Why Consult A Plumber Before Buying A Water Heater?
Hot water on demand is one of those conveniences that we just take for granted. Twist the knob, and there it is, ready for us to use. In modern homes, unless our tank is too small, we never even have to worry about running out or experiencing the joys of an icy shower. Like all things, though, water heaters do grow old and eventually fail. To help assure
Water heaters are not the same as other appliances that we use around the home and office. You should never try to pick one alone, and installing one as a DIY project is a definite no-no. Doing so can place your property and family in jeopardy. Here is why you should always consult a plumber when it’s time to replace a hot water heater.
The Water Heater May Not Need Replacing
When your water heater stops working, it may not need to be replaced. There are a number of reasons a unity can fail. Many of these aren’t fatal and can be repaired. In the majority of cases, repairs are much less costly than having to purchase a new water heater and paying to have it installed.
One thing that we stress is that the hot water heater will not stop heating for no reason. There is always a cause. Resetting your unit without having that cause investigated and corrected can create a severe risk of injury or damage to your property.
That being said, calling in a professional plumber and having your water heater inspected could potentially save you hundreds to thousands of dollars. According to Consumer Affairs, the cost of replacing a water heater runs from one to three thousand dollars, depending on the unit you chose. A failed thermocouple is much, much less expensive and may be all that’s needed. Considering the potential savings, a service call is a wise investment.
Too Many Options
There are more options available in hot water heaters today than at any time in history. Even the more traditional tank-type heaters have some very sophisticated features, like various operating modes, digital monitoring systems, and energy monitoring systems. This is a far cry from the days when your options were limited to gas, electric, and what size tank you wanted.
On top of this are the newer tankless systems that have become available over the last decade or so. These can also be electric or gas, and some of the latest models are hybrid or work on the heat pump principle.
To stay on top of what’s happening and understand the best application for the many options available requires the attention only professionals can dedicate. On-demand water heaters are energy-saving and much in vogue but more expensive to buy and limited in the amount of water you can pass through them.
It should also be remembered that changing the type of water heater you currently have can also necessitate rewiring or piping in your building. These are all considerations that only a true plumbing professional can give you advice on.
What Size Water Heater Do You Need?
This may seem like an elementary question, but it’s not. Most people, when thinking of replacing their hot water heater, will simply opt to put in the same size as the one that was there before. This could be a costly mistake.
On the one hand, if you buy a unit that is too small, then you will regularly run out of hot water and have to deal with that frustration. On the other, a tank that is grossly oversized will waste a lot of energy keeping water hot that will never really be needed. Considering that according to Consumer Report, 20% of an average American home’s energy budget goes to heating water. That can amount to a hefty expense. These considerations are just for the more traditional tank-type water heaters.
When considering on-demand water heaters, life can become even more complicated. As mentioned, they are rated by flow rate rather than a certain volume of water. The issue here is knowing how many gallons a minute your washing machine needs. What about your dishwasher or even you when you shower? Everything from your bathroom fixtures to piping sizes can affect these factors, and if you get them wrong, you will not get satisfactory service from a tankless water heater. Luckily a professional plumber has the knowledge and skills needed to determine what size or sizes of on-demand hot water heaters you will need and the proper places to locate them.
Other Consideration
We hope that you are beginning to see why it is wise to consult a licensed plumber when you think you need a new hot water heater. Still, there are other questions they can help you answer that might not generally cross your mind. For instance, is a glass-lined tank advisable in the area where you live? Do you have hard water that is going to cause scaling problems with your hot water system? If you do, what is the most economical way to mitigate this problem? What maintenance can you start having performed to assure you that your new water heater will stay operating at maximum efficiency and at the minimum expense? What safety features will keep your family the safest? What features are worth the money, and which are just gimmicks?
These are all questions that the average homeowner would have difficulty answering. To the professionals, though, they are common knowledge that they use every day.
