different types of plumbing pipes

What Kind of Pipes Are in Your Home?

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Do you know what types of pipes are in your plumbing system? Are you planning to renovate your bathroom or build a new home? If you don’t know much about plumbing or pipes, we’ll go through the main types in this blog so you can make decisions for your home plumbing with confidence. 

Different Types of Pipes

There are a number of different types of pipes that can be found in residential buildings. Over the years, plumbers have come to use different materials as some of the newer types have advantages over the ones originally installed in older homes. Each type has its own uses, benefits, and disadvantages. 

The principle types of pipes being installed today are:

  • Galvanized steel
  • Copper
  • PVC and CPVC
  • PEX
  • ABS

Older homes tend to have more galvanized steel pipes. This is steel coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion, and this type of pipe was and is often used for water supply lines (for water not meant for drinking). 

There are several downsides to using galvanized steel piping. It’s heavy, and it can be difficult to work with. Galvanized steel also rusts over time and has a tendency to clog, which is why it’s no longer used for potable water. This type of pipe has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years and will need to be replaced. 

Copper is a very popular material for pipes and is commonly used for water supply lines because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. It comes in different thicknesses and can be flexible or rigid. Rigid copper piping is used in long extension pipes, whereas flexible copper piping is used in smaller spaces where it may need to be run around various types of building elements. 

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are made of vinyl and plastic and used most often for drain, waste, and vent systems. They have a number of advantages over metal pipes in that they are affordable, lightweight, easy to install, durable, and are resistant to corrosion. This explains their growing popularity. 

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is the same type of pipe as PVC, but it’s treated with a chemical to allow it to withstand higher temperatures and resist warping. It’s available in a wider variety of sizes than the untreated PVC. CPVC is ideal for high-water-pressure applications. Both PVC and CPVC are put together using glue instead of soldering. 

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes are a flexible and easy-to-install alternative to traditional copper or PVC pipes. They are frost resistant and typically used for water supply lines. Unlike PVC and CPVC, PEX piping is flexible so it can be used on longer segments where PVC or CPVC would need to be cut and glued. This makes it ideal for small spaces with other construction elements. PEX pipes are connected with clamps and do not need to be soldered or glued. This type of pipe is heat resistant and affordable, but the material can cause an odor in water. It can also only be used indoors. 

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are similar to PVC pipes but are more durable and resistant to impact. They are commonly used for drain, waste, and vent systems.

Other types of pipes that are outdated but still found in many older homes are cast iron and polybutylene and high-density polybutylene pipes – all of which plumbers will recommend be replaced. Cast iron pipes can last a long time, but they are subject to rusting and clogging. Polybutylene and high-density polybutylene pipes were discontinued for plumbing use because they had a tendency to leak. 

Choosing the Best for Your Home

Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating was named Best Plumber in Alpena in 2022. When you call us with your plumbing needs, our trained plumbing professionals will provide expert guidance on the most suitable materials for the job according to your application and budget. All of our recommendations will be made with the idea of ensuring your plumbing continues to work seamlessly for as long as possible. Call us today at (989) 354-5427 for help with your project or renovation. 

 

water streams from burst pipes after freezing

How To Prevent Burst Pipes

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Winter in Michigan is never dull. The weather runs the gamut from beautiful soft snowfalls to ice squalls and bitter, below-zero temperatures. People and plumbing have to be tough enough to keep up with it. During an extreme weather event like a polar vortex, pipes bursting can be a real threat. Burst pipes can cause significant damage in a very short period of time. Let’s go over what they can do and how you can be proactive to keep your pipes from freezing. 

Frozen Pipes Are a Homeowner’s Nightmare

When a pipe freezes and breaks from the pressure of the water inside, so many things can go wrong. Water can be tremendously damaging. If the broken pipe is in a hard-to-access area or around electrical wiring, it’s even worse. If the water is not turned off right away, it can quickly flood the home and cause damage to the structure and its contents. 

Perhaps the most immediate danger is if the water comes in contact with the home’s electrical system or starts a fire. If you have a pipe break in your home, you should not only turn off the water at the entrance to the house, you must shut the electricity off in any of the affected areas and call an electrician (after you call a plumber). 

