Category: Uncategorized

Have a Secure Home With a Sump Pump

Homes and businesses in low-lying areas or habitable spaces below grade need special equipment to keep them functioning. A primary concern is water infiltration. Water is one of the main enemies of a long-lasting structure. It can cause devastating structural problems, floods, and mold infestation. 

Keeping water outside the home or business where it belongs is the best way to ensure the structure will last. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure the property’s sump pumps are working effectively. 

Take some time and check in on the sump pumps that protect properties. It may be time to put one on the wishlist if they are getting old and ineffective. Here is a quick guide on sump pumps. 

Why Are Sump Pumps Important? 

Water attacks a building in several ways. Rainwater always flows to the lowest point on a property. Floods flow downhill in many places, carrying massive amounts of water that can back up on the property. Secondly, once rainwater soaks into the soil, the water table rises and can go high enough to seep into basements. 

Sump pumps are integral to property design and intended to protect structures from water. In every home subject to flooding, especially those with a basement, a network of drains connects at a basin. 

In the basin, a sump pump collects and pumps the water away from the structure. Water damage is sure to occur when they fail or can’t keep up. Sump pumps ensure homes and businesses stay dry and protected from the massive repair bills common for flood rehabilitation. 

Options for Sump Pumps 

Different systems have their own unique qualities. Some common sump pumps and their benefits are: 

• Pedestal Sump Pumps: These are cheaper and easy to install. Most moving parts stay dry, so they are easy to work on. 
• Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are the more powerful option. They also offer quiet operation. 
• Battery-Backup Sump Pumps: No sump system is complete without a backup. Battery backup sump pumps are the most common backup option to ensure that the property is safe during a power outage. 

Backup Sump Pumps and Secondary Sump Pumps 

If people expect floodwater to be a significant problem, a sump pump backup should also be installed in a property. Coincidentally, water is usually a problem with big storms that also tend to knock out power. A backup can take over when the primary pump loses power.

Protecting the home when it is needed the most is done by secondary sump pumps and backup sump pumps. These are like spare tires for a car. Instead of waiting till they are needed, owners should check them beforehand for proper operation. 

If there is any doubt that the primary and secondary sump pumps won’t function, they should call a plumber about a backup. 

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. handles residential and commercial sump pump maintenance and repair. They offer same-day service and after-hours care. Call today for plumbing and sump pump services in Chicago, IL. 

Essential Services Provided by Plumbers 

Thanksgiving is an important holiday spent with family and friends, sharing gratitude and what everyone is thankful for. There are so many things to be thankful for, including things people might not even think about until something goes wrong, like the plumbing. 

Having clean water on demand and a drainage system to remove dirty water and sewage is vital, and the plumbers who work on them make it possible. Here are some essential services plumbers offer to be thankful for even after Thanksgiving is over.

Water Line and Sewer Line Services 

Water and sewer lines are two vital parts of every plumbing system and powerful tools for public health. First, fresh water is carried through water lines to every home and then distributed to multiple plumbing fixtures, like faucets and showerheads. Installing and maintaining these water lines ensures that every home has access to safe water. 

Sewer lines are just as important because they keep waste and sewage sequestered away from human activities for public health. Plumbers work hard daily, providing services on these lines, including water line repair or replacement, sewer line repair or replacement, and additional services like drain cleaning to eliminate clogs in the sewer line to ensure waste can be carried away. Without their help, sewage could back up and flood a home. 

Gas Line Services and Repairs 

No Thanksgiving is complete without an enormous hot meal, and perhaps unexpectedly, plumbers help make this possible. Plumbers are responsible for installing gas lines for a home. This gas can serve appliances like stoves and heaters. During meal preparation, their work is apparent as gas flows safely through the house, providing power for cooking with ovens and grills. 

When problems arise with the gas line system, like a gas line leak, dangerous situations could result, but plumbers can also perform gas line repairs to fix them. Some signs of a gas leak include a rotten egg or sulfur smell or a hissing sound. Many health symptoms can also occur due to a natural gas leak. Always hire professionals to work on gas lines to prevent scary situations. 

Water Heater Repairs and Service 

Water heaters are crucial to home comfort. These appliances provide hot water for various tasks such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Daily tasks can become extremely inconvenient and uncomfortable without a properly functioning water heater. That is why it is essential to have access to reliable water heater services by a plumber.

