Summer is just around the corner which means that many residents will leave their homes for extended periods of time for vacations and summer activities. It may not be the first concern on your mind, but you may be wondering, “Should I turn off the water before I leave?” Turning off the water before leaving your home could save you money and prevent disaster from striking while you are not around.

Include Water Shut Off In Your Prep List

While the water system should be fine while you’re gone, there is never a guarantee. Even if no one is in your home while you are away and no water will be used, the pipes could burst or leak causing massive flooding and other damage while you are miles away.

Before you go, calling a licensed plumber to check your water line, older pipes, and other areas of your home can be beneficial. While you should still be turning off the water in your home while you are gone, the plumber can give you peace of mind by letting you know that everything is safe.

How Do I Turn Off the Water?

You can turn off the water in your home from the main valve. Knowing the location of the valve is not only important to know for when you leave your home, but in the case of an emergency to prevent further flooding. You may need to search for a bit if you don’t immediately know where your valve is. If you need assistance finding the valve you can call S&B or here are some common places to look:

• Around the perimeter of your home
• The basement or below ground level of your home
• The nearest point of your home from your water meter
• Listed in your inspection report
• Access panels installed in walls during remodel

Turning Off The Water During The Winter

While winter may be in the back of your mind, you should plan to turn off the water during winter vacations or trips as well. Even more so because of the added risk of frozen and bursting pipes. Even small leaks that go undetected can become huge problems if left unchecked. While traveling is less common for Utahn’s in the winter, it is a good idea to have plumbers check your home for leaks and other problems frequently. While emergency plumbing is available, water and plumbing disasters can be prevented with frequent upkeep.

Water Heaters

Keeping up with maintenance and turning off the water heater when you are gone is another way to prevent massive damage. Checking your water heater for unusual noises or pooling water before you leave is a good place to start. If you are in need of a water heater replacement or just want to have a professional check it out before you take off, we are here to help. 

Another common question that a plumber may receive is if turning off the water to your water heater will damage it. Turning off the main water supply or the heat supply will not cause damage to the heater. Turning off the main water supply prevents new water from refilling your tank. If your tank is almost out of water before you leave it is best to turn off the water heater so the water does not run out and cause damage. If the tank is full, then turning the water heater off is not necessary.

Other Precautions You Can Take

While turning off the water to your home will prevent most if not all the damage, here are some other things you can do before your next vacation to prevent damage to your home:

• Drain water from pipes in the winter
• Inspect supply lines and other appliances and repair damaged ones
• Check your sump pump
• Check gutters for build up of leaves and other debris
• Unplug electronics
• Set your thermostat to an away temperature
• Recruit a house watcher incase damage or emergency does occur. 

Contact Us Before Or After Disaster

We are available to help prevent and repair disasters. Contact us to check water lines, appliances. sewage and drains. Along with disasters, we specialize in routine maintenance checks and repairs, such as toilet repairs, repiping, and drain cleaning. For all of your plumbing needs, S & B Plumbing is ready to help. Call us to book your appointment now and be prepared for any plumbing issues that may arise this summer. Don’t wait until the problems turn into disasters; take preventative measures to ensure that you can enjoy your summer vacation and come home to a clean and safe place.

Maintaining your water heater is essential for its long-term performance and efficiency. Implementing a regular maintenance routine, such as draining and flushing the tank, helps homeowners to prevent sediment buildup and optimize the heater’s efficiency. This not only saves money on energy costs but also extends the lifespan of the water heater, ensuring reliable hot water supply for years to come.

This blog will give you simple tips for extending the lifespan of your water heater. By offering straightforward advice on maintenance, monitoring, and best practices, you can take proactive steps to ensure their water heaters operate efficiently and effectively for years to come.

