Santa Paula Plumbing

Prevent Clogging

Plumbing problems are thangs that everyone wants to avoid and at certain times of the year we are more prone to issues more than others. The spring time presents some challenges for your plumbing in Santa Paula. Here at Hansen’s Plumbing, we have your best interest in mind and will help in every way that we can. The best way to avoid clogs is to put a stopper over your shower and sink drains. This will catch any potentially hazardous items before they make their way down your drain and start causing problems.

Upgrade Plumbing

Water pressure is great, but it can also put some unnecessary stress on your pipes. Adding a low-flow shower head or pressure reducer can decrease the risk of pipe bursts during spring time. This is a difficult time for your plumbing in Santa Paula, and these additions will help take a little bit of the load off.  

Clean Santa Paula Sewer Lines

You don’t want to deal with sewer or drain blockages in your plumbing during a rainstorm, so it might be a good idea to get ahead. If you have municipal sewers, you should have your line snaked once a year to avoid major problems down the road. If you have a septic system, this is a great time to call Hansen’s Plumbing to have your tank pumped. This time of year just works better for all of us!

At Hansen’s Plumbing we take pride in our ability to get the job done in a timely and affordable manner in Santa Paula. We can help with drain clogs, plumbing fixtures and septic tanks so you can get everything you need in one place. If you live in the Santa Paula area, let Empire help get you ready for the spring season!

When Do You Need to Change Your Water Heater?

A deteriorating water heater isn’t an issue until you take your first icy cold shower. Now comes the big question: repair or replace? How do you know if your water heater is just acting up or burned out for good? Take a look at a few tips below to determine when you need to call Hansen’s Plumbing.

Changing your water heater is definitely something you don’t want to wait too long to do, as costly water damage can occur. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your water heater needs to be replaced.

As a rule of thumb, water heaters should be changed every 6 to 12 years. After this point it can begin having issues and start deteriorating. To avoid costly water damage, be sure to observe the signs below so you will know when to call Hansen’s Plumbing to change out your water heater.

One of the most obvious signs is when you turn on your shower and the water doesn’t get warm. Cold water is the first sign that something is wrong. If it’s an old unit, most likely you need to change it out.

Most people assume their water heater is working fine until they experience cold water. Yet, age is not the only sign that it needs to be replaced. Your water heater could be older and still work perfectly fine. It’s important to pay attention to signs that your heater is deteriorating such as leaks and a rusty color.

If your hot water is a rusty color, this is a clear warning sign that your water heater is corroding and needs to be replaced. When your tank rusts, the rust gets into the water and turns it a dirty brownish color. Yet, this also could be an issue with the public water supply or corroding iron plumbing. To test this, simply turn on the cold water. If it is the same rusty color then, most likely it’s due to an external factor.

If your tank is leaking, it’s an obvious sign that it’s time to get your water heater replaced as soon as possible to avoid water damage. Because it is usually an internal issue, it is rarely fixable and is best to replace.

If it isn’t flushed once a year, sediment builds up inside and this will eventually result in irreversible damage. When it reaches the point where water won’t drain then it can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced.

Once a year, having the heater tank flushed to remove sediment will help it last longer. Another thing to check is the anode rod. This collects corrosive elements and should be checked about every three years and replaced if needed.

Call Hansen’s Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs in California.

Shower Drain

Having a clogged shower drain can be a headache and a huge inconvenience. Wether you have a slow or a completely clogged shower drain, Hansen’s Plumbing is here to help. Don’t let harsh chemicals be your last resort as you attempt to clear your clogged shower drain. In fact, the chemicals could even be making the clog worse if they sit atop the clog. They also pose health risks to you and those around you. Especially if you’ve already dumped chemical drain cleaner down the drain, adding other liquids could cause dangerous reactions.Here is a simple natural homemade remedy.

Three easy steps to unclog a shower drain:

Unclogging a shower drain using baking soda will require baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water.

Measure one cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Immediately follow the baking soda with one cup of vinegar down the drain.
Next: Watch for a fizzing in the drain and five minutes after the fizzing stops, flush the drain with two quarts of hot water.
After: Repeat this process until the clog clears.

