30 Reasons To Buy A Water Heater From A Professional Installer

When it's time for a new water heater, calling a professional may be the smartest thing you could ever do. There are 30 reasons why we believe every customer should hire a professional to install a new water heater.


1. We believe in the best for you - Professionals know how well water heaters can work and how safe they can be when properly installed. We also know the downfalls and dangers of bad installations.
2. The rules have changed -The design of water heaters has changed and they must comply with new standards. A professional installer knows what meets these requirements.

3. A growing family needs more hot water -When your family grows or when you add a large tub, shower or an entire bathroom, your demand for hot water increases. A professional can help you select a model specifically built for these types of changes.
4. The safest water heaters are installed by professionals -You will have a peace of mind if a professional installs your water heater.

5. A professional stands behind his work - A professional is there to back up his work.

6. Troubleshooting is for the professional - It’s best to do the right thing first. Call a professional.
7. One call does it all - When you call a professional to install your new water heater; you’ll get a complete job well done the first time.
8. A professional does a full service job -When you hire a professional, you’ll get delivery and careful handling of your new water heater, proper installation and removal of the old water heater from your home.

9. Your choices and options are varied - A professional can show you water heater options with improved features and higher operating efficiencies.
10. Avoid installation mishaps - An inexperienced installer could inadvertently damage delicate parts, cross-thread gas connections or forget to elevate the water heater. A professional will complete the job well the first time.
11. A professional understands proper sizing- Professional’s calculate the demands from multiple bathrooms, dishwashers, clothes washers and any other point-of-use.
12. A professional understands the importance of proper venting- It is critical to vent the unit. Improper vent size or total length can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide inside the home.
13. Installing the proper T&P valve- The temperature and pressure relief valve opens to relieve pressure. Improper installation can damage to the water heater.
14. Working safely with a gas fuel source- Oil and gas fired water heaters require knowledge of the gas or oil fuel source and an understanding of gas connections supply lines and start up. A professional has this experience and knowledge.
15. Using the correct materials- The choice of materials, water pipes and electric feed lines is best left to a professional.

16. The job is done right the first time- When you have a professional install you new water heater, you get the most for your money as well as the satisfaction of knowing the job was completed with expertise you can trust.
17. A professional will help you- Water heaters are factory-set at a certain temperature for you safety. Your professional will explain the settings and the dangers of improper use of the water heater’s thermostat.
18. A simple water heater….isn’t- Today’s water heaters are more complicated than ever. Proper installation and service require that water heater manufacturers provide training and education. This valuable knowledge is only available to a professional installer.
19. Proper drainage is a must- A water heater could leak or expel water due to pressure build-up. This could cause damage to floor coverings and other items. A professional will install a drain pan and pipe it properly to a drain.

20. Getting the right gas water heater for your home- Making the wrong choice can be a serious hazard. Gas valves are designed to handle a specific type of fuel. Some gas-fired water heaters are designed for certain types of homes.
21. Knowledge of electricity and it uses - Installation of electric water heaters requires knowledge of the properly rated materials as well as knowledge of the home's electrical capacity. An adequate electrical service is a requirement.
22. A professional understands thermal expansion - do you have an open or closed water system? Closed systems are subject to thermal expansion and pressure build-up. Open systems can become closed when check valves, water softeners or water meters are added. A professional will add an expansion tank to avoid problems.
23. Pressure build-up is a serious matter - even if your water heater tank doesn't rupture from thermal expansion, pressure inside the tank can cause a constriction of the flue tube. This, in turn, can cause a back up of combustion gases and carbon monoxide inside the home.
24. Multi –purpose water heaters may be the answer - dual-purpose models can be used for space heating and snow melting when properly connected to a hydronic piping system. A professional knows where to find these special models.
25. Many special water heaters aren’t sold to consumers - Some water heaters cannot be purchased by the public. There are thousands of models with important variables and safety features that you'll never know about unless you call a professional.

26. It may be time for a trade-in - Even if you water heater is functioning adequately you may not be getting as much hot water as needed. A professional can give you guidance and explain your options.
27. Getting a proper diagnosis of the problem - If your water heater looks fine but it just won't make hot water, a professional can diagnose what may be a simple problem. You may just need an inexpensive replacement part.
28. A professional has the education and experience it takes - When a plumber comes into your home, he/she knows exactly what to do.
29. A professional is on top of new technology - Professionals know when more efficient models or technology changes are available.
30. Laws governing installation - In many parts of the country, there are laws and codes governing the installation of water heaters. These laws state that a water heater must be installed by a licensed professional.

