Tankless Water Heater Myths
For homeowners, replacing a water heater is inevitable. When looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater for your home it can be daunting when confronted with so much information. If you have come across some misconceptions during research, Best Plumbing is available to help you out with our professional water heater knowledge and installation skill. Keep reading to learn more about tankless water heaters, and debunk some common myths!
Myth: Tankless Water Heaters Deliver Hot Water Instantly
Tankless water heaters are a great advancement in hot water technology, but if immediate hot water is the sole purpose of purchasing a tankless water heater you may be disappointed. Tankless water heaters heat on command, unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water until it is ready to be used, making them far more efficient. Regardless of efficiency, it still takes the same amount of time for that hot water to reach your faucet from the water heater. If instant hot water is at the top of your list, perhaps a circulation system to keep the hot water flowing through your pipes is the solution.
Myth: Tankless Water Heaters Require Natural Gas
Not all tankless water heaters require natural gas. Tankless water heaters are very diverse in how they heat water. Depending on what model you choose, you can use natural gas, propane, or even electricity to heat your water without losing efficiency. In fact, tankless electric water heaters are 8%–14% more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts for large households that use more than 86 gallons of hot water a day.
Myth: Tankless Water Heaters are More Expensive
It is true the cost of installation for tankless water heaters is higher than traditional storage-tank water heaters, but in the long term, they are worth the investment. Tankless water heaters last longer than and typically have longer warranties than traditional water heaters equating to less upkeep and replacement costs. Also, the design of tankless water heaters means gas and electricity bills will be lower as it takes less energy to heat the water when needed, rather than constantly keeping a large tank of water hot.
Unsure if a tankless water heater is right for your Seattle home? Contact Best Plumbing today to schedule a water heater evaluation and find the right tankless water heater for your needs! If you are ready to switch to a tankless heater, our professional plumbers can help install your new system in your home.
Serving the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Burien, Everett, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Renton, SeaTac, Bothell, and Lynnwood.
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Common Water Heater Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore
Whether renting or owning a home, your water heater should be a part of a regular home maintenance checklist. Issues with your water heater, when ignored, can not only leave you with a freezing cold shower but a costly cleanup and repair job. Be sure not to ignore the common signs of water heater trouble.
Not Enough Hot Water
If the water takes longer than usual to heat up, or no hot water is coming out at all, you have a problem. For no hot water, the issue may be related to the pilot light. If the pilot light has blown out this could be caused by a faulty pilot light control valve or thermocouple. If there is not enough hot water, the issue may be caused by a damaged heating element, or a damaged dip tube, allowing incoming cold water to mix with hot water at the top of the tank and causing cold water to come out.
Smelly or Dirty Water
Smelly or dirty water can be a sign of contamination in the water tank. Smells that occur from hot water typically are caused by bacteria inside the tank. Flushing the tank may be a solution and is good to do 1-2 times a year, regardless, to maintain a healthy water heater. If smells are coming from both the hot and cold water, then the issue may be caused by another source outside of the water heater. In either case, if the smell lingers, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
If the water is dirty or cloudy in color, this is most likely caused by sediment build-up and mineralization inside of the tank. Any build-up inside the tank can reduce its effectiveness. Rust-colored water can be a sign the anode rod needs replacement, as its core function is to reduce sediment inside of the tank.
Unusual Noise Coming from the Water Tank
A noisy water tank is a sign of several potential problems, and diagnosing a specific issue may be difficult alone. For gas water heaters, hissing, popping, and banging can be a sign that the tank’s heating elements are burning sediment in the tank, or the elements themselves are burning out and need replacement. To remove sediment, it is recommended to flush the tank.
Water Heater Leaking
Leaks are a big problem! Should you notice a leak, turn off the water and power supplies, and call a plumber immediately for an emergency repair. Before you know it a small leak can turn into a flood.
For water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement, the professionals at Best Plumbing are available 24/7 and in case of emergencies. Call or contact us today if your water heater needs an inspection.
Serving the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Burien, Everett, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Renton, SeaTac, Bothell, and Lynnwood.
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Winter Tips for a Healthy Sewage System
As it begins to get colder, it is important to keep your sewage system’s health in mind to avoid major repairs that can cost valuable time and money this winter. For homeowners, the sewer line is an often forgotten but important part of home maintenance. Follow these winter sewer tips to ensure a healthy sewer line throughout these colder months.
Regularly check for Tree Roots
Tree roots can be a sewer hazard during any time of year, but that doesn’t mean it is any less important during the winter. Tree roots tend to slow in growth during winter months due to cold or frozen soil and reduced sunlight, but sewer lines create a unique problem during this time. Sewer pipes can attract tree roots due to the regular flow of waste leaving warm homes, leaving behind water vapor and warm soil in the process. Regular sewer line inspections can give early insight into whether tree roots risk damaging the line.
Follow Healthy Draining Practices
With more gatherings and warm meals being made this time of year, it is important to be vigilant in how waste is disposed of in the home. Be sure to avoid the common sink mistakes of draining grease, oils, and food waste down the sink.
Know the Signs of a Frozen/Backed Up Sewer Line
With any plumbing issue speed is of the utmost importance in reducing damage and repair costs. While a frozen sewer line is not a high risk in the Seattle area, it is not impossible, and backups can occur regardless. Be sure to know the signs of a blockage:
- Sink, shower, or toilet draining slowly
- Gurgling or bubbling noises coming from the drains
- Foul, rotten egg, odor coming from the drains
Have an Emergency Plumber Ready
Should you come across any of these issues be sure to know the information of a plumber that provides emergency services, because time is money when it comes to sewer problems! Best Plumbing professionals are ready to help in an emergency and can quickly diagnose the issues. Contact us for further information and help with all of your plumbing needs.
Serving the communities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Burien, Everett, Woodinville, Redmond, Federal Way, Kent, Issaquah, Renton, SeaTac, Bothell, and Lynnwood
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