water heater - Action Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is crucial for the overall well-being of your home. Yet, all too often, homeowners neglect this essential aspect of home maintenance until a minor issue spirals into a major headache. To save yourself time, money, and stress in the long run, it’s vital to prioritize regular plumbing maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the importance of plumbing maintenance, essential tips for upkeep, and why partnering with Action Plumbing is the smart choice for safeguarding your home.

Why Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Imagine your plumbing system as the circulatory system of your home. Just as your body requires regular check-ups to ensure optimal health, your plumbing system needs routine maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a myriad of problems, including leaks, clogs, burst pipes, water damage, and even mold growth. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs, prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing system and preserving the integrity of your home.

Essential Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Inspect for Leaks: Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for any signs of leaks, such as drips or puddles. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent water waste and damage to your home’s structure.
Clear Clogs: Regularly clean drains using natural solutions or enzymatic cleaners to prevent buildup and blockages. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes over time.
Test Water Pressure: Ensure proper water pressure by testing faucets and showerheads. Low water pressure may indicate a clog or other underlying issues that require attention.
Check for Signs of Corrosion: Inspect exposed pipes for signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloration. Corroded pipes are more prone to leaks and may need to be replaced.
Maintain Water Heater: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup, which can affect efficiency and lead to premature failure. Inspect for signs of leaks or rust and schedule professional maintenance as needed.
Inspect Toilet Components: Check toilet tanks and mechanisms for leaks or malfunctions. Replace worn-out parts, such as flappers or fill valves, to prevent water waste and costly repairs.
Protect Pipes in Cold Weather: Before winter arrives, insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Schedule Professional Maintenance: Regularly schedule professional plumbing maintenance with Action Plumbing to ensure thorough inspections, tune-ups, and proactive repairs. Our skilled technicians have the expertise and equipment to identify potential issues and keep your plumbing system running smoothly year-round.

Why Choose Action Plumbing for Your Plumbing Maintenance Needs

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, partnering with a trusted professional is essential for peace of mind and optimal results. Here’s why Action Plumbing is the ideal choice for safeguarding your home:

Expertise: With years of experience and a team of skilled technicians, Action Plumbing has the knowledge and proficiency to handle all your plumbing maintenance needs.
Comprehensive Services: From routine inspections and tune-ups to emergency repairs, Action Plumbing offers a comprehensive range of services to keep your plumbing system in top condition.
Proactive Approach: Our proactive maintenance approach helps prevent costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
Transparent Pricing: At Action Plumbing, we believe in transparent pricing and upfront communication. You’ll always know what to expect, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize customer satisfaction above all else, ensuring that your experience with us is positive from start to finish. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and exceed your expectations.

Don’t Wait, Schedule Your Plumbing Maintenance Today

Don’t wait until a plumbing disaster strikes to take action. Invest in preventive maintenance with Action Plumbing and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a healthy, efficient plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment and take the first step toward protecting your home for years to come. With Action Plumbing by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in expert hands.

Showering without hot water? Washing dishes in a lukewarm abyss? The quest for the perfect home water heater ignites a fiery debate: gas or electric?

Both options heat your water, but understanding their key differences can help you crown the champion for your home:

Fueling the Flame:

Gas Water Heaters: These fiery warriors burn natural gas or propane to heat water directly. They offer faster heating rates and often come at a lower initial cost. However, installation can be more complex and gas lines require maintenance.
Electric Water Heaters: These clean titans utilize electricity to power heating elements submerged in the water tank. They’re more eco-friendly and easier to install, but typically have slower heating times and higher running costs depending on your electricity rates.

The Cost Conundrum:

Initial Cost: Gas water heaters generally have a lower upfront price, while electric models tend to be pricier.
Operating Cost: Gas water heaters usually boast lower running costs thanks to the efficiency of burning fuel. However, if electricity rates are low in your area, an electric model might be more economical.
Installation & Maintenance: Gas water heaters require professional installation and potential gas line maintenance. Electric models are easier to install but may require upgrades to your electrical system.

Choosing Your Champion:

Consider these factors to find your perfect water heater match:

Budget: Can you afford a potentially higher initial cost for an electric model or are you looking for a lower upfront price tag?
Energy Efficiency: Are you prioritizing eco-friendliness and potentially lower running costs with an electric option, or are you comfortable with natural gas or propane?
Availability: Is there a readily available gas line to your home, or are you limited to electricity?
Space & Installation: Do you have space for a larger tank that comes with a gas heater, or is the more compact size of an electric model preferable?

