As temperatures rise and daily routines shift with the seasons, homeowners often overlook a critical component of their home's comfort system: the water heater. While heat might be the last thing on your mind during warmer months, summer water heater maintenance is just as important—if not more so—for ensuring year-round efficiency, safety, and longevity. Let's explore everything you need to know about summer water heater care, including why it's essential, how to prevent common issues, and the steps you can take today to protect your home.
Even though you're likely using less hot water during the summer, your water heater is still at work. Warm weather doesn’t mean your water heater takes a vacation. In fact, summer brings a unique set of challenges that can shorten your system’s lifespan or compromise its performance, including:
Proactive maintenance in summer ensures your system will be in top condition before the heavy demand of winter returns. Conversely, ignoring your water heater until winter can lead to unexpected failures, cold showers, or emergency repairs when you need it most.
Many homeowners don’t associate summer with water heater problems, but issues can arise from seasonal changes in use patterns and environmental conditions. Some of the most common water heater problems in summer include:
Professional maintenance can help prevent or mitigate the impacts of these issues on your water heater.
Ready to protect your water heater? Here’s your streamlined, effective plan to make sure your water heater stays in peak condition through the summer and beyond.
Even if you’re comfortable handling basic maintenance, a licensed plumber can spot early signs of trouble you might miss. A once-a-year professional checkup is a smart preventative measure.
If you have a tankless water heater, your summer maintenance checklist will differ slightly. An expert will complete specialty maintenance steps, including:
Tankless systems are more efficient overall, but can suffer just as much from hard water and improper maintenance if ignored.
Summer is also a great time to optimize your home’s energy use. A well-maintained water heater can reduce your utility bills year-round. Consider these upgrades or changes:
Maintenance can stretch the life of your unit, but no appliance lasts forever. Most tank-style water heaters last 8–12 years, while tankless systems can go up to 20 with proper care. If your water heater is over a decade old and showing signs of wear (rusty water, leaks, inconsistent heating), summer is a smart time to replace it—before you're caught in the cold with no hot water.
Summer might not seem like the time to think about your water heater, but taking a few preventative steps now can save you from costly repairs or replacements later.
If you are ready to schedule water heater maintenance, the local professionals at Boyd are here for you. We proudly offer water heater maintenance, repair, and replacement services to the greater Sacramento area, including Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and beyond. Our specialists invite you to give us a call at (279) 215-8674 or explore our coupons to get started today!
As the Sacramento summer approaches with its triple-digit temperatures and dry climate, homeowners and property managers have a lot to prepare for; but one thing that's often overlooked (until it's too late) is the sewer system. When temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with clogged pipes, backups, and unpleasant odors.
Whether you're managing a business or maintaining a home, your sewer system needs seasonal attention. Here's what every Sacramento property owner should know to keep things flowing smoothly all summer long.
It is easy to associate sewer issues with heavy rains and winter storms, but Sacramento's hot, dry summer poses its own set of challenges. With increased water usage (thanks to gardening, irrigation, and guests), higher temperatures that accelerate the breakdown of waste, tree root intrusion, and reduced moisture in the soil that can shift pipes, summer is a pressure-cooker for sewer systems.
In fact, local plumbers often see a spike in service calls during the summer months. Foul odors, slow drains, and even full-blown backups become more common when sewer systems aren’t prepared for the season.
The last thing you need during pool parties or those scorching summer days where you just want to stay inside is a sewer issue. Before the hottest part of the year sets in, be alert to these early warning signs of sewer trouble:
If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait until you're facing an emergency. Preventive maintenance now can save you thousands later.
Sacramento homes and infrastructure face some distinct challenges due to geography and climate. Many older homes in regions like Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, Orangevale, and Citrus Heights have clay or cast iron pipes that are decades old. These are more vulnerable to cracking and root intrusion, particularly during dry summers when tree roots go hunting for moisture—and often find it in your sewer line.
Another unique factor? Sacramento's growing population and expanding urban infrastructure. Increased demand on aging systems can lead to more frequent backups, especially in densely populated areas or during events like the California State Fair, when water usage spikes dramatically.
