Last updated 1 month ago
There is nothing quite as relaxing as taking a long, hot shower, but this may not be possible if your water heater is not functioning properly. The average water heater can be expected to last for about 11-14 years, but it will not work at full capacity for this time span without some general maintenance. These are some of the issues that may arise if maintenance is not performed for your home’s water heater.
Sediment buildup
If you hear strange noises such as clicking or whistling coming from your water heater, it probably needs to be flushed and cleaned. Noises of this nature are typically the result of excess sediment collecting on the heating element of the appliance and causing the water to boil.
Bacterial infections
Water is an environment that welcomes bacteria, so it is important to take steps to prevent harmful bacteria from taking residence in your water heater. Contaminated water can be identified through funky odors indicating that it is time to replace your heater’s anode rod after a thorough cleaning.
Production of rusty water
The anode rod in the water heater is meant to slowly dissolve to keep rust from accumulating in the water heater tank. Once this rod is fully dissolved, water can come out of the tap appearing red or brown in color. Replacing the rod as recommended by your water heater’s manufacturer should prevent this issue entirely.
Leaking water
Corrosion of valves in the tank or the tank itself can cause water to leak from your water heater. Proper maintenance can keep all parts of the tank in better working condition to prevent corrosion, but existing holes in the tank could require replacement of the whole unit.
If you want to learn more about the issues that may arise in your home without regular maintenance for your home’s heating appliances, visit Colonial Home Warranty through our website. You can also explore our budget-friendly warranty packages by giving us a call today at (888) 481-3941.
Last updated 1 month ago
If you have a septic system in your home, monitoring water and appliance usage is particularly vital for the maintenance of your whole house. The products you use in your kitchen and bathroom and the habits you have for using water can all impact your septic system, so you should follow the tips in this video.
One step that is recommended for septic tank owners is the use of all-natural cleaning products that will not cause buildup or contamination in your septic system. Bleach and antibacterial cleansers can compromise the quality of the water that comes through your tap, which means that you will want to limit the use of these products fairly strictly.
With Colonial Home Warranty, you can feel comfortable knowing that repairs and maintenance for your septic system can be covered in a warranty package that is tailored to your needs as a homeowner. You can learn more about what home warranties have to offer by visiting us online or by calling us at (888) 481-3941.
Last updated 1 month ago
Garbage disposal units are convenient clean-up solutions in the kitchen, but they are not intended to dispose of all types of food that might end up in the sink. If you do use your garbage disposal as an all-purpose food waste solution, you might damage the unit itself as well as the pipes and sewer line connecting to your home. Here are some of the foods you should keep away from your garbage disposal to reduce chances of incurring a costly home repair down the road.
Grease and Oil
Grease, oil, and other types of fat may be in liquid form when you pour them down the drain, but they can solidify and cause serious clogs. Not only is this problematic for the efficiency of your home’s drains, but it is not environmentally safe.
Starchy Foods
Potato peels, pasta, and rice should all be kept away from the garbage disposal, because these foods can easily get stuck on the blades of the disposal unit and cause clogs. Pasta and rice are also highly absorbent, so they will continue to expand as they collect more water while sitting in the drain and lead to clogs later on.
Fruit Pits
If you frequently enjoy apricots, peaches, avocados, or any other fruit with a strong pit at the center, you may want to consider composting in your home. This is an eco-friendly alternative to throwing these pits into the garbage disposal, where they might do some serious damage to the moving parts within the unit.
Fibrous Vegetables
Stringy or fibrous vegetables such as celery, artichokes, and lettuce may seem relatively harmless to the garbage disposal, but they are actually common sources for clogs. The stringy remnants of these veggies can become wrapped around the blades in the garbage disposal and block the flow of water down the drain.
If you are in search of more tips to keep your home and its appliances running efficiently, contact Colonial Home Warranty by visiting our website today. You can also learn how a home warranty may increase the value of your home by speaking with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives at (888) 481-3941.
Last updated 1 month ago
If you are looking for ways to make your home run more efficiently, Colonial Home Warranty can help you tap into the tools at your disposal—including affordable home warranty packages to make maintenance easy and budget-friendly. Contact us online or by calling (888) 481-3941, and be sure to read through the articles below for some everyday tips on maintaining your home.
Are you unsure where to begin when choosing window treatments to keep your home cooler? Then follow these simple steps from HGTV to get started.
This article from EnergyStar.gov explores the potential energy savings that a new air conditioner could yield for your home.
SFGate.com offers some simple guidelines for improving the performance of your home’s HVAC unit.
If you want to avoid damaging your drain by pouring grease down the garbage disposal, use these ideas for kitchen grease disposal from TheKitchn.com.
This slideshow from The Huffington Post will show you all of the worst foods to put in the garbage disposal.