For a stubborn clog, try pouring a cup of baking soda and a half cup of salt down the drain and let the mixture stay in the drain overnight before flushing it down with two cups of boiling water. This should help loosen up, if not, clear that stubborn clog in your shower drain.

It’s a good idea to use this process as regular maintenance for your drains to prevent drain clogs. Perhaps the problem is worse than you thought. If you’re unsuccessful in your unclogging efforts, let the experts at Hansen’s Plumbing take the reins. Besides, if you’re not careful with your own efforts, you could end up damaging your pipes or actually make the problem worse.

Close-up of plumber hands screwing nut of pipe with wrench over plumbing tools background. Concept of repair and technical assistance.

There are some clogs that a home remedy may not be able to fix. Clogged drains that become too large for solvents can become lodged deeper in your drain than you can clear on your own. Hansen’s Plumbing has professional techniques and equipment that can get to the root of the problem in California.

Common Plumbing Problems

Research shows that homeowners, depending on the age of their home, will call a plumber once every three years for common plumbing problems! To some this may seem like a lot, but others they might get a visit from a plumber every year.
There are many different types of plumbing problems, but here at Hansen’s Plumbing, we’re always asked “is this a common problem?” Though we’ve seen a wide variety of plumbing problems from large to small, we generated a list of common plumbing problems that our technicians most commonly see in the homes they service.

List of Common Plumbing Problems

Dripping Faucets

Let’s face it, we’ve all had a dripping faucet in our home and have probably ignored it for a while! That dripping faucet not only wastes water, it wastes money on your water bill. Find out how much that drip is costing you.

Leaky Pipe Problems

While we see a lot of leaking pipes during the cold winter months, it’s also very common year-round! Most pipes will begin to leak near the joints, so keep an eye out for wet spots on the ground or ceiling. Water damage to your home can be quite costly, so leaky pipes are a necessity to fix right away.

Common Running Toilet Plumbing Problems

Did you know that a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day? That’s a lot of water waste! Call Hansen’s Plumbing to understand why this internal water leak can be costly to your home.

Low Water Pressure Plumbing

A lot of older homes will experience low water pressure, but you may be asking why? It could be time for a new shower head or you could have a hidden leak in your home. However, those are just a few of the many reasons for low water pressure.

Leaking Hose Bibb

A leaking hose bibb is very common in the spring and summer. After a long, cold winter many hose bibbs that aren’t protected can crack and begin to leak. We advise our customers invest in a frost-proof hose bibb, which can reduce the chances of having future leaks.

corrosion in piping, broken pipe from water mineral erosion

Slow Or Clogged Drains

Our expert technicians warn customers to stay away from any type of over-the-counter drain cleaner! Instead, give us a call to clear the slow or clogged drain. In the meantime, call Hansen’s plumbing for maintenance tips to keep your drains moving smoothly.

Common Sump Pump Failure

A prolonged period of heavy rain can cause your sump pump to fail.  Protect your home and belongings from common plumbing problems with Hansen’s Plumbing.

Common Water Heater Plumbing Problems

You wake up in the morning and step into the shower to feel cold water on your body — trust us, we know it’s the worst feeling! The average life of a water heater can be anywhere from eight to twelve years depending on yearly maintenance.

No matter if your plumbing problem is common or not, our expert technicians can handle anything!
To take care of your leaky faucet, clogged drain, or any other plumbing issue just give Hansen’s Plumbing a call or schedule an appointment online. We’re always here to provide you with Same Day Service, 7 Days A Week in California.

Nothing can disrupt your day like common plumbing clogs. Here at Hansens Plumbing, we’ve seen it all, from simple shower drain clogs to complete sewer line backups (yikes). We’ve rounded up some of the most common household clogs — and what you can do to prevent them.