Professional plumbers are trained to handle a wide range of water heater issues, from routine maintenance to installations and replacements to complex repairs. They have the necessary knowledge and expertise to identify and solve problems that may arise with a household’s water heater to keep people comfortable. 

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has been serving Chicago and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They offer honest pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Chicago, IL. 

What People Ask About Trenchless Sewer Repair

Fixing major plumbing problems in the underground piping used to mean tearing up the entire yard or landscape, creating a hassle for homeowners who want their property to stay pristine. Trenchless pipe repairs take a new approach to fixing old pipes by fixing the pipe internally using newer technology to create long-lasting, less intrusive fixes without excavation. 

Trenchless pipe repairs are a fast-growing sector of the plumbing industry, and as such, many people don’t understand what they are. Here is a quick guide from local plumbing and sewer line repair experts to help home and business owners better understand this exciting new process. 

How Do Trenchless Pipe Repairs Work?

Trenchless sewer line repair methods use existing access points or two holes to access the sewer line. This omits the need to dig up the entire sewer line or open up a new trench for a new pipe. Instead, the two access holes or sewer access points allow plumbers the only access they need to make non-invasive repairs. There are a few different trenchless pipe repair methods plumbers may use to fix damaged lines, including:

• Slip lining: This process is done by sliding a smaller diameter pipe within a larger pipe. Slip lining uses a powerful hydraulic ram to pull a flexible sewer line into the old line, creating a new leak-free line. 
• Cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP: This pipe lining method involves inserting what starts as a soft and flexible liner into a broken line. Once the liner is in place, it stretches and hardens, ultimately fastening to the old pipe and preventing further water leaks. CIPP is considered a long-term fix and won’t require a new line.
• Pipe bursting: Plumbers use this method to replace an old pipe with a new one by breaking up the old line from the inside and leaving the remnants in the ground. The new pipe is pulled into place using the space created when bursting the old pipe.

What Problems Can Trenchless Pipe Repairs Fix?

The answer is many pipe-related issues. Trenchless pipe repairs can fix many old, rusted, or cracked pipes leaking water or sewage. They can also be used to fix the damage caused by tree roots that have made their way into the underground piping in search of nutrients. 

The biggest limit to trenchless pipe repairs is that this method doesn’t work for every situation, including completely collapsed pipes, because the machines and metal cables have to be able to get through the existing line. These kinds of pipes with excessive damage will likely need removal and replacement, which requires excavating the line.

What Are the Advantages of Trenchless Pipe Repairs?

One of the most significant advantages of trenchless pipe repairs is less mess and property damage. Trenchless pipe repairs don’t require excessive digging and excavation to access the pipe. Trenchless sewer pipe repairs also take far less time to complete because they involve fewer hours of digging and fixing the landscaping to repair the damage. 

Another advantage of trenchless pipe repairs is that they are usually cheaper. Plumbing excavation can be a costly and time-consuming process, so without the added time and costs associated with digging, trenchless pipe repairs tend to cost less. With all its advantages, making trenchless repairs is a great option when applicable.  

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. 

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has more than 30 years of expertise serving Chicago and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, honest pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for trenchless sewer repairs in Chicago, IL. 

Common Causes of Burst Pipes 

Burst pipes can cause significant damage to a property and result in costly repairs. Although it may seem like an out-of-the-blue disaster, there are, in fact, several common culprits behind this plumbing nightmare. Understanding these causes and learning some tips to help prevent them can spare homeowners the headache and financial burden of dealing with burst pipes. This blog post will delve into the common causes of burst pipes and provide some tips to help prevent them.

Cold Weather and Frozen Pipes

Cold weather does not need to be chronic for pipes to freeze. Even just one or two freezes can negatively impact the plumbing system and cause a burst pipe. When the water in pipes changes from liquid to solid, it expands inside the line and causes too much pressure that can cause the pipe to burst. 

Homeowners are encouraged to insulate their pipes to help avoid frozen pipes. The most common materials used for pipe insulation include glass wool, flexible foam, and polyethylene. There are mold-resistant materials available, too, such as flexible elastomeric fiber. A plumber can recommend the best one for a home depending on budget, its effectiveness, and the property itself. 