Getting your sewer system ready for summer doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. With a few smart steps, you can avoid costly disasters and keep your system running efficiently.
Here’s a simplified summer sewer prep checklist:
For most homes in Sacramento, an annual inspection is a good baseline. However, if your property is older, has large trees nearby, or you've experienced past sewer issues, you might benefit from biannual checks—especially before and after summer.
Many local plumbing companies offer maintenance packages that include camera inspections and hydro jetting at a reduced rate. These are often more cost-effective than emergency repairs and can extend the life of your entire plumbing system.
Sewer issues don’t just damage your home—they can also affect your health. In hot Sacramento summers, bacteria thrive. A sewer backup can expose you and your family to pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and hepatitis A. Foul odors can also cause problems for homeowners.
Outdoor leaks or backups can contaminate groundwater or stormwater systems, which is a growing concern as the city pushes toward sustainable water use and reduced runoff pollution.
Being proactive not only protects your investment—it also contributes to a healthier, cleaner Sacramento community.
Sewer problems aren’t the place to cut corners. If you suspect a problem or haven’t had your system checked in years, call in a licensed Sacramento plumber. Look for companies that offer:
Getting your sewer system ready for summer is one of the most important (yet often neglected) aspects of seasonal home maintenance in Sacramento. The stakes are high—your health, home, and wallet are all on the line. By investing in a seasonal inspection, addressing known issues, and staying mindful of what goes down your drains, you can avoid major headaches and enjoy a worry-free summer.
Need help with your Sacramento-area sewer system? The local sewer, drain, and plumbing experts at Boyd are here to help. We proudly serve local homes and businesses throughout Sacramento, including those in Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Davis, Roseville, and beyond. Our specialists invite you to give us a call today at (279) 215-8679 to schedule a summer sewer inspection before the heat hits its peak.
If you own a home, you know how important its plumbing system is to your comfort. However, when something goes wrong with your pipes, it can impact your ability to wash your hands, flush your toilet, or drink clean water. Since plumbing issues can seriously impact your quality of life, it’s important you know what qualifies as a plumbing emergency and the answers to other frequently asked emergency plumbing questions.
A plumbing emergency can occur at any time, and several issues can count as an emergency. Essentially, you have a plumbing emergency if the plumbing issue affects your home’s habitability and creates an unsafe environment. Plumbing emergencies can also occur if you have an issue that could damage your home, such as flooding from a broken pipe. When a repair can’t wait due to the risk of property damage, sanitation concerns, or uninhabitable conditions, you should call a plumber for emergency services.
Emergency plumbing services cover a wide variety of repairs and replacement services. Some of the most common issues 24/7 plumbers repair include:
Knowing the main signs of a plumbing issue that can’t wait for regular service is crucial for protecting your plumbing system and home from costly damage. If you notice any of the following emergency plumbing signs, it’s time to immediately contact a plumber:
If you notice any of the signs above or are dealing with some other issue that could damage your home or create unsafe conditions, you should contact an emergency plumber immediately. When you’re not sure if an issue is really an emergency, it’s best practice to still call a 24/7 plumber and get their opinion about whether you need emergency service or not. Plus, speaking to someone as soon as you notice a problem can help you prevent additional damage and the cost of more expensive repairs.
Even though an emergency plumber should arrive at your home quickly after you call them, you can still protect your home and your family’s safety while you wait. For example, if you’re dealing with an overflowing toilet, you can cut off incoming water and stop the overflow by turning the water supply valve off. This valve will be located behind your toilet, and you’ll just need to turn it counterclockwise to stop water from flowing to your toilet.
If you have a major leak that’s flooding your home or some other issue that’s dumping water into your house, you’ll want to use your home’s main water shut-off valve. Turning this valve will cut off water from entering your plumbing system and prevent further water damage. Typically, you can find your main water valve outside on the side of your home facing the street.