Common Plumbing Clogs: 1. Toilet Clogs

We’ve all been here. An excess of toilet paper and, ahem, biological matter can clog pipes, especially in older plumbing systems. But sometimes, the common plumbing clogs culprit aren’t in the toilet bowl but further down in the pipes or sewer line. Clogged toilets are often a symptom of a bigger problem: clogged pipes or blocked sewer lines.
In a clogged pipe or a clogged sewer line, matter blocks the pipe. That blockage prevents the pipe or sewer line from transporting waste into the sewer system. The result? A sewer line backup that sends sewage backup through your drains. Unexplained toilet clogs are the first sign you might have a problem.
If toilet clogs are happening more frequently or you can’t pinpoint the cause of your clog, contact Hansens Plumbing. We can find and destroy trouble before it strikes — and in the case of a sewer line backup, you might not get a second warning

Common Plumbing Clogs: 2. Kitchen Sink Clogs

An overworked kitchen sink or garbage disposal are among the most common plumbing problems. Pay attention to these Kitchen sink common plumbing clogs:

• Pouring cooking oil, grease, or fat down the drain
• Dumping poultry skins (turkey, chicken) down the drain
• Throwing starchy peels and grains (potato peels, rice) down the drain
• Tossing stringy vegetables (celery, citrus fruits) down the drain
• Discarding fibrous material (coffee grinds, corn husks) down the drain
• Accidentally dropping small flatware and cooking utensils down the drain
Before you reach for liquid drain cleaners – which are often acidic and damaging to disposal lines – try these tips:
• Always have sink water running when you use the disposal.
• Before you bust out the drain cleaner, snaking a drain is the most effective solution to clearing a clog.
• Pour boiling water down your kitchen drain twice a month. This helps break down food waste.
• A combination of baking soda and hot water can add more oomph to your drain-clearing efforts.
• Don’t let clogs sit for days. Food waste will rot and eventually smell, leaving you with a stinky situation.

Common Plumbing Clogs: 3. Shower Drain Clogs

It’s no surprise that shower drain clogs make the list. Soap buildup frequently occurs in bath and shower drains (but keep an eye on sink and laundry drains too). As the soap is carried down the drain, it slowly accumulates on the walls of the pipe. Although this happens slowly, the water can back up very suddenly as the drain pipe is reduced in diameter by the buildup. On top of that, many bath products – such as salts and shower gels — are not water soluble.
Another common culprit? Hair. Your long locks can easily accumulate while showering or grooming directly over a sink. Drain plugs will help reduce the amount of hair making its way into drains, which can cut back on troublesome common plumbing clogs.

Stop Clogs in Their Tracks

What happens when common plumbing clogs just won’t unstick, even with a plunger? Rather than reaching for caustic cleaners, call Hansens Plumbing for clogs that are too tricky to clear on your own.
Composed of either a strong base or acid, liquid drain cleaner can actually damage your pipes. Drain cleaner erodes PVC pipes and metal pipes in particular. Don’t turn a small problem like a clogged drain into a total drainage system replacement.
Hansens Plumbing offers emergency drain clog cleaning as well as preventative maintenance like hydro jetting, a high-pressure steam cleaning technique that forces clogs out for good. For ultimate peace of mind, consider a plumbing Protection Plan. These plans include annual inspections to keep toilet, kitchen, and bathroom sink drains clear and clog-free.

Call Hansen’s Plumbing today for a free estimate in California.

Reliable Ventura Plumber

Having a local plumbing company that you can rely on is important for any commercial or residential plumbing needs. No matter what type of plumbing services you need, be it basic toilet repair or a major pipe installation, you want to be sure that you’re in the hands of experienced and reliable professionals. Hansen’s Plumbing provides a variety of services, a few to name are installation, maintenance repair and emergency services. To find a plumber you can trust, keep in mind the following tips to find a reliable Ventura plumber in your area.

Choose a qualified and experienced plumbing company
The most important part of choosing a plumbing company is finding one that can perform commercial and residential services and who can be reliable. Commercial plumbing may require different standards and may have different regulations than residential. So, here’s a win-win situation. Hansen’s Plumbing does both! Reliability includes the ability to call your plumbers whenever you need them, so look for companies that offer 24/7-hour services.

See Past Projects
If you’re planning a bathroom remodeling or similar project, ask the plumbing company to provide examples of their past work. If they’re hesitant to show you any examples, it may mean their work doesn’t actually live up their claims. A plumber should be someone you can trust. By taking the time to vet your options, you’ll be more likely to find one you’re comfortable with.

