Common Types of Water Heater Leaks

May 17th, 2013 by Gary Bell

The water heater in your home is a huge part of your daily life. You use it to do laundry, clean dishes, takes showers and much more. Any piece of equipment that uses that much water will inevitably start to leak water. Call the Denver water heater repair professionals at Bell Plumbing & Heating today to talk with one of our expert plumbers. We have years of experience fixing all different kinds of water heaters and wanted to put together some of the most common leaks that we see.

Valves and Gaskets

There are many pipes going into and out of your water heater. There are seals and gaskets making sure that the water does leak out. But eventually, those rubber gaskets and valves can break down and wear out. This will allow water to leak out of your water heater. If you notice any puddles of water underneath your water heater, the Denver water heater repair pros at Bell Plumbing & Heating will make sure that it gets fixed fast.

The Water Heater Tank

Over time, the water tank can start to leak. One of the most common causes of tank leaks is too much pressure. Rust is another common cause of water heater tank leaks and often requires that you replace your water heater.

The Dip Tube

The dip tube in your water heater stretches from the top of the tank down to the bottom and carries cold water to the base of the tank where it is heated. If the dip tube comes loose it will mean that your home doesn’t get as much hot water as it needs. This leak is harder to detect because it is inside the tank itself. But if you start to notice that you aren’t getting as much hot water has you used to it could be an indication that the dip tub has come loose.

For all your Denver water heater services call the experts at Bell Plumbing & Heating.

Denver Air Conditioning Repair: Common Services

May 9th, 2013 by Gary Bell

As summer approaches Denver, you are probably wondering whether your AC is ready for another summer. Perhaps there were some strange sounds coming from your outdoor unit at the end of the last cooling season that didn’t quite get fixed, or your AC is at the end of its service life. Whatever your reason for needing professional service, it’s critical that you hire a reputable, knowledgeable, and certified technician to perform all work. We’d like to share with your some common Denver air conditioning repairs. Call Bell Plumbing & Heating today for exceptional services!

  • Overheated compressor. All air conditioners rely on the refrigerant cycle to remove warm indoor air and send cooled air through your ductwork (or directly into your home if you have a ductless system). But if there is an airflow problem in the ductwork, or if your system components have accumulated significant amounts of dust and debris, then your compressor may be at risk of overheating. As the engine of the circulating refrigerant, the compressor is responsible for moving that pressurized refrigerant through the coils, but it will not work effectively if it cannot cool down.
  • Frozen evaporator coil. Another problem of airflow can lead to a frozen evaporator coil. Your evaporator sits inside the indoor unit and as cool liquid refrigerant passes through its coils, it cools the air extracted from within your living space, absorbing heat in the process. However, if this cooled air cannot then be quickly distributed throughout your home, then it may lead to the coil frosting over.
  • Low refrigerant. As you probably know already, your AC has a certain amount of refrigerant within it known as its “charge.” The right level of refrigerant is necessary to the cooling cycle. However, over the course of its operation, your AC’s refrigerant level may drop due to leaking. Even the small micro-puncture can lead to a significant decrease in efficiency and performance.

Make sure your home is ready for comfort before the summer heat begins. For comprehensive Denver air conditioning repair services, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

How to Tell If You Need Sewer Line Replacement

April 30th, 2013 by Gary Bell

The sewer lines in your home are likely buried deep under your property which makes it difficult to tell if they are leaking or cracked. The Denver, CO sewer line replacement professionals at Bell Plumbing and Heating can help you with any sewer issues that you’re having. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most common signs that could indicate that you need sewer line replacement.

Common Signs of Sewer Line Problems

For all your Denver, CO sewer line replacement make sure that you call the technicians at Bell Plumbing and Heating. We know how important it is for you to keep your sewer lines working well. Keep an eye out for any of these signs that could indicate that your sewer line is having problems.

  • Soggy or raised patches of ground – If you see any patches of ground that are soggy or raised it could mean that you have a leaking sewer line underneath. Depending on the soil composition on your property water could cause the ground to expand and raise or to absorb it and get soggy.
  • Sewage odors – If you smell sewage on your property make sure that you call for Denver, CO sewer line replacement right away. This could mean that your sewer line is cracked and leaking.
  • Multiple drain problems – If you have several of your drains stopped up at once it might mean that you have a problem with your sewer line. All of your drains feed into your one main sewer line. So any problems you’re having with that could mean that multiple drains are impacted.

If you suspect that you need to have your sewer line replaced call the Denver plumbing experts at Bell Plumbing and Heating.

Benefits of Using Good Plumbing Supplies

April 22nd, 2013 by Gary Bell

Everyone remembers the old saying “you get what you pay for.” While there is no reason to believe that the most expensive option is necessarily the best one, or that you should always be wary of a bargain, it is true that you must invest in good plumbing supplies if you want the final outcome of a do it yourself plumbing project to be of high quality. At Bell Plumbing & Heating, we understand the importance of using quality plumbing supplies and that’s why you’ll find what you need at our Denver plumbing supply and showroom! We also do not expect our customers to just take our word for it. Drop by our product showroom any time to see the incredible variety of products available to you.

