Water Heater Maintenance: How Is Descaling Done Professionally?
June 22, 2022 Plumbing, Water Heaters No comments yet
Leone Plumbing & Heating Water Heater Maintenance ServiceWater heater maintenance should be done regularly to prolong the life of your water heater. One way that you can maintain your water heater is through descaling. Descaling is a must and should be done at least every 2 years. This is an essential water heater maintenance solution that should not be missed! But how would you do it? Would you do it yourself (DIY) or by a professional?

Why Is It Better To Let A Professional Perform Descaling?

Nowadays, you can easily access information online that can provide you with steps on how to descale your water heater. While DIY descaling can be a thrilling and fun experience, it can further escalate the problem and can create much damage if you mess up. If you fail due to a lack of professional experience, it will not only cause you stress but would also cost you a lot of money. You will then realize that it is more cost-effective for a professional to perform descaling rather than doing it yourself with uncertainty. Water heater maintenance can be easy (which you can resort to DIY solutions) and can also be complicated. In the case of descaling, it can be complicated if you’re not familiar with the parts of your water heater. That is why you should let a professional plumber handle the descaling.

How Does A Professional Plumber Do The Descaling?

Professional Plumbers are certified and well trained to handle the descaling of your water heater. They have hands-on experience in how to locate the pipes and open up the wall if needed. Descaling can be a complicated water heater maintenance solution. It involves detaching and reconnecting the water heater and a professional is good with these tasks. To descale the water heater, a professional plumber performs the following steps.
  • Disconnect (turn off) the heater from its power source.
  • Valves are closed to stop the cold water to fill the heater.
  • The valves that connect the water heater to the home are also closed.
  • To relieve the pressure, purge valves are opened to keep the rubber washers.
  • Hosing lines are attached depending on the model of the water heater.
  • Re-open the purge valves.
  • Run a descaling solution down the water heater to remove the scales.
  • Flush and drain for at least 45 minutes following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Before disconnecting the hose, purge valves are closed.
  • The water heater is then reconnected to the home’s water system.
  • Switch on the water heater to restart.

Let A Professional Do The Descaling For You

For complicated water heater maintenance jobs such as descaling, it is always the right choice to trust a Professional Plumber to do the job. They are more experienced, equipped, trained, and have the know-how in dealing with water heater descaling. Contact us if you seek professional help. Schedule an appointment with us today!Water Heater Maintenance Service By Leone  
Read More

Regular Descaling As Preventive Maintenance On A Hot Water Heater
May 31, 2022 Water Heaters No comments yet
Descaling As reventive Maintenance On A Hot Water Heater By Leone PlumbingOne of the issues that your water heater may encounter is scale build-up. Most of the time, the water coming into the water heater contains calcium and magnesium and they become visible when water evaporates. When the water level is low, it evaporates and leaves a chalk-like substance or scale on the water heater. Scale or also called “limescale”, can build up over time which may damage your appliance. That is why regular descaling should be considered as preventive maintenance on a hot water heater.

Descale Your Water Heater For Optimal Efficiency

Your water heater serves many purposes in your home. You use hot water for baths, laundry, cooking, household cleaning, and more. That is why your water heater should function well. It’s important to regularly perform descaling as preventive maintenance on a hot water heater to ensure that it is working efficiently. If you allow scales to accumulate on your water heater, it may affect the performance of the appliance. Scale build-up has bad effects on your heater and it should be prevented.

What Are The Bad Effects Of Scale Build-up On Your Water Heater?

Too much build-up of scale in a water heater causes the electrodes to malfunction untimely. Scale build-up lessens the capacity of the water heater to generate heat. This will cause the electrodes to operate higher than their capacity. Thus, causing the electrodes to deteriorate because of exhaustion. The build-up of scale creates an insulated barrier between the water and the source of heat. This will make the metal at the base of the tank become hotter than usual and will lead to leaks or tank failure. It will be costly to replace the entire water heater system if that happens! That is why regular descaling as preventive maintenance on a hot water heater should be practiced. Descaling By Leone Plumbing And Maintenance On A Hot Water Heater

Professional Descaling Of Water Heater

Regular descaling as preventive maintenance on a hot water heater can prolong the life of the appliance. The process of descaling involves detaching and reconnecting the water heater. You should ask for a professional plumber to do it for you to avoid further damage. Otherwise, it will cost you more money if you do it yourself and fail. It is always a wise decision to seek the help of a professional to descale your heater for the safety of your household. If DYI descaling goes wrong, it may not only harm the heater but also the health of your family. You may incorrectly use harsh descaling chemicals that can leave a residue and contaminate your drinking water.