As Henry Ford opined, you don’t have to be the smartest person when you can hire experts to work for you.
If you are experiencing troubles with your water heater or having any other type of plumbing issues, contact Peach Plumbing & Drain for quick, professional service you can count on. You can contact them through their website or give them a call at 404-333-1611.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Find our service area here.
Photo By You Touch Pix of EuToch at Shutterstock
Basics To Acquiring The Best Plumbing Service
There are a few important elements to consider before you hire a new plumber for your home. You must find the right plumbing service to ensure that your plumbing problem is solved in the long term. Hiring a professional company will save time and money in the long term.
Tips for Choosing a Plumber
Hiring the best plumber for your home will ensure that your plumbing repairs are done correctly and on time. When looking for a new plumber, it’s important to consider the following:
Experience
A good plumbing service company has systems and procedures that ensure they supply quality services to the customer. The level of training and experience that employees have is essential. A highly experienced professional is least likely to make mistakes that could lead to a major problem. Peach Plumbing & Drain has been in business for many years and provides quality services to customers.
Reputation
Before choosing a new plumber, check their service reviews online. Only hire a new plumber with good reviews to avoid incompetent employees or substandard services. Hiring someone with great ratings can save you money in the long term because your plumbing systems will experience minimal issues. A good reputation indicates the consistent provision of quality services over time. This gives you the confidence that your plumbing needs will be satisfied. Peach Plumbing & Drain has a good reputation and has received numerous positive customer reviews.
Schedule
Having someone who can come quickly to your home to look at your plumbing system is convenient. You may need a plumber at odd hours of the day; therefore, you need to find one with a flexible schedule. Peach Plumbing & Drain is available for plumbing emergencies and can provide services at any time.
Local Services
When looking at reviews, it’s important to ensure that the plumbing company can provide services within your local area. If the plumber isn’t local, there will be a lot of travel time and additional costs that you can incur.
Insurance and Licensing
Before choosing a new plumber, ensure they are covered in case of any problems while working on your plumbing system. Hiring an insured contractor will increase your service quality and ensure that all costs related to any mistakes or damage are catered for. It’s also important to hire a licensed contractor, as this indicates their commitment to the service.
Contract Terms & Conditions
Most plumbers require a contract or service agreement before beginning work on your home’s plumbing system. By signing this agreement, you can ensure your plumbing needs will be met. When looking at contracts, ensure you read each section and understand what you agree to.
Causes of Plumbing Problems
The need for plumbing service arises due to problems caused by individual habits in the household. These include:
Delaying Plumbing Repairs
It’s common to delay plumbing repairs because of the cost involved in the process. Most homeowners try to avoid plumbing service costs. Skipping plumbing repairs may make the problem worse and more expensive in the long term. Fixing minor issues as they occur will keep your plumbing system working properly for a long time. The best way to manage plumbing problems is hiring a professional.
Throwing Food Waste in the Drain
Food waste attracts bacteria that can infest the pipes. Certain foods shouldn’t be thrown in the drain as they could damage them. This includes raw chicken, raw fish, and eggshells. These types of food can get stuck in the pipe and clog it. You must throw these items in a trash can or garbage disposal rather than your drains.
Washing Hair Down the Drain
Hair gathers in the drains and clogs them. You should ensure that you dispose of any hair properly. Bathroom drains are more prone to clogging than kitchen and laundry room drains due to the many products used in the bathroom. Use drain covers when showering, and ensure hair does not go down the drain.
Tossing Objects in the Toilet
Whether it’s a chewed-up slipper or a toy car, one should not flush anything other than waste in the toilet. A few items will not flush, such as sanitary napkins and diapers, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, cigarette butts, and other non-flushable items. These items clog the toilet and must be disposed of properly in the garbage can.