Need Back-Up?

Still unsure which water heater to choose? Don’t let this hot debate leave you in the cold!

Our skilled technicians can assess your needs. They can also discuss the pros and cons of each option. Additionally, they can recommend the perfect water heater for a comfortable home and enjoyable showers.

Remember, choosing the right water heater is an investment in your comfort and home’s value. With the help of Action Plumbing, you can navigate the Great Water Heater Debate and crown the ideal champion for your needs. Let our expertise flow seamlessly into your home and ensure you never face a lukewarm future!

Contact Action Plumbing Heating, Air, & Electrical today and turn up the heat on your water heater happiness!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on separating plumbing fact from fiction. A major part of basic home plumbing care among homeowners is understanding a few simple facts about their system, and also knowing which tips they’ve heard from friends or the internet are true and which might be harmful to their plumbing.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re here to help. Our plumbing services range from sewer line repair to water filtration, water softeners and various emergency plumbing services, plus numerous areas of expertise we’ve assisted homeowners with through the years. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll list a few other common plumbing statements and evaluate whether they’re true or false.

Bleach Use in Toilets is Okay, But Requires Care

FACT.

One common format some homeowners use to clean toilets is the bleach tablet, which is often sold at many home improvement stores. As many are aware, however, bleach can be harmful to porcelain and other surfaces in large enough quantities – does this mean you should avoid such tablets?

No, as long as you’re taking the proper care. Specifically, do not let bleach tablets soak into your toilet bowl for more than 10 minutes. It must be flushed before this period to prevent any future damage, and can be used consistently if you stick to this schedule. If you let bleach sink in for longer periods of time, however, you risk ruining parts of your toilet within six months or even less.

A Faulty Water Heater Will Explode

FICTION.

While older and worn-down water heaters may have some issues, we’re not quite sure where this explosion myth came from. Rather, certain rare water heater types may rupture after enough strain – but this rupturing will cause a crack in the tank, not an explosion of any kind. Modern tanks, on the other hand, have built-in relief valves that remove any danger of pressure buildup or explosion risk. While an improperly-maintained water heater may lead to several issues, from sediment collection to poor efficiency, explosion is not one of these risks.

Small Pests May Attempt to Invade Plumbing Pipes

FACT.

Homes have pipes that run from the sewer system to the roof or parts of the drainage system, and without proper attention these could serve as entry locations for small pests like mice or rats. This is highly uncommon, however, and can be easily prevented by installing basic screens that don’t block water from escaping, but do stop critters from entering the system through these areas.

For more on separating truth from myths within your plumbing system, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips for homeowners looking to limit the strain on their plumbing system during the summer. The summer is often the toughest period for a given home’s plumbing system due to increased needs for water and usage of various plumbing fixtures, but you might be surprised how much you can alleviate this stress with some extremely basic tactics.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re proud to offer a wide array of residential plumbing services, from standard plumbing maintenance like summer upkeep to larger areas like trenchless sewer line repair and many others. In today’s part two, we’ll go over a few additional themes to keep an eye on, whether on your own or with the assistance of our handy plumbers for any areas you’re not comfortable managing.

Care While Gardening

The summer is the most popular season of the year for gardening for some relatively apparent reasons, but it just requires some very basic care for those who want to be sure they do not impact their plumbing system in any way. This is especially true for anyone who plans to do significant digging, whether for the purposes of planting, landscaping or something else.

Why is this a concern? Well, because sewer, gas and possibly other utility lines are placed under lawns in residential areas. If you accidentally dig into these, you could be looking at incredibly expensive repairs, not to mention hazards. If you have any significant digging plans, you should find out where your utility lines are before you plant – particularly the sewer line, which can lead to major leakage and related issues if it’s dug into.

Water Heater Temperature

Another theme the summer is generally a common time of year for: Vacations and trips, whether we’re talking cross-country adventures, weekend camping trips with the family or any other variety. One handy plumbing tip for whenever you take such excursions is to turn your water heater temperature down much lower than usual – this will not only limit strain on the system and give it a break for a few days, but will also save you money on your power bill at the end of the month for heating services that you won’t need while out of the house.

