One of the best things about being a plumber is getting to help people, such as by keeping their hot water flowing with our water heater service. Sometimes happy clients will contact us in order to laud the team members who fixed their problem. It always makes our day whenever this happens. For example, we received this lovely thank you letter after two of our team members completed a water heater service job.

Dear Sir:

I am writing to tell you that Casey Yates and Curt Whitehead did a

good job putting in my water tank (7-18-17). They both were very

professional and put no pressure on me to buy a new tank. I will

highly recommend them and also Best Plumbing to my friends.

From,

Geneva

 

Provided it’s well-maintained, water heaters shouldn’t need to be replaced until the end of their expected service life (10-15 years). Even if it’s not kept in the best condition, most common water heater issues can be repaired without requiring a full replacement. However, depending on the style and condition of the current system, people might decide on an early water heater replacement. A major reason is to take advantage of improved energy efficiency, reduced water waste, and lower utility bills. They might also upgrade to a different tank capacity to better suit their needs (for example, they have a growing family). Whatever the reason, our expert plumbers have the skills and experience necessary to install, upgrade, or repair a wide range of different water heater styles.

Interested in more plumbing tips and tricks of the trade? Check out our YouTube channel. Best Plumbing has been serving the greater Seattle area, including the east side, since 1968. Call us today at (206) 785-2551. We are available 24/7 for your plumbing needs!

In the third installation of our trenchless sewer repair video series, our team is working to repair a broken sewer line using a method known as cured in place pipe (CIPP).

CIPP is great technique for repairing cracks or worn spots in a sewer line because it doesn’t require that the old line be dug out for replacement. It also creates a solid piece of pipe that conforms to the path of the original line without needing any welded joints.

The Need For Speed

After clearing the old pipe of any obstructions, the team will mix together a two-part epoxy resin that consists of a base and a hardener. When combined, the epoxy will cure into a hard and durable plastic that will last for decades. After the epoxy is mixed, it is poured into a fabric liner cut to fit the length of the repair. Installation crews have to work fast after the epoxy is mixed because they only have approximately 60 minutes before everything starts to harden in place.

The Curing Process

Once coated, the pipe liner is placed in a pressure tube, which is then connected to one end of the original sewer line. The crew then uses either air or water pressure to invert the liner. This means the liner is turned inside out while being forced through the old pipe, causing the epoxy side of the liner to stick to the walls of the original pipe. Hot water (reaching temperatures of 212 degrees Fahrenheit) is then circulated through the pipe to activate the resin and evenly cure the epoxy. The installation crew must carefully monitor temperatures during this process. If the epoxy is overheated, it won’t cure properly. If it’s cooled too quickly, the liner can shrink.

Once everything is successfully cured, owners can relax knowing that their sewer line is made from a single piece of durable pipe with no joints or cracks to be exploited by plant roots or rats!

Your Local Sewer Experts

Contact the experts at Best Plumbing to learn more about our sewer line services. We have teams specializing in both residential and commercial projects and we’re here to help, no matter your plumbing needs.

Visit our blog and YouTube channel for more great plumbing insights!

Radiant floor heating has steadily gained popularity as an efficient and comfortable way to heat your home. While forced air systems push heated air to the top of the room, radiant floor heating warms the area closer to the floor, making the space more comfortable for the human body (and especially bare feet!). But there are multiple ways to achieve radiant floor heating: both electric and hyrdonic (water-based) heating systems can be installed under floors.

Which one should you choose? Here’s a side-by-side comparison from our experts to help you decide.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant heat works by running electric cables or mats of conductive plastic under the floor. This system is ideal for homes that already use forced air heating.

Electric radiant heating is quick and easy to install, so homeowners can save money on labor costs. It’s also easy to customize your system so that specific rooms can be heated on demand, and the system can be set on a timer to heat at certain times of day. The drawbacks of electric heating include the high cost of electricity, which can drive up your energy bill. It’s also worth noting that electric radiant heat is designed for making cold floors more comfortable, but may not be sufficient as a primary heat source.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Hydronic heating relies on hot water. In this system, heated water is pumped from a boiler through a network of tubes beneath the floor, so it’s ideal for homes that already use a water heater.

Hydronic radiant heat is considerably more energy efficient than electric. Once the floor is heated, the structure of the house helps maintain and hold in the heat for long periods of time. This can help save energy costs in the long term. However, hydronic heat is more complex and costly to install, and it cannot be precisely timed like electric heat.

Want an expert opinion on radiant heating for your home? The Best Plumbing team has years of experience installing radiant floor heating throughout the Seattle and King County area. Give us a call, or come visit our Seattle showroom!