One of the most obvious reasons that it is important to use high quality plumbing supplies is to protect the condition of your home. There is a reason that we do not use the same materials for every application. Certain materials hold up better than others under certain types of usage and stress. A water line from 100 years ago will not likely be replaced with one of the same material. While using cheaper materials or whatever piping happens to be on hand may be easier and save you some money initially, that initial thrift can be offset by costly water damages. In instances where poor quality materials are used in a gas water heater installation, for instance, doing so may even put your safety at risk.

While using good plumbing materials is important to maintain the integrity of your system and to protect your convenience and safety, it is also important from an aesthetic standpoint. If you buy cheap, low quality faucets or fixtures, for instance, you may wind up spending the money to replace them before long. No one wants to look at tarnished faucets or cracked and chipped fixtures in their bathroom, after all. When you invest in great Denver plumbing supplies, you can operate your system with confidence and enjoy visual characteristics of exposed plumbing components as well.

To learn more about the right plumbing supplies for your DIY plumbing project, give us a call or stop by the Bell Plumbing & Heating showroom. No matter what you purchase from us, you can be sure that it lives up to our high standards. Match the quality of your plumbing supplies with the outstanding quality of the services our professional plumbers offer.

Denver Water Heaters: How Hard Water Can Damage Your Hot Water Heater

April 15th, 2013 by Gary Bell

If your home has hard water it means that there are excess minerals in your water supply. While this is pretty much harmless for you to drink it can cause huge damage for your home’s appliances—especially your water heater. Call the Denver water heater repair, installation and maintenance experts at Bell Plumbing & Heating. We have over 85 years of experience working with all different types and brands of water heaters. We’ve seen huge damage caused by hard water and wanted to put together some of the most common issues that can be caused by hard water.

Not Enough Hot Water

Calcium and magnesium are normally the minerals that are found in hard water. Over time they can start to build up and deposit themselves on the bottom of your water heater. When that happens it can keep the heat from actually getting to the water in your water heater’s tank. The Denver water heater experts at Bell Plumbing and Heating can help you clean out those deposits and sediments to get your water heater back up and working.

With tankless water heaters the problem can be slightly different. The minerals can build up in the pipes and restrict the flow of water going out into your home. This can lead to low hot water pressure and not enough hot water.

Water Heater Sounds

It may sound strange but if your water heater has started making strange noises it could be that there is mineral build-up inside the pipes. This build-up can lead to a whining to squealing sound when you run your hot water. The Denver water heater repair experts at can help you fix that problem.

No matter what kind of water heater problem you’re having, just call the friendly Denver water heater professionals at Bell Plumbing & Heating. If you have water heater leaks or if your hot water is rust-colored we’ll be able to help you fix the problem.

Common Tankless Water Heater Repairs in Denver

April 8th, 2013 by Gary Bell

If you’ve already taken advantage of the high energy-efficiency, economic size, virtually limitless hot water, and improved lifespan of the tankless water heater, then you’re well on your way to enjoying comfort and convenience throughout the year. Like all mechanical systems, however, your tankless water heater may eventually require repair in order to operate properly. Even if you’ve been diligent with maintenance in the past, sometimes problems are unavoidable. We’d like to go over a few of the most common tankless water heater repairs, so that you know what to look for. For comprehensive Denver plumbing services, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Corrosion. Corrosion is the enemy of any water heater system, and though the lack of storage tank greatly improves the chances of avoiding corrosion, it can still be a problem for tankless water heaters. While your system is made out of highly resistant materials, it can nevertheless corrode over time. One of the common causes of corrosion is when condensation builds up within the system and drips on the burner.
  • Mineral deposits. More than 85% of America has hard water, which means it has high levels of calcium and magnesium, as well as other trace minerals. While it’s not harmful to drink, it does tend to harm your home plumbing, including the tankless water heater. Your system is a finely tuned machine and even the slightest accumulation of mineral deposits can severely impact the effectiveness and efficiency of your hot water. Consider installing an electronic descaler to ensure that you avoid mineral deposits.
  • Overload. While your system should be properly sized in order to meet whatever hot water needs you may have, if this is not the case, then your system can constantly overload. If you run your dishwasher and take a hot shower at the same time, the computer of your tankless water heater may simply shut down. If that’s the case, consider supplementing your system with another tankless water heater, or pursue other options under the advisement of a plumber.

We hope you found this brief list helpful. Make sure that you call a professional plumber for all water heater repairs. For Denver plumbing repair, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

Denver Emergency Plumber: What do I do in a Plumbing Emergency?

