Hot Water Circulation Systems

February 28th, 2013 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
Comments Off on Hot Water Circulation Systems

Are you tired of waiting for the water to get hot in your shower, bathroom sink, or kitchen?  Letting the water run while waiting for it to warm up is a huge waste of time, money and water.   You may have considered installing a tankless water heater.  These have many advantages over traditional storage type water heaters including instant hot water for some types of installations, but there are disadvantages to tankless water heaters, not the least of which are the conversion costs.

There is another, less expensive option for getting instant hot water.  A hot water recirculation system circulates hot water through the pipes so that when you turn on the faucet or shower, the hot water is immediately available.   There are three different types of hot water circulation systems.

The first type uses a pump to continuously circulate hot water through the pipes.  This is the simplest system, but also the most expensive to operate since the water circulation pump runs continuously.

The second type of hot water circulation system is similar to the first, but uses a timer to shut off the pump when demand for hot water is small such as at night and on weekdays when your family is away from home at work or school.  These systems use less energy because they do not run continuously.

The most cost efficient type of water circulations system is a demand type system.  In these systems, the circulation pump only runs when a button at the sink or shower is pushed.  After pushing the button to activate the system, the user waits a few seconds before turning on the hot water.  The pump shuts off automatically after the hot water reaches the tap. These systems are a little less convenient than the other two types of water recirculation systems, but they are much more efficient to operate and they reduce water consumption.

, ,
Read More

Hot Water Options

February 28th, 2013 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
Comments Off on Hot Water Options

Do you have a bathroom located in the far reaches of your home where it seems to take forever for the hot water to get there?  Or maybe you are planning an addition to your home, or to convert basement or attic space into an in-law suite and you are concerned about the amount of time it will take for the water to get hot.  These are common problems that can result in a huge waste of water while waiting for it to get hot.

If you have a bathroom or kitchen in your home that is located far away from the water heater, waiting for the water to warm up is not only annoying but also a waste of money and water.  There are several options for addressing this situation.  The right solution depends on your particular situation.

One option is to install a tankless water heater at the kitchen or bathroom to supply hot water to just that room.  The hot water in the rest of the home will continue to come from your traditional water heater.  This can be an excellent option for homes with  a good location for the tankless water heater and access to propane or natural gas.  Installing an electric tankless water heater in an existing home generally requires upgrading the wiring which can be a problem.

You could also install a second, small traditional water heater to supply the bathroom or kitchen.  This is only a good option if you have the space for another water heater.

Finally, consider installing a hot water circulation system.  These systems continuously cycle hot water through the pipes so hot water is instantly available at every tap.  Less water is wasted, but your savings will be offset by the increased electricity usage to run the pumps.

, ,
Read More

Why You Should Hire a Licensed Plumber for New Construction

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Choosing a Reputable Plumber
Comments Off on Why You Should Hire a Licensed Plumber for New Construction

When you’re building the home of your dreams, staying within your budget can be a very real concern. It’s tempting to cut corners wherever you can, opting for less expensive choices when it comes to finishing and the installation of some features.

Most local building ordinances will prevent a non-licensed plumber from performing plumbing work on a new home, but many have loopholes in the building codes that allow homeowners themselves to perform the work, provided that it meets inspection. Properly plumbing your new home isn’t as simple as making a trip to the bookstore or turning to a search engine, however.

Improperly installed plumbing fixtures can cause very real problems in your home, with the least of your worries being a failed inspection. Tearing out the offending plumbing work and replacing it can be more expensive and time-consuming than simply hiring a licensed professional plumber in the first place. When you consider the potential issues stemming from mistakes during the installation of sewer lines or drains, any money you could save up front may simply not be worth it when all is said and done.

If your home will be connected to a septic tank, rather than a municipal sewer system, you’ll also have the possibility of fumes from the septic tank backing up into the bathroom to contend with. Vent pipes and p-traps are designed to prevent these problems, but aren’t likely to be effective if they’re not properly installed by a seasoned professional. Before you take on the major task of plumbing your new home from the ground up, you should consider the many benefits and very few drawbacks of contracting with a licensed plumbing professional in your area.

, ,
Read More

Why Clogged Drains Might Be More Serious Than You Think

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
Comments Off on Why Clogged Drains Might Be More Serious Than You Think

Clogged or slow-moving drains are one of the most common plumbing problems that a homeowner faces, and often leave you reaching for a bottle of commercial drain cleaner. While these chemical solutions may clear out stubborn hair clogs, you may want to think twice before dumping them down a slow-moving drain.

