Traditional Water Heater vs. Tankless Water Heater

March 26th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Consumers today have a great deal of choices when it comes to replacing a worn out water heater.   Options include traditional water heaters, as well as tankless water heaters.  While both systems provide hot water, each of the systems does it in a different manner.  In addition, they both have features and benefits that will appeal to some, while not appealing to others.

Traditional water heaters heat water using electricity, natural gas and propane.  In general they are not as energy efficient as tankless water heaters, because the heating mechanism in a traditional water heater is constantly cycling on and off as it maintains the temperature of the water in the storage tank.  Traditional water heaters are available in a variety of sizes, depending upon the hot water needs of the homeowner.  One thing to keep in mind when selecting a traditional water heater is to look carefully at the recovery rate, which is the amount of time needed to heat up the cold water in the tank.  This in many ways is more important than the capacity of the tank.

Tankless hot water heaters, which are very popular in Europe and Asia, only heat water when it needed.  As a result they are generally up to 50% more efficient than traditional hot water heaters.  As with traditional water heaters, there are available in many sizes and if properly sized, it is virtually impossible to run out of hot water despite the fact that there is no storage tank!  Many consumers like tankless water heaters because of their ability to almost instantly deliver hot water to the faucet when it is turned on.  The reason for this is the speed that the water is heated, as well as the fact that the heater or heaters are often located near the faucet.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater?

February 12th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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In most homes, the water heater is an appliance which can do its job for years on end without needing repairs or much attention at all, making it an easy one to forget about until a problem arises. Unfortunately, when a water heater does need repair or replacement, it can be an eye-opening experience.

When Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

Most water heaters can last anywhere from ten to twenty years, depending on the type and how well they are maintained. Annual maintenance can make a big difference in the life of your water heater, and can also give you a bit of warning for the approaching need for replacement. Although some issues may be able to be repaired, once a water heater is over tenyears old, it may not be worth repairing. Some signs that your water heater should be replaced include:

  • Leaks. Water heaters can corrode and spring a leak. Once this happens, replacement is usually the only feasible option.
  • Metallic water. If your water has a metallic smell or taste, this is a sign that it may be time to replace the water heater.
  • Rusty water. Changes in the color of your water may be signs that there is rust building up inside the tank of your water heater, a sure sign you should be considering replacement.
  • Loud noises. If your water heater is making loud popping or cracking noises, they could be caused by extensive mineral deposits building up around heating elements and other working parts. In such cases, replacement is usually the best and safest course of action.

The best way to know for sure if it’s time to replace your water heater is to schedule an inspection by your local plumber. If the water heater is still viable, your plumber can perform annual maintenance which can help it last a few more years. If it is time for a new model, a professional plumber is also capable of helping you choose the best model for your home and lifestyle needs.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing 

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Tips For Maintaining Your Basement Plumbing

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many people have a variety of plumbing appliances and fixtures in their basements. It’s very common for washers, water heaters and other plumbing to be located in the basement. To keep everything running smoothly, there are a few maintenance items that should be performed regularly and also some basic safety rules that you should follow.

  • Never store flammable items never a water heater. Paints, solvents, gasoline and other flammable items should be stored away from your water heater to prevent them from accidental igniting and fires.
  • Check for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any leaks by checking your water meter when no water is going to be used for 8-10 hours. Note the reading, then check it after the elapsed time. If it has moved and no water was used, you may have a leak.
  • Prevent sewer gas backup. Every few months, it’s a good idea to pour a bucket of water down your basement floor drain to fill the trap seal. This can prevent sewer gases from rising and filling your home.
  • Stop water tapping noise. If you have water tapping or hammering noises, talk to your plumber about installing shock absorbers to keep your pipes from vibrating and making excess noise.
  • Check washer hoses. Periodically, your washer hoses need to be checked for bulges or wear. Replace as need to prevent flooding.
  • Adding new plumbing fixtures. Basement plumbing usually requires more knowledge than above ground plumbing. If you want to add a bathroom, laundry room or other plumbing to your basement, be sure to get the help of a professional plumber.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

 

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Bi-Annual Maintenance For Your Water Heater

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many people ignore their water heaters, at least until there’s a problem. Unfortunately, when water heaters do cause a problem, it is usually expensive. From major leaks and water damage to failing altogether, water heaters can cost a small fortune when they are not properly maintained. By completing basic maintenance and checking on your water heater every six months, you can find small problems and often get them fixed by a professional before they become larger, more expensive issues.