Plumbing Styles to Choose From
There are different styles that people choose to use when designing their plumbing systems, depending on personal preference. Some prefer the old style of plumbing systems, while others prefer modern plumbing styles. Some may choose to have a combination of both. The different styles used for piping water in homes are:
Plastic Pipes
Pipes made from plastic have become very popular over time because they’re affordable and lightweight. These pipes are easily joined with various fittings. It’s possible to install them in tight corners, and they can last for a few years before needing replacement or repair. This is a great option for someone looking to save money, but there are better options for durability.
Galvanized Pipes
These pipes are more durable than plastic pipes. They are more expensive and heavier than plastic pipes, but they’re economical when it comes to maintenance. They are used in both commercial and residential buildings.
Cast Iron Pipes
These pipes are durable and flexible. They are perfect for making sharp turns and bends in any direction, as they won’t crack or break. These pipes have been used for many years, and their popularity is still growing. This type of pipe is the most expensive since it’s heavier than plastic, galvanized or copper pipes. It can be combined with plastic or galvanized fittings that can handle pressure without leaking or cracking.
For your plumbing needs, visit our company, Peach Plumbing & Drain. We offer prompt and professional services on all our plumbing jobs. We maintain the highest standards of quality and customer service and provide all of our customers with outstanding customer satisfaction every time. To access our services, call us at 404-333-1611.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By anabaraulia at Shutterstock
6 Advantages Of Installing Tankless Water Heaters
There are ways one can elevate the comfort of their home, one of which includes installing a heating and cooling system; however, a constant water supply takes comfort to another level. Hot water is used in not only the bathroom but also the kitchen and other sections of the house where you think it’s needed.
In the past, homeowners relied on hot water tanks to store preheated water and supply it to various parts of the house. The main flaw in this design is that there are cases where you may run out of hot water and be forced to wait or take a cold shower. Instead of suffering this inconvenience, upgrade your home with tankless water heaters.
Below are the top advantages of on-demand water heating systems over traditional tank systems.
Endless Supply of Hot Water
The main advantage of tankless water heaters is that you can access an endless supply of hot water compared to traditional tank systems, where you have to rely on a finite supply of hot water. An on-demand heating unit provides water when the faucet is turned on, unlike the latter, where water is preheated and stored in a hot water tank for later use.
Since water is heated on demand, you don’t have to worry about using up all the water in a tank. With a tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about rationing water use in your household.
Saves on Space
A tankless hot water heater comes in a smaller unit compared to traditional tank systems. Unlike the traditional options, you don’t have to remodel your home to find space for your hot water tank; these units are connected directly to the water supply. Tankless hot water units come in small sizes and can easily fit in a travel suitcase, and are often wall mounted, leaving you with floor space in your home.
Without a tank to take up space, your tankless unit is an ideal fit for people living in small spaces, such as studio apartments. Its compact size allows it to fit in tight spaces such as the garage, closet, or on the wall. These units offer the advantage of maximizing every floor space of your home.
Are Energy Efficient and Save on Utility Bills
Most tankless hot water heaters come with energy stars to indicate energy efficiency. This means they are optimized to use as little power as possible when heating water. On the other hand, traditional tank systems heat and reheat water even when not in use, increasing your power usage, which in turn leads to high power bills.
The tankless unit heats water only when needed, eliminating the need to heat and reheat more than 40 gallons of water stored in a tank. It is also worth noting that tankless units produce hot water seconds after turning the faucet, meaning you don’t have to waste time waiting for it to heat, conserve more water, and lower your water bill. Statistics show that traditional hot water systems lose close to 400 ounces of water every day when you wait for the water to get hot.
Tankless hot water units consume 30% less energy compared to other options making them more energy efficient. This feature makes the units eligible for tax credits as they also conserve water lowering your overall utility bills.
Provide Hot Water On-Demand
Tankless water heaters don’t have a storage unit hence provide water on-demand. Immediately you turn on the faucet, you get hot water for use, either in the kitchen or bathroom. You don’t have to spend minutes or hours waiting for water to heat up, which is the case for traditional tank systems, where you need to give the unit a few minutes to produce hot water.