Most Plumbing Repairs are Preventable

Most plumbing repairs are completely preventable. Taking preventative measures and providing routine plumbing maintenance can save a home owner thousands of dollars, not to mention the stress that goes along with a major plumbing repair. Have you taken the time to educate yourself on routine plumbing maintenance and how to prevent costly plumbing repairs?

One of the most costly plumbing repairs and one that can be avoided is root damage. Trees and shrubs can wreak havoc on a lateral line causing clogs, damage to pipes, and even structure damage to a homes foundation. When it comes to landscaping decisions it is important to choose very wisely. Avoid anything that grows really quickly and plant trees and shrubs a good distance away from a lateral line. This can end up saving homeowners lots of money down the road in plumbing repairs.

 Already have large trees and bushes near your sewer lateral? Consider monthly "root killers" to prevent root invasion. Such products have saved homeowners thousands of dollars.

SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/kill-roots-septic-lateral-lines-86718.html, 10/21/2013

Clogs and damaged pipes can also come from what goes down the drain. Some people think that they can put anything down the drain. As a plumber you know that this is not true. Trash, plastic, toys, hazardous chemicals, grease, large pieces of food you name it, can cause blockage which can cause a back flow or a leak. These can be costly plumbing repairs that could have been avoided.


Frozen pipes can also be a very expensive plumbing repair. When water freezes it expands which in turn can cause cracks and leaks. A pipe that has sprung a leak can cause other problems including water damage which can make an already expensive plumbing repair even more expensive. To avoid this expensive plumbing repair ensure that pipes are properly insulated and check for any structural cracks that will allow cold air to reach pipes.

Ocean City Fix, http://www.bizbrag.com/braggit/frozen-broken-pipe-and-plumbing-services-ocean-city-md, 10/21/2013

Routine plumbing maintenance helps keep plumbing systems in proper working order and prevents expensive plumbing repairs. Some routine plumbing maintenance tasks that should be performed on a regular basis are: cleaning shower drains, checking for leaking faucets, cleaning faucet aerators, repair running toilets, check the caulking around bathroom fixtures, check for signs of mold under and around cabinets, perform regular snaking on main lines that may have tree root damage, and have septic systems inspected on a regular basis.

By doing routine plumbing maintenance home owners help prevent expensive plumbing repairs. Consider finding a local plumbing company to do an annual plumbing inspection. Most of the time those companies offer discounted rates on repairs by joining a maintenance program.

Stop Flushing Money Down The Drain

Summertime is nearly here. As temperatures start to rise, water becomes more and more scarce. It is important to conserve water during the warmer and dryer months Conserving water is not only good for the environment but also good for pocketbooks because conserving water allows for saving on monthly utilities.

 

When looking to conserve water in the home, first start with the bathroom. Water usage in the bathroom accounts for about 75% of water used in the household, so its important to assess bathrooms for leaks and outdated plumbing fixtures. A leaky faucet or shower head can account for thousands of gallons of wasted water a year!! Replacing leaky faucets or shower heads with a water saving plumbing solution like a low flow aerator can help  conserve water and save money.In a typical American household, toilet flushing alone constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. So, another water saving plumbing solution for the bathroom is a high efficiency toilet. Many older toilets can waste upwards of 5 gallons per flush compared to the water saving plumbing solution HET toilet that uses as little as 1 ½ gallons of water. That is an incredible difference, making HET toilets one of the most efficient water saving plumbing solutions around, that will for sure reap financial perks in addition to water conservation benefits!

A pre-1980 model using 7 gallons per flush saves almost 42,000 gallons / year
A pre-1980 model using 5 gallons per flush saves almost 30,000 gallons / year
A post-1980 model using 3.5 gallons per flush saves over 16,000 gallons / year
A post 1990 model using 1.6 gallons per flush saves over 2,000 gallons / year

Water-efficient toilets also reduce our collective pressure on limited water supplies and, in urban areas, the amount of waste flowing to sewage treatment plants. Less waste lowers the plants’ operating energy and costs.

In rural areas not served by municipal wastewater treatment plants, water-efficient toilets reduce the amount of waste flowing into septic tanks and leach fields, extending the lives of these systems. If you use well water, an efficient toilet will also cut down the run time of your well pump, reducing electrical consumption. Plus, the less your pump runs, the longer it will remain in service.