If enough water floods the home, it can weaken the walls, collapse ceilings and floors, and even damage the foundation. If it’s not immediately remediated by a professional, it can also create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria which is difficult to remove after it takes hold in a home. 

All of this repair work is very expensive for a homeowner. Replacing belongings is another cost, and in some cases, the owners have to find alternative housing while the home is being repaired. 

How To Prevent Burst Pipes

Fortunately, there are actions you can take to protect your home or cabin from this terrible outcome. 

First, the homeowner can insulate the pipes by wrapping them with heat tape or foam sleeves to keep them from freezing if the temperature drops. Make sure that any area of the home that has pipes running through it is adequately insulated. 

If you are going to be away from your home or cottage for a longer period of time, do not lower the thermostat below 55 degrees. Fifty-five degrees is cool enough to save on energy costs, but warm enough to protect your home from excessively cold temperatures. Turn the water off at the entrance to the house and open the faucets to allow the faucets to drip. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water. It’s also helpful to ask a friend to stop by and check periodically to make sure the furnace has not failed and everything looks good. 

Have your plumber inspect your pipes from time to time for leaks or weaknesses and repair anything that they might find right away. Regular maintenance keeps problems from becoming emergencies.

If you are stuck without electricity and/or heat for any extended period of time, shut the water supply off to your home, and open your faucets. If your home does freeze, do not try to thaw your pipes with an open flame. Call a plumber if you see any evidence of leaks. Otherwise, wait until the home heats up again to turn the water back on. It’s always useful to have the number of a plumbing professional on hand in an emergency.

If you are worried about pipe leaks or need emergency plumbing services, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, and we are ready to help. Winter is tough, but with a little preparedness, you can prevent burst pipes even in the harshest of weather. 


Weinkauf wins 2 of the Best of the Best awards

Weinkauf Wins 2 Best of the Best Awards!

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Weinkauf Best of the Best winners

Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is excited to announce that we were named as “Best of the Best” in two categories by The Alpena News. We were voted the Best of the Best Plumber and Best of the Best Heating & Air Conditioning! 

Best Plumber in Alpena 

Weinkauf has been helping people in the Alpena area with their plumbing needs since 1959. We are a certified team of State of Michigan licensed master and journeyman plumbers. We work with many local licensed and insured building contractors to help you get your new construction or remodeling projects completed.

With our showroom and professional staff, we can help you with a simple faucet replacement or install all of the plumbing in your new house. Stop in and visit our showroom today to start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Best Heating & Air Conditioning in Alpena 

Best of the Best heating and air conditioningAs a full-service HVAC company, we’re a one-stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. Our staff of experienced, well-trained service technicians are equipped to take on any residential or commercial task. Call us for a free in-home quote to replace, repair, or upgrade your heating and cooling system. 

As the staff and owners of Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we would like to thank the Alpena community for their support and The Alpena News for the recognition. We would also like to congratulate the other winners on their wins. There are many very fine businesses in the community, and we are proud to be among them. Contact us today for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs! We are always here for you. 



new bathroom

Planning a New Bathroom? Involve Your Plumber Early!

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Are the bathrooms in your home doing what you need or want them to do? If you have a bathroom that needs to be renovated or completely overhauled, it’s wise to involve a professional plumber early on. You do not want to invest your hard-earned money only to find you’ve made costly mistakes that need to be fixed down the line. If you’re planning a new bathroom, call your plumber first! 

What Do You Need from Your New Bathroom?

Indoor plumbing has been a feature in most American homes for only a century – or less. In the beginning, bathrooms were simple and practical, just the basics. Over time, they have evolved into much more as more Americans seek to relax and pamper themselves in a luxury setting with luxury features. Nothing eases away stress like a good soak in a spacious bathtub or a hot shower after a long day. 

In fact, in terms of adding value to a home, bathrooms are very important, only second to kitchens. Even a smaller space can wow guests or prospective buyers when done properly, with style and flair. 

But whether you’re planning to do a complete bathroom makeover or just to put in a new shower, you will want to consult your plumber early on. He will be able to advise you on the practicalities of your current plumbing and how you can best modify it.

Why Do You Need a Plumber? 

It may seem simple to add a new bathroom, but the process can be more complicated than you think, especially in a compact space. Professional plumbers have both the knowledge and the technical skills to make the process simpler and better for you. They can assist you in the design phase by advising you on what options are possible without major alterations like moving water lines. They will be aware of building code regulations and will understand when permits are necessary and how to get them. 