Since water is delivered on demand, you don’t have to ratio hot water use in the home, choosing how much is used for showering, laundry, or cleaning utensils. You can run multiple chores in the home using hot water without worrying about running out of hot water.
Offers Durability
A tankless hot water unit is designed to last up to three decades before you have to pay for major repairs or replace the systems. Investing in a tankless unit means you can enjoy your investment for several years without worrying about breakdowns or expensive repairs. With regular maintenance from Peach Plumbing & Drain, you can enjoy the benefits of your unit for a long time.
The best part about these units is that you can enjoy discounts from utility companies if you switch from traditional tank systems to Energy Star-compliant options such as tankless hot water systems.
Affordability
Another attractive feature of tankless units is their affordability. The cost of owning, buying, installing, and running a tankless unit is significantly lower than that of a traditional tank system. A tankless unit costs between $500-$1000, depending on the brand or model you want. While the upfront cost may seem pricey for some households, the unit will pay itself in a few months.
The affordability of these units is also seen in the cost of installation. Installing a hot water tank system is relatively complex compared to a tankless unit. This means you are likely to pay more for a tank system. Tankless units have no use for hot water plumbing systems or gas lines as water is heated instantly at the tap.
Our plumbers will mount the unit close to an electric outlet, ensure the unit is properly grounded, and you are free to enjoy hot water.
Tankless hot water units are an emerging trend common in urban areas with high energy and utility costs. It offers an affordable alternative to the traditional tank system while providing your household with an endless supply of hot water. With this unit, you don’t have to worry about high energy and water bills.
Contact us at Peach Plumbing & Drain for more on our plumbing services, including installing and maintaining tankless water heaters.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By Dmitry Demidovich at Shutterstock
A Fast, Efficient Route To Effective Plumbing Repair
When your plumbing acts up, you have plenty of options if you’re aching to take action. The question is, which of those options are going to make things better? Depending on the situation, some won’t. They can even make it worse, and harder to take further action to resolve the problem. As your trusted local plumber, Peach Plumbing & Drain carefully diagnoses each plumbing problem and recommends the best approaches. You’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision, one that comes from a plumber plenty of area homeowners rely on. It’s better than guesswork, even trying something that has worked before in similar situations.
What You Know About Plumbing Isn’t Always Quite So
Part of the anxiety many homeowners experience about plumbing repair is the uncertainty. Most of what people know about plumbing, even from sources online or elsewhere that seem authoritative, is anecdotal. It is general information, not specific to your unique situation. Without a diagnosis based on experience and the latest repair techniques at hand, you’re not likely to experience an effective, efficient solution for your plumbing problems. So, how do you get to the best outcome when you have plumbing concerns? Ask us, and we’ll tell you what we know from our 72 years of combined experience. We offer family-oriented, service availability that you’ll feel safe and secure relying on.
Information Narrows Down the Plumbing Problem
Many of the tools we put to work at Peach Plumbing & Drain give us an advantage in gathering information about your plumbing. Video inspection is an important one, allowing us to inspect the inside of your water supply and drain pipes, even your sewer line. We also use a number of leak detection tools to locate leaks inside walls, under your foundation, even deep in your yard. They allow us to get to work on the actual problem, without so much digging, cutting walls and concrete, and other activities just to find the problem. Even thermal imaging can play a role, showing us where hot and cold water are flowing, how your water heater is doing, and where you might be losing efficiency from a lack of insulation on your pipes. The more we know about your plumbing, the better we can serve you!
Experience Provides Reliable Solutions for the Diagnosis
Once we’ve identified the cause and effects of your plumbing problem, we can quickly turn to the right plumbing repair to solve it. Years of training and experience have taught us what the most effective repair approaches are, and we’re constantly learning about new materials and techniques. Once we’ve tested these new approaches for ourselves, we’ll start offering them as solutions for our customers. They can make a big difference, such as pipe and sewer repair using new, long-lasting materials that don’t require pipe or sewer line replacement. We’ll present our traditional methods and any new options we believe are appropriate, and provide quotes and information to help you decide which is right for you.
