When most people think of water heaters, what comes to mind is a large metal tank where water is kept at a constant high temperature so it?s ready whenever a hot water tap comes on in a house. This type of water heater is calledaaastorage tank water heater. They may be the most widely known and used residential water heaters, but they aren?t the only type. A unit that has become popular in Europe and now in the United States is the tankless water heater. If you are in the market for a new water heater for your home, you should give serious consideration to going tankless. Here are some reasons why:

Never run out of hot water

Yes, you read that correctly. A tankless water heater is an ?on demand? system, which means that it heats up water only as it is needed. When a tap comes on demanding hot water, a heat exchanger superheats the water moving through the pipes. Because there is no standing supply of water that can be depleted and then slowly heated up again, you won?t have to worry about the hot water running out.

Lower energy bills

It takes a large amount of energy to keep a tankful of water at 120?140░F. A tankless system, on the other hand, only uses energy when there is a demand for hot water. Installing a tankless water heater will result in reduced energy bills, helping the system to pay for its own installation after only a few years.

Smaller space requirements

A water tank takes up a significant amount of space in a home. But a tank water heater is small, unobtrusively attached to the wall.

Greater longevity

The stress of keeping water constantly heated will wear down a storage tank water heater over time. Tankless systems don?t endure this same level of strain, and will usually last much longer?which is additional time to enjoy all the other benefits.

To find out more about tankless water heaters, call Ken Neyer Plumbing, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH.

Do it yourself (DIY) is the latest craze when it comes to home repairs. How many of us have watched a decorating or home repair project on television and thought, "Sure, I can do that!" only to find out that not only could you not do it, you made a terrible mess in the process.

Deciding when to DIY or hire a professional should be decided on a project by project basis. When it comes to plumbing project and services like installing a faucet, it's always worth hiring a professional plumber that has the skill and expertise to get the job done right? the first time.

Whether you are replacing a leaky faucet or want to add a new sleek design to your kitchen or bathroom sink, a new faucet may seem like something you can easily do on your own; however, if you install it improperly, it's going to cost you more than money.

Why You Should Hire a Plumber to Install a Faucet

• Over or under tightening connections where the water supply connects to the faucet can cause leaks.
• You may damage a pipe during installation.
• Some of the sink parts might be damaged, like seals, that can cause leakage if they go unnoticed.

When you hire A-1, you can rest assured that our plumbers have the training to install the faucet properly, have all the right equipment, and are knowledgeable about the city and state plumbing codes. Our plumbers can keep your project on time and on budget. Call A-1 Sewer & Septic Service today at 913-631-5201 in Kansas and 816-361-2121 in Missouri. We offer affordable rates and are ready to help you get the job done?and done quickly.

Sources

1. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/leak-after-installing-new-faucet-47842.html

Your swimming pool heater helps you maintain pleasant temperatures in the water, no matter what the weather is like outside. Here in Las Vegas, plumber services can often handle problems with pool heaters, as well as providing routine maintenance sessions to keep them up and running. Such sessions are actually very important, because they prevent any nasty surprises from rearing their ugly heads. No one wants to wake up for their morning swim only have to deal with a faulty heater that?s left the water as cold as the North Atlantic. You should schedule regular maintenance sessions to ensure that your pool is always just how you like it. But what?s involved in pool heater maintenance sessions? A brief outline can be found below.

The first function of a maintenance session is to clean off any dirt or grime that has built up on the internal component: a significant concern here in the desert. The technician will clean any dirty components, make sure vents and lines are clear of debris, and change any filters that have become dirty.

From there, the technician will inspect and run the timer to make sure it?s function as it should, as well as examining any electrical components to make sure all of the connections are tight and function. A voltmeter will be used to check the transformer, as well as any circuitry directly connected to the heating mechanism itself.

Finally, the technician will run the heater for a specific length of time to make sure it?s running as it should. He?ll usually set it using the timer to ensure that there are no problems on that front. While the heater runs, the technician will inspect various system valves and similar components for any damage or problems.

In the event a large problem makes itself clear, you can then schedule a repair session at your convenience, without having to worry about getting it done immediately. He experts at Butter Plumbing can explain to you what?s involved in pool heater maintenance, then perform the operation with professionalism and care. Plumbing service from us are just a phone call away. Contact ouraLas Vegas, NV plumbers today to set up an appointment.

Preventive Maintenance Will Extend Your Water Heater?s Life

Below are a list of items to check for both tank type and tankless water heaters. As you go through the steps in checking your water heater, if you have the slightest doubt in your ability, call on a professional, licensed plumber from Best Plumbers« involved! You are dealing with hot water, natural gas, and electricity!

Tank Type Water Heater Maintenance:

Venta(Gas Water Heaters Only)

• The vent should be the same diameter as the draft diverter on the heater tank.
• The vent should go generally ?up and out? the ceiling.
• Where is passes through the exterior wall, the vent should be double-walled.
• Vent sections should be screwed together with a minimum three screws per section.

Note:aBad vent pipe connections can fall apart and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, the silent and deadly gas!

a

Temperature & Pressure Relief Valvea(T&P Valve)The T&P valve is designed to prevent the heater from exploding if the water pressure or temperature exceeds safe limits.