Besides shutting off your water, you may want to exit your house if the issue is potentially dangerous to your health. For instance, when you think you have a gas leak, you’ll want everyone in the house to wait outside until a trained technician can inspect your home and provide a solution. In the same way, you’ll probably want to leave your house if a ceiling is sagging due to water damage or if you can smell nasty sewage throughout your home.
If you’re looking for emergency plumbing services near you in Rancho Cordova or the surrounding areas, you can turn to Boyd Plumbing for emergency plumbing services. Once you call us at 916-710-8070, our certified emergency plumbers will perform an inspection and any repairs you might need as fast as possible. During the emergency service, our team will work to minimize any damage the emergency is causing. We can also replace damaged pipes, toilets, faucets, water heaters, and more if a repair doesn’t solve your problem.
At Boyd Plumbing, we’re proud to offer extensive plumbing repair services, and we hope you’ll turn to us when you’re searching for emergency plumbing services near you in Rancho Cordova. Alongside our emergency plumbing services, we also provide emergency drain cleaning services for times when you have a severe drain clog. Before you schedule an appointment for our services, you can also review our coupons to ensure you get a great deal on our services.
Learn more about our emergency plumbing services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call us at 916.710.8070 or contact us online.
If the water pressure suddenly drops in your home, you notice brown-colored water coming out of your faucets, or your water bills have spiked unexpectedly—you could have an issue with your water lines. Fortunately, water line replacement services can solve these problems and restore your comfort. As you try to keep your home’s plumbing system in the best shape possible, learn more about water line replacement services and the main signs you need them.
As the name suggests, water line replacement services refer to a plumbing service where a plumber will replace your old water pipes with new ones. Typically, you’ll need replacement services when your water line is past the point of repair. However, you might also want to replace your water lines when you’ve previously repaired them. In this case, a replacement can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Before replacing your water lines, a plumber will need to inspect them for leaks by completing a pressure test on the home. After they determine that you need a water line replacement, they’ll complete a line replacement service. By replacing your water lines, you can often solve common issues like water leaks and pipe decay.
When your water lines are leaking or blocked, it can cause several issues in your home. From puddles in your yard and drops in water pressure to higher water bills and damage to your foundation, a damaged water line can significantly impact your quality of life. Since taking care of a damaged water line early can help you reduce the negative effects, learn more about the five main signs you need water line replacement services below:
A clogged or cracked water line can cause your water pressure to drop while you shower or use a sink. Normally, your water pressure should stay at consistent levels, so a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home often means you need a water line repair or replacement service.
Notice soggy patches in your lawn even when you haven’t had any rain recently? Your water line could be leaking and dumping water into your yard. A plumbing inspection can help you determine if your water line is at fault and take action fast to solve the issue.
Unexpected spikes in your water bills could be due to leaks in your plumbing system. Since a leaking pipe will constantly allow water to escape without you using it, it can be the source of high water bills. Regardless of whether a pipe leak is causing the bills to rise, it’s important to have your plumbing system inspected to find the source of the problem and keep your bills under control.
When you have a pipe leak near your foundation, the constant moisture will absorb into the concrete and eventually cause your foundation to crack. Even if your water line isn’t leaking near your foundation, a leak can cause water damage and mold growth throughout your home. If you notice a crack in your foundation or signs of water damage, you’ll need to immediately call a plumber to inspect your lines.
Another common sign that you could need a water line replacement is if your water looks brownish or yellow. Sometimes, discolored water can be due to a water heater issue, but it can also be a sign that you have a broken water line that’s allowing rust, dirt, and sediment to enter your lines.
If you’re looking for water line services near you in Rancho Cordova, CA, or the surrounding areas, turn to Boyd Plumbing. After you schedule an appointment, our plumbing team can look for signs of water line damage to find the exact location and cause of the issue. Next, they’ll replace your water lines and get them working at their best again. We also offer various coupons that you can use to lower the cost of service.
Learn more about our water line replacement services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call us at 916.710.8070 or contact us online.
While water heaters often provide a steady stream of hot water to homeowners, they can run into issues like any other home appliance. As water heaters age, their anode rod can degrade, sediment can form in the tank, and leaks can happen, resulting in multiple problems. To keep your water heater in the best shape possible and avoid letting a minor issue turn into a major one, review the top six signs your water heater needs a repair or replacement service.
