A heat pump water heater can be a good fit for a Bronx home if it has enough space in a spot that stays fairly mild all year, plus the right electrical setup and a place to drain condensation. In homes without that kind of space, another type of water heater may work better. Heat…
On the day a water heater is replaced, the old unit is usually shut down, drained and removed, and the new one is set in place, connected and tested before hot water is restored. You will likely be without hot water for part of the day, and the work area will need to be clear.…
Rusty or discolored hot water may come from the water heater, such as rust or sediment inside the tank, but it can also come from corroded pipes or a disturbance in the city water supply. The quickest clue is whether the cold water looks the same. Discolored water is common enough that many people have…
A water heater relief valve may leak because it is doing its job and releasing extra pressure or heat, or because the valve itself has worn out. Either way, a leaking relief valve is a sign that the water heater should be checked, not something to cover up or ignore. The relief valve is a…
Hot water that smells like rotten eggs is often caused by a reaction inside a storage water heater, where bacteria and parts of the tank produce a sulfur gas. The smell can also come from other sources, so it is worth checking where and when you notice it. The odor is usually unpleasant rather than…
The easiest way to find out if your NYC home may have a lead water service line is to look up your address on the city’s service line map and check the age of the building. Lead was allowed for service lines in New York City until 1961, so older homes are more likely to…
A wet spot in the yard or sidewalk near your house can come from rain, poor drainage, a downspout or an outdoor faucet, but it can also be a sign of a leak in an underground water line. Because so many things can leave the ground wet, the spot alone does not prove where the…
In New York City, the property owner is generally responsible for the water service line, the pipe that brings water from the city main in the street into the building. The city is responsible for the water mains themselves. Many owners are surprised to learn that their responsibility can extend beyond the property line and…
After a sewer backup, call a plumber to find and address the cause, and tell your landlord or property manager if you rent. Depending on the situation, you may also need to contact NYC 311, your insurance company or a professional cleaning company. A sewer backup often involves more than one problem at once: a…
Whether it is safe to stay in your home after a sewer backup depends on how much sewage got in, where it is and whether you can keep people away from it. A small backup in a closed-off basement corner is very different from wastewater spread across living areas. Sewage can carry germs that cause…