Back in the day he was known as DJ Reggie Nell, and he could spin records with the best of ’em. A former DJ while working in the trades, Germaine Nelson, president, Capitol Plumbing & Heating, Bowie, Md., now is a full-service residential plumbing OG, specializing in water heaters, waste and venting for the surrounding Read more
water heater
Back in the day he was known as DJ Reggie Nell, and he could spin records with the best of ’em. A former DJ while working in the trades, Germaine Nelson, president, Capitol Plumbing & Heating, Bowie, Md., now is a full-service residential plumbing OG, specializing in water heaters, waste and venting for the surrounding DC area.
Nelson started his plumbing career back in high school, working with his uncle at a plumbing company during the summer. He also worked on pluming through his high school vocational program. “I went to school for a half day, then went to the job site the second half,” says Nelson. As soon as Nelson graduated, he started as an apprentice full time. “Seventeen years later, I own a plumbing company—started it from the ground up,” continues Nelson.
Early in his career, Nelson throws kudos the owner of 3D Plumbing, a small plumbing company for which Nelson worked. “The owner Dennis took me under his wing, and we still talk often. I consider him a mentor to this day,” says Nelson.
It wasn’t necessarily all smooth sailing. Throughout the journey, Nelson worked for a well-known company in the area as a service tech. They wanted to expand in a different part of the area, so he was tasked with building that area up, with the current contacts that he had.
Impressively, Nelson made more than $500,000 for that company within six months. “I asked for a raise, and the owner told me, ‘I can’t justify it but I can get you a new truck.’ At that moment, I knew it was time to go. I gave my two weeks’ notice,” says Nelson.
Nelson’s advice for anyone thinking about starting a company? “I would say just do it. You will have bumps and bruises along the way, but through dedication and consistency, you’ll succeed. Don’t give up on your vision.”
Challenges/Rewards
The most challenging aspects of the job, says Nelson, can be dealing with customers. “You have to learn how to put yourself in their position and understand what their needs area.”
Conversely, Nelson says it’s rewarding when you face a difficult challenge, but you overcome it with patience and skill. “I tell people all the time, plumbing is not hard, but finding a solution is the ultimate reward. You can sleep at night knowing you’re making a difference in society.”
And, according to Nelson, it starts early for those thinking of entering the trades, “Learn as much as you can because you will not know it all. Find your niche within the trade and foster that skill,” says Nelson.
Social Media
Nelson (@capitolmech) admits that social media has helped tremendously with making business connections and long-lasting friendships. “If it wasn’t for social media, I would not know about different trade shows, certain tools that makes the job easier and certain companies. I dedicate a lot of time to social media, more than I should, but it’s a lifestyle at this point,” says Nelson.
Through time and dedication on social media, Nelson has become an ambassador for various plumbing manufacturers. “Being an ambassador for different companies is special,” says Nelson. But he also says that it’s big task when a number of companies want to hire you as an ambassador because of your social media footprint. “Oatey, for instance, has really opened the door for a lot of these opportunities.”
And throughout this rise in popularity and visibility with social does Nelson consider himself a mentor to others? “I do consider myself a role model, not by choice, but through social media,” says Nelson. “I feel like I’ve been put into that position.”
When he’s not hard at work on the job or posting to IG, you’ll find Nelson spending time with family, attending his son’s baseball games, bowling, getting together with friends, or perhaps you’ll see him soaring in the sky fulfilling his bucket list of skydiving. Nevertheless, “It’s extremely important to make an effort to put work down and be intentional about taking care of your mental health, and being there for those who really depend on you,” says Nelson.
Introducing enhancements to the Webstone® line of water heater solutions, a series of valves designed to simplify the installation of storage tank water heaters. Developments include new features for the patent-pending Pro-Pal® Water Heater Supply Valves to offer brass union or dielectric union water heater connections, ½” sizes, and an integration of a ½” cold-water Read more
Introducing enhancements to the Webstone® line of water heater solutions, a series of valves designed to simplify the installation of storage tank water heaters.
Developments include new features for the patent-pending Pro-Pal® Water Heater Supply Valves to offer brass union or dielectric union water heater connections, ½” sizes, and an integration of a ½” cold-water tapping port. Additionally, the line of Pro-Pal® Water Heater Service Valve Kits has expanded to include new connection options and tempering valve kits, which take advantage of the newly integrated access point.
