advice

What to Do When Your Water Heater is Taking Too Long to Heat

August 18, 2023 by Jose Campos

Are you tired of waiting endlessly for your water heater to provide hot water for your morning shower? If your water heater is taking too long to heat up, it can be more than frustrating and inconvenient. Our team of qualified plumbers will discuss some common reasons behind this issue and provide professional advice on steps homeowners can take to fix the problem. Remember, if you’re in Glen Carbon, IL, and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Morrison Plumbing for professional plumbing services.

Reasons Behind Slow Water Heating

Sediment Buildup: Over time, sediment and minerals can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup not only reduces the tank’s heating efficiency but also causes the heater to take longer to heat the water. Sediment acts as an insulator, preventing direct contact between the heating element and the water.
Thermostat Issues: Your water heater relies on a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the water. If the thermostat is faulty or improperly calibrated, it can lead to inconsistent heating or prolonged heating cycles. This issue can cause your water heater to take longer to reach the desired temperature.
Insufficient Insulation: Water heaters are equipped with insulation to minimize heat loss. However, over time, the insulation can deteriorate or become inadequate. Insufficient insulation results in heat escaping from the tank, causing the heater to work harder and longer to achieve the desired temperature.
Aging Heating Element: The heating element in your water heater can wear out over time. If the element is old or damaged, it may struggle to heat the water efficiently, leading to extended heating times. A worn-out heating element can significantly impact the overall performance of your water heater.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup is a common cause of slow water heating. To address this, start by draining and flushing the tank. Turn off the power supply to the water heater, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, and direct the water to a suitable drainage area. Open the valve and let the tank drain completely. By flushing the tank, you can remove sediment and improve the heating efficiency.
Check the Thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and is functioning correctly. A well-calibrated thermostat will help optimize the water heating process. If you suspect a faulty thermostat, it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can inspect and replace it if necessary.
Insulate the Tank: If you notice that the tank feels warm to the touch, it may lack sufficient insulation. Insulating your water heater can help minimize heat loss and reduce the time it takes to heat the water. You can wrap the tank with a water heater blanket or install foam insulation sleeves on the pipes to enhance energy efficiency.
Replace the Heating Element: If your water heater is relatively old or you suspect a damaged heating element, it may be time for a replacement. Hiring a professional plumber to assess the situation and replace the heating element can restore your water heater’s optimal performance and reduce heating times.

Professional male plumber adjusting the temperature of a residential water heater in Glen Carbon, IL.

The Benefits of a Functioning Water Heater

Having a functioning water heater in your home brings numerous benefits and contributes to your overall comfort and convenience. First and foremost, a reliable water heater ensures a steady supply of hot water for various daily activities, such as showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. This allows you to maintain personal hygiene, keep your home clean, and enjoy warm baths or showers whenever you need them. A properly functioning water heater also enhances energy efficiency by efficiently heating water, which in turn reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. Additionally, hot water is essential for certain household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to perform optimally. Moreover, a functional water heater provides peace of mind, knowing that you won’t have to worry about cold showers or inadequate hot water during colder seasons. Overall, investing in maintenance and repairs will help your water heater function properly, ensuring comfort, convenience, and efficiency in your daily life.

The Importance of Hiring Professionals

For more complex water heater issues or if you’re unsure about performing repairs, it’s always best to seek professional help. In Glen Carbon, IL, Morrison Plumbing is a trusted name in plumbing services. Our team of skilled plumbers can diagnose and fix water heater problems efficiently, ensuring you have quick access to hot water again. Our experts possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required to accurately diagnose and resolve any issues with your water heater. We are equipped with the right tools and techniques to ensure efficient and effective repairs or replacements. Professional plumbers are also well-versed in safety protocols and local plumbing codes, ensuring that all work is done in compliance with regulations, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly and safely. Moreover, professional plumbers often offer warranties on their work, providing an added layer of protection for you as a homeowner. Avoid costly mistakes, safety hazards, and further damage to your system by contacting Morrison Plumbing for expert assistance and then you can enjoy the benefits of a reliable hot water supply.

A professional plumber in overalls carrying a toolbox and standing at the front door of a residence in Glen Carbon, ready to offer expert service to the water heater.

Contact a Professional Plumber in Glen Carbon, IL

While these troubleshooting steps can help resolve minor issues, it’s essential to recognize when the problem requires professional assistance. If you’ve attempted these steps and your water heater still takes too long to heat or if you’re unsure about performing any repairs yourself, it’s time to contact a reliable plumbing service. Morrison Plumbing, a reputable plumbing company in Glen Carbon, IL, offers comprehensive water heater repair and replacement services. Our team of experienced plumbers can accurately diagnose the problem, recommend the best course of action, and efficiently resolve any water heater issues you may be facing. Call (618)-408-1523 for expert service today.