During extremely cold weather, it is also important to keep the interior doors of a home open to allow warm air circulation. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing as the warm air can reach all areas of the house, including those with exposed pipes. Additionally, when temperatures drop below freezing, letting faucets drip is a good idea. This allows water to flow through the pipes to help prevent them from freezing.

Clogs and Blockages

Aside from freezing temperatures, pipes can also burst due to tough blockages. These clogs can be found near the drain or deep inside underground piping. Once a clog occurs, this causes extreme pressure to build behind the blockage and may result in a dangerous rupture.

Homeowners can help prevent clogged pipes by regularly clearing them with professional drain cleaning services. Plumbers can use hydro jet drain cleaning to eliminate any debris in the lines to avoid clog formation. Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized water to break through the buildup that has formed throughout the year. 

Decaying and Corroded Pipes

Old, decaying pipes and pipes that have corroded are another cause of burst pipes. This can occur from old age, rust, and harsh chemicals, and when pipe corrosion occurs, it weakens the line, leading to leaks and bursts. Professional drain cleaning and routine plumbing maintenance can help prevent corrosion and catch it before it causes a burst pipe.

Homeowners are also urged to avoid chemical drain cleaners to help prevent pipe decay and corrosion. These mixtures use strong chemicals to break up clogs but can harm the piping material. Scheduling professional drain cleaning is a better alternative that will not damage the plumbing system.  

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has more than three decades of experience serving the Chicago area. They offer same-day service, the latest technology, and after-hours service. Call them today for plumbing services and burst pipe repair in Chicago, IL. 

Tankless Water Heaters: An Easy Guide for Homeowners

Nobody wants to run out of hot water. Unfortunately, because traditional storage water heaters rely on storage tanks, a limited amount of hot water is available, leading to the last person in line for the shower getting stuck with cold water. However, installing a tankless water heater provides an energy-efficient water heating method that delivers a steady supply of hot water that doesn’t run out. This post will discuss more about tankless water heaters and their advantages.

Traditional vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?

A tankless water heater does not use a large hot water tank like a traditional storage water heater and instead only heats water on demand. Tankless water heaters are often called demand-type water heaters because they only use energy to heat water when hot water is needed instead of having to keep the water in a large tank hot. 

Like storage water heaters, tankless water heaters can be fueled by either gas or electricity. Although the upfront cost may be less, traditional storage water heaters typically cost more to run long-term. For homeowners with limited space, storage tank water heaters may not work since they require more room because of the large hot water tank. 

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

A tankless water heater heats water on demand, as needed, rather than storing it in a tank. This means that households will always have hot water. Tankless water heaters are also more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they only heat the water that people use.

Here is how a tankless water heater works:

1. A faucet or shower is turned on to hot water, detected by a flow sensor.
2. The flow sensor turns on the tankless water heater.
3. Cold water enters the tankless water heater and passes through a heating element.
4. The heating element heats the water to the desired temperature.
5. The hot water is then delivered to the faucet or shower.
6. The faucet or shower is turned off, and the flow sensor detects it, which turns off the tankless water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Tankless water heaters have many advantages, including saving homeowners money. Since it only uses energy when hot water is needed, instead of storage water heaters that turn on periodically to keep the water in the tank hot, it is energy efficient and can save on energy bills. 

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the average tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional storage water heaters for households using less than 41 gallons of hot water a day. Even if homeowners use much more hot water daily, such as 86 gallons, tankless heaters are still approximately 8% to 14% more efficient. For homeowners, this can save money throughout the whole year.

Traditional storage water heaters also need a significant amount of space. Tankless water heaters are smaller and can be installed on the wall to save even more floor space. This is especially beneficial for those who live in tiny homes or houses without a garage or basement. There is also the benefit of an unlimited hot water supply with a demand-type water heater. So, no more cold showers. 

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over 30 years of experience serving residents throughout Chicagoland. They offer same-day service, after-hours service, and no service charges. Call them today for tankless water heater services in Chicago, IL.

When Is Repiping Necessary?

Chicago homeowners might be on alert watching for signs that they need to replace their water heater, sump pump, or other plumbing appliances. But they might not be aware of the symptoms indicating they need their home repiped. Plumbers recommend that homeowners watch for signs that their pipes are deteriorating and need repiping, including frequent leaks, poor water pressure, or an odd tint to their water. 