Narrow Approaches May Miss the Mark
One of the challenges for homeowners is discovering a solution that they can apply to solve a problem in their plumbing, without understanding why it works, in which situations it works, and what effects or long-lasting or short-term results it provides. Clearing drains is one example, where a push of the plunger may loosen material in the toilet trap or drain pipe one time. The next time, there might be a different sort of material, such as a plastic object, and the push just wedges the object in harder, making it more difficult to remove. When the problem is a plumbing vent blockage, it may appear like a stopped drain or toilet. Plunger use may provide the release that the drain line needs instead of the vent, but just once. After a few cycles of this, an experienced plumber will recognize the vent problem, clean it, and solve the problem. Inexperienced plumbers might visit several times, continuing to provide temporary fixes, before you go ahead and call us! We think broadly, and consider the possibilities for causes and solutions before we narrow down to the right action.
The Best Repairs Last a Long Time
Did you know that mixed plumbing materials can cause long-term problems? Mixing the metals used in connected pipes can cause chemical reactions that result in corrosion and leaks over time. Proper material choices, plumbing repair techniques, and appliance repairs like water heater anode rod selection make a lot of difference. Great results are more than just restoring the flow of water and hot water for your showers, they are revealed over time as well. One tip along those lines is those rubber hoses that connect your washing machine to hot and cold water. If indeed they are rubber or a similar material, switching to a stainless steel braid will provide those long-term results we love, keeping the water pressure within time. Rubber decays over time, springs leaks, and can even lead to flooding.
Meeting Plumbing Code and Standards
There are good reasons for plumbing code requirements, including those that may seem obscure. The narrow range of tilt for horizontal drain pipes, for example, are just right to maintain flow and avoid clogs. Plumbing vent size is based on the drains they serve. What looks and even works right at first can turn out to be quite a problem later on. Our experienced plumbers know. If you decide to sell your home later, you’ll also avoid inspection troubles with expert work!
For advice, information, and best of all, reliable plumbing repairs performed by our family of plumbers at Peach Plumbing & Drain, get in touch. We’ll provide expert diagnosis and use the latest repair techniques, tested and approved by our founder, Chip! He’s the spirit behind our success, and always ready to help you along with our customer-focused team of professionals. Call us today!
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By fstop123 at istock
Everything You Need To Know About Trenchless Water Line Repair
Did you know that leaking pipes in US households waste a staggering 1 trillion gallons of water annually? The worst part is that most homeowners are oblivious to the leaks in their pipes, wasting a lot of water and paying for water they don’t use.
The main water line supplies water to your entire home. Excess wear and tear lead to the degradation of this pipe, forming cracks that leak water. A leak in this line could mean low water pressure in your faucets, astronomical water bills, or no water at all. Professional plumbers can arrange for prompt repairs to save water and your pockets.
Only the best plumbing companies offer trenchless line repair, a non-invasive pipe repair and replacement technique that doesn’t involve digging. Keep reading to learn everything about trenchless water line repair.
What is Trenchless Pipe Repair?
Trenchless pipe repair is a way to repair or replace leaking pipes internally. Doing so eliminates the need for extensive excavation, which is invasive and time-consuming. This technique means that homeowners can retain their landscaping, and it’s much easier for the plumbing company to repair or replace leaky pipes.
How Does Trenchless Pipe Repair Work?
Trenchless pipe or repair breaks down into two types, pipe lining. The plumber will determine the best method for your leaking water line. Here’s a brief breakdown of both approaches.
