Exploding Water Heaters

If you need a water heater installed, it's important to make sure that the plumber doing the work is fully licensed.  Most states, including New Mexico, require a Journeyman Plumbing and Gas license for all water heater repairs and installations.  Always ask your plumber to see their license before they repair or install any gas or electric water heaters, or for that matter, any plumbing in your home at all. Licensed plumbers have a plastic license, similar to a drivers' license with their name and qualifications issued by the State.  If they don't have this on their person, they might not be qualified to do the work.  Be aware that some businesses do send unlicensed apprentices to do this type of work - it saves businesses money, but it puts you at risk and it's illegal.  

A professional water heater installation may seem expensive, but resist the cheap options such as trying to install one yourself or paying an unlicensed handyman.  Keep in mind that when you pay for a licensed plumber, you are getting a professional who will ensure all aspects of the job are up to code for your safety.  Not to mention that professionals have access to higher quality water heater tanks than you can find in "big box" stores, and they usually offer a warranty or guarantee of some type on the work they do. It's worth the cost of paying someone who knows what they're doing when you consider what an improperly installed water heater can do. 

In fact, here is a local Albuquerque story from 1951.  A boy was killed in the KiMo theater and seven people were injured when a water heater exploded.  Local Albuquerque legend has it that the unfortunate boy actually haunts the theater to this day.

For an even more jarring look at what sort of damage a water heater can do, check out this MythBusters Video!

MythBusters is a fun show, but in reality, exploding water heaters are a real danger to be aware of.  In fact, here's a story of one exploding in Phoenix just a couple of years ago.  It was really lucky that nobody got hurt.

If you have an improperly installed water heater in your home, you are literally sitting on a ticking time bomb.  If you're in the greater Albuquerque area, Wilson Waterworks will gladly send a licensed plumber to give you a free safety inspection on your water heater, plumbing, heating and cooling systems.

Visit our website to learn more about Wilson Waterworks Professional Plumbers

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Visit our Water Heater page 

Spring & Summer Plumbing Tips

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Spring or summer is the ideal time to perform certain plumbing, HVAC or general improvements you’ve been hoping to make to your home.  Now is the best time to install a new furnace, work on plumbing in the exterior walls, make improvements to your sprinkler system, replace your yard line or do a remodel.  It’s best to avoid doing these projects in the freezing months that could expose your plumbing system to the elements while the project is in progress. 

    

Spring and summer is also the perfect time to make improvements that may be able to bring relief to your seasonal allergies.  Converting to a closed air system with HEPA filtration can not only reduce the temperature, but can also reduce the allergens in your home.  If you have severe allergies, one change you might consider is to remove your carpet and replace it with tile.   

Due to new swamp cooler designs, getting cooler air can be more affordable.  The cooling ability of the new designs can be four times that of a more traditional unit.  If you’re not happy with the comfort level in your home, ask your HVAC technician about different models of swamp coolers.  Upgrading your swamp cooler might be a more practical and cost efficient solution than an entire conversion to refrigerated air. 

Another springtime improvement you can make is setting your sprinklers to come on before the sun comes up. This can cut your water use significantly (not to mention it makes you feel like you already finished a chore before you even got up).  Also, remember that you don’t actually have to water your lawn every day in most locations. Many communities have watering restrictions and guidelines that you should follow.  Speaking of your lawn, don’t ignore an unexplainable overly green spot in the grass.  This could mean you have a leak in your plumbing or sprinkler system.

Spring and summer always end up being some of the busiest times of the year, but if you make some time to make improvements to your home now, you won’t regret it (and neither will your pocketbook). If you’re in the Albuquerque area and interested in making any of these improvements to your home, feel free to learn about Wilson Waterworks Courteous Plumbers or give us a call.