part replaced, which is quick and inexpensive.

Humming Pipes

If you’re hearing a humming sound emanating from your pipes, you probably have water pressure that is too high. High water pressure causes your pipes to vibrate, which can cause a humming sound. There are a number of factors that could cause high water pressure in your home, including a blockage in your pipes or a faulty pressure-relief valve. Call a plumber to perform an inspection and identify the issue.

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