On this week’s episode of You Got This! we discuss the most common questions or issues that homeowners have asked Andrew about their home plumbing. A handful of these easy DIY fixes include: determining why your household runs out of hot water so quickly; the difference between hard and soft water; and what might be the reason you notice your water bills creeping up.
Why does my household run out of hot water so quickly?
Depending on the age and type of water heater you have, there are a couple of reasons this is happening. Electric water heaters have two elements, one on the top and the other on the bottom. If one of these goes out, or if your reset button is tripped, this is likely the culprit to why you don’t have hot water.
Is there really a difference between hard water and soft water?
Definitely! Hard water carries more sediment and minerals in it; and many older homes tend to have hard water, especially in rural areas or homes that use a well. Water softeners are one way to make the water more drinkable and also can make a difference in simple tasks like showering, washing your dishes, or even your laundry.
What should I do if I notice my water bill seems higher than normal, but I don’t see any major leaks or reasons for this?
First, check your toilets. A poorly sealed flapper is often the culprit, and you can be losing gallons of water; it could also be the fill valve in the tank. The fastest way to determine if your toilet is leaking is to put some food dye in the tank, overnight. In the morning, if the color has made its way into the toilet bowl, you’ve got your culprit. You can easily replace the tank components, though we recommend taking a photo of your tank set up, or bring it with you when you go to the retailer.
You can listen to this week’s episode here -> https://easyasabt.com/show/August-27-2021.mp3 or every Friday at 9am on KNCO Grass Valley.