First and foremost, liquid drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that are designed to completely dissolve the materials blocking the drain. Pipes in older homes can become thin or damaged over time, and the same chemicals that blast a clog can erode them even further. A damaged pipe is a pipe that leaks, which can lead to very expensive repairs and property damage. The money you think you’re saving by taking matters into your own hands can be spent several times over to repair damage you inadvertently caused by tackling problems bigger than they appear.

Clogs can also occur as a result of massive hard water build-up, or be located farther down the pipe than you can reach with a chemical drain cleaner or pipe snake. These problems will not only render your efforts useless, but could also cause more problems if you’re damaging already weak pipes. Slow-moving or clogged drains in more than one area of your home can indicate problems with your house drain or a soil drain. Before you attempt to clear out a stubborn clog or clean a slow-moving drain, it’s wise to seek the advice and diagnostic services of a licensed, professional plumber. In the long run, you could save far more money by getting professional attention than if you take on the task yourself and perform repairs incorrectly.

, ,
Read More

The Problem with Hard Water

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Water Softener
Comments Off on The Problem with Hard Water

You probably have magnesium and calcium supplements included as part of your daily multivitamin. These two compounds, essential to the healthy function of your body, can be problematic for your appliances and plumbing when they’re found in your water supply.

Hard water is a term used to describe water that contains high levels of mineral salts, and it can cause bigger problems than just a lack of lather from your favorite soap. Limescale build-up within your pipes can restrict the water flow over time, causing slow drainage that commercial drain cleaners usually won’t fix. Shower heads, faucets and valves can also fall victim to limescale build-up that reduces water flow.

Your water heater, one of the more expensive appliances in your home, can also be damaged by mineral deposits that form as a result of hard water. Those spots on your glassware after a cycle through the dishwasher aren’t just a mild irritant; they can be a sign of a problem that could affect the longevity of the dishwasher itself. The washing machine that keeps your clothes clean can also be adversely affected by hard water, with limescale deposits and rust inside the machine, along the hoses and water lines. Fortunately, there is a relatively simple solution to your hard water problems.

Contacting a licensed plumber to discuss the use of water softener can help you extend the life of your appliances, prevent limescale build-up on your faucets and valves and prevent the pesky skin and hair dryness that often accompanies showering and bathing in hard water. Your plumber will also be able to answer any questions that you have regarding water softeners and their effect on a septic system.

, ,
Read More

Managing a Plumbing Emergency

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Plumbing Maintenance
Comments Off on Managing a Plumbing Emergency

Few household maintenance issues carry the same level of urgency as a problem with your plumbing. When problems with your plumbing arise, they often require immediate attention. Water flowing unchecked from a damaged pipe or leaking water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your walls, ceilings, floors and personal property, while any problems involving sewage or septic systems should be considered a health emergency.

Being prepared for a plumbing emergency can help you mitigate much of the damage until a professional plumber arrives, so knowing basic information like how to shut off your water supply to a damaged fixture or how to operate the shut-off valve for your entire home is a smart move. It’s also a good idea to establish a relationship with a reputable, licensed plumber in your area so that you know exactly who to call when you’re in need. Many plumbing companies do offer emergency services around the clock, but combing through the phone book or an online directory in search of one when minutes count is a major inconvenience that could increase the level of damage done to your home.

After your plumber has been reached, and you’re sure that someone is en route, make the most of the situation by mopping up as much of a major leak as possible. Not only will this help you to manage cleanup more easily after the repairs are finished, but also to clear the way for your plumber as much as possible. If the leak is one that involves untreated sewage, you’ll need to remember that it should be treated as a biohazard to avoid the health risks associated with waste. Managing a plumbing emergency is never fun, but the process can be simplified greatly by simple emergency preparedness.

, ,
Read More

Advantages and Features of Tankless Water Heaters

February 26th, 2013 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
Comments Off on Advantages and Features of Tankless Water Heaters

In the average American home, the hot water heater is the second-highest user of energy. Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint or simply an upgrade that will shave some money off of your utility bills, a tankless water heater might be the perfect solution.

A standard tank-style water heater expends a lot of energy maintaining a store of hot water, even when you’re not using it. When you are using your hot water, however, the supply is finite. For large families, even managing to get more than one shower in during the morning rush before the water turns icy after the store is depleted can be a challenge. With a tankless water heater, water is heated only when you need it and doesn’t run out. A fifty-gallon electric water heater can require up to a full hour to completely recover it’s supply of hot water, but your tankless system gives you almost unlimited access. You never have to time your showers and baths against the use of washing machines and dishwashers again!

Most tankless water heaters also have ten to fifteen year warranties, and can last up to two decades before they require replacement. Traditional units usually come with a six-year warranty, and generally last about half as long as their tankless brethren. Water is heated only when you need it, which can cut up to 30% of your energy costs. Tankless water heaters are also ideal solutions for relatively small spaces, as they’re wall-mounted and don’t require the same amount of dedicated space as large, clunky tank models. The water that comes from your tankless heater may also be cleaner, as rust and limescale can build up inside tank models.