Research Their History
Find out how long your plumber has been in business, and ask if they have any testimonials from former clients they’d be willing to share. A company that has remained in business for a long time probably delivers on their promises. If they do have a good reputation among their former clients, they’ll be eager to prove it with statements from past customers.

Price Estimate and Compare Time Frames
When researching plumbers in Ventura County, be careful if a price estimate sounds too good to be true. Although you should consider your budget when choosing who to hire, plumbers who estimates are remarkable lower than those of their competitors may have considerable hidden costs. You don’t want to hire a plumbing company who will draw out the project, or you don’t want someone who’ll rush through it and cut corners. Make sure you do your research before hiring a reliable plumber.

If you’re looking for the best Reliable Ventura Plumber to handle your commercial or residential needs, contact the professionals at Hansen’s Plumbing at (805) 647-0113. You can contact us by email to learn more at office@hansensplumbing.com or visit us in person at 1585 Los Angeles Ave., Ventura, CA 93004.

Reliable Ventura Plumber

Oxnard Plumbing Tips

No one likes the thought of plumbing repairs. Some mild plumbing issues can be solved with a plunger and a little bit of elbow grease. There comes a time, however, when do-it-yourself repairs will not address the issue and you need the services of a qualified professional to get the job done. The key word there is “Professional.”

So, let’s be honest. We don’t schedule plumbing appointments months in advance. Plumbers are the ones we frantically call at 2 a.m., with water pooling up around our ankles and towels strewed across the floor. We call a plumber at mid-melt-down, and somehow, they have to explain the inner workings of our pumps and valves in plain English and jump into action before damage is done. When looking to hire an Oxnard Plumber, (Hansen’s Plumbing) you want someone who will do the job right the first time, who will charge a reasonable rate for his or her services and who will treat your home like it was his/her own.

Tips on Hiring the Right Plumber

Appropriate Licensing and Insurance
One of the first things that you need to consider before hiring a plumber is whether or not they are licensed and certified by the state they work in.

Each person in the plumbing business should have a valid license to allow him or her to work in the field. Regardless of the size of your plumbing project, you should never trust an individual who fails to produce his or her working permit. The license proves that the professional has met the required standards set by the authorities to serve clients in the region.

A good plumber will be insured and bonded in the event of a mishap: protecting not only your home but the plumber himself as well.

Experience
Experience is a paramount factor to consider when looking for a professional plumbing service. It is advisable to check the length of time the plumbing company you are planning to hire has been in business. New professionals may fail to meet your plumbing needs.

Recommendations
If you’re in need of a plumber, you should not hesitate to ask your friends, family members, or workmates to recommend you the best plumbing company in the region. Some of your colleagues may have worked with experienced plumbers in their homes. They will share experiences, which will help in making an informed decision. Any reputable plumbing company should be able to provide references with ease, so do not hesitate to ask.

Total Cost
Always ask for an in person estimate. Just as a doctor could never diagnose a patient over the phone, an honorable plumber cannot determine the scope of work over the phone either. Keep in mind that quality comes at a price. A licensed skilled and experienced plumbing company may charge more than an unlicensed plumber, but you can almost always guarantee that they will do a better job and not cut corners.

When it comes to hiring a plumber, the experts at Hansen’s Plumbing possess all of the qualifications you need. We’ve been in business since 1987. Good plumbers that keep their customers best interest in mind are hard to find. This is the reason Hansen’s Plumbing was started. Make sure to keep the above tips in mind to ensure that the plumber you hire is not only experienced at their job, but that they can also solve your plumbing issues quickly and properly.

Oxnard Plumbing Tips

Clogged Kitchen Sinks

Oh, Boy. A stopped-up drain. Are you staring at a clogged kitchen sinks? Is the stagnating water in the sink making you feel sick? The biggest reason why kitchen sinks clog is because people aren’t mindful of what they’re throwing down the drain. Anything and everything go, from eggshells to kitchen oils. But with a such cavalier attitude, you can either jam the garbage disposal or cause a buildup along the pipe’s walls. Bottom line, treat your kitchen sink with respect. Care for it in the present to avoid having to deal with big problems in the future. While drains may be able to keep up for a while, it’s only a matter of time until all that grease and grime clogs them up for good. Here are a few things you shouldn’t pour down your kitchen sink, how to unclog your sink ideas, and garbage disposal tips.