  • Flush. Once or twice a year, you should flush your water heater to remove sediment. After turning off the gas or electricity and shutting off the cold water valve, drain water heater completely using a garden hose attached to the drain valve. When refilling, make sure all hot water valves in the house are turned on.
  • Check pressure valve. Shut off electricity, gas and cold water inlet to the water heater. After putting a bucket under the pressure valve, trip the lever on the valve. You should hear air release if it is working properly. If it is dripping water when closed, it may need to be replaced.
  • Check for leaks and drips. Most small leaks or drips are caused by faulty connections. These can be an easy fix for a very experienced do-it-yourselfer, but a fairly inexpensive repair for your plumber.
  • Check anode rods. Your anode rods help keep your water heater from rusting. They are steel wires usually covered by aluminum or magnesium. If the steel wire is showing, they need to be replaced.

By doing bi-annual or at least annual maintenance on your water heater, you can identify possible problems and needed repairs from a professional before your water heater fails or causes water damage in your home.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Save Money With Water Efficient Appliances

January 28th, 2014 Posted in Water Heaters
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We all want to save money, especially when it comes to our utility bills. One great way to reduce your monthly expenses is to cut usage with water and energy efficient appliances. While most people cannot afford to replace all their appliances at once, choosing efficient models when the time comes to buy a new washer, water heater or dish washer can make a big difference on both your water and electricity bills.

Choosing A New Appliance

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it easy to recognize appliances that are efficient in their energy use. Two programs are sponsored by the EPA, WaterSense and ENERGY STAR, both labeling appliances and fixtures that are deemed energy and water efficient.

  • WaterSense. WaterSense is a partnership program through the EPA which labels products that are certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance.
  • ENERGY STAR. For over twenty years, the ENERGY STAR voluntary EPA program has helped identify appliances which help to save energy. For example, an ENERGY STAR washer today can save over 70% on water and energy than a similar washer made twenty years ago.

The use of these more efficient appliances and fixtures have saved an estimated $230 billion in utility bills over the last twenty years, and 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, making them good for your wallet and the planet.

When you are ready to convert your water appliances to more efficient models, be sure to consult your plumber to be aware of any changes you may need for your home to connect to these new models. In addition to your appliances, your plumber can recommend water efficient toilets and water heaters when the time comes to replace them as well.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

 

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Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

December 31st, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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When it comes to heating water for home use, the tankless water heater is one of the first products to shake up the industry in decades. On-demand water heaters are skyrocketing in popularity, and are often a more efficient solution for many homeowners. As with any major appliance, however, they come with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks which should be carefully considered before a purchasing decision is made. When the time comes to replace your hot water heater, consider the pros and cons of doing so with a new tankless model.

Pros

The benefits of using a tankless water heater are numerous. They take up far less space than a traditional storage tank model, are far more energy efficient and cost significantly less to operate than their storage tank brethren. Instead of heating unused water which is then held indefinitely, you’re only using energy to heat what you need at any given moment.

The average estimated lifespan of a tankless model is up to two decades, which also outstrips the ten to thirteen years estimated for a traditional model. Even with the higher up-front cost of a tankless hot water heater, the increased longevity and energy savings often make it a far more economical option in the long run.

Cons

The primary drawback to tankless water heaters will usually only effect large households, which is the fact that more than one point of demand can reduce the effectiveness of the water heater. If someone in the house is showering while others are doing a load of laundry in hot water and running the dishwasher, the output is going to be reduced for everyone in the house. Tankless water heaters may not be the best solution in high-demand households. Additionally, the increased up-front expense over a traditional water heater may be prohibitive for some families, though the cost is often recouped in fairly short order through reduced energy bills.

Working with a licensed and experienced plumber to determine whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your family is the best way to make an informed and accurate assessment.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

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Go Greener with Energy Efficient Water Heaters

December 31st, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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As the costs of energy and concern about the environment increases, so does the number of homeowners seeking energy-efficient appliances.

After heating and cooling costs, operating a water heater is the largest source of energy use in the average home. Because water heaters do use such a high amount of energy in order to operate, replacing your existing hot water heater with a more energy efficient model can have a significant and noticeable impact on your monthly energy bills. Reducing your energy use will also cause your home to have less of an impact on the environment, so opting for an energy-efficient new water heater is a win-win situation.

Choosing a Hot Water Heater

There are, primarily, two types of water heaters on the market today: tankless and storage tank models. Tankless hot water heaters do not hold a pre-heated supply of water, but heat on demand. Storage tank models hold a limited supply of hot water, which is heated around the clock. Once the supply is depleted, the tank must be refilled and reheated.