Contact a licensed plumber in your area today to discuss the benefits and features of installing a tankless water heater in your home.

, ,
Read More

The Long Term Problem with DIY Plumbing Repairs

February 1st, 2013 Posted in Toilets
Comments Off on The Long Term Problem with DIY Plumbing Repairs

Simple home plumbing maintenance such as clogged toilet repairs or a clearing a stopped up drain can often be handled by most homeowners. However, when it comes to the more major repairs and plumbing fixture installation, do-it-yourself solutions can come back to haunt you in the future.

There are two ways DIY plumbing can negatively impact a homeowner. The first is simply the issue of fixing one problem in a way that may create another one. If you don’t have a full understanding of how your home’s plumbing system is put together and how it works, you may end up fixing a surface problem, while, unknowingly, creating another one that may not show up until weeks or months down the line. Calling a professional plumber in at that point will usually cost you much more than if you’d had a professional take care of the smaller problem in the first place.

The second way the DIY plumbing can create a problem is when it comes time to sell your home. If your DIY plumbing is not fully up to code or doesn’t pass the critical judgment of a home inspector, you may find yourself either losing a potential buyer or having to put additional money into correcting the plumbing before you can finalize the sale.

Don’t risk these issues to save a few dollars or because you ‘think’ you can figure it out yourself. A reliable licensed will make sure it is done correctly the first time. Plus, you’ll learn more by watching him and asking him questions than by using the trial and error method.

, ,
Read More

One Man Shop or Larger Plumbing Contractor: Pros and Cons

February 1st, 2013 Posted in Choosing a Reputable Plumber
Comments Off on One Man Shop or Larger Plumbing Contractor: Pros and Cons

When you hire a plumbing contractor, it can be hard to tell from their advertising how large of a firm the company name represents. There are plenty of one-man shops where the licensed plumber is the owner, operator and assistant, all rolled into one. There are also large corporate plumbing contractors that have dozens of licensed plumbers working for them. In between those two ends of the spectrum are mid-range contractors who have a significant number of employees but are still in the small business category range.

There is no best answer as to whether you are better off hiring a small plumbing contractor or bigger one. However, there are some pros and cons to take into consideration as you are making the decision.

If you are looking for someone you can rely on to show up for a service call whenever you happen to need them, a one-man shop may not be the best choice. Even though the plumber may be extremely dependable, one man can only be in one place at one time. If he’s a high quality professional, his services will be in big demand. He may not always be available when you need him.

Another negative aspect of a one-man shop is speed and efficiency. The more hands available to work on a project, the faster it will get done. This is particularly true for big jobs like a polybutylene pipe replacement or septic to sewer conversion.  If your plumber has to make all his supply runs himself, it will slow down his progress. In addition, you’ll be paying full plumber rates for all the time on your job, rather than having some of the time being billed at a lower assistant’s rate.

With a larger plumbing company, you may or may not know the owner on a first name basis, but the integrity of the owner is still on the line, no matter the company size. Smaller is not always better or the best choice.

, ,
Read More

What Kind of Experience Does Your Plumber Have?

February 1st, 2013 Posted in Choosing a Reputable Plumber
Comments Off on What Kind of Experience Does Your Plumber Have?

A plumber’s a plumber, right? They all are required to go through the same training and requirements in order to get licensed; why would there be a difference?

In spite of the training plumbers receive through a trade school and the required on-the-job training necessary to be licensed, there are still plenty of scenarios that plumbers only learn how to handle through years of experience. The old saying that ‘experience is the best teacher’ is as true in the plumbing profession as it is in any other profession or area of life.

You will also want to make sure that those years of experience are related to your area of the country and preferably the city you live in. Ten years of experience working in new developments outside Denver will not offer a lot of guidance related to a full residential repiping in Orlando Florida . Knowledge of the city and regional codes in one area of the country do not translate over to a new location in another region.

So what do you need to know about a plumbers experience before you hire him? The first, of course, is how many years have they worked as a ‘licensed’ plumber. Don’t be fooled by someone padding their years of experience with their years of training. Secondly, you’ll want to know what geographical areas they have been working in. How many years have they been working within your local area? Thirdly, what types of plumbing situations do they have experience with? Have they mostly done new construction work? Has it been primarily residential, commercial or a mixture of both? Their answers to this questions will give you a better picture of what they mean when they say that they are an ‘experienced’ plumber.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries

Find Local Company | Featured Plumbers| Find Local Plumbers| Plumbers Directory