WaterSense, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is helping consumers identify high-performance, water-efficient toilets that can reduce water use in the home and help preserve our Nation’s water resources. The WaterSense label is used on toilets that are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. WaterSense toilets not only use at least 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush; they also provide equal or superior performance. After the widespread toilet disappointment of the late 1990’s, WaterSense is careful to advocate only the best in toilet technology. WaterSense toilets are truly the best of all worlds.

What Are Your Options?

Water-efficient toilets fit into three categories: single-flush at 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf), dual-flush toilets (1.6 gpf/0.8 gpf) and pressure-assist toilets (1 gpf). Single-flush toilets using 1.6 gallons per flush are now required by law in most new home construction and bathroom remodels. Although the earliest water-efficient toilets had some problems (such as tanks that were too small and lacked sufficient flushing power), most water-efficient toilets on the market today work well. 

As the name implies, dual-flush toilets provide two flushing options. Solids are flushed with 1.6 gallons of water. Liquids are flushed by about half that volume — 0.8 to 0.9 gpf. Most manufacturers offer at least one dual-flush toilet.

The third option is a toilet equipped with pressure-assist technology, available from all leading manufacturers. Most common in hotels, restrooms and commercial buildings, these toilets also can be installed in homes. The pressure-assist system consists of a plastic pressure tank mounted inside the toilet tank. It uses pressure from the water supply line to compress air inside the pressure tank. This system traps and compresses air as it fills with water. The compressed air forces the water into the bowl when the toilet is flushed. The pressure-assist unit uses this force to push waste out, creating a vigorous flushing action that whisks away waste and cleans the bowl with only one gallon of water per flush.

Cost?
WaterSense labeled toilets are available in a wide variety of prices and styles. The EPA estimates that if a family of four that replaces its home’s older toilets with WaterSense labeled ones, it will save, on average, roughly $1,000 over the next 10 years – enough for the WaterSense high-efficiency toilet to pay for itself within a few years.

Testing for the WaterSense program shows that there is no correlation between price and performance of a high-efficiency toilet. WaterSense labeled toilet prices can range from less than $100 to over $1,000, much of the variation due to style alone. In this region, WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets cost anywhere from about $250 to $750.

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So, What Is An Expansion Tank, And Do I Really Need One?

Thermal Expansion Tanks

At this year's Home and Garden Show we found a lot of curiosity in the expansion tank atop our water heater display. So, what is an expansion tank, and do I really need one?

Well, the short answer is yes.  Almost any plumbing system benefits from an expansion outlet and ever more cities are requiring one. The benefits aren't just for safety, but also save money.

Firstly, the problem we are addressing with the tank is thermal expansion.  When water is heated it expands. For example, water heated from 90°F to a thermostat setting of 140°F in a 40 gallon hot water heater will expand by almost one-half gallon. This is because when water is heated, its density decreases and its volume expands (see below). Since water is not compressible, the extra volume created by expansion must go someplace. During no-flow periods in a system, pressure reducing valves, backflow preventers, and other one-way valves are closed, thus eliminating a path for expanded water to flow back to the system supply. Hence, system pressure increases. Temperature vs Density

What is closed loop system? A closed loop system is any domestic water system that does not have a way for water to flow back towards the meter or city supply. This is done when you or your city places a backflow devise in the domestic system after or in your water meter. These are more common than you might think. Today's newer homes have PRV’s pressure reducing valves which only let water flow one way. Double check valves which do the same thing for your sprinkler systems to keep you from poisoning your self by adding lawn chemicals to your lawn only allow water to flow in one direction also. Some cities place check valves in the water meters to protect the public water supply.

In a closed system this extra water pressure from thermal expansion can cause the most damage because the extra water pressure has nowhere to go since it cannot push back into the city water. Most cities require that expansion tanks be installed in closed systems. If you have some form of backflow preventer installed on the main water line you may be required to also have a water heater expansion tank installed. Check the local building code or call your local plumbing contractor to acquire more information.

So if you have a closed loop system your water heater will heat the water in the water heater and the water pressure will increase. This is thermal expansion. This not only affects your water heater but all your appliances. When your water heater heats the hot side of the system it also puts pressure on the incoming cold side of the system to. This can lead to all kinds of system failures like faucets, toilets, washer machines, ice makers, dishwashers and any thing else connected to the water supply in your home.