Do not pour down your kitchen sink

Coffee Grounds
Some people seem confident that coffee grounds down the drain will not present a problem because coffee smells so delicious it may actually freshen up your dirty drain, right? Well, most plumbers disagree, saying that nothing causes more blockages than coffee grounds. Coffee grounds stick together and can easily block your pipes after time.

Grease
Including cooked/and or melted fat from meat, bacon, sausage, poultry, skin from boiled poultry, and even gravy. Grease even when run with hot water, will at some point stop and congeal. Indeed, hot water simply delays the process, pushing the future greasy clog further down into the drainage system where it will be harder to access.

Eggshells
Even with a garbage disposal, eggshells create granular waster that loves to hook up with other waste to form clogs. When ground, they turn into a rough, abrasive, sandpaper-like substance which can actually blunt the blades.

Produce Stickers
These sticky little bits of plastic may not look very harmful, but they can get stuck in your drain and pipes. Also, they can get stuck on wastewater treatment plant pumps and hose, or get caught in screens and filters, and if they get past all that, they end up in the water. So, please do not throw down the drain these produce stickers.

Oils
Including cooking oil, olive oil, salad dressings, condiments and mayonnaise. Having you ever left a pan to cool, and noticed it turn into a thick, solid white substance? This is often what happens to the fat and grease you pour down your sink when it is allowed to cool down. It solidifies into lard! Don’t put fat and grease down your drain if you can avoid it. Make sure it cools down and use kitchen roll to wipe it away and dispose of it in the bin.

Medications
Studies have found everything from ibuprofen and antidepressants to birth control hormones in our natural waterways. Rather than flush old medicine down the toilet or sink, as once advised, it’s much better to drop it off with a medication facility near you. Also, you can mix it with something unpalatable like coffee grounds sealed in a plastic bag and place it in the trash.

Unclog Kitchen Sinks

• Use a Plunger
• Remove the Trap
• Drain Snake
• Use Vinegar and Baking Soda or drain cleaner
• Use a Cable Auger
• Coat Hanger Trick

Now that you know a few items to avoid draining down the kitchen sink and what you can do to unclog your kitchen sinks let’s talk about a garbage disposal. It’s no secret the garbage disposal is an indispensable kitchen appliance. Not only does its shred food scraps into tiny pieces to keep your drains and pipes clear, but it’s also useful for washing away crumbs and pesky sauces in the sink. Despite its benefits in reducing food waste, collecting all those food particles, bacteria, and debris comes at a dangerously smelly cost. It is important to clean your garbage disposal once a week to keep your drain working properly and your home smelling fresh.

Garbage Disposal Tips:

• Do not put the wrong objects down your disposal. Your garbage disposal is designed to grind food scraps and nothing more.

• Break up large objects before grinding them. If you have large food scraps that you want to put down your disposal, give your unit a helping hand by breaking them up into smaller pieces and grinding them separately.

• Don’t use drain cleaners on your disposal. The chemicals in drain cleaners can damage your disposal. If you have a clog, give a plumber a call at Hansen’s Plumbing, located in Ventura Ca.

• Grind ice cubes to help maintain your unit. Grinding a few ice cubes once a month will help sharpen your unit’s blades and clear away waste that stuck on the walls of your disposal.

• Use cold water when running your disposal. Always run your disposal with cold water, because it will help prevent any grease or oils that have made their way down your drain from solidifying and clogging your unit.

• Keep your disposal clean by adding a small amount of dish soap down your drain with cold running water. This will help keep your disposal clean and combat bad smells.
The garbage disposal is a big help in the kitchen and can handle just about any and everything you toss its way. But, to keep it humming along in tip-top-shape, clean it regularly and do not put the wrong scarps and liquids down the drain.

Have you had to deal with a troublesome clogged kitchen sinks and have had no success to resolve the problem? Here at Hansen’s Plumbing we are available to help with your plumbing needs. Call us at (805) 647-0113 or you can book an appointment online.