Frequent Leaks 

If a homeowner experiences frequent leaks in their pipes and needs to schedule professional repairs often, it can signal that they need home repiping services. 

Leaking pipes may need to be replaced if:

• There are leaks coming from multiple sections in the plumbing system. This can signal the pipes are deteriorating. 
• There have been numerous issues with the pipes that have required repairs. If a homeowner is calling for professional services often, it can be more cost-effective to replace the pipes rather than keep paying for repairs. 
• There are visible signs of pipe damage or corrosion, including stains, discoloration, flaking, dimpling, or other structural problems. 

Water Pressure Issues

If a household notices low water pressure, it can indicate a problem with the pipes. Repiping a house may be necessary to restore water pressure depending on the cause of the water pressure issues and the condition of the piping. Some causes of low water pressure can include:

• Corroding pipes: If pipes start to deteriorate, it can result in restricted water flow and reduced water pressure. If corrosion is the cause of leaks, clogs, and water pressure issues, repiping will be needed. 
• Leaking pipes: Leaks can reduce water pressure. Repiping may be necessary if there are multiple leaks in the piping system. 
• Clogged pipes: Blockages in the lines can cause poor water pressure. If pipes start to clog often, or the blockages cannot be removed, replacing the pipes may be necessary. 
• Wrong-sized pipes: If the diameter of the pipes in a home is too small and cannot meet the demands of the household’s water usage, it can result in low water pressure. Property owners may want to replace the existing pipes with larger ones to restore correct water flow. 

A Strange Color or Smell to the Water

If a homeowner notices their water has discoloration or smells bad, it can also signal a problem that may require repiping. Water that appears brown, yellow, or rusty can suggest pipe corrosion or rust. This can happen more often in homes with galvanized iron or steel pipes. The rust particles can mix with the water, causing discoloration and a strange smell. Property owners will likely need to replace their pipes when this is the case. 

Foul odors from the water can also be a sign of bacteria in the water, organic matter, or contaminated pipes. Whole-house repiping services may be needed to ensure the water is safe and eliminate the odor. Plumbers can inspect the plumbing to determine the best solution for the cause of the problem.

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over three decades of experience serving Chicago and the surrounding communities. They provide honest pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for repiping services in Chicago, IL. 

Why Is There Poor Water Pressure in Your Shower?

If a person is expecting a long, hot relaxing shower and is instead greeted by low water pressure, it can raise concerns. A homeowner might be frustrated that it’s taking longer to rinse off soap and shampoo or be worried about the possible causes of the sudden low water pressure in the shower. 

Homeowners need to quickly call an expert to determine the cause of the low shower water pressure. An experienced plumber will likely check the water heater, look for leaks, and inspect the showerhead itself to determine the cause of the issue. Keep reading to learn how these potential problems can impact a shower’s water pressure. 

Water Heater Issues 

When a home’s water pressure changes, one possible cause is the hot water heater. After the expert arrives at a house, they will ask the residents key questions about their water pressure – including if they notice it when using hot or cold water or both. The answer to this question can help the technician determine if the water heater is the issue. 

If a homeowner only notices water pressure issues when using hot water, it can signal a problem with the water heater. When a plumber looks at the system, they will check for issues like buildups in the unit and examine the valves. Buildup in water heaters can be due to minerals and sediment. As these accumulate, they can narrow the pipes, build up inside the tank, and restrict water flow, lowering the water pressure. A plumber will also check the water heater’s valves. If the shut-off valve is not fully opened or closed, it can cause water pressure issues. 

Leaks

Leaks within a home’s water line can also result in water pressure problems. It’s essential for homeowners to call a plumber to inspect the line and look for plumbing leaks. Low water pressure throughout multiple fixtures can be a signal of a leak. Other symptoms of a leak residents might be familiar with include mold and mildew growth, wet spots on walls or floors, puddles in the lawn, and unusually high water bills. 

A plumber may use several methods to determine if there is a leak and locate it. Some of the most common equipment they may use can include:

• Ultrasonic leak detection: An expert uses sound technology to locate a leak in this method.
• Infrared leak detection: When using this, a plumber will use infrared lights to check the walls and floors for signs of a leak. 
• Video camera inspections: During these inspections, a technician will insert a video camera down the water line to look for damage and cracks. 