Learn More: www.webstonevalves.com/pro-pal
Bradford White Water Heaters pocket catalogs now use QR technology to ensure quick access to most up-to-date product specs, manuals, and other documents Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces new printed and digital pocket catalogs that use QR codes to ensure contractors and distributors have quick access Read more
Bradford White Water Heaters pocket catalogs now use QR technology to ensure quick access to most up-to-date product specs, manuals, and other documents
Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, introduces new printed and digital pocket catalogs that use QR codes to ensure contractors and distributors have quick access to the most recent product specifications and documents.
The new catalogs were designed based on customer input and reflect Bradford White’s continuing commitment to meeting the needs of customers and business partners who are rapidly increasing their adoption of digital assets and information-sharing.
Traditional pocket catalogs, like other printed assets, can become quickly outdated as product specs are updated, new products are introduced, or older products are taken out of production. Bradford White’s new pocket catalogs equipped with QR codes allow users to immediately retrieve and view the most recent and up-to-date spec sheets, manuals and other product documents available.
“An overwhelming number of contractors have informed us that pocket catalogs remain a critical cross-reference guide,” said Carl Pinto, Jr., senior director of marketing communications for Bradford White. “Many of our customers and business partners have also adopted one or more apps or other digital assets to manage their businesses. Our new pocket catalogs ensure that they have quick, reliable access to the latest and most accurate product information, regardless of their preference for the print or digital version.”
Besides providing customers with quick access to the most up-to-date product information, each edition of the new printed pocket catalogs will be roughly 50% leaner than previous editions.
“With the new printed catalogs requiring significantly less paper, there’s an environmental component to this new design,” Pinto said. “Ultimately, we’re looking to drive 100% adoption of the online versions to eliminate paper waste altogether.”
The digital pocket catalog will ultimately be integrated into the Bradford White For the Pro® app, which is currently being field tested for release later this year.
For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters, visit https://www.bradfordwhite.com.
DIYers are often resourceful when it comes to caring for their homes, but some home repair tasks require professional expertise to complete safely and correctly. Even what is thought to be simple plumbing jobs have the potential to turn into major, costly repairs if done incorrectly, so it’s best you hand off any, and all Read more
DIYers are often resourceful when it comes to caring for their homes, but some home repair tasks require professional expertise to complete safely and correctly. Even what is thought to be simple plumbing jobs have the potential to turn into major, costly repairs if done incorrectly, so it’s best you hand off any, and all plumbing needs to a licensed plumber who has the training and experience necessary for successful execution. Here are some of the more common plumbing tasks homeowners should avoid doing themselves.
1. Water Heater Repair or Replacement
Water heaters are complex machines, and attempting to repair one yourself can be dangerous. If your water heater is malfunctioning, calling a professional to safely diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate course of action is best. The same goes for water heater replacement; be sure to leave it to the professionals to ensure a safe and successful installation. You must also know local building codes, as some require a licensed professional to install a water heater. The potential fines for noncompliance could easily outweigh the cost of a professional installation.
2. Sewer Line Repair
2. Sewer Line RepairYour home’s sewer line is responsible for safely transporting wastewater to the municipal sewer system, so any repairs or maintenance should be left to a licensed plumber. The job is often labor-intensive and can involve digging up your lawn, so it’s best to leave this task to the pros who have experience safely and correctly handling such a complex job.
Inspecting your drain lines, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, you can look for signs of a sewer line issue. If you notice any backup or clogs, it’s time to call in a plumber. Other common signs of a sewer line issue include gurgling sounds from the drains, water pooling in the yard, and foul odors.
3. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s interior and be time-consuming to locate and fix. While small roof leaks may seem like a do-it-yourself job, leaving this one to the pros with the expertise and tools necessary for successful waterproofing is best. A roof plumber Sydney will be able to identify any other potential causes for the leak, such as a faulty gutter or loose shingles. The cost of a professional roof inspection is typically much less than the cost of repairing water damage caused by an undetected leak.
4. Gas Line Installation and Repair
Imagine trying to fix your gas line only to end up making a mistake and causing an explosion. This is why all gas line repair and installation needs should be handled by a licensed plumber who understands the risks associated with such a job. Gas lines can become damaged over time due to corrosion or may need to be installed when building a new home. Attempting either of these tasks yourself could have potentially dangerous consequences; leaving gas line repair and installation to the professionals is best.