A water heater expansion tank is designed to help prevent fluctuations in water pressure, thus preventing damage. The water heater expansion tank serves as an overflow receptacle by absorbing excess water volume that the water heater creates when heating water. The PRV or check valve regulates incoming pressure from your water supply, now your closed system relies on the expansion tank to avoid added pressure from the water heater (thermal expansion).

 

If you do not have a one way valve installed on the main water line, and therefore do not have a closed water system, you may still benefit from a water heater expansion tank. Expansion tanks are normally installed above the water heater on the cold side before the water comes into the water heater. The extra hot water from the thermal expansion can be stored in the expansion tank and when hot water is demanded it is put back into the water heater. Having an expansion tank helps prevent dripping faucet and running toilets by keeping the extra built up pressure from reaching the fixtures and prematurely damaging

them.

 

Water heater expansion tank installation prices vary according to areas and job scope, although the tank is typically easy to install with a normal 3/4” threaded connection. A tee will have to be installed above the water heater if one is not there already. If you are hiring a plumber to have a water heater installed it’s a good idea to get a price for the installation of an expansion tank also. It may not be much more than you are already paying if it is done at the same time. If you are installing a water heater yourself consider installing an expansion tank even if it is not required since the benefits far outweigh the work and cost involved.

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The St. Charles Home & Garden Show is just around the corner. With that being said, we know our busy season is set to kick in. Take advantage of other current specials along with this coupon. Who doesn't need a little extra sometimes?

Plumbing being major issue on TRIUMPH

 

"Pipes are busting, I know the sewer is backing up, and water is in the cabins, and it's just a nightmare," passenger Jamie Baker told NBC's TODAY show, in a phone interview from the ship. Mirroring other reports from the ship, Baker said that while food has been available, there have been long lines. She also reported that people have used trash cans as toilets.
"Like Katrina in the Dome, except it's afloat," Baker tells TODAY




        Adequate plumbing is the most under appreciated modern convenience.  No one thinks of how much we are dependent  on the fresh supply of safe drinking water and quick disposal of waste.  Of all the issues on board the recent cruise ship Triumph, which was disabled by an on board fire. The Triumph's passengers had adapted to the lack of power and air conditioning that had left interior cabins dark, stuffy and hot. But the lack of available water and toilets left the decks blanketed with horrible odors and an overwhelming feeling of stench an filth.  If the vessel's plumbing is not working properly, there is an increased chance that passengers might get sick from the lack of adequate and proper sanitary conditions, including Norovirus, a gastrointestinal disease infamous for its recurrence on board vessels. So, as it is very unpleasant on board, it could also be unsafe.

     "The conditions on board are pretty nice. I mean, we're still on a nice cruise ship. We have some power, some lights on board, especially in the common areas. They've been able to get some entertainment up for us, some musicians as well as comedians... It's been pretty pleasant, considering the situation. However, the real tough part is just having to be on the boat this whole time, and just keep waiting."
"The other hard part has been the toilet situation, which is probably the most uncomfortable. They've been able to get some toilets working, and some of them go out and then stop working. And different parts of the ship have been working at certain times. So, it's kind of difficult to find a working bathroom... that's kind of been the hardest situation on board," says Ben Vogelzang, a passenger on the ship. He spoke with NPR's Newscast


"Those poor people haven't showered in five days," Maura Garino, vice president of the Holiday Inn Downtown, tells The Houston Chronicle

Although a majority of people across the world use toilets on a daily basis, few are willing to discuss such private matters and how waste resources play a role in terms of global sanitation. However, according to a recent article from The New York Daily News, an exhibition created by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) strives to shine a light on efforts “to help fight diseases causing diarrhea, which kill more children than malaria, HIV/AIDS and measles combined.” 

When looking at disease prevention and control, washing one’s hands is the first step. As a plumbing company, Performance Plumbing Inc. strives to make sure that our customers have adequate fixtures, functional water heaters, working toilets and properly maintained sewer lines. All these plumbing elements play a major role in the overall sanitation of the world and should be respected by communities across the world. Talking about these subjects only helps people have a greater understand of the importance of proper plumbing and sanitation.

Plumbers work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to resolve plumbing emergencies that may include septic tank, toilet and sewer line issues—all factors that play into the greater practice of proper hygiene and public sanitation. And only when we are faced with such events, like the one on Triumph, do we stop to consider the importance and necessity of  professional plumbers.