What is Green Plumbing?

The word “green” gets thrown around a lot when referring to environmental issues. Living green is choosing better options for the environment when buying products, using natural resources and disposing of waste. When it comes to plumbing, there are a few ways you can “go green” and make your home or business more environmentally-friendly. Here are some options that are available for green plumbing to reduce water and energy waste that can help sustain our planet.

  • Tankless water heaters. The standard tank water heater uses gas or electricity to keep hundreds of gallons of water hot 24/7, whether it is being used or not. This can waste natural resources and cost more on energy bills. Tankless water heaters are “green” due to their on-demand heating of water, using much less energy.
  • Low-flow fixtures. You can reduce the amount of water your household or business uses by simply changing your water fixtures. Low-flow toilets, faucets, shower heads and other fixtures reduce the amount of water you use throughout the day. This can save hundreds of gallons of water used without changing your normal routine.
  • Efficient appliances. Upgrading your dishwasher and clothes washer to more energy and water-efficient models can help reduce waste in your home. These green options often have the Energy Star certification to make it simple to find a good choice for your water appliances.

If you are interested in options to reduce water and energy waste around your home or business, talk to your local plumber that specializes in green plumbing. They can help you identify areas in your plumbing that can be improved or upgraded to reduce waste and help you install new green plumbing options.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

3 Green Reasons for Tankless Water Heaters

If your old tank water heater is on its last leg, it is time to think about replacement. Most tank water heaters last around 10-15 years before they begin to have problems. Before you begin pricing another large tank to add to your home, consider the benefits of a greener option. Tankless water heaters can provide many benefits to you, your family and the environment that can make them a better choice. Here are three green reasons to choose a tankless option for your next water heater.

  1. Only use what you need. Why keep water hot all day, even when you are not home or using any hot water? That is exactly what tank water heaters do, and what tankless versions do not. On-demand only heats water when you need it, reducing the waste of heating hundreds of gallons of water 24/7.
  2. Constant hot water without the cost. No more running out of hot water; tankless water heaters heat as you use, so you will never run out. Yet, you pay less for the convenience. The electricity or heating cost is a fraction of a tank water heater, saving you money and helping reduce energy drains on the environment.
  3. Lasts longer. Most tankless water heaters will last longer than tank versions, saving on the waste of raw materials for new equipment. Plus, they are much smaller and use less materials to make.

There are so many benefits to owning a tankless water heater, both for you and the environment. They take up less space and can pay for themselves in energy savings. Talk to your local plumber about installing a tankless water heater when it comes time to replace your old tank heater.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678

Why You Should Invest in a Tankless Water Heater

Is your tank water heater 10-15 years old or older? It is time to start thinking about replacement. Once a water heater hits the 15-year mark, repairing it if it breaks down may only delay the inevitable. While tank water heaters are less expensive to purchase than tankless models, you may want to consider this investment. In the long run, a tankless water heater may save you money and offer more convenience than choosing to stick with a tank model.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Do you ever run out of hot water in your home? Does your water heater take up space that could be better utilized? These are some of the issues that a tankless water heater can solve. Here are some of the advantage of switching to a tankless model when it comes time to replace your water heater.

  • Endless hot water. With a tankless water heater, you get on-demand hot water. The supply will never run out, even if everyone in the family takes a shower in morning.
  • Less space. Tankless means you will no longer need to fill part of your utility room or a closet with a water heater. Tankless models can be hung on a wall, even put outside.
  • Energy efficiency. There is a substantial savings on your energy when you switch to on-demand hot water. You no longer need to keep hundreds of gallons of water hot 24/7, saving you on your energy bills.
  • Damage to your home. There is always a risk that a tank water heater can spring a leak, causing water damage to your home. A leak when you are not home could cost you thousands in repairs and restoration.

Save on energy bills and enjoy the convenience of a tankless water heater when it comes time to replace your old tank. Talk to your local plumber about the options available in tankless water heaters for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Go Green with a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Being energy efficient isn’t just a trend, it is the smart way to go when you are thinking about updates in your home. Energy efficiency saves on resources, money out of your pocket, plus it is better for the world around you. That’s why when you are thinking about replacing your hot water heater, you should think about going with a tankless hot water heater.

  • Saves you space. No more big, bulky tank taking up room in your basement. A tankless water heater will take up much less space than a conventional water heater. If you are trying to live simply, that will be a big advantage. You can even store certain tankless units outside, if you live in the right climate.
  • Longer warranty. The tankless hot water heaters can have three times longer warranty than a traditional water heater. This will also likely mean that it will last a lot longer, saving you the headache of replacing it.
  • Less landfill waste. The traditional hot water tank, needs to be replaced more often and gets put in the landfill to sit and rust away for many years. Some of the tankless hot water heaters have recyclable components and parts, which makes this decision even easier!

Do your own research to find out if going with a tankless hot water heater is the way you want to head towards energy effieciency in your home. Then make sure you call a professional plumber to get it hooked up correctly. Getting your tankless hot water heater set up so it will vent correctly, will be key.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

5 Reasons to Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater

Is your old water heater about ready to be retired? Most water heaters only last about ten years and then need to be replaced. If it is time to invest in a new heating system for the water in your home, consider the advantages of upgrading to a tankless water heater. Here are five reasons that tankless may be the way to go for your next water heater.