7 Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

1. Regular Maintenance

Draining and flushing the tank of your water heater is vital to remove sediment, minerals, and other debris that accumulate over time. These deposits can hinder the heater’s efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage to internal components. Regular flushing not only ensures optimal performance but also extends the lifespan of the water heater. It also maintains water quality, prevents foul odors, and reduces the risk of corrosion within the tank, which promotes safe and reliable hot water supply. 

Conducting maintenance checks on your water heater should be done at least once a year, though more frequent inspections may be necessary in areas with hard water or high sediment levels. Regular monitoring enables early detection of issues, allowing for timely repairs and preventing costly damage. By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, homeowners can proactively address potential problems and maximize the efficiency and longevity of their water heater.

2. Monitoring Water Quality

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to scaling and buildup inside the water heater. This build up reduces efficiency, increases energy consumption, and accelerates wear and tear on components. 

Installing water softeners or filtration systems can help mitigate the effects of hard water by removing minerals and impurities before they enter the water heater. This prolongs the lifespan of the heater and ensures efficient operation.

Signs of sediment buildup include reduced hot water flow, strange noises from the tank, and discolored water. Flushing the tank regularly helps remove accumulated sediment, maintaining optimal performance and preventing damage.

3. Proper Temperature Settings

Setting the water heater temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit balances energy efficiency and safety. This temperature is hot enough to meet household needs while minimizing energy consumption and reducing the risk of scalding accidents, particularly for children and the elderly.

High temperatures can accelerate wear and tear on the heater’s components, as well, which can lead to increased risks of leaks, corrosion, and premature failure. Excessive heat can also cause mineral buildup and reduce the heater’s efficiency over time.

Adjusting the water heater temperature based on household needs ensures comfort while optimizing energy efficiency. For example, lowering the temperature when away from home or during vacations can save energy, while increasing it during peak usage times ensures an adequate supply of hot water. 

4. Checking Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is critical for maintaining safe pressure levels within the water heater. It prevents excessive pressure buildup, which could lead to dangerous explosions or ruptures. Regularly testing the pressure relief valve ensures it functions properly, Simply lifting the valve’s lever momentarily and allowing it to snap back into place can verify its operation. If the pressure valve fails the test or shows signs of damage, it should be replaced promptly. Professional assistance may be required for complex repairs.

5. Insulating Your Water Heater

Another tip for extending the lifespan of your water heater is to insulate the tank. Insulating it reduces heat loss, improves energy efficiency, and lowers utility bills. Common insulation methods use materials like foam insulation blankets or jackets that can be easily installed around the tank. There should be proper ventilation and manufacturer guidelines should be followed to prevent fire hazards and maintain safe operation.

6. Addressing Leaks Promptly

Checking for leaks and addressing them promptly is a way to extend the lifespan of your water heater. Check for pooling water around the tank, dampness or corrosion on connections, and unusual hissing or dripping sounds. Leaks can stem from loose connections, corroded pipes, or internal tank damage, which can lead to water damage and increased utility costs.

To repair leaks you should tighten connections, replace damaged components, or patch minor leaks with plumbing tape. If you are unsure how to address major leaks, you will want to consult a plumber promptly.

7. Protecting Against Corrosion

Corrosion occurs on water heaters when metal components of it react with water, leading to rust and deterioration. Anode rods are made from more reactive metals in the tank, sacrificing themselves to protect against corrosion by attracting corrosive elements. Regularly check anode rods for corrosion and replace them if they are significantly degraded to maintain effective corrosion protection.

Choose S&B Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

Even when you implement these tips for extending the lifespan of your water heater, you may face unexpected emergencies that require a plumber. S&B Plumbing has experienced plumbers who have the knowledge and expertise to repair any plumbing problems, including water heaters, sewer lines, and more. Contact us to learn more about our services and book an appointment.

A bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a house, which is why it is important to make it livable and comfortable. A small bathroom can make it difficult to move around from the shower to the toilet or the sink, and it can make it hard to find storage space. Without the spaces to store bathroom items, the space can quickly become cluttered and messy. While it can be challenging to know how to maximize space in a small bathroom, there are many ways to make the room feel bigger and more open. This blog will give you several ideas on how to maximize space in a small bathroom within a budget.

Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom

1. Space-Saving Layout Design

The layout design in small bathrooms are very important to helping it feel less cramped and small. The layout can make all the difference between stumbling over things and squeezing your way to other areas of the room, versus being able to move comfortably and find things easily. Here are some space-saving layout designs to maximize space in a small bathroom:

• Corner Sink or Vanity: Utilize the corners of the bathroom by installing a corner sink or vanity, which takes up less space than traditional designs.
• Pocket or Sliding Doors: Opt for pocket doors or sliding doors instead of swing doors to save space that would otherwise be required for door clearance.
• Compact Towel Racks and Hooks: Install towel racks or hooks on the back of the door to hang towels to save space and avoid using floor space.
• Tall and Narrow Storage Units: Utilize tall and narrow storage units, such as tall cabinets or ladder shelves, to maximize storage capacity while minimizing floor space usage.

2. Clever Storage Solutions

Another challenge beyond layout design for small bathrooms is the problem of finding storage solutions. In order to free up space in the bathroom, you will have to find effective storage solutions that will maximize the space. Here are a couple ideas on how to incorporate more effective storage in your bathroom:

1. Built-in Shelving: Built-in shelving and niches offer a sleek and space-efficient solution for storing toiletries, linens, and decorative items without protruding into the room. These recessed storage features can be incorporated into shower walls, above bathtubs, or alongside vanity mirrors to maximize vertical space utilization.

2. Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinets: Utilizing the space above the toilet is a practical way to add storage without sacrificing floor space. Over-the-toilet storage cabinets or shelves come in various designs, including wall-mounted cabinets, ladder shelves, and floating shelves. These vertical storage solutions provide a convenient spot to store extra towels, toiletries, and decorative items while keeping them within arm’s reach.
3. Under-Sink Organizers: Installing under-sink organizers, such as pull-out drawers or baskets, makes use of the often under-utilized space beneath the sink for storing cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, or towels.

3. Lighting and Mirrors for Illusion of Space

An important aspect of a bathroom that can have an effect on how spacious it feels is lighting and mirrors. Using large mirrors helps reflect light and visually expand the space. It is especially useful to place the mirror so that it reflects the window and gives the illusion that there are more windows in the room. Strategic placement of lighting fixtures can also brighten up the room and make it feel bigger. You can opt for brighter white lights to lift the mood, rather than darker, warmer lights.

4. Plumbing Considerations for Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms present unique challenges when it comes to plumbing due to limited space and layout constraints. Some of the common challenges include the following:

• Limited space for plumbing features
• Accessibility and maneuverability
• Ventilation and drainage

To overcome the challenges posed by plumbing in small bathrooms, innovative space-saving plumbing fixtures are available:

• Wall-mounted toilets and sinks to free up floor space
• Compact yet efficient shower and bath designs
• Concealed plumbing to minimize visual clutter

By addressing plumbing considerations, you can optimize the functionality and aesthetics of your small bathroom while maximizing available space and minimizing installation challenges.

Choose S&B Plumbing for Plumbing Needs

Whether you’re in the process of building your home or you want a bathroom remodel, S&B Plumbing is here to help. We can execute your plans to free up space in your bathroom and make it feel bigger. We also provide plumbing repairs including faucets, garbage disposal, and toilet repairs. Contact us and get your appointment scheduled today.

5. Finishing Touches and Decor

While the design layout and storage space are important factors to consider with small bathrooms, the aesthetics and decor can make a difference, as well. Light paint colors and colors of towels or decor can instantly brighten the room and make it feel bigger. Keeping decor to a minimum can also help it feel less cluttered. Simple decor like a small plant or artwork can take the attention away from the small space and focus it on the particular item. Adding your own personal touches takes a cramped bathroom and makes it an enjoyable space.