April 1st, 2013 by Gary Bell

Every homeowner should keep the number of a trusted and reliable plumber in a safe place. You never know when a pipe may burst, or when a clogged fixture may overflow. Even home plumbing that is professionally installed will eventually require repair of some kind. There is no material that is permanently impervious to the fluctuating temperatures of water. While we hope that plumbing repairs occur during business hours, that’s not always the case. When problems with your water supply or wastewater occur afterhours, you need a dependable and expedited service. For Denver emergency plumbing, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

The key requirement of an emergency plumber is not only reliability and speed, but also quality. After an after-hours disruption to your living space, the last thing you want to take care of is additional unnecessary repairs. With that mind, here are some reasons why you might need an emergency plumber in Denver:

  • Water damage. Most leaks are often slow and small, the result of years of decay and loosening. They slowly stain the walls or floors of your home, and may lead to mildew and mold growth. But violent and large volume floods can also occur. The piping surrounding your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher is all susceptible to wear and tear over time, as well as the piping underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Water around these years can take a toll on the surrounding surfaces, and can even damage your personal belongings.
  • Major drain blockage. While most homeowners are familiar with the use of a plunger to deal with minor clogs, major drain blockages can cause serious problems. When the blockage is deep within the drainage system, only a professional plumber will be able to diagnose where it is and clear it properly, and without damage to your plumbing. When left alone, drains can backflow problems and system imbalances.

Know who to call before a problem begins. Consider a reputable plumber with emergency services to make sure that he’s ready to go to work when you need him most. For Denver emergency plumbing, call the professionals at Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

Benefits of Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling in Denver

April 1st, 2013 by Gary Bell

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is an excellent way to invest in the future of your home comfort. As the centerpiece of your home, your kitchen is not only where you cook, but also where you entertain family and friends—it’s where the members of the household gather together over food and drink. Your bathroom is similarly practical, but it can also be adjusted and upgraded into a luxurious spa, so that you can treat yourself without leaving the comfort of your home. These are probably the two most important rooms in the home, and they are often remodeled. For kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Denver, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

Here are some of the major benefits to a remodeling project.

  • Comfort. Increasing the comfort of your home space is critical to ensuring a happy home. After a long day at work, coming home to a beautiful kitchen in which to cook or a relaxing bath is a great way to unwind. We spend most of our time indoors, and should make sure they are up to our standards. If you like to cook, new appliances, countertops, and cabinetry allow you to cook high quality meals in style.
  • Efficiency. While we cannot control the energy costs associated with running our homes, we can control how we use that energy in the home. Remodeling is a great opportunity to upgrade to high-efficiency devices. Low-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and showerheads are excellent ways to cut your energy and water bills. They also reduce your impact on the environment.
  • Add space. Remodeling is the best way to add space where you need it most. Rearranging or reinventing the layout of your kitchen or bathroom can often dramatically increase the available space. Expanding the layout of your bathroom can often give you some great options for a new shower or bathtub, tiling or flooring, or even that custom kitchen sink you’ve always wanted.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling are often major projects. Because of this, it’s imperative that you hire a professional contractor, one whose fairness and reliability precedes him. For comprehensive remodeling in Denver, call Bell Plumbing & Heating today!

Denver Drain Repair: How Hard Water Can Affect Your Drains

March 25th, 2013 by Gary Bell

If your home has hard water it can impact your home in a number of significant ways. IN addition to soap scum and limescale, hard water can actually cause some problems for your drains. Here at Bell Plumbing & Heating, we provide complete Denver drain repair including cleaning and clog removal. We’ve been in the plumbing business for a long time and wanted to share some of our thoughts about how hard water can affect your drains. Give us a call today to talk with one of our Denver plumbers about your drain issues.

What is Hard Water?

For those who may not be aware of what hard water is, it’s basically water that has excess minerals in it. Much of the water that we get from our utility company is groundwater that has to travel through many different kinds of rocks and minerals in order to get to the treatment plant. While your water company does purify and clean the water, there are a couple common minerals that can remain. Most often, hard water is comprised of calcium and sometimes magnesium.

Common Denver CO Drain Damage from Hard Water

Limescale is probably the biggest problem for drains that has to do with hard water. Limescale refers to the actual mineral deposits that occur from hard water. If you’ve ever taken your dishes out of the washer and found them covered with a chalky, white dust then that’s limescale. Limescale can also get deposited in your drains—especially in your dishwasher and laundry drains. This can lead to poor performance and can also eventually lead to you need to replace your drains or have them cleaned out.

For all your Denver, CO drain repair or replacement, contact Bell Plumbing & Heating.

Building Customer Satisfaction and Trust

March 20th, 2013 by Gary Bell

We are always thankful to hear praise from our wonderful customers, but these two reviews really portray the high value that our team places on customer service. We want to give a big thanks to our team and to our wonderful customers!

“Bell Plumbing and Heating sent Bill Pataluna to our home to check on our low water pressure and our sump pump.  We had sold the house and were attending to items on the inspector’s “to do” list.  Bill arrived on time, calling ahead to give us his estimate time of arrival.  He quickly determined that the water pressure valve needed to be replaced (and did so), and also replaced the sump pump after making sure that was not merely an electrical problem.  He answered all of our questions related to plumbing to our satisfaction.  He was also very detail oriented in explaining to us the charges.  We are highly satisfied with his service and the experience. We will call Bell Plumbing and Heating the next time we need their services.”

-Barbara M.

 

“From the foot covers at the front door to the friendly conversation while he determined the problem and solution, Tyler eased my anxiety about the leaky pipe in my basement.  He worked quickly and offered some good suggestions for other work I’m considering.  I have FINALLY found a plumbing and heating service that I know I can count on.”

-Debi D.

Denver Plumber Top Customer Service