A plumber can inspect your pipes beforehand. Like everything else in a home, pipes age and do not last forever. A home renovation is an excellent time to inspect pipes because they will be more accessible. If there are problems, they can be fixed beforehand, eliminating the risk and high cost of a pipe burst or leak at a later time. 

Involving a plumber will also make the process faster. Renovating a bathroom means that for some period of time you won’t be able to use it. Involving a skilled, experienced plumber will make the process go faster, shortening the downtime and the inconvenience. 

A plumber is an expert voice on upgrades, fixture efficiency, plumbing condition, and code regulations, as well as a skilled technician who can complete the work quickly and correctly the first time. If you are thinking of doing a renovation or putting in a new bathroom, talk to a plumber early on in the process. You will thank him for saving you hassle, money, and time. 

If you are in the Alpena area, Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating wants to be your professional for all of your full-service plumbing needs. Contact us for assistance any time. We are ready and waiting to help. 



flush your water heater

Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater

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How long will your water heater last? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the water heater you purchase, but also how well you maintain it. In this blog we will talk about why you need to flush your water heater to keep it working well and extend its life.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Water Heater? 

The rule of thumb is that a water heater should last about 10 years. Of course, this depends on the amount of work the heater has to do over its lifetime as well as the conditions it operates under. If your house uses a great deal of water for bathing, laundry, or cleaning, that means the water heater has to work harder. Remember, you expect there to be hot water whenever you turn on your tap. In order for that to happen, your water heater is working even when you’re not thinking about it. Your refrigerator is probably the only other appliance you have that operates continuously. 

The hardness of your water also contributes to how much your water heater has to work. Hard water has a higher mineral content. This mineral content builds up on the inside of your water heater and on its heating element slowly over time and reduces its efficiency. Excessive sediment buildup at the bottom of a gas water heater can create hot spots and damage the tank. If you hear popping or rumbling noises coming from your water heater, you have a problem with sediment buildup, and you need to have it addressed.

What is the solution? You need to flush your water heater. 

Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater

no hot waterLike most of your home appliances, your hot water heater does need periodic maintenance. It may keep chugging along seemingly without problems, but that doesn’t mean it’s operating at full capacity or efficiency. Over time it will use more energy to heat the water, and it may fail completely and require replacing if you don’t flush it out. 

Flushing your water heater will remove the lime buildup on the lower heating element in electric water heaters and prevent uneven heating at the bottom of the gas water heaters that can lead to leakage. For both types of water heaters, flushing will remove the sediment that can cause the drain valve to clog. 

Ideally, most water heaters should be flushed every six months to prevent damage. If your water is very hard, you may want to do it more often. Draining and flushing the tank is an involved chore, so many homeowners will call a licensed plumber to service it annually. A plumber will inspect the tank for rust and leaks as well as test the thermostat and valves. He will replace the anode rod to prevent corrosion too. 

If you don’t know how to drain the tank without creating a watery mess or want to fuss with your pilot light, calling a plumber to inspect and flush your water heater is the way to go. Over time, this maintenance will produce lower heating bills and a longer lasting water heater. 

If you have concerns about your water heater or would like to schedule maintenance, contact Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We want to keep your plumbing in tip top condition so you do not have to worry about outages or leaks. Call us – we’re here to help!

 

prepare your plumbing

Prepare Your Plumbing for Your Summer Vacation

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Winter is the season everyone worries about their plumbing with freezing temperatures threatening their pipes. However, if you’re not careful in the summertime, you might have problems then too. If you plan on going on vacation, you should prepare your plumbing so you don’t come home to an expensive disaster. Here are our tips for preventing issues from occurring while you’re away.

Prepare Your Plumbing

When you leave your home for a longer period of time, there are some actions you can take to mitigate the risk of a plumbing emergency happening when you’re gone. 

Shut off the water supply

Turning off the water at the main valve is a simple thing you can do to make sure that water will not flood your house as a result of a leaky pipe or a busted valve. You may not think this is much of a risk because you’ve never experienced a sudden leak, but plumbers, disaster remediation companies, and insurance adjusters can tell you about the damage that can result from even a small leak that is left unattended. Imagine that a toilet valve on your second floor breaks and that water leaks through the floor and the first-floor ceiling, down the heating return vent or even down the stairs…for days or weeks.

