a.k.a. “How to Jump-Start an Overdue Basement Makeover”

Note: Janet Murphy is the monthly blog writer for Allied Reddi Rooter. After years of writing about water heater replacements, she finally has one of her own. Below is her blog-a-monial.

Sunday, October 8, 2017
11:47 am
• Notice water leaking from under the water heater tank.
• Verify the pilot light is still lit (it is.
• Clear a path on the basement floor, so the water leaks into the basement floor drain.

12:22 pm
• Google “cost of new water heater”
• Identify worse-case scenarios:
• The tank can “let go” and dump 40 gallons of water onto the basement floor. Uggggh.
• The pilot light can go out, creating a gas leak.
• Call a family meeting to show the kids how to locate/use the gas line shutoff valve (in case the leak causes the pilot light goes out).

1:30 pm – 11:00 pm
• Recheck leak – still leaking.
• Identify best-case scenarios:
• We get a plumber first thing Monday morning.
• Our 20+ year old water heater will be replaced.
• This is the beginning of basement makeover.
———
Monday, Oct 9
8:30 am
Called Allied Reddi-Rooter. In accordance with their policy, they scheduled an appointment for arrival between 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

9:20 am
Jason from ARR arrived, made an assessment and suggested a like-for-like water heater replacement, for about $1,000 – about what we anticipated, cost-wise.

9:30 am
Discuss alternatives/consult further with Jason. When our water heater failed, it created two home improvement opportunities:

1. Our old water heater was venting through an old chimney. Over the years, the moisture from the water heater vent caused flu collapse and crystallization in the chimney brickwork. Over time, the crystallization
began leaking into the interior walls, under the paint, causing blistering. To address the issue, we chose to install a ‘power vent’ water heater, that vents directly outside, through a hole in the foundation wall.

2. By choosing a power vent model of water heater, we needed to change the water heater location, which allowed us to re-configure our washer dryer setup. Goal: Swap the placement of the dryer and the water heater, which will get the washer and dryer side-by-side.

3. After conferring with Jason, we landed on the plan illustrated in the picture below.

10:00 am
Jason provides detailed estimate, including the 10% off coupon from the website. The cost of our project doubled – which we were prepared to hear — but it provided a much-needed jump start to an overdue “old house basement” makeover.

10:05 am
We agreed to the estimate, Jason ordered the new water heater and materials and left with a promise to begin work early the next day.

Tuesday, Oct 10, 2017
8:15 am
Jason returning to complete the job (an all-day affair – this was a big job).

5:15 pm
Jason completed the installation, tested the new water heater, cemented the new power vent into the foundation wall quite nicely, and cleaned up his work area.

At the end of the job, the invoice matched the estimate, including the 10% discount from the Web. Jason did what he said he would do, and he did it professionally. We could not be happier with the results.

We can’t thank our customers enough for their trust… Well, maybe we can thank you a little more though. Going on through November 22, 2017, when you hire Allied for any plumbing repair, you will receive a $25 Kroger Gift Card (just in time for Thanksgiving).

It’s simple to get your gift card > Call Allied: 513-396-5300 > Get an instant quote > Hire Allied because of our great low price and quality work > Important: Be sure to mention the $25 Kroger Gift Card offer when you call.

Your card will then artrive via mail 2-3 days after our work is complete. That’s Allied Easy!

Few things are better than a hot shower on a cold morning. As we head into the cooler months, a little water heater maintenance can go far to keep your hot water flowing. Note: The information below only applies to standard, tank-style water heaters. If you have a tankless water heater, contact a qualified professional for maintenance tips.

A mini-flush clears away the crud
Over time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. By performing a “mini-flush,” you can remove standing sediment and improve the heater’s efficiency. Mini-flushes are fairly easy and don’t require you to shut down the water heater (which is needed for a full flush). Mini-flushes can be completed while the water heater is running.

NOTE: You will need a 3-5 gallon plastic bucket, perhaps a sturdy screwdriver, and potentially, good work gloves.
CAUTION: Water coming out of the water heater is HOT. Take care not to get burned.

1. Turn off the power to the water heater.
2. Locate the water heater drain valve (near the bottom of the tank).
3. Turn the drain valve counter-clockwise, either by hand or by using the screwdriver.
4. Fill the bucket
5. Close the valve.
6. Carefully, empty the bucket.
7. Turn the power back on.

If you notice a large amount of sediment in the bucket, a full-flush and a heater inspection may be needed, especially if the tank is over 10 years old.

One more thing…check the TPR valve
After completing the mini-flush, consider doing a quick inspection of the heater’s temperature-and-pressure-relief (TPR) valve. The TPR valve is critical to the safe functioning of your water heater. The experts at heatinghelp.com suggest this approach for testing the valve:
“Lift up the lever for a few seconds, release it and let it snap back to place. If you hear a gurgling noise coming from the pipes, the water is escaping into the drain tube and the valve is working. If the sound does not occur, however, you may need to have a professional examine the valve and replace it if necessary.”

Water You Waiting For? The professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter are “reddi” to assist with all your hot water heater needs. From installing one you’ve purchased elsewhere or ordering/installing one for you, our guys will make sure your hot water is flowing and steamy. Call Ray today for a free quote or consultation. 513.396-5300.