One of the surest signs that you need water heater service is discolored water. When the hot water from your faucets or shower head looks rusty or brown, you’ll need a water heater inspection. Typically, discolored hot water indicates your water heater’s anode rod has disintegrated—and your water heater’s tank is rusting. A water heater technician can often solve discolored water by installing a new anode rod in your tank.
If your water temperature consistently changes without adjusting the heat, you could have an issue with your water heater. Fluctuating water temperatures often occur when mineral deposits accumulate on your water heater’s heating components—or you have a broken part. A trained technician can find the source of the fluctuations and make the repair so you never have to deal with unexpected temperature changes.
Perhaps the surest sign you have an issue with your water heater is if you’re not receiving hot water or the water can only reach a lukewarm temperature. Sometimes these issues can come from a water heater that’s been changed to a lower temperature setting. A lack of hot water can also happen when someone has used up all of it before you.
If your water heater hasn’t been turned to the wrong setting or isn’t experiencing heavy usage, you could have a broken or malfunctioning component. A technician can usually perform a water heater repair to replace a broken part to solve this issue. Additionally, if you’re constantly running out of hot water due to a too-small tank, you might want to receive a water heater replacement service, as a technician can install a water heater with a larger tank that better meets your hot water usage needs.
When a technician doesn’t regularly flush your tank, mineral deposits will build up on your water heater components and even block pipes. This blockage and mineral accumulation can reduce your hot water’s pressure and damage your water heater. One of the most common solutions for this issue is to have a technician flush out your water heater and remove any sediment in it.
While a water heater will occasionally make some noise, more frequent and louder noises can signify that something is going wrong inside of it. If you can hear loud popping, cracking, or banging noises, you’ll need a water heater inspection. Sometimes, these noises can come from sediment deposits accumulating around your heating components, which then make your water heater overheat while attempting to raise your water’s temperature.
Loud noises, especially a sizzling one, can also mean you have a condensation problem or a water flow issue. Additionally, a strange noise could be a sign you have a broken dip tube that’s allowing hot and cold water to mix. Regardless of the cause, you’ll want an inspection as soon as you hear strange noises. Ignoring them could result in greater water heater damage.
If you notice water leaking out of your water heater’s tank or pooling around the bottom of it, you have a serious issue with your water heater. Since leaking water can also harm your home, it’s crucial to have the water heater inspected immediately after you notice the leak. The leak could be caused by corrosion or another issue, so a water heater expert will need to find the source of the problem and fix it. While leaking water heaters can sometimes be repaired, you’ll likely need water heater replacement services.
If you’re looking for water heater repair services near you in Rancho Cordova or the surrounding areas, you can trust Boyd. Our certified water heater service technicians can provide you with a water heater inspection and repair to fix whatever issue you’re experiencing. When a repair doesn’t cut it, you can turn to our water heater replacement services, where we’ll remove your old water heater and install a new energy-efficient model. You can also review our coupons and financing services to ensure you receive a deal fitting your budget.
Learn more about our water heater repair and replacement services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call us at (916) 710-8070 or contact us online.
While you probably don’t think of your sewage line often, it’s one of the most critical aspects of your plumbing system. When this line works correctly, it will remove wastewater from your home’s tub, toilets, and sinks. However, when the line is damaged, it can cause an expensive mess, flooding, mold growth, nasty smells, and pest infestations. If you suspect your sewer line might have a problem or want to be prepared for the future, learn more about how you can tell whether you need a sewer line repair or replacement.
If you only have a one-time clog, minor damage in your line, or a leaking pipe, a plumber can often repair or waterjet your line to solve the issue. During a sewer line repair, a plumber will inspect your pipe and find the source of the problem. Next, they may use water jetting to remove a clog or provide spot repairs to close up cracks or leaks in the pipe. They may need to dig up part of your yard for service, but they’ll usually recommend a trenchless repair if possible.