  1. Save energy. Tankless water heaters can reduce your monthly utility bills by saving energy off your hot water. These models only heat water when you need it, making them much more energy efficient than tank models that keep water hot 24/7, whether you are using it or not.
  2. Save space. Without the tank, water heaters are compact and take up very little space. Many can be installed on a wall, even outside of your home.
  3. Never run out of hot water. Tired of getting a cold shower when you are last in line to get ready in the morning? Tankless water heaters heat water as needed so you never run out of hot water.
  4. No leaky tanks. There is always a chance of a leak and water damage with a tank water heater. With a tankless model, you don’t need to worry about hundreds of gallons of water damaging your home.
  5. Better value. Tankless water heaters offer more value since they last longer than tank models.

If you are ready to replace that old water heater, call your local plumber and ask about the tankless water heaters they have available. Once you make the switch, you will never go back to a cumbersome, inefficient tank water heater again.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

4 Reasons to Make Your Next Water Heater Tankless

How old is your current water heater? If it is over eight years old, the time is approaching when you will need to replace that old tank water heater. But instead of buying another large tank to put in a closet, basement or bathroom, why not upgrade to a tankless water heater? Here are four excellent reasons to ditch the tank when it comes time to buy your new water heater.

  1. Save room. No tank means a smaller water heater that takes up much less space. In fact, many tankless water heaters can be installed outside, keeping it out of your home altogether.
  2. Save energy. The genius behind tankless water heaters is that they only heat the water when you need it, versus keeping a full tank of water heated 24/7. This can save up to 50% off the energy you spend to heat your water.
  3. Never run out of water. Have you ever been the last one in line at your house to take a shower? Running out of hot water will never happen when you have a tankless water heater since the water is heated as needed.
  4. No water mess. There is always a chance a tank water heater will burst, flooding your home with hundreds of gallons of water. With a tankless water heater, there is never a risk of the tank leaking.

When it comes time to replace your old water heater, talk to your local plumber about installing a new tankless water heater. It is a great investment to reduce energy costs while getting the convenience of a low space appliance with never-ending hot water.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

Are You Tired of Running Out of Hot Water?

If you have a growing family, fighting over who gets the first showers of the day may be common in your home. By shower number three, the water can go from hot to cold as your water heater runs out of water. Trying to get a family of four or more all clean in the morning can take more hot water than your tank water heater can handle. To get the hot water you need, you have two choices when it comes to changing your water heater. Either buy a larger tank water heater or upgrade your home’s hot water heater to a tankless version.

Tankless Water Heaters – Hot Water Only When You Need It

If you have not researched tankless water heaters to fix your hot water issues, it is time you did. Tankless water heaters resolve the problem of running out of hot water because your hot water supply is endless. Tankless water heaters do not store hot water, they create it on demand, so it never runs out. In addition, there are other benefits to tankless water heaters, including:

  • Energy-efficiency. Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it versus keeping a large tank of water hot 24/7. This can save up to 50% off your energy usage for hot water.
  • Space saver. You no longer will need a place to fit a large water tank. Tankless water heaters are much smaller and many can even be installed outside the home.
  • No tank leaks. A leak or flood from a tank water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Tankless versions are less likely to cause water damage.

To learn more about the benefits of a tankless water heater, talk to your local plumbing service that offers tankless water heater installation. You will never have to be stuck with a cold shower again!

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Home?

Many homeowners are converting to tankless water heaters when the time comes for a replacement. There are plenty of great reasons to invest in these efficient appliances, which can save on energy bills while providing an endless supply of hot water. However, not every household will appreciate the benefits of these newer models. Before you invest in a new water heater, consider whether tankless is the best option for you and your family.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional tank water heaters work by heating a large supply of water, storing it for use in a holding tank. There are a few problems with this method which can make it less than ideal for some households. First, the water must be kept hot all the time, whether anyone is using hot water or not. Secondly, there is a limited supply of hot water, which can be frustrating in a large household. Lastly, due to the fact that the water is stored, there is always a chance of a leak in the tank which can cause major damage to the home.

Tankless water heaters address all these problems. The pros of owning a tankless version are:

  • lowered energy costs since water is only heated as it is needed, making them much more efficient
  • no limit to the amount of hot water you can use at one time
  • No tank that can spring a leak and cause a flood in your home

On the other side of the coin are the cons of a tankless heater, These models tend to cost more initially, even though they usually pay for themselves through energy savings. Also, there can be a lag in time while the water is heated, although usually it is a very short time.

If you are considering a new tankless water heater, talk to your local plumber about the pros and cons of these newer models. While they are a good investment for many people, you may be among those who prefer to stick with a tank water heater.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

Why Go Tankless?

One of the most exciting developments in plumbing technology has been the advancement in tankless water heater systems.  As one would expect, tankless water heater systems do not have a storage tank for hot water, with the heater being capable of providing virtually an endless supply of hot water on demand, to every fixture in the home.  While these systems have been around for years and are very popular in Europe and Asia, they are becoming more popular here in the United States as a result of their savings in energy costs, longevity and reduced space requirements.  

It is estimated that approximately 20% of a home’s total energy costs are related to providing hot water to the home.  A great deal of this energy use is related to maintaining the temperature of the water being stored in the storage tank, even when hot water is being not being used.  This constant cycling of the system is expensive, as not only does the water needed to be heated initially, but is has to be kept hot.  With tankless systems, there is no storage system as hot water is made on demand, so there is no cycling of the system and no water to be kept hot.  

While traditional water heater components are fairly reliable, the primary cause of traditional water heater failure is rust in the tank, which leads to leaking.  A tankless system has a much higher lifespan due to the elimination of components that can rust or leak. 

Another great benefit of tankless water heaters is that they take up less space than traditional water heaters.  While traditional water heaters are floor mounted, tankless systems are much smaller and are often wall mounted.  In many cases, this frees up additional space in the water heater room for other uses such as storage.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

 

Go Greener with Energy Efficient Water Heaters

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