When Should Homeowners Get an Electrical Panel Replacement?

Signs a Home Needs a New Electrical Panel

Electricity is essential to daily life but can be dangerous if used improperly. The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system, so if it has a problem, the whole house has a problem, and electrical hazards can occur. This blog post will explain some signs that indicate an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded.

Fuse Box

Though people occasionally use fuse boxes and electrical panels interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two. Fuse boxes are an older technology that stopped being installed in new homes around the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced by electrical panels.

So, if a home still has a fuse box, it is likely outdated and needs to be replaced with an electrical panel. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers that can be reset when a circuit breaker trips. However, fuse boxes contain fuses that can only be used once and must be replaced when a blown fuse occurs.

It’s Damaged or Old

A damaged, corroded, or older electrical panel can be a problem, leading to electrical hazards, and should also be replaced. They typically have a lifespan of around 25 to 40 years, so if a home’s panel is within or exceeds that range, it should be inspected by an electrician to see if it needs replacing.

If the electrical panel is damaged or shows signs of rust and corrosion, it’s another signal an electrical panel replacement is necessary. These issues can affect the panel’s safety and the safety of the electrical system since a damaged, rusted, or corroded panel can be a fire hazard.

Circuit Breakers Trip Regularly

If a homeowner frequently has to reset the breakers in their electrical panel, then an electrician should be called to inspect the system and determine the best solution, whether the panel is outdated and needs replacing, outdated wiring that needs to be updated, or there is a circuit overload, often due to the addition of appliances.

If the household’s energy consumption is too high, causing overloaded circuits, an electrical panel upgrade may be needed to add a new circuit to provide the proper energy supply for the household’s needs. Homeowners should have their electrical systems evaluated by a professional when circuit breakers trip often to ensure the correct solution is implemented.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving the Wenatchee area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and same-day service. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Wenatchee, WA.

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Easy Ways for Homeowners to Identify Water Leaks

How to Detect Leaks So a Plumber Can Be Called for Repair

Water leaks and burst pipes can cause massive headaches for property owners, including repair and water costs, water damage, major cleanups, and more. Fortunately, there are several ways for homeowners to catch leaks, so a plumber can be called to detect and repair them quickly. This article will offer guidance to help homeowners promptly identify water leaks, including signs to watch for, high water bills, and a running water meter.

Symptoms of a Leak

There are several signs homeowners might notice that can alert them to a leak in their homes. While standing water and puddles in or outside the home are obvious signs, property owners should also look for evidence of mold or mildew growth, water stains or wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, and low water pressure from plumbing fixtures.

Property owners should also pay attention to the sounds of running water when the plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances are not being used, as this is another sign of a leak. Water damage like damaged floors, sagging ceilings, and paint or wallpaper that begins to peel also point to a leak.

Higher Than Usual Water Bills

In addition to the previously mentioned signs of water leaks, homeowners should also watch their water bills. If a household’s water bills increase without an obvious increase in the household’s water usage, it can indicate a leak in the plumbing system that is wasting water.

If there’s a leak, there will be an increase in the home’s water usage, which results in higher water costs, alerting property owners that they should schedule plumbing repair as soon as possible to have experts locate the leak and fix it before further water damage and high water costs occur.

Running Water Meter When Water Isn’t Being Used

Homeowners can also check their water meters to determine if there is a leak. To begin, ensure all water inside and outside the home is turned off, including fixtures, appliances, and irrigation systems. Next, record the reading on the water meter, then wait 1-2 hours without using any water, and check the meter again. If the reading has changed, this indicates a potential leak.

Many water meters also have a leak indicator to help homeowners identify a water leak. The leak indicator on the meter is typically a small triangular dial or silver wheel, which moves as water flows through the meter. If the leak indicator is turning while all water is off, this confirms a leak that needs to be addressed. Scheduling water leak detection and repair services at the first signs of an issue can help homeowners limit the damage and costs associated with a leak.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee, WA, and the surrounding areas. They provide comprehensive diagnosis, trustworthy recommendations, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for burst pipe and leak repair in Wenatchee, WA.

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Plumbing 101 for Homeowners

Plumbing System Basics Households Need to Know

While many homeowners might think they know about their plumbing system, they might not know as much as they need to. They use their plumbing fixtures daily, like their faucets and shower heads, but they might not know how to recognize the signs of plumbing problems that can lead to significant water damage, high water bills, and plumbing emergencies.

To avoid these problems, plumbers recommend that homeowners understand some information about their plumbing, like how to identify problems in their plumbing system, how they can save on water costs, and why it’s essential to schedule plumbing maintenance services.

Save Water With Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets are essential to households. Family members use these fixtures daily and rely on them for hygiene. However, these fixtures can result in wasted water and increased water bills if they start to leak. Any leaks should be fixed quickly to save money, but there is more that can be done to save on water costs.

Homeowners can save on their water use by replacing their old and inefficient plumbing fixtures with new, water-efficient fixtures. Some of these water-saving devices include:

Low-flow, water-saving toilets come in many different varieties, but all use less water per flush than standard toilets.
Dual-flush toilets save water by providing two different flushing options depending on whether the waste is liquid or solid to conserve water.
Water-saving, low-flow showerheads use less water while still providing comfortable water pressure.
Faucet aerators are installed in faucets to mix air with the water to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure.

Signs Indicating a Plumbing Problem

Plumbing problems can result in significant water damage, high utility bills, and costly repairs for households. From clogs and leaks to malfunctioning water heaters, many issues can occur in plumbing systems, and it’s important for homeowners to catch them early to mitigate their effects.

Some common symptoms that can indicate a problem with the plumbing include:

Visible leaks, puddles of water, or water damage signal a leak in the plumbing
A spike in the water bills can point to a leak somewhere in the plumbing system
Slow-draining sinks or bathtubs can indicate a clog or blockage
Clogged toilets can indicate a blockage in the toilet trap or in the sewer line
Low water pressure can be due to a blockage or a leak
Foul odors from the drains or toilets can indicate an issue with the sewer line
Running toilets can be due to a faulty flapper valve
Discolored water can indicate there is corrosion or rust in the pipes or water heater

The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance

One crucial thing for homeowners to remember is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance services. These visits can help plumbers identify and repair minor issues before they get larger, helping households avoid plumbing emergencies. Maintenance can also save homeowners money and extend the life expectancy of their plumbing.

During maintenance appointments, plumbers will perform an inspection of the system, including performing the following tasks:

Inspect the faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures for damage, leaks, or dripping.
Examine the sink, shower, and bathtub drains for clogs. If any blockages are present, plumbers will remove the buildup.
Check the water pressure coming from the plumbing fixtures.
Inspect the pipes for signs of leaks or damage.
Examine the water heater to ensure it’s operating correctly, and check for signs of corrosion.
Drain and flush the water heater and check the anode rod.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer fast, tidy service, comprehensive diagnosis, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Wenatchee, WA.