During a trenchless repair service, a plumber will insert an epoxy-coated sleeve into your pipe and move it to the damaged section of your pipe. The plumber will then inflate the sleeve to create a pipe within a pipe, effectively replacing the damaged portion of your line with a new one. This method of repair is much less costly and faster than a repair that requires excavation, making it a popular repair method.
While sewer lines can sometimes be repaired, experts need to replace lines with more significant damage. This replacement may be done via a trenchless method, or it could involve excavating your yard. With a trenchless sewer line replacement, a plumber will insert an epoxy-coated fiberglass sleeve long enough to fit your entire pipe. This sleeve then creates a pipe within your pipe, allowing experts to replace your line without digging up your yard.
However, if a trenchless replacement method doesn’t work, you’ll need a more costly and invasive sewer line replacement service. This more traditional method will involve digging up your yard to remove the older sewer line and replace it with a new one. Typically, a sewer line replacement that requires excavation is due to the line being extensively damaged. Since a traditional sewer line replacement is more invasive and costly, it’s critical you have your sewer line inspected annually by a professional to prevent extensive damage from occurring.
To request a sewer line repair or replacement service, you’ll need to know how to spot a problem with your sewer line in the first place. Review the primary signs that you’re having an issue with your sewer line below:
If you’ve noticed the signs above, a certified plumber can determine whether you need sewer line repair or replacement. After the plumber arrives at your home, they should inspect your sewer line with a specialized drain camera. This inspection uncovers how extensive the damage is and what sewer line service you need to solve the issue.
Besides the video camera inspection, you can also expect to replace your sewer line if your pipes are past their typical lifespan. For example, pipes made from hardened clay last around 50 to 60 years. Meanwhile, cast iron pipes last around 75 to 100 years, and PVC pipes last around 100 years. In older homes, you’ll need sewer line replacement if your pipes are reaching the end of their typical lifespan.
Other common reasons for needing a full replacement over a repair include:
While replacements are often necessary, you may be able to receive a repair if your line is only slightly damaged or you’re dealing with a one-time clog that can be removed via water jetting.
If you’re looking for sewer line repair or replacement services in Rancho Cordova or surrounding areas, choose Boyd Plumbing. Our certified plumbers inspect sewer lines with specialized equipment and give you a thorough report of their findings. After inspecting your sewer line, we can provide any sewer line repair or replacement services you need. Through our partnership with Bonney, we can also offer financing services and multiple coupons to ensure our services meet your budget.
We welcome you to learn more about our sewer line repair and replacement services here. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!
If your kitchen or bathroom sinks are leaking, you’ll want to be aware of the main causes so you can know what to do to solve them. Since a leaky kitchen sink will waste water and can end up causing water damage to your home, it’s important to take action fast before a leak spirals out of control. By knowing the five most causes of leaky sinks and what to do about them, you’ll be better prepared to handle a leak the moment it occurs.
If you notice water pooling on your sink or under it, your faucet may be the source of your leak. Typically, a failed washer or faucet gasket is responsible for a faucet leak, as these components will wear down over time and let water escape. For example, a worn-down washer will often cause water to leak out from your faucet’s spout. To fix a leaking faucet, you can usually have a trained plumber switch out the worn-out parts with new ones.
Another common source of a leaky kitchen sink is a damaged O-Ring. This O-Ring is a small disc that attaches to a stem screw responsible for keeping your faucet handle in the correct position. Over time, heavy usage or aging can loosen or damage the O-ring, causing water to leak near your faucet’s handle. While replacing the O-ring can usually fix the leak, it’s best practice to have a plumber replace it for you so they can check for other potential problems.
Typically, your sink’s P-trap is a curved portion of a pipe located under your kitchen or bathroom sink. Due to its curved nature, this pipe helps stop bad smells from coming out of your drain, making it an essential part of any sink’s plumbing system. Sometimes, pieces of food or other clog-causing materials can get stuck in the P-trap and prevent water from draining down your pipe, resulting in a leak. A plumber can unclog a P-trap for you to get your sink working at its best again.