Clogged Showerhead

While low water pressure in the shower can be a symptom of a problem in a home’s plumbing system – such as a leak or an issue with the water heater – it can also be due to an issue with the showerhead itself, especially is the low water pressure occurs with hot and cold water, but only with that one fixture. When determining the cause of low water pressure, one thing that should be done is to check the showerhead experiencing low water pressure for signs of buildup. 

If mineral deposits clog the holes of the showerhead and block the flow of water, it will cause poor water pressure. To restore the water pressure, replace the showerhead or clean and remove the buildup. The clogging in the showerhead can be solved by soaking the showerhead and scraping out the sediment. The shower’s water pressure should return to normal when this is complete.  

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over 30 years of experience serving Chicago and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing, same-day service, and after-hours service. Call them today for plumbing services in Chicago, IL.

Are Your Growing Trees Hurting Your Plumbing?

After a long, cold winter, spring is a welcome time when green returns with grass and budding trees and plants. However, while this colorful canvas in a yard can be pretty to look at, it can cause issues underground with the plumbing system.

April showers may bring May flowers, but new plant and tree growth can cause plumbing issues. This blog post will discuss the problems arising from tree roots intruding into the piping and how to solve and prevent this.

Intruding Tree Roots 

When the weather finally warms up, trees can be in overdrive, trying to bud, bloom, and grow. These are all good things for a yard but can jeopardize the underground plumbing system. As trees grow, they search for nutrients and water in the soil to support their growth, which could lead to tree roots intruding into underground plumbing systems.

As trees grow, so do their roots, and these can begin to invade a plumbing system. To be able to grow, trees need to find nutrients in the soil wherever they can. This can lead the roots to water and sewer lines, leading to big plumbing issues when they find their way inside. 

Problems From Intruding Tree Roots 

Intruding tree roots can cause significant damage to pipes, leading to blockages, leaks, and even burst pipes. This, in turn, can result in water damage to homes and businesses, resulting in costly repairs and potential health hazards. This widespread issue affects residential and commercial properties, and trees close to buildings are particularly susceptible to intruding roots.

Some common signs people may notice when tree roots have found their way inside the piping are water pressure problems and slow draining. If someone sees signs of a leak, such as higher than normal water bills or soggy spots in the lawn, these can be signs of a leak that tree roots could cause. 

Prevention and Solutions to Root Obstruction

It’s essential to act quickly if someone suspects they have a tree root intruding into their plumbing system. The first step should be to call a plumber. When an expert arrives, they will first inspect the piping system to determine if a tree root has grown into the system, where it is, and how much damage it has caused. 

Once it’s located, the technician will remove the blockage with drain cleaning methods, such as hydrojetting or a drain snake. Hydrojetting involves using a heavy stream of water to break up and remove the blockage and any remnants, and a drain snake is a long flexible cable that can break up and remove blockages. Then, after the tree roots are removed, the technicians will perform leak repairs on the pipe and ensure the system is working correctly. 

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tree roots from invading a piping system. Root barriers can be installed underground to block tree roots from entering the pipes and causing issues. Another proactive step people can take is to schedule regular drain cleaning, maintenance services, and inspections to have experts check the lines. This will let them quickly find evidence of tree growth and eliminate them before they cause damage.

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

With nearly two decades of experience, VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. works to help their Chicagoland neighbors keep their plumbing systems running. They offer 24/7 live answers, honest pricing, and same-day service. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Chicago, IL. 

Make Your Plumbing More Eco-Friendly and Save on Utility Bills

With Earth Day this month, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and save money on utility bills. One area where eco-friendly changes can have a significant effect is plumbing. By upgrading to water-saving and energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, homeowners can make their plumbing systems more environmentally friendly by saving water and reducing energy usage, saving them money on utility bills. This article will explore some upgrades that can make the plumbing more eco-friendly when installed. 

Water-Saving Fixtures

Installing water-saving plumbing fixtures is one of the easiest hands-off ways to reduce water usage in a home. Water-saving toilets, low-flow showerheads, and touchless faucets are all designed to minimize water waste without sacrificing performance. Homeowners may also consider installing faucet aerators, which add air to the water flow, reducing water usage without compromising water pressure.