Shutting off the water supply will take seconds and will eliminate the risk of that happening while you are gone. If you do not know where the main water shut off valve to your home is, take the time to find out well before you’re hurrying out the door. 

Inspect your water heater

Ideally you should have a plumber inspect your water heater annually in order to detect leaks or discover any warning signs of failure. Flushing sediment from the tank will improve your water heater’s efficiency and longevity. Turning your water heater off while you are on vacation will conserve energy while you are away.

Check your sump pump

If your basement were to have a water incident, your sump pump would turn on and begin pumping the water out and away from your home, preventing a flood. If it’s not operating properly, though, a storm could cause problems. Test your sump pump by filling a 5-gallon bucket with water and pouring it into the sump pit. If it’s working properly, this will activate it, and it will eliminate the water within a few minutes. 

Clear your garbage disposal and your drains

If you’ve left food or grease in your sink drain, your house may have a distinct odor by the time you return from vacation. Run hot water with your garbage disposal on for a minute or so to clear everything out. Make sure you flush your toilets too! 

Do You Need Plumbing Help? 

If you find that any of the above are not working correctly or at full capacity, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We can help clear out your water heater, fix your sump pump, replace your garbage disposal, and repair any faulty valves or pipes. We recommend regular inspections and plumbing maintenance to anyone who wants their plumbing system to work seamlessly and eliminate issues before they become a problem. Call us either before or after your vacation to schedule plumbing maintenance – and enjoy a relaxing time off. You’ve earned it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

best toilet

Choosing the Best Toilet for Your Bathroom

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Choosing the right toilet for your bathroom may take some thought and knowledge of the toilet products available. If you need to replace your toilet right away because of a plumbing emergency, your bathroom decor may not be the first thing on your mind. If you are adding a bathroom to your home or designing your dream home, though, you will probably prefer to take some time and consider all of your options. 

Choosing the Best Toilet

You might be surprised at how many choices you have for toilets or how complex toilet design can be. Toilets seem pretty straightforward, but we have all seen some of the different options in public bathrooms: self-flushing, handicapped accessible, water saving, and others. Here are a few questions you might ask yourself and anyone who will be using the bathroom: 

Who will be using the bathroom? 

If you need a toilet for a children’s bathroom, you probably don’t want one that attaches to the wall. If elderly or disabled family members will be using it, having a taller toilet may help them with sitting down and standing up by themselves. 

How much traffic does the bathroom get? 

An easy-to-clean model may be a good choice for a bathroom that is always in use or one that kids will have to clean. 

Are you replacing an existing toilet or adding one to a remodeled or brand new bathroom?

If you do not want to replace your flooring or wall tile along with the toilet, you might want to select one that has a similar size and shape. You can choose based on preference or style if you are remodeling or building.

If you would like to add a toilet in a basement space that does not have underground plumbing, we can install a Saniflo toilet that pumps upwards and connects to the sanitary lines overhead. 

What is the style of the bathroom? 

Toilets come in a large variety of styles, so if you want to match yours to the design or color palette of the bathroom, you can. Once you begin looking at your options, you may actually find yourself a little overwhelmed at the range of features and styles of today’s toilets. 

At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we install Kohler and Mansfield toilets, depending on your preference and your budget. Both lines offer beautiful looking toilets and reliable performance over time.  

We are the plumbing experts in the Alpena area. We can help walk you through the process of choosing the best toilet for your bathroom, beginning with deciding what it is you need and then guiding you through the different possibilities. Once you have found a product that meets your needs, our plumbing professionals will install it in your home. If you need a new toilet for your bathroom area, call us at (989) 354-5427, and we can begin your bathroom project together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sump pump

Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

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It’s almost spring. After months of winter cold and snow, Michiganders are so ready to see the snow melt and the grass grow again. One side effect of warmer temperatures that many homeowners don’t look forward to is a wet basement, however. If you’re worried that your basement may flood with snowmelt, or you’ve experienced a flooded basement before and don’t want to again, installing a sump pump before spring arrives is a great solution. 