Replacing Your Home’s Vent Covers & Why It’s Important

May 9, 2023 by Jose Campos

Your home’s HVAC system is responsible for providing you with clean, comfortable air. But did you know that the vents in your home play an important role in the overall effectiveness of your HVAC system? Over time, your vent covers can become dirty, damaged, or outdated, which can negatively impact your indoor air quality and HVAC system performance. In this blog, we will discuss why replacing your home’s vent covers is important and provide tips and advice for doing so. You can trust our team at Morrison Plumbing to provide expert guidance in the care of your Granite City, IL, home.

Tip: Choose the Right Size

Before you purchase new vent covers, make sure you know the size of your existing vents. Most vent covers are available in standard sizes, so it should be easy to find a replacement that fits your existing vents. If you’re not sure what size you need, measure the width and height of your vent opening.

Tip: Choose the Right Type

There are several different types of vent covers available, including plastic, metal, and wood. When selecting a replacement, consider the overall look of your home, as well as the location of the vent. Plastic vent covers are the most affordable, while metal and wood vent covers can add a touch of elegance to your home.

Tip: Clean Your Existing Vents

Before installing your new vent covers, make sure you clean your existing vents. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. This will ensure that your new vent covers fit properly and that there are no obstructions in the airflow.

Tip: Remove Your Old Vent Covers

Most vent covers are attached with screws or clips, so get out your toolbox for the appropriate tools for the job. To remove your old vent covers, simply unscrew the screws or press the clips and lift the cover away from the vent. The process should be straightforward and simple to complete.

Tip: Install Your New Vent Covers

To install your new vent covers, simply align the cover with the vent and screw it in place or snap it into the clips. Make sure the cover is flush with the surface of the wall or floor. The installation process is easy and should only take a moment to secure your new vents in place and dispose of the old covers. For more helpful tips, you can contact our experts at Morrison Plumbing, and we’ll advise you on how to properly care for your home’s HVAC system and vents.

Benefit: Improved Indoor Air Quality

Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your vent covers. When you turn on your HVAC system, these contaminants are blown into your home, which can negatively impact your indoor air quality. By replacing your vent covers, you can remove these contaminants and prevent them from being circulated throughout your home. This will drastically help improve the air quality in your living space, so you can breathe easier. For more information about your indoor air quality, contact our team at Morrison Plumbing.

Benefit: Increased Energy Efficiency

Damaged or outdated vent covers can reduce the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. When your vents are clogged with dust and debris, your system has to work harder to circulate air throughout your home, which can increase your energy bills. By replacing your vent covers, you can improve the airflow in your home and reduce your energy consumption, so your system can operate more efficiently.

Benefit: Improved Aesthetics

Old, damaged, or outdated vent covers can detract from the overall appearance of your home. By replacing your vent covers, you can give your home a fresh, updated look. New vent covers can enhance the overall appearance of your home. This can be especially important if you’re trying to sell your home, as potential buyers will notice small details like vent covers.

Benefit: Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Replacing your vent covers can help extend the life of your HVAC system. When your system has to work harder to circulate air due to clogged or dirty vents, it can put additional strain on the system, which can cause it to wear out more quickly. By replacing your vent covers, you can reduce the strain on your system and help it last longer, saving you time, money, and stress in the future.

Replacing your home’s vent covers is a small but important task that can have significant benefits. By improving your indoor air quality, increasing energy efficiency, enhancing aesthetics, and extending the life of your HVAC system, new vent covers can be a worthwhile investment for any homeowner. If you’re interested in replacing your vent covers, contact Morrison Plumbing, a trusted and reliable plumbing company serving Granite City, IL, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts can help you choose the right vent covers for your home and ensure they are installed properly. Call our team today at (618) 408-1251.

Signs Your Home Needs an Electrical Panel Upgrade

March 8, 2023 by Jose Campos

Your electrical panel, also known as the “breaker box,” is a critical component of your home because it is responsible for keeping your HVAC system running, your lights turned on, and your water hot. The electrical panel powers everything in your home that uses electricity.

The power in your home is critical to your safety and the safety of your home. When considering an electrical panel upgrade, you should hire a contractor who performs all types of electrical services to ensure that your connections provide reliable and adequate power to your home. Trust our qualified electricians at Morrison Plumbing and we can advise you when it’s time to service or upgrade your electrical panel.