5. Dewatering
After a heavy downpour or a burst pipe, water can seep into your home and cause damage to the structure. A professional plumber has the tools and experience necessary to efficiently remove all standing water from the area and assess any damage that may have occurred.
This is an essential step in the repair process, as it helps prevent mold growth which can cause serious health issues for your family. A professional plumber can also advise on the best waterproofing solution for your home.
Regardless of your plumbing task, it’s important to remember that some jobs are too complex to tackle alone. If you feel ill-equipped or need help with how to proceed, it’s always best to call in a professional who can help ensure your safety and the project’s success. The cost of hiring a professional is often much less than the potential fines or damage you could incur by attempting the job yourself. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the job was done right.
If you’re having problems with your water heater, you’re not alone. Here are seven common water heater problems and how to fix them using a professional service. Not Enough Hot Water Your water heater might start having issues with temperature control. The most common problem is when the water isn’t hot enough. In such cases Read more
If you’re having problems with your water heater, you’re not alone. Here are seven common water heater problems and how to fix them using a professional service.
Not Enough Hot Water
Your water heater might start having issues with temperature control. The most common problem is when the water isn’t hot enough. In such cases, the first thing to check is the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to the correct temperature. If the issue persists, it may be time to contact professional water heater repair services.
Leaking Water Heater
Leaking Water HeaterAlthough leaks are common, they also indicate a significant issue with the water heating system. Leaks usually indicate loose plumbing connections or a corroded water line, and it’s advised to turn off the power supply and call a plumber. Here are the most common causes of water leaks:
- Overheating,
- A bad gasket,
- Problems with the water tank,
- A stuck valve,
- Trouble with water pressure, etc.
Noisy Water Heater
Sometimes you might notice that the water heater is making peculiar noises. The primary reason behind this can be sediment build-up. The first thing you should do is try cleaning the sediment yourself and flush the water heater. If the problem persists, the sediment build-up might be too much, and it’s best to contact a water heater repair company.
The Water Heater Won’t Turn On
Next is when your water heater is simply not turning on. If that’s the case, check the circuit breaker and see if it’s tripped. In that case, flip it back on and then try again. If the issue persists, there could be a problem with the thermostat.
Discoloration
If you notice rusty water coming out of the tank, it may indicate corrosion, which means it needs a cleaning service.
Low Pressure
A drop in water pressure is another indication of a water heater problem. This might be because of hard water build-up in the tank, sediment accumulation, or blocked filters.
Malfunctioning Pilot Light
One common issue when servicing gas-powered tank heaters is a malfunctioning pilot light or burner. If the pilot light fails to turn on, contact your local gas utility company for servicing. Otherwise, the potential problem could be a defective thermocouple, clogged vent, burned-out orifices on the burners, or improper temperature control. Checking each element and adjusting the temperature when running hot water can help diagnose the root cause of these specific issues.
How To Fix A Water Heater?
Once you have identified the problem, you can begin to fix it.
For example, if the problem is with the pressure-relief valve, you can simply clean it. If the problem is with the heating element, you can replace it.
If you are unsure how to fix the problem, call a professional. Issues with water heating systems require technical expertise, and qualified professionals know how to fix them. Additionally, they are experts in replacing water heaters and have the tools to install them successfully. Most parts that they provide have long-term warranties.
Tips For Preventing Water Heater Problems
Once you have taken care of the persisting issues with the water heater, taking a few precautions is essential. Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
- Ensure that there is no sediment build-up in the tank.
- Always invest in a water heater according to the requirements. A small water heater shouldn’t serve a large family and may soon start causing trouble.
- It’s good to call a professional for regular water heater inspections and maintenance.
How To Choose The Right Water Heater?
You need to consider a few things when choosing a water heater.
- The first is how much water you need to heat. If you extensively use the water heater or you often have guests over, you’ll need a larger water heater.
- The second thing to consider is the type of water heater: electric or gas. Electric water heaters are cheaper to install, but gas water heaters are more efficient.
- The third thing to consider is the climate. A water heater is a must if you live in a cold climate.
Final Words
Following these tips, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix most water heater problems. If you’re still having issues or if your water heater is beyond repair, be sure to contact a professional.