Sometimes spring waltzes in with starts and stops – which allows the snow to melt and be absorbed by the ground gradually – and sometimes it happens all at once. Often in Michigan we see snow melting and significant accumulations of snow at the same time. As a result, large puddles form, roads can experience flooding, and rivers rise. 

If you have a wet basement, especially in spring, you’re not alone. This is a wet state. The ground gets waterlogged, and sometimes there’s no place for water to run off except your basement. This is how you get seeping, puddling, or flooding there. Installing a sump pump will prevent this. It’s your best line of defense against basement flooding. 

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

When water saturates the soil around your house, it will often accumulate under your foundation. The sump basin sits under your house. It collects this water, and when there is enough of it in the sump pit, the float switch triggers, and the pump will activate. It pushes the water up through a pipe which discharges it away from your home. When flooding is less of a problem and the water level drops, the float switch disengages. This turns off the pump until the next water event. 

No one wants a flooded basement. It’s dirty, destructive, and expensive to correct. If you have a sump pump and you are concerned about whether it will work right, here are some steps you can take as a homeowner:

Clean Your Sump Pit

Check the condition of your sump pit. If there is dirt, debris, or other material inside the pit, remove it. You can clean dirt or accumulated water out with a wet/dry vacuum in a few minutes. 

Test Your Sump Pump 

Now is the time to test your pump to see if it’s in good working condition. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and pour it into the sump pit. If your pump is working, this should activate the float trigger and turn on the pump. Your sump pump should remove this water in a few minutes and turn itself off. If it doesn’t work correctly or turn off when it’s done, call Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We will come out and inspect your pump. 

Install a Backup

If your basement gets very wet, you may need a backup. This device can be installed in your sump pit and works off a battery. This means that it will work to pump your basement even if the power goes out. A backup is designed to pump when it’s needed and especially when the water level exceeds the capacity of your regular sump pump. 

The end of winter is the ideal time to test and see if your sump pump is in good working order. If you discover problems or you want to avoid flooding in your basement, a sump pump is your answer. It’s more expensive to install a sump pump when the basement is already flooded because the plumber will have to pump the water out first. Sump pumps will be in great demand soon as well, so act now before the thaw. 

Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating wants to be your choice for plumbing service in Alpena, Michigan. If you need sump pump repair, replacement, or a backup installed, call us. We are here to help. 

 

plumbing emergency

What Is a Plumbing Emergency?

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Working plumbing is such a necessary part of modern life that any plumbing problem can seem like a plumbing emergency. Some problems are less urgent than others, however. In this blog we’ll list issues that are truly emergencies. This way you will be able to tell the difference between what is an unhappy inconvenience and what will cause you more problems if it doesn’t get fixed immediately. 

What Is a Plumbing Emergency?

A Burst Pipe

Water can cause a great deal of damage in a short period of time. The more water, the more damage it can cause. A burst pipe can release many gallons of water in a few minutes. If you have a pipe break, it’s an emergency, and you should call your plumber immediately. Find the stop valve for the water at the break and use it if possible. If you cannot isolate the leak, turn the water off at the main water supply. Then mop up any water you can and dry out any carpeting. Mold and mildew will result if you do not properly remove all water, and that’s a health hazard. 

An Overflowing Toilet 

Any clogged pipe or drain paired with running water can result in the same kind of damage that a burst pipe does – except the water will not be clean. You should shut off the water at the valve (located near the back or base of the toilet) to stop the water flow and attempt to plunge the toilet. If you cannot get the blockage cleared and this is a necessary toilet or the only toilet in the house, that’s a plumbing emergency. 

A Broken Water Heater

Hot water is necessary for cleaning and washing, so if your hot water heater breaks, it causes real inconvenience, especially in the colder winter months. A noisy hot water heater can also signal that there’s something seriously wrong. If you have a leak in the main tank, it can cause water damage to your home. Depending on the urgency of any of the above situations, it may be time to call out the emergency plumber to drain, repair, or replace your water heater. 

Frozen Pipes

In February of 2021, many southern states and much of the state of Texas experienced a sharp freeze that ultimately resulted in a cost of 18 billion dollars in home damages. The average insurance claim for frozen pipes is more than $25,000, in fact. This is because it involves burst pipes in multiple locations and often the water runs for some time before it’s noticed and addressed. In that time it can cause damage to ceilings, floors, walls, and wiring, all of which are expensive to repair or replace. If you think your pipes have frozen, you will need to turn off the water at the main water supply and call your plumber. 