Clogged Kitchen Sinks

Drain Maintenance Tips

Drain clogs can be rather annoying when they occur. Something has created a blockage in the drain pipes and is stopping water from flowing. In some cases, the clogs can be so bad you might have to call in a professional plumber (Hansen’s Plumbing) to unclog the drains. There can be all sorts of causes for clogged drains, from soap and hair to grease and food particles. Let’s take a look at some of the different areas where clogs can occur and what you can do to prevent them!

Commercial Drain Cleaning

People often underestimate the importance of plumbing in their commercial business, but think about it; you can work hard to create the best business in the world, but something as understated as a water leak could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. The following information will help you understand common services conducted to remove the blockage of your commercial drains:

• Drain Snaking- is the simplest method of cleaning a clogged drain and is usually the first method a plumber will use to try to clear a blockage. Plumbers have drain snakes that can reach deep into your sewer pipes. In that case, a different commercial drain cleaning method may be required.

• Flush only what’s necessary- when it comes to toilets, the only thing you should be flushing is toilet paper and human waste-anything else can cause clogging and spell disaster. For commercial business this may be difficult to enforce as you don’t have total control, but putting up signs reminding people of this far could be your best to avoid potential trouble.

• Check pressure- There’s nothing worse than a limp shower, so if you own a hotel and your shower are lacking water pressure then your guests aren’t likely to return-and could leave a bad review in the process. Using a pressure gauge can help you test the pressure in your water circulation system.

Bathroom Clogs

Bathroom clogs are not fun at all. From the toilet to the showerhead, the sink to the drains, bathroom plumbing maintenance is an important part of keeping your home running efficiently. The following information will help you better maintain your bathroom and guard against disrepair and plumbing emergencies.

Toilet Maintenace

• Keep your toilet clean- You should clean the inside and the outside of your toilet once a week. To brush the inside of a toilet, use a brush with plastic bristles and toilet bowl cleaner or bleach. Avoid using metal brushes and abrasive cleaners as these can scratch the surface making it porous and vulnerable to stains and cracks.

• Check your toilet for leaks- When cleaning your toilet, it’s a good idea to periodically make a habit of checking for leaks. If you detect a leak, call your local plumber (Hansen’s Plumbing) to come in and inspect the problem as the issue could be more than you realize.

• Toilet flushing slow- The water stored in the tank might not be filling up to the correct level. Another common issue is that the rinse holes located underneath the toilet bowl lip could be clogged. If you notice that your toilet is slow to flush, carefully remove the tank lid and inspect the water level to see if it where it should be, which is near or just underneath the overflow pipe.

• Toilet Running- If you hear your toilet running, consider it not only wasted water, but wasted money on your water bill. If this is happening, call your local plumber immediately to help remedy the issue.

Showerhead Maintenance

• Rub the Nozzels- Many shower heads have flexible rubber nozzels. You can dislodge mineral buildup by simply massaging each nozzle with your finger. You can also gently scrub the nozzle with a toothbrush.

• Soak the Shower Head in Vinegar- If you prefer to leave the shower head attached to the pipe coming out of the wall, you can fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. Secure the bag around the head with a rubber band, tape, or a twist tie. Leave the bag around the shower head for a few hours. Remove the bag and turn on the water for a few minutes to clear the vinegar out of the shower head.

• Clean the filter screen- To clean the filter screen run the screen under water for a few minutes to flush out any buildup. You can use a toothbrush to gently brush out mineral deposits.

Faucet Maintenance

• Clean Faucet Aerators- Start by closing or covering the sink drain so that nothing falls down the drain.

• Remove the aerator from the faucet by turning it clockwise. If it doesn’t turn easily, pliers will be necessary.

• Note the order and location of the components in the aerator. You may want to snap a photo or two before you take it apart to aide with reassembly.

• Use a toothbrush to clean of the components. If the toothbrush does not fully clean the screen, try using

• When finish cleaning the aerator components, reassemble the aerator is reverse order from the way it came apart.

• Screw the aerator back on the faucet. Tighten by hand in the counterclockwise direction. Only use pliers to tighten the aerator if water leaks around the threads after hand-tightening. If using pliers, remember to wrap the aerator with the tape or use a rag to protect the faucet finish.