• Pull up the handle on the valve and water should flow out and stop when you let go of the handle.
• The T&P valve has a drain line that should go down to about 6? from the floor or be plumbed outside your home.

Note:aWater leaking out of a T&P drain line can signal a bad T&P valve, high water pressure, or a malfunctioning thermal expansion device.

a

Water Pressurea(All Water Heaters)

• Water pressure over 80 pounds per square inch (psi) can damage heaters and your piping. It can also damage plumbing appliances, toilets, and your fixtures.

Note:aOne giveaway that your have high water pressure is when the T&P Valve on the heater starts opening and closing.

a

Outer Water Heater Metal Shell & Plumbing Fittings

• Inspect the heater outer sheet metal shell for leaks or rusting.
• Inspect the plumbing fittings on the heater for corrosion, rust, or water spotting.

Note:aRusty fittings or discolored shell is a telltale sign that a leak is present!

a

Temperature Control

• Inspect the heater temperature control dial to insure its set at the correct water temperature.
• The ideal water temperature is 120░ Fahrenheit.

Note:aAnything above 120░ Fahrenheit greatly increases scalding risk, energy use, and sediment build-up in the bottom of the heater!

a

Combustion Chambera(Gas Water Heaters)

• Turn the gas valve control to ?pilot position?.
• Remove the outer access hatch or cover on the side of the heater.
• Inspect the roof of the chamber for heavy rusting, water marking, or pitting.
• Return the gas valve control back to the ?on position?.

Note:aBlack soot in the combustion chamber means drafting problems, combustion problems, fume problems, and a fire hazard!

a

Pedestal Basea(Gas Water Heaters)

• Make sure the pedestal base the heater rests on is stable and supports the unit.
• The typical pedestal will keep the bottom of the heater at least 18? off the floor.

Note:aA newer water heater may have a ?filtered combustion chamber? that is supposed to resolve the need for a pedestal. Check the owner?s manual for your heater.

a

Drain Valve

• Open the drain valve to insure that mineral sediment, anode sludge, or rust has not clogged your heaters drain.

a

Drain Overflow Pan

• If your heater is on the 2ndafloor above living space it should have a drain pan.
• The drain pan should be plumbed to the outside of your home.
• Inspect the condition of the drain pan, fittings, and piping to the outside.

a

Corrosive Fumesa(Gas Water Heaters & Tankless Water Heaters)

• Water heaters draw air in for combustion and the quality of the air is important.
• Corrosive liquids, ammonia, or acids stored near a heater can lead to corrosive air.

Note:aCorrosive air drawn into the burner can prematurely corrode the heater.

a

Internal Tank Corrosion and Rust-The internal tank of your heater is constructed of steel and glass lined to prevent rust. Sacrificialaanode rodsaare installed in the tank to protect the glass lined internal steel tank from rust. Aluminum/Zinc or magnesium anode rods corrode over time and get used up through an electrolytic process.

Note:aReplacing the anode rod can extend the life of the heater but, should be done by a trained, professional service technician.

a

Sediment Build-up-Sediment is created when hard water is heated. The build-up of sediment in the bottom of the tank can cause the bottom to overheat and melt away the glass lining of the tank. It can drift into recirculating lines, jam open check valves, and cause the recirculating pump to stick until it burns out. Sediment build-up on the bottom of gas water heaters encourages noisy operation. The noise is caused by small amounts of water under the sediment layer turning into steam bubbles, which then collapse violently.

Note:aSediment build-up can reduce the energy efficiency of the heater and void the warranty on some Residential Water Heaters!

a

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance:

Flushing-Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommendaflushingathe entire unit everya6amonthsatoa1 yearadepending upon the water quality. Reference your manufactures recommendation for flushing. Flushing the unit regularly removes anyamineral depositsa(usually calcium or lime) that may have built up inside the boilers. Manufacturers recommend using a utility pump to circulatea3 or 4 gallonsaofavinegaraor anotheralow-grade acidafora45 minutesato clean out any deposits.

Note:aWithout the proper equipment this can overwhelm a ?Do-It-Yourselfer?!

a

Water Drain Valve

• Periodically check the heater?s ?in-line filter?ato keep grime and debris from building up. The filter is a cylindrical screen.

Note:aConsult the manufactures directions for cleaning to avoid injury due to hot water.

a

Troubleshooting-If a fault occurs with your tankless water heater, an error code will flash on the digital display of the control panel.

Note:aIf any remedy involves gas or electricity, or you have any doubt about performing the remedy yourself call a qualified service technician! Make sure he is knowledgeable of your brand of heater, has the proper tools to diagnose the problem, and has the parts to repair the unit.

Your home is typically your most valuable investment! Proper care and maintenance is critical to maintaining the value of it and the health and safety of your family. With publication of these articles, Best Plumbers« hopes to inform and educate homeowners in the proper care and maintenance of their water heaters and plumbing systems.

When you want true professional water heater maintenance, call a licensed professional plumber from Best Plumbers«.

Good thing Marty remembered we are local to the entire Bay Area! Also glad that Marty got to meet one of our newest plumbers, Paul!a Great job Paul, it is not too often a customer says ?he can?t wait to see us again?.