A Sewer Backup 

The water you use that you flush or drain exits your house via your sewer/wastewater line and from there goes into the municipal sewer system. A sewer backup means that that water or waste cannot leave or comes back up from the clogged line into your home. When this happens, it’s not good. The most common sewer backup situation involves pipes that are clogged with toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary napkins, hair, or grease. 

If you notice that you have noises or bad smells coming from multiple sources, you may have a sewage issue. You will need to call your plumber immediately before it gets worse and causes damage or creates a biohazard.  

Should You Call an Emergency Plumber?

If you are not sure if you have a plumbing emergency, you can always call and discuss your situation with your plumbing company. In some cases, if it’s only a matter of inconvenience, you may be able to wait and avoid calling in a plumber after normal business hours, reducing your costs. As a rule of thumb, if you have to shut off the water at the main supply, it’s an emergency. Also, if you feel there is something wrong with your water supply, if it looks or smells funny, you should immediately contact a plumber as well. 

At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we have a 24-hour emergency line for service. If you are in the Alpena area and have an urgent plumbing problem, call us. We will diagnose the problem and get your plumbing back in working order for you right away. 

 

 

no hot water

No Hot Water? It Could Be Time for a New Water Heater

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It’s never a good time for your hot water supply to fail. If you’ve tried to turn on the hot water in your shower or at your kitchen faucet and gotten only cold, that’s frustrating. You need that water for cleaning, bathing, and doing laundry. In the wintertime, a hot bath or shower can be especially relaxing and comforting. What is the underlying cause of your hot water failure? It could be one of a number of things. We will go through the possibilities in this blog. 

Why Is There No Hot Water? 

A water heater has a number of inputs, electricity, gas, and water, and also mechanical aspects. If something goes wrong with any one of these, your hot water output will be impacted. 

If you have a smaller water heater, you may find that it cannot keep up with your household use, so you’ll run out of hot water frequently. It may also cost more to run because of lower energy efficiency. This is the simplest hot water problem to have because you can either decide you’d like to install a larger hot water heater to better meet your needs, or you can wait for it to heat up more water. Ask your plumber if you’re not sure which size or model of hot water heater would best suit your use pattern. 

Another potentially simple-to-fix malfunction is an electrical issue like a tripped breaker or a high-temperature cut-off switch on your water heater. To determine if it’s a breaker problem, turn off your water heater and then check your circuit breaker to see if a breaker has tripped. You can then turn it off and then on again. If that does not solve the problem or your breaker trips again, you will need to call an electrician for assistance. 

Gas Problems

If your water heater is gas powered, there are several potential problems that involve gas. One of them is a gas leak. If you smell gas in your home for any reason, you need to contact your gas company immediately. Gas leaks are dangerous, especially during the winter when your house is closed up and there is no way for gas to escape outside. 

You may have a leaky supply line or a failing gas valve. If your water heater runs on gas, it will have a pilot light and a burner located at the bottom of the heater behind an access panel. Check that your pilot light is on. If it’s not on, relight it. If it goes out again, you have a problem with your gas line, and you will need to involve a trained technician to examine your heater and determine what is wrong. 

A Malfunctioning Water Heater

There are a number of ways the water heater itself could fail. You may notice that the water temperature swings or is inconsistent. It heats but unpredictably. It could have a bad thermostat, a failing or broken heating element, or sediment buildup. 

The tank could also have a leak. If the water leaks out of the unit, it won’t heat, of course, but it will also make a mess. You may not be able to determine the source of the leak yourself. If your water heater is leaking, turn off the water to your tank, and call your plumber. An experienced technician will be able to inspect the tank, the pipes, connections, and valves, diagnose the problem, and let you know your options for repair or replacement. 

If you are in the Alpena or Oscoda, Michigan areas and experience the problem of no hot water when you turn on your faucet, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing and Heating. Our trained technicians will be able to diagnose your problem quickly and find a solution to get your hot water running again. Contact us at (989) 354-5427 for help. We’re here to make sure you can be safe, warm, and comfortable in your home this winter.