Trenchless Pipe Lining
This method uses a pipe liner, a liquid thermosetting resin that the plumber impregnates into the leaking water line using a special winch tool. The plumber then inflates the liner to ensure it covers the inside of the pipe entirely and plugs any cracks and gaps. The pipe liner then hardens when dry to create a water-tight seal that stops the leaking.
This method is best for minor cracks and leaks in the water line from wear and tear. The liner is super thin and only takes up very little of your existing space. Moreover, it can last up to 50 years without degrading.
Trenchless Pipe Bursting
Sometimes the damage to water pipes might be too severe for repairs. If so, you’ll have no option but to replace the entire line. Trenchless pipe bursting destroys the damaged pipe while replacing it simultaneously.
The plumber uses an extra-strong winch to push a hard metal “bursting” head through the damaged pipe. This metal head destroys the existing pipe leaving a gap where the pipe was. Behind this metal head follows a flexible, solid line to replace the destroyed pipe. Once the old pipe is torn apart, the plumber attaches the new line to both ends for complete line replacement.
This is an excellent water line repair method for overly damaged lines unsuitable for trenchless pipe lining. However, this method leaves fragments of the old line underground, but these fragments are harmless. The method is also not effective for issues like pipe sagging or pour routing.
Other trenchless pipe repair methods include:
- Manhole to manhole: This method uses existing manholes to rehabilitate damaged pipes. The method involves pushing and solidifying the pipe liner through one manhole while removing the damaged pipe through another one.
- Sectional pipe repair: As the name implies, this method repairs only the damaged section of a pipe. Plumbers use a plumbing camera to isolate the section of the pipe with gaps or cracks. They then dig manholes near the area and use specialized tools to impregnate and inflate the pipe liner to seal the gaps and cracks.
Benefits of Trenchless Water Pipe Repair
Trenchless water pipe repair is miles ahead of conventional water line repair techniques and is a preferred choice for home and business owners across Georgia. Here are a few benefits of trenchless water pipe repair.
It Protects Your Landscape
The last thing you want on your beautifully manicured lawn is strangers digging holes and tunnels into it. Conventional water pipe repair requires tons of excavation to get to the leaking pipe. Trenchless pipe repair eliminates the need for extensive digging, preserving your landscaping.
However, it’s worth noting that plumbers must dig two access holes for trenchless piping and bursting. These holes are barely noticeable and only measure a few inches long to allow access to the damaged line. The plumbers will cover up this hole, and replacement grass will grow in no time.
Less Time-Consuming
The excavation and digging exercise of traditional water pipe repair can take days or weeks, depending on the water line and the extent of the damage. Trenchless water pipe repair, on the other hand, only takes a few hours and is even faster if you hire an experienced plumber. This saves a ton of time and ensures you have non-leaking pipes in no time.
Cost-Effective
Trenchless water pipe repair is more affordable than conventional water pipe repair methods. The trenchless route doesn’t require bulky and specialized equipment. It also demands fewer experts on-site because of minimal labor requirements, and you don’t have to spend money on replacement parts or materials.
Moreover, the repaired pipes will last much longer than those repaired conventionally. This longevity means you don’t have to repair your pipes as often, saving you money in the long run.
Eco-Friendly
Digging up your property may mean uprooting a few trees, destroying precious grass, and upsetting a few underground creatures. Trenchless pipe repair is less invasive and does less destruction to the environment.
Longevity
As mentioned, the material used to seal leaks in your water lines can last up to 50 years. This longevity means you can rest easy knowing your pipes will remain in tip-top condition for decades. It’s hard to say the same about conventional pipe repairs.
Schedule Trenchless Pipe Repair Today
Trenchless water line repair offers an affordable and convenient way to repair your water line without ruining your landscape. Look for signs of leaks in your water line, like high energy bills and low water pressure. Peach Plumbing & Drain is a leading plumbing service in Georgia. Our highly qualified plumbers boast several years of experience handling different trenchless pipe repair projects. Contact us today for professional trenchless water and sewer line repairs.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
