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Steamboat Plumbing
5.0(
4
)

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's plumbing system for the fall, allowing me to video record the process. Luke's clear explanations, patience, and personal touch made the experience seamless. His dedication to customers is impressive. I appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about his background and family, which added a nice touch to the service. I highly recommend Steamboat Plumbing and Luke Ewert for exceptional service, expertise, and customer care. I will definitely use Steamboat Plumbing again in the future!"
Response time1 day
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Lakes Area Water Works
4.8(
2
)

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:

  • Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.

  • Leaking Pressure Valve: If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.

  • Shaking or Rumbling: Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.

  • Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.

  • Rust-Colored Water: This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.

If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.

If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home. 

Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater’s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.

Most hot water heater manufacturers recommend replacing the anode rod about once every three to five years. Anode rods sacrifice themselves by collecting iron, limestone, and other minerals that would otherwise corrode your hot water heater tank. This abuse wears them out long before your water heater does. Check the rod when you remove it and replace it if more than 50% of the metal has been consumed. Check the rod more frequently if you have hard water or use a water softener. 

If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.

The Backus, MN homeowners’ guide to water heater services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.