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

3 Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

Water heaters often seem to fail without warning. One day, you jump in the shower and there is no hot water. However, there are usually warning signs that a water heater is failing if you know what to expect. Water heaters tend to last about ten years, but any time after eight years you should be on the lookout for issues.  Here are three signs your water heater may be coming to the end of its lifespan, so you can proactively replace it before it fails.

  1. Strange noises. Is your water heater making more noise than before? Banging, gurgling or popping noises are usually due to sediment buildup. Draining your tank can help, but too much sediment over time will lead to failure.
  2. Leaks. A major tank leak is often the reason a water heater is replaced. However, small leaks can occur that should be a warning that a major leak or failure is around the corner. Watch for moisture around the tank or small puddles.
  3. Hot water issues. Does it seem to take longer to get hot water or the temperature doesn’t seem to be as warm as before? Does your hot water have a tinge of color to it? Changes in your hot water temperature or color can be a sign there is a problem with your water heater.

It is better to replace your water heater on your schedule than wait for the tank to spring a leak or to wake up to a cold shower. Keep an eye and ear open for issues with your water heater once it is several years old. When it begins having problems, call your local plumber and have it proactively replaced before it fails.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Water heaters can last over a decade, some lasting twenty years or more with good maintenance. It is easy to neglect your water heater and forget that these appliances do need replacement. If you have had your water heater for ten years or more, it is time to start considering replacing your unit before you wake up one morning to a cold shower. Some early signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its life can include:

  • Shorter periods of hot water
  • Water not getting as hot
  • Increased noise from the unit
  • Leaking

While these can also be signs that your water heater needs repair, if it is over ten years old, repairing may be a waste of money. Putting a bandage on an appliance that has already reached the average lifespan may only keep it running for a few more months. Instead, these indications are a sign that it is time to start considering investing in a new water heater.

There are many options when it comes to replacing your water heater. Tank water heaters come in electric and gas models, with various sizes. If running out of hot water has always been a problem, considering getting a larger tank or opting for a tankless model. Tankless or on-demand water heaters are compact, without a tank, and heat water as you need it. This ensures you always have hot water and these models can save quite a bit on your energy bills.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, talk to your local plumber about replacement. Ask about upgrading to a tankless model for your home or other options before your old unit finally quits.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

Distinct Sounds of Plumbing Issues

You know what to look for when it comes to plumbing problems. A pool of water under the sink or a water spot on the ceiling below a bathroom are obvious visual signs of a plumbing issue. But do you know what to listen for when it comes to plumbing problems in your home? Here are some sounds that could be alerting you to call in a plumber.

  • Banging in the pipes when water is turned off. Do you hear banging or knocking in your water pipes when water shuts off? This is often called a water hammer and can be an issue with a water valve in your plumbing system. A valve that closes quickly can cause these noises, alerting you to pressure being exerted on your pipes. A plumber can add an absorber to the valve to reduce damage to your pipes.
  • Water turning on and off. If it sounds like water is turning on and off by itself, you may have a leaking toilet. The seal or flapper at the bottom of the tank may be leaking, causing the toilet to refill over and over, even when it is not in use.
  • Banging or pounding when the water is on. If your pipes make sounds when the water is running, it can be a few different issues. If you are on city water, it could be a pressure issue. It could also be coming from your water heater, echoing through the pipes.

Any strange noises in your plumbing is worth a call to your local plumber. Get the problem diagnosed and fixed before it becomes a bigger issue like a burst pipe is always a good idea.

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

Is a New Water Heater in Your Future?

Have you been considering replacing your water heater? Chances are, if it is still working, it is the last thing on your mind. Most homeowners are not concerned with their water heaters age or performance; that is, until they come home to a flooded home or step into a cold shower. Water heaters tend to last close to ten years, sometimes less, sometimes more. If your water heater is close to ten years old, you should be considering replacing it before it goes out.

There are a few good reasons to be proactive when it comes to replacing your water heater. One reason is efficiency. Many of the older models are extremely inefficient when it comes to energy use. You may be spending much more on your water heating costs than necessary. A new water heater can save you money, paying for itself in energy savings over time.

Another good reason to replace an old tank water heater is the possibility of leaks. It is common for these old tanks to rust and spring leaks. In a matter of a few hours or less, your home could be flooded with hundreds of gallons of water. Then, you will not only need to replace your water heater, you will need to repair water damage to your home and could possibly be facing mold issues.

One of the best options for new water heaters is a new tankless model. These new water heaters can save you up to 50% off your water heating bill, take very little space and eliminate the worry of a tank leak. Call your local plumber to find out more about the benefits of proactively replacing your old tank with a new tankless water heater.

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

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

Don’t Put Off Replacing Your Old Water Heater

Water heaters are the unsung heroes of most homes. For years they provide hot water for showers, cleaning and bath-time, yet many never even receive regular maintenance. Most water heaters can last up to ten years, more if they are serviced annually as suggested. But like all equipment, eventually these large tanks will be ready to be replaced. If you wait too long, you may be saddled with large costs from the damage that can occur when a water heater finally gives out.