Speak With A Professional To Descale Your Heater

When it comes to preventive maintenance on a hot water heater, it is always a good idea for a professional to do it for you. Descaling of the water heater is best done by a professional plumber to ensure everything is executed properly. We’ll be glad to talk to you! Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Read More

Common Causes Why Your Tankless Hot Water Heater Is Leaking
April 26, 2022 Leaks, Water Heaters No comments yet
Leone Plumbing Tankless Water Heater InstallationA tankless water heater is the best choice when it comes to energy efficiency. If you compare it with tank-style water heaters, it will only spend energy when a hot water tap is turned on or if there is an appliance being used. Since it doesn’t come with a tank, most homeowners believe that a tankless water heater doesn’t leak. However, a tankless water heater can still be susceptible to leaks. Proper care and maintenance still play an important role in the longevity of this appliance.

What causes a tankless water heater to leak and how can we deal with it?

Contrary to what everyone thought that a tankless water heater is leak-free, this appliance can begin to leak after years of use. Here are the common causes of leaks on tankless water heaters.
Improper Venting
If not properly vented, condensation can cause leaks on your water heater. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before installing the appliance. The boiler should have proper venting through its roof or wall.
High Water Pressure and Flow Rates
For optimal performance, a tankless water heater requires low flow rates at 5 GPM and pressure at 30 PSI. If it goes beyond the allowed pressure and flow rates, it may cause leaks. Always monitor the pressure and flow rates and ensure that the required numbers are maintained.
Pipe Connections
Most tankless heaters are equipped with a relief valve, but some are not. Without a relief valve, there will be a build-up of pressure in the pipe joints which can cause leaks. Make sure that your water heater has a relief valve. Otherwise, our licensed plumbers can help you find and install a relief valve that will fit your heater. Tankless Water Heater Relief Valve Water Heater Install by Leone Plumbing
Hard Water
Particles such as calcium, lime, and other minerals are present in hard water. Over time, they build up like sediment that can affect the heat exchanger which will overheat the appliance and will cause leaks as well. Regular descaling can minimize and prevent sediment build-up on your tankless heater.
Acidic Water
Corroding pipes are a leading cause of leaks on tankless heaters. Acidic water can corrode pipes and creates a pinhole that grows over time. To prevent the risk, acidic water has to be monitored and neutralized.
Insufficient Gas Pipes
You need to ensure that the gas pipes have enough room to supply the necessary amount of gas demanded by the water heater. If not, leaks from gas pipes can bring a serious problem to your home! To prevent gas problems, it is recommended to have a separate line that runs from the meter to the heater without rerouting the gas main.

You Can Combat Leaks On Your Tankless Heater

Knowing the causes of leaks on a tankless heater can help you maintain your appliance so you can use it for a long time. If you need help or if you have concerns with your tankless heater, we are here for you! Contact us anytime.
Read More

Hot Water Heater Issues To Watch Out For During The Winter
December 28, 2021 Water Heaters No comments yet
  Installed Hot Water Heater By Leone Plumbing It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Can you feel it? Having a steamy shower over a cold icy day beats the chill that the winter season brings. Your best friend is a hot water heater providing the exact warmth that you need. But like any appliance during the winter, it can be vulnerable to issues brought about by the cold weather. In this article, we will talk about the steps to prevent water heater issues from occurring this winter.

The Effect Of Cold Weather On Your Hot Water Heater

During winter, the water coming into your home can get up to 25 degrees colder. The colder the water comes in, the greater the effort that is needed by your water heater. Because of the heavy workload, your water heater may encounter problems in the process. Here are the common water heater issues to watch out for.
Temperature
The temperature of your water heater should not rise beyond 120 degrees. If the temperature goes higher, it will cause the electrodes to break and scales fall into the water. This will cause the water to become more acidic and deteriorates the anodes protecting the walls of your water heater.
Insufficient Insulation
The holiday season can be very busy that you may overlook insulating your water heater. Just like your pipes that need insulation from the cold, your water heater also needs to be insulated. Insulating your hot water heater is important since its efficiency to produce hot water decreases during the winter season.
Malfunctioning Parts
During the cold season, parts of the water heater could malfunction. If you own a gas water heater, you need to keep an eye on the pilot light, thermocouple, and pilot control valve. If you have an electric water heater, inspect the thermostat and heating components.
Build Up Of Sediments
Those sediments building up on the bottom of water heaters can sip the heat out of the produced hot water. If this happens, your water heater will consume more energy and it can break due to over-usage.

Steps To Prevent Hot Water Heater Issues

There are simple steps to take to guard your hot water heater from the effects of cold weather. Here are the tips that you need to keep in mind.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Insulate your electric water heater with neoprene foam. For gas water heaters, you may use aluminum foil tape or fiberglass wrap.
Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Regularly flushing your water heater can remove all the accumulated sediments and minerals that suck the heat out of the warm water.
Replace Parts If Needed
It is best to consult a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater. They will be able to assess if there are parts that need replacement such as the thermocouple and anodes.

Enjoy The Warmth Of Warm Water This Winter

Keep your home warm this winter season. Let us help you keep your hot water heater working. Call us anytime if you need help.
Read More

Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement Made Easy
August 9, 2021 Water Heaters No comments yet
water heater thermocouple replacement service by leone plumbing Your water heater is one of your house appliances that serve a lot of benefits for your home. It gives hot water needed for your hot drinks, showers, baths, laundry, and dishes. Every part of it is important especially the water heater thermocouple. But what if it suddenly dysfunctions and needs replacement? Can you replace it by yourself? If you can’t, let us tell you how. Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement by Leone Plumbing

What does a water heater thermocouple do?

Before you perform water heater thermocouple replacement, you need to know what a water heater thermocouple does. It is one of the important parts of your water heater. This part transforms heat from a flame into a minimal electric current. It works like a switch to regulate gas flow from the gas supply valve.

The 5 Easy Steps For Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement

Now that you know what a water heater thermocouple does, it’s time to get your hands working. Here are the easy steps for water heater thermocouple replacement.

1. Turn off your gas supply.

For your safety, make sure that the gas control valve is turned off before you start.

2. Remove the burner access covers.

Normally, the burner just slides out since it sits loosely. You first need to detach the nuts that are holding the thermocouple and the two tubes to the valve.

3. Detach the thermocouple.

The thermocouple is typically snapped into place to the pilot gas supply with one or more clips. The end of it is inserted within the pilot assembly which you can pull out easily. Be reminded of how the old thermocouple is placed (take pictures) since this is important for step number 4.
Note: Make sure that you got the correct part for your water heater thermocouple replacement. Bring along with you the detached thermocouple when you buy one at a hardware store.

4. Install the new thermocouple.

You need to make sure that you install the thermocouple the same way as how the old one was placed. To test, turn on the control valve. Your water heater should be back working.

5. Turn the gas back on.

Please follow the water heater lighting instructions once the gas is turned on. Watch out for gas leaks! You can check by putting soapy water into joints. If you see bubbles while the main burner is firing, it means gas is leaking.

Do you still need help?

If you encounter something odd on your water heater such as gas leaks, we are here to help. Reach out to us anytime!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Photo Credit: Edited in Canva, Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels
Read More

AO Smith Hot Water Heater Proper Care And Maintenance
May 17, 2021 Water Heaters No comments yet
  AO Smith Hot Water Heater Proper Care And Maintenance Water heaters are one of the important appliances in your home that you need to maintain. As a certified AO Smith Hot Water Heater technician, we know very well how to maintain the unit. If you own an AO Smith Hot Water Heater or planning to have one, this article will help you how to maintain the unit safely on your own.

Maintaining your AO Smith Hot Water Heater

You can do the unit maintenance by yourself. But before you get your hands working, make sure that you turn off the unit before touching it. In your home’s breaker box, switch off the circuit breaker for the water heater first. After you have turned off the unit, you are good to go. Maintaining your AO Smith Hot Water Heater can be performed with these easy steps.
Check the temperature and pressure relief valve.
This should be done once a year. Annually test the temperature-pressure relief valve by discharging it quickly at least three times. While doing this, keep an eye for small leaks from the valve. If you see any drips, you need to repair the leaks or tighten the connections.
Watch out for leaks.
One of the culprits of water heater leaks is high water pressure or thermal expansion. You can control water pressure by installing a thermal expansion tank. To monitor the water pressure, you will need a water pressure gauge attached to the water heater drain valve or an outside faucet. If you find the water pressure reaches above 80 PSI, we recommend installing a pressure-reducing valve. We recommend setting the home’s water pressure to 50-60 PSI. Higher water pressure can damage your water heater and your plumbing system. Also, check the water heater flue pipe for any leaks that could result in carbon monoxide leaks. Inspection for leaks should be done every month. Do immediate repair if you find any leaks.
Check the anode rod.
This aluminum or magnesium rod should be checked from time to time and needs to be replaced if worn out. The anode rod helps in protecting the tank from leaks. To remove the anode rod, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. You will know that you need to replace the rod if it looks slightly “chewed up” or most of the metal is gone.
Drain and Flush
Drain and flush the tank at least once a year. The first thing to do is you need to connect a garden hose to the drain valve and place the other end on a drain or outside. Using a screwdriver, open the drain valve and drain a few gallons of water. If the water looks cloudy, drain the tank until the water is clear.

Additional Maintenance and Safety Tips

Aside from routine maintenance, make sure that your water heater is not near any flammable materials such as gasoline, paint, and chemicals. Remove any combustible materials close by the unit to avoid incidents of fire. If you need urgent maintenance assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Read More
Recent Posts
Our Services