To choose the most efficient method of heating water while still meeting the average needs of your household, you’ll have to consider a variety of factors. The heating fuel type your water heater uses, the size of a water heater and its model will all have a bearing on the amount of energy it uses and how high the operating costs will be.

Whether you’re in need of a new water heater and would like to make a more efficient choice or simply upgrading your existing model in favor of one which uses less energy, a licensed and experienced plumbing professional can help you make the right choice for your household. Contact a plumber in your area to discuss your needs, and to find a more energy efficient solution for heating the water in your home today.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

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Purchasing a New Water Heater: Gas or Electric?

August 12th, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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The answer to this question, if based solely on energy costs, can vary greatly depending upon where you live. In some regions, natural gas is cheaper than electricity whereas in other areas, the opposite is true. Generally, when it comes to heating water, gas heaters cost less because they are more energy efficient in heating water faster and using less energy in doing so. Left alone, the efficiency of gas heat may persuade you to purchase a gas heater rather than an electric one. However, there are a number of other reasons why you may consider purchasing an electric water heater.

A primary consideration for some is safety. The chances of an explosion from a gas leak and its resulting damage is far greater than any risks associated with electric wiring. Another enticing factor for those who are cost conscience is the ability to install a timer on an electric tank, limiting power consumption to off-peak times. Electric heaters do not require the venting of exhaust through PVC tubing. Gas heaters have space requirements to prevent the buildup of gases; whereas, an electric tank heater can be installed in small, unventilated spaces. The lifespan of an electric water heater is generally greater than a gas water heater. The purchase price of electric heaters is lower than gas heaters of the same size. Electric water heaters also do not have a pilot light to worry about.

It should be noted that new technology has also made improvements into the world of water heaters with options such as solar and tankless systems. Your local plumbing contractor will be well informed of all the pros and cons of various systems, so as to best assist you with the right purchase for your individual needs.

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Selecting The Right Water Heater for Your Home

August 1st, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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Before deciding which kind of water heater you’d prefer for your home or business, make sure that you do, indeed, need to purchase a new one. Of course, if the storage tank is rusted through with corrosion then you will need a new one. Some water heater repairs are not difficult for a good plumber such as a heating element that no longer works or a leaking pressure valve. When deciding whether or not to repair or purchase, consider the annual  cost of repair plus the added energy usage of an older water heater compared with a new, energy efficient water heater.

You will find that new technology has also made improvements into the world of water heaters with options such as solar water heaters and tankless water heater systems. Although more costly to purchase, they promise savings in the long run due to their energy efficiency. Realistically, the amount of savings you will pocket depends largely upon which one you buy and where you live. Your local plumbing contractor will be well informed of all the pros and cons of various systems, so as to best assist you with the right purchase for your individual needs.

While most water tank heaters look alike on the outside, they are not and paying a little more for your heater will get you a better, more energy efficient water heater. Typically, the more costly models will have a longer warranty period, as well as a higher quality of parts such as the heating element. The more costly models will also have thicker insulation, along with a better metal exterior that combats corrosion. Finally, the size of the right water heater for your home or business depends on the number of people that typically use hot water in order to calculated how many gallons of water would be needed per day.

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What’s That Banging Noise In Your Plumbing?

June 6th, 2013 Posted in Water Heaters
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Many people, even if they are homeowners, tend to ignore the occasional banging and groaning of their plumbing pipes, especially if their home is older. Certainly, the systems in older homes tend to make more noise. but, more than likely, it could be something simple that is easily resolved before becoming a real nuisance.

There are several possible causes and solutions to the noises you hear coming from your pipes. You can do several things to try and narrow it down. If turning on the water creates the noise, then chances are a pipe is clanging against another object. Most of the time, you can track down the location of the problem by following the sound and vibration. A pipe could have become loose, striking a wall, or another pipe. The offending noise can then be silenced by creating a buffer with a piece of wood, rubber hosing, tape or insulation.

Sometimes, hot water will create a rumble of steam through your system, an indication to lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Pipes also have air chambers that cushion a shock effect that’s created when running water is suddenly turned off. These chambers can fail or become waterlogged, causing a “water hammer” sound. You can possibly clear this yourself by opening up the noisy faucet with the water turned off, to let it completely drain, so that the chamber can refill with air, restoring the cushion.

As always, whenever you have a concern about the plumbing in your home, it is a good idea to have your system inspected by your local plumbing professional to make sure that everything is functioning properly.

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