When a water heater is several years old and has not been maintained, there is a good chance it has collected minerals and lime inside the tank. This accumulation can cause rust and corrosion of the tank from the inside out. While regular maintenance can slow this process, it will still happen over time and can lead to a water leak in the tank. This is the end of the water heater and it can be a very expensive lesson to learn for the homeowner.

If the hole or seam breaks through when no one is home or notices, the water damage can be severe. Most water heaters hold around 70 gallons, which is a large amount of water to pour into your home unabated. This amount of water can ruin floors and cause structural damage, even lead to hazardous mold issues down the road.

Don’t wait too long to replace your old water heater. If it begins to make strange sounds, has heating issues or is over a decade old, consider immediate replacement. Call your local plumber to discuss installation of a new unit as soon as possible to avoid the expensive consequences of waiting too long.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

New Energy Standards for Residential Water Heaters

The National Energy Appliance Conservation Act or NEACA has introduced new standards for water heater energy efficiency for 2015. Starting April 16, 2015, water heaters sold and installed will be required to have a much higher energy rating than previously allowed. This is expected to have a large impact on energy conservation, with over $60 billion in energy savings over the next twenty years.

How Does the New Regulations Affect Consumers?

Consumers with older water heater models should be aware of the new regulations as it may affect them when it comes time for replacement. For the most part, consumers will benefit from these new regulations as they may see a large difference in their energy bills. Some of the water heater energy factors (EF) have been increased to over double the previous rate. This means they are able to use much less energy to heat water, whether they are fueled by electricity, gas or oil.

One impact on consumers that may be inconvenient is that newer models may have different hook-up requirements than their previous water heater. This could mean that it may need better ventilation, a larger space or an electrical source for gas heaters. In some cases, homeowners may need to downsize the size of their tank to accommodate the new space requirements or buy two smaller units.

It will be important for homeowners to consult with their local plumber before buying a water heater with these new requirements. A professional plumber can evaluate the current set-up and recommend the best options for installing a new model. The good news is that once more homes are converted to the new efficient models, less energy will be needed to heat water in the home.

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

Dangers Of Delaying Old Water Heater Replacement

Water heaters tend to be ignored until they cause a problem. They do their job, day in and day out, year after year, often with few or even no problems. However, they do have a limited lifespan which will eventually end. Unfortunately, many homeowners find out too late what happens when water heaters are kept beyond this point. The result can be expensive water damage that can cost a small fortune to repair.

Water Heater Leaks

Over time, tank water heaters will collect minerals inside, causing rust and corrosion. Although some of this can be minimized by regular maintenance, such as draining and part replacement, there’s always the chance that corrosion will still occur. Most water heaters last about ten years, even with proper care. As these appliances get closer to their demise, there in an increased chance of a water leak.

Once a seam breaks or a hole rusts through the tank, a small leak can become a large household crisis very quickly. If this happens when you’re away from home or not in that area of the home, the damage can be extensive. Many water heaters hold 70 or more gallons of water, which can come rushing out into your home. This amount of water can damage your flooring, furniture, walls and cause mold problems.

The best way to avoid water heater leaks is to replace your water heater before it deteriorates to that point. Have annual maintenance and inspections performed on your unit by a qualified plumber; once it begins to approach the end of its lifespan, discuss replacement options with your plumber. Putting off the inevitable can be much more costly than doing a preventative replacement of your water heater.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

Appliances That Should Be Installed By A Plumber

We all love to save money when we can, especially when it comes to home repairs. There’s nothing wrong with being a do-it-yourselfer, as long as you have the knowledge to do the project correctly and safely. However, there are times when it can be worth the extra money to hire a professional, especially with plumbing appliances. One mistake when installing these appliances could cost you a small fortune down the road in repairs or replacement, making it far less efficient to attempt the installation on your own.

  • Water heaters. A new water heater is a major purchase, and needs to be correctly installed to work properly. There are several steps to ensuring the water heater is ready to use, including adjusting the pressure valves and temperature. It’s best to have a plumber install your new water heater to avoid any damage to the new unit, or to your home.
  • Kitchen appliances. New kitchen appliances which require plumbing, such as dishwashers, refrigerators with icemakers or garbage disposals, should be installed by your local plumber. Your plumber can ensure all the plumbing to and from the new appliances are in place, plus give you tips on how to care for your new purchase.
  • Toilets. Installing a new toilet takes patience and experience. Setting the seal between the toilet and floor is tricky, and if not done correctly, you may have leaks which can damage your home and even cause contamination. Thousands of gallons of water go through toilets each month, making it vital to ensure your new toilet will not spring a leak. Let a plumber with the right tools and skills install your new toilet to avoid any future problems.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer