How Hard Water Impacts Your Plumbing and What to Do About It

Living in Tucson means hard water, and hard water wears down household appliances quickly. Selecting the right water heater in Tucson is important, because the right choice here means fewer replacements and repair costs down the line. Which Water Heaters Last the Longest in Hard Water Conditions? Our groundwater picks up high levels of calcium and magnesium from the soil and rocks, and while these minerals don't pose any health risks, they definitely create some problems for plumbing systems. The problem is that when hard water is heated, all those minerals turn into scale, which is a hard, chalky deposit that sticks to your pipes, faucets, and the inside of your water heater. Over time, this buildup reduces the water flow, forces the heater to work harder, and eventually causes it to break down. A standard water heater might last 12 years under normal conditions, but in hard water, that drops to as little as 5 to 8 years, especially if you don't take good care of it. Types of Water Heaters and How They Perform With Hard Water Tank Traditional tank-style heaters are the most common but also the most vulnerable. These units have a large storage tank, usually 40 to 80 gallons, where water sits and stays heated, either by a gas burner or electric element. Because the water sits in there all the time, sediment collects at the bottom and forms a layer that slowly insulates the heating element from the water. That makes the heater less effective, which means you're wasting gas or electricity and eventually overheating. On the plus side, this type of heater is easier to maintain with basic tools. If this is the type you want, look for tanks with sacrificial anode rods. These are metal bars that attract the corrosion so it stays off the tank walls. They have to be replaced regularly, but they extend the life of the heater. Tankless Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand units, don't store water. They heat it instantly as it flows through a heat exchanger when you turn on the tap. This design saves space, fits better in tight spots like closets, and provides endless hot water. They're often more energy-efficient, too. Manufacturers rate them for up to 20 years of service, which is longer than you'll get out of traditional tanks. In hard water, tankless models can still last that long, but they will require extra attention. The heat exchanger's narrow passages are prone to scaling, and as that buildup happens, it restricts the water flow and can cause the unit to just start shutting down at the worst moments (like in the middle of your shower). Some advanced units have built-in sensors to alert you when the buildup is getting too much, but either way, you'll need a periodic descaling of the unit. Other Types Heat pump water heaters and solar-assisted heaters are all very energy efficient, but they also have tanks, so they have similar issues to tank heaters. They still need to have their tanks cleaned of sediment regularly. To make the right choice for your home, and for expert installation, repair, or maintenance, talk to us at Economy Plumbing Service, LLC in Tucson today.

A major pipe burst can flood your Tucson, AZ home in minutes. Stay calm, act fast, and call an emergency plumber once you've stopped the flow. How to Deal With a Major Pipe Burst, Fast Protect Your Family If you've got small children or pets nearby, get them out of the affected area right away. Either the water itself or an electrical issue could endanger them, and they won't know how to stay out of your way or keep themselves safe. Shut Off the Water Head straight to your home's main shutoff valve: don't worry about assessing the damage or grabbing any belongings yet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. In most homes this valve is in the basement near the water heater, by the front foundation wall, or where the main line enters from the street. Turn Off the Electricity If the burst is near any outlets, lights, or appliances, turn off power to those areas at your breaker box. Only do this if you can reach the panel safely without stepping in deep water. If it feels risky, leave it alone and wait for help. Drain Remaining Water from the Pipes With the main water supply off, open all the cold-water faucets in the house and flush the toilets once. This relieves pressure and empties the lines so there's less water to keep spraying from the burst spot. Leave the faucets open until the flow slows to a drip. Document Everything Before Cleanup Get photos and videos of the damage right after you've stopped the water. You'll want evidence of the burst pipe, your wet floors, any affected walls and furniture, and damage to any belongings. You will need this for your insurance claim later, and the insurance companies will need proof that the damage came from this burst pipe rather than something else. Move Belongings and Contain the Water Lift rugs and move electronics, furniture, and important papers out of the wet zone. If the water is spreading, roll up towels or use plastic sheeting to block doorways and keep it from reaching other rooms. Work fast but safely. Don't carry heavy, soaked items if they're too heavy for you, and focus on irreplaceable items first, like photos, electronics, and documents. Call a Tucson, AZ Emergency Plumber Don't wait if water is involved, because every minute you lose is another minute for mold to grow or a new problem to develop.  A good emergency plumber can isolate the problem, make a temporary repair if it's after hours, and plan for a permanent fix as soon as possible while coordinating with a restoration team. Start Removing Standing Water While you wait for the plumber, use mops, towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or buckets to get water off the floor. The faster you remove it, the less it soaks into subfloors or walls. Open the windows and run fans to improve airflow if the weather allows. Your aim is getting the area as dry as possible. You've got this. Act fast, and call us at Economy Plumbing Service, LLC at 520-885-3510 for the best emergency plumbing service in Tucson.

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.