Here are some things to think about and signs that it’s time to upgrade your home’s electrical panel!

Your Home Has a Fuse Box

Most older homes have fuse boxes. A fuse box and an electrical panel appear very different. A fuse box, as opposed to an electrical panel, has circular fuses connected to each circuit.

If your home has a fuse box, it is time to contact a licensed and certified electrician for assistance with an electrical panel replacement. You want to keep your house up to code, but there is no fuse box in any home in the country that meets minimum requirements.

Maintaining compliance with electrical codes ensures your home’s safety and immediately increases its value.

Strange Noises from Your Breaker Box

A slight “buzzing” sound from your breaker box is normal and considered safe. However, any “popping” or “crackling” coming from the breaker box should be noted and reported. These sounds may indicate arcing within the breaker and should be addressed as soon as possible by a qualified electrician.

Our experts at Morrison Plumbing will diagnose the problem and, if necessary, recommend an electrical panel upgrade. Your family’s safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we know you want to ensure everything is in working order, regardless of the solution. You can’t put a price on the safety of your home and your loved ones.

Breakers Keep Tripping Repeatedly
Breakers can trip for a variety of reasons, such as issues with your home’s electrical panel, faulty wiring, or a faulty breaker. After you’ve exhausted all simple fixes, and especially if you notice burn marks or rust on the breaker, it is likely time to replace the electrical panel and invest in an upgrade. Morrison Plumbing is always available to our valued customers to provide whatever services they need to keep their homes safe.

Burning Smell Coming from the Breaker Box
A burning odor is never a good sign with anything electrical. It could be a sign of serious and dangerous problems with the breaker box and your entire electrical system. If you smell burning coming from your breaker box, contact a reputable contractor for a safe and timely inspection. A burning odor coming from the breaker box could indicate melted wires and scorch marks, which are another significant concern.

Melted Wires or Scorch Marks

A burning odor indicates heat, and heat indicates melting and scorching. Heat from faulty breakers or old electrical wiring can melt the shielding on the wiring. Exposed wires have the potential to scorch the metal and plastic inside the breaker box. These conditions can easily cause the electricity to arc, resulting in the start of a fire. As a homeowner, you want to avoid an accidental fire in your home at all costs, so be on the lookout for the following:

Burns or scorching on the breaker
Burns or scorching on the electrical panel
Melted insulation or burns on wires

Our electricians are trained to work safely and effectively to resolve these issues and restore your panel’s functionality. Call our team today at (618) 408-1597.

Your Home is More Than 20 Years Old

While having an older home may not necessitate an electrical panel upgrade if you have improved your current device, having an electrician inspect it is still a good idea.

These inspections ensure that your electrical system is up to code and will reveal what (if any) improvements are needed, especially if you are planning a remodel or installing new appliances. For an electrical safety inspection, contact our experts.

Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade

While adding safety and modernity to your home are obvious reasons to upgrade your electrical panel, other advantages of an electrical panel upgrade help add value to your home.

Safety—Upgrading your electrical hardware reduces the risk of fire and electrical shock in your home.
Increased Power—Having a new electrical panel that can handle your power needs increases the value of your property and the sell-ability of your home. It is important to plan for the future and ensure all of your power needs are met for whatever your home requires!
Improves the energy efficiency of your home—When compared to an electrical panel upgrade, older electrical panels consume more energy. Less energy consumption directly translates to more money in your pocket over time.
Lower Maintenance Costs—Electrical maintenance ensures that you will pay less for repairs and replacements in the future. An upgrade to your home’s electrical panel will reduce the amount of maintenance required and the cost of repairs.
Lower Insurance Premiums—A home with an up-to-date electrical panel and system that meets electrical code can reduce the amount you pay in homeowner’s insurance premiums. The increased safety of your home as a result of an electrical panel upgrade will have a direct impact on liability.

Contact Morrison Plumbing for Electrical Panel Upgrades

It can be difficult to determine when it is time to upgrade your electrical panel. Electricians are dedicated to keeping your home safe. If you have any doubts about the safety of your home’s electrical system, don’t try to figure it out on your own. Instead, have your current home electrical panel inspected and get a professional opinion and recommendation.

You must be confident that your home is secure and that the electrical system is up to code. When you call Morrison Plumbing for an electrical panel upgrade, we will be ready to assist you. We keep our electricians up to date on the latest industry advancements, improvements, and technologies. This allows us to provide you and your home with the best service possible!

Contact our expert team and make an appointment with Morrison Plumbing in Maryville, IL, today. Allow us to assist you at every stage of your electrical panel upgrade.