Water Heater Maintenance

Water heater maintenance is an appliance you rely on every day. By performing key maintenance tasks, you can not only save money on costly repairs, but also make sure that your water heater continues to run well for years to come. Here are a few ways to maintain your heater…

• Lower the temperature setting on your water heater. Many water heaters’ default setting is over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Most professional plumbers recommend a temperature setting of about 115-120 degrees. This lower setting will help reduce the chances of your water hetaer overheating as well as save you up to 5% on your energy bill.

• Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). The T&P valve is the safety valve on your water heater. If the water heater was to continue to heat water, even after reaching the set temperature, it could lead to an explosion from the build up pressure. To prevent this, excess pressure and temperature is expelled through this valve to keep your water heater running safely.

• Perform a mini flush on your water heater. Over time, sediments builds up in your water heater tank. This sediment can both corrode you tank and decrease your water heater’s efficieny. To prevent these problems, you need to regularly flush your water heart. How often you need to flush it will depend on the hardness and acidity of water in your area.

• Wrap your water heater tank in an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket around the tank of your water heater, as well as insulating any exposed pipes, helps reduce energy consumption by dereasing the amount of standby heat loss. This can also extend the life of your water heater by lowering the deman on it.

• Get an annual professional water heater inspection/tune up. Much like your car, your water heater needs regular maintenance from certified, trained professionals. Professional plumbers are trained and know what to look for. They will inspect parts of your water heater that you do not safely have access to.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, clogs still happen. When they do, it is best to call a professional before the problem gets worse. The technicians at Hansen’s Plumbing will provide both you and your home with quality care and attention for all your plumbing needs. For more information, contact us today.

Drain Maintenance Tips

Best Time to Shower

When’s the best time to Shower – Morning or Night?

Best time to shower? Generally, there are two types of people when it comes to taking daily showers; those who take their showers in the morning and those who prefer to take their showers at night. It’s an issue almost as divisive as putting milk in first when making a cup of coffee. Those who like to shower in the morning enjoy the burst of energy you need to start your day. But those of us who prefer to end the day with a relaxing warm shower say they could not possibly get into bed dirty and sleep much better. However, is one routine better than the other?

Benefits of a Morning Shower
Best time to shower? Your morning routine is what starts off your day, so everything hinges on it. Are you one of those people that wake up with uncomfortably fast thumping heart? This is a good sign you’re probably thinking of the overwhelming number of things you have to do that day. Morning showers are a great way to ease the stress your feeling, gives you the oxygen you need and it’s a start of each work day looking fresh, new and fully prepared.

A.M. Showers have a more positive effect when it comes to balancing your skins natural oils. It’s great for people with oily skin because it opens up the pores and cleanses oil buildup from the nights rest. A morning rinse is particularly beneficial for men and woman with course hair because it can help tame wild manes. Taking morning showers can easily help relieve muscle aches, pains and relax your body making you feel less tense. It’s also an awesome way to focus your mental energy before the day starts, and it can help promote creativity. Finally, some people just don’t feel clean and ready for the day without that morning shower. So, is this the best time to shower for you?

Benefits of an Evening Shower
A nighttime shower is an integral part of your “preparing for bed,” routine. It’s time for you, no phone, no emails or texts, just the luxury of fresh warm water flowing over your body, calling it an opportunity to shower yourself with mindfulness! If you have a family with small children, night time showers also present a small way to get a short break from the chaos in your home.

When you’re out and about during the day, your body and hair collect all sorts of airborne allergens and irritants. So, people prefer to shower before bed because they like to clean the day’s grime away before slipping between the sheets. Feeling the warm water stroke your back undoubtedly lavishes you with a deep sense of calmness and tranquility, and sets your mind at ease. The rapid cooling after you get out of the shower tends to be a natural sleep inducer, so it’s a nice way to end your day, fresh, clean and ready to go to bed. So, is this the best time to shower for you?

So, when is the time best for showering? Really, it all comes down to which part of the day you value more. Want to spend your evenings relaxing? Do you need those extra 15 minutes to sleep in? Whatever is best for you. With clear benefits both morning and evening showers, it really comes down to your preference and what makes most sense based on your daily activities. Night, day, or anytime, your daily shower is an important ritual. Weight your own pros and cons, don’t forget the plumber’s perspective! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Hansen’s Plumbing (805) 647-0113.