However, a leak can also occur if rust has corroded your pipe or it’s been damaged in some other way. In this case, a plumber will probably need to replace the P-trap.
Your sink’s valve seat is another key component that can be prone to corrosion and cause a leaky bathroom sink. Since a sink’s valve seat connects your spout to the tap, water will often collect around it, leading to corrosion and leaks. Like the need to replace a rusted P-trap, a plumber will have to replace a corroded valve seat to solve the leak.
When you notice water leaking under your sink, it may be an issue with one of your sink’s water supply lines. Since these lines provide water to your sink, a loose connection can cause a lot of water to leak out of them, making it essential to take action fast. Generally, loose water supply connections are caused by corrosion or a failed gasket. A plumber can usually solve a loose or damaged water supply connection by replacing the gasket or tightening the connection.
If you’re looking for a plumber near you in the greater Sacramento area, Boyd Plumbing can help. When you contact us for a leak sink repair, our team will perform a comprehensive inspection of your sink to find the leak’s source. Next, we’ll receive your approval before we provide any leaky sink repair or replacement services. Finally, we’ll review our work to ensure it's effective before leaving. Alongside our leak repair services, we also provide several coupons to give all our clients the best deal possible.
Learn more about our plumbing repair services today. If you’re interested in receiving our kitchen and bathroom sink repair services, please call us at (916) 710-8070 or schedule an appointment online.
If you live in Sacramento or the surrounding areas and are looking for free plumbing inspections near you, Boyd Plumbing and Drain can help. We’re proud to offer plumbing inspections to businesses and homeowners throughout Sacramento. Even better, our plumbing inspections are free, ensuring our community can stay on top of their plumbing systems’ health and avoid any unexpected issues.
As you might expect, a plumbing inspection involves a full check of your plumbing system to see if everything’s working as intended. While a trained plumber performs a plumbing inspection, they’ll usually examine the following components of your plumbing system:
A plumbing inspection is necessary for homeowners and home buyers. When you own a home, your plumbing system needs to stay in good shape. Without regular plumbing inspections, your drains could be clogged, your pipes might have sprung a leak, or your water heater might be rusting internally. If these issues go unchecked, they could waste water, force your system to stop working, and even cause severe water damage. Fortunately, regular plumbing inspections protect your plumbing system and your wallet by ensuring everything is working properly.
While plumbing inspections can save homeowners from paying for expensive repairs, they’re also crucial for home buyers. Before you buy a home, it’s critical you have a plumber perform a full inspection to verify you’re not buying a home with corroded pipes or other costly problems. A plumbing inspection can help you know you’re buying a home with a high-quality plumbing system, potentially saving you lots of money in repair or replacement costs after you purchase a home.
Typically, you should receive at least one plumbing inspection a year to check for any issues. By receiving an annual inspection, you can stay ahead of any upcoming problems and take action on small issues before they turn into large ones.
Since plumbing inspections are vital for the condition of your plumbing system, Boyd regularly provides them to businesses and homeowners in Sacramento. When you sign up for a free plumbing inspection, our team will:
During our free plumbing inspection, we won’t take anything apart to ensure you have peace of mind and know that any unnecessary damage to your plumbing system won’t occur. Alongside taking a careful approach to our inspection, our trained plumbers will arrive at your home with a van fully stocked with parts and tools. As a result, if they find anything in need of repair during the inspection, they can usually fix it on the same day.
By offering same-day repairs, our team can help you save time and money by not having to find another company to hire or schedule multiple visits. With our wide variety of plumbing services, you can trust us to solve any problem our inspection reveals.
When you’re looking for plumbing inspections near you in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, or the surrounding areas, Boyd has you covered. In addition to our plumbing inspections, our plumbing repair services include water line replacement, sewer drain cleaning, toilet repair and replacement, garbage disposal maintenance, backflow prevention, and water heater repair and replacement services. We also offer various coupons to ensure all our clients receive exceptional service at an exceptional price.
Learn more about our free plumbing inspections today. If you’d like to schedule a free inspection or any of our other plumbing services, please call us at 916-710-8070 or schedule here online.