A water heater warranty can provide valuable protection, but many homeowners do not fully understand what is covered until there is a problem. Warranty terms can vary by manufacturer, model, installation, and type of issue.

Before assuming a repair or replacement is covered, it is important to understand the basics.

What a Warranty May Cover

Many water heater warranties cover certain parts or tank defects for a specific period. Some warranties may include replacement parts if a covered component fails under normal use.

However, coverage depends on the warranty language. Labor, diagnosis, installation, code upgrades, disposal, or related damage may not always be included.

What May Void a Warranty?

Improper installation, lack of maintenance, unauthorized repairs, incorrect sizing, excessive pressure, or failure to follow manufacturer instructions may affect warranty coverage.

This is one reason professional installation matters. A properly installed water heater helps protect performance and may help preserve warranty eligibility.

Why Registration Matters

Some manufacturers require product registration to receive full warranty benefits. Homeowners should keep model numbers, serial numbers, receipts, and installation records in a safe place.

Warranty Does Not Mean Maintenance-Free

Even with warranty coverage, your water heater still needs attention. Sediment buildup, leaks, strange noises, and inconsistent hot water should be checked before problems become worse.

Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing

If your water heater is acting up or you have questions about repair versus replacement, Putman & Son’s Plumbing can help inspect the issue and explain your options.

The post What Homeowners Should Know About Water Heater Warranties appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Introduction

Many plumbing problems start with what goes down the drain. While drains are designed to carry away water and waste, they are not built to handle everything homeowners put into them. Knowing what belongs in your drains and what does not can prevent clogs, sewer backups, and expensive repairs.

What Can Safely Go Down the Drain

In general, drains are designed for water and small amounts of biodegradable waste.

Kitchen sinks can handle water, soap residue, and small food particles that slip past strainers. Bathroom sinks and tubs are meant for water, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Toilets should only receive human waste and toilet paper.

Even with approved materials, moderation matters. Excessive grease, soap buildup, or paper products can still cause issues over time.

Common Items That Should Never Go Down the Drain

Grease and cooking oil are among the biggest drain offenders. While liquid when warm, grease hardens as it cools and coats pipes, eventually creating blockages.

Food scraps like coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, and pasta swell or clump together and can clog pipes even if you have a garbage disposal.

In bathrooms, wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, dental floss, and hygiene products should never be flushed. Many items marketed as flushable do not break down properly and often cause sewer blockages.

Hair is another major problem. It binds with soap residue and creates stubborn clogs in tub and shower drains.

Why Improper Disposal Causes Plumbing Damage

Improper materials restrict water flow and put pressure on your plumbing system. Over time, this can lead to pipe corrosion, joint failure, and sewer line backups. In severe cases, clogs can cause wastewater to back up into sinks, tubs, or basements.

Tips for Protecting Your Drains

Use drain strainers in kitchens and bathrooms to catch debris. Dispose of grease in sealed containers rather than pouring it down the sink. Educate household members on proper flushing habits. Schedule professional drain cleanings if you notice slow drainage or recurring clogs.

When to Call a Plumber

If drains clog frequently, gurgle, or emit odors, the issue may be deeper in the plumbing system. A professional plumber can identify and correct the problem before it worsens.

The post A Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Clogs and Damage appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.