Touchless faucets are a great option, as they can prevent water waste by shutting off automatically when not in use. There are also many types of water-saving toilets for homeowners to choose from, including dual flush toilets, which have two flush options that use different amounts of water per flush. Installing these types of water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce water consumption and save homeowners money on their water bills.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances use less energy than their traditional counterparts. For example, high-efficiency water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines use less energy to perform the same function, significantly reducing a household’s energy usage and saving homeowners money on energy bills. 

Additionally, some energy-efficient appliances also use less water than standard models, such as clothes washers and dishwashers, which can further reduce a home’s water usage and save on water costs in addition to energy costs. In fact, Energy Star-certified washing machines, for example, use around 20% less energy and 30% less water than normal washers.

Pipes and Energy Efficiency

The materials, diameter, and layout of pipes can all impact a household’s energy efficiency. The type of pipe material used in a plumbing system plays a vital role in determining the overall energy efficiency of a household’s plumbing. This is due to specific materials requiring more energy for heat retention, as well as varying insulation levels and durability. 

The diameter of the pipe is also important when considering plumbing efficiency. A larger diameter means more water can pass through at any given time, making it easier to get hot water quickly without wasting energy. The layout of the pipe system also plays a role in efficiency; longer runs and multiple turns increase resistance and require more energy to move the water. Installing pipes with as few turns and bends as possible ensures that hot water can reach its destination faster, using less energy overall. A plumber can assess a home’s plumbing and recommend upgrades to improve water and energy efficiency.

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over three decades of experience serving Chicago and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, straightforward pricing, and after-hours service. Call them today for plumbing services in Chicago, IL. 

Three Signs That It’s Time to Get a New Water

A lot can happen in ten years, including water heaters that once worked perfectly needing replacement. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most standard water heaters can last 10-15 years before they need replacing, while tankless water heaters can last 20 years.

However, homeowners should be aware of common signs to replace the water heater, so they don’t get stuck with a fully broken water heater and no hot water. In this blog post, homeowners can learn three signs that indicate a new water heater may be needed.

The Appliance Has Corrosion

Many professionals recommend replacing a water heater if it has rust on the tank, the most common form of corrosion. Too much corrosion on the hot water tank can lead to leaks and other issues. What’s more, it generally points to neglected maintenance. An anode rod attracts the corrosive sediment in the tank and prevents it from causing problems. During maintenance, plumbers check or replace the anode rod and flush the tank of sediment buildup. Too much sediment inside a water heater could spell disaster in the future, including causing it to corrode.

When a homeowner consults with a trained plumber, they can learn whether the corrosion can be removed or if total replacement is necessary. A plumber may first try removing the corrosion using WD-40 (initially designed to remove corrosion). If this doesn’t work, they can explain the benefits of a new energy-efficient system.

Loss of Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperatures

The water heater is supposed to heat water but likely needs replacing if it starts being finicky and producing inconsistent temperatures. Temperature issues include:

• The water heater doesn’t produce hot water long enough for an average shower or runs out faster than usual.
• The water comes out hot, gets cold, and then returns to being hot.
• The water never gets hot enough.

If a water heater stops producing consistent hot water, this could point to a faulty heating element. If the unit is less than 10 years old, a plumber may suggest replacing the part and going from there. If the unit is older than 10 years, getting a new water heater is likely more cost-effective than pouring money into a failing one.

Higher-Than-Average Energy Bills

Rising energy bills are another sign that something is wrong with the water heater and needs to be addressed. In the case of water heaters, increased energy bills could indicate a lack of energy efficiency due to aging or worn-out parts. High energy bills can also be caused by other factors like inadequate insulation or inefficient settings on the thermostat—but if none of those are applicable, then it’s likely that the water heater needs to be replaced soon.

It’s important for homeowners to keep an eye out for any signs that their water heater may need replacing. If any of these signs are present, it’s essential to contact a professional for an inspection before any damage worsens and causes more costly repairs or replacements. Routine maintenance can help minimize energy bills and save homeowners from having to replace their units sooner than necessary.

About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.

VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has over 30 years of experience serving Chicago, IL, residents. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and after-hours service. Call them today for hot water heater repair and installation in Chicago, IL.