Connections and Leaks

Finally, particularly for homes with kids out of school for the summer, appliances like dishwashers and washing machines will see heavy work this time of year. Periodically, be sure to check basic connections and hookups to ensure there are no leaks or other issues forming, concerns that may lead to major water loss and an increase in your monthly bill.

For more on tactics to alleviate strain on your plumbing system this summer, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the common reasons why you might have begun to notice slow hot water being provided to certain taps or fixtures in your home. There are several potential culprits behind this event, ranging from the distance of your fixtures to the hot water heater to the quality of the heater itself and several others.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of water heater repair and replacement services to help remedy any such concerns, including tankless water heaters that provide on-demand water and limit any concerns of proper temperature. In today’s part two, we’ll go over a few additional potential causes of slow hot water, including a primer on water heater tank recovery periods for such systems.

Improper Sizing

In some cases, your system’s issues with providing hot water fast enough to all fixtures may actually trace back to the water heater’s initial installation. Whether due to a mistake by a previous HVAC company, an increase in family size or some other cause, the current water heater might actually be far too small to service your entire home.

When this is the case, it will not have the capacity to handle the regular requests for hot water throughout the home. If this is the situation, our plumbers will be able to quickly identify this problem based on simple volume, plus recommend a larger upgrade to meet your needs.

Water Heater Failure

In other situations, the simple reality will be that your water heater has run its standard lifespan and is now wearing down after many years. If your water heater was installed at least a decade ago or has shown other signs of wear-and-tear over recent years, they may either fail suddenly or simply become less effective over a period of time.

Again, our plumbers are here to help. We’re happy to assess your water heater and recommend to you whether repairs might solve your concerns or whether an upgrade to a new system is your most cost-effective option.

Recovery Times

Finally, for all homes using a tank-style water heater, recovery times must be considered. These refer to how long it takes the tank to re-heat and deliver more hot water once it’s depleted its current stores, and they will depend on several factors:

Size of the tank (larger tanks take longer to recover, but also have larger initial capacities)
Fuel type (electric heaters take about twice as long to reheat as gas heaters)
FHR: Short for first hour rating, this is a metric where the higher it is, the shorter your recovery time
Temperature rise: The temperature of your incoming water makes a huge difference, as cold water takes much longer to heat than warm water

In most cases, it will take a standard 80-gallon gas water heater roughly an hour to recover after being fully depleted. Our plumbers will advise you on whether your time might be shorter or longer.

For more on understanding why your hot water supply is slow arriving, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

Whether the signs have been building for months that you need a new water heater or you’ve suddenly experienced an ice cold shower and discovered a faulty system, the pros at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical are here to help you find a water heater replacement. We offer a range of water heater systems, including modern tankless systems, and our team has seen every home situation and knows the optimal system for you.

When you go about choosing a new model for your home, there will be a few important factors to consider. Let’s go over each of the most vital areas:

Unit Format

In today’s day and age, you have several options at your disposal when it comes to the type of water heater unit you choose for your home:

Conventional: Generally called a storage tank unit, this is the water heater format that’s most common and that you’re likely used to seeing. It’s made up of a large tank that’s well-insulated, storing water that’s been heated until you turn on an appliance that requires it in the home.
Heat pump: Also called a hybrid unit, a heat pump pulls air in from the ground or even the air in the room to heat water. Heat pumps move heat through electricity – they do not create their own heat.
Tankless heater: This modern option doesn’t store any water at all. Instead, it boasts high-quality heating coils that can almost instantly heat up water on-demand. Many homeowners find tankless water heaters both more convenient and better for their utility savings.

Size and Capacity

There are several elements of home comfort where size is very important, including AC units and heaters, and water heaters are no exception. Too small a system, particularly a conventional tank, may not provide enough hot water for the occupants of many homes. Too large a system, on the other hand, could waste major amounts of water and raise energy bills significantly.

When you meet with our professionals to determine the right heater, they’ll show you that this isn’t only directly about size. It’s also about the capacity of the heater, which may vary based on a few other factors as well.

Efficiency and UEF

One such factor is the efficiency of the heater, which is very important for an appliance that uses nearly a quarter of your home’s energy. A recent measure put forth by the Department of Energy known as Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is what you should be tracking here – simply put, the higher the UEF, the more efficient the unit. Higher-UEF systems will generally cost more, but many homeowners find they recoup these funds quite quickly in terms of lowered energy costs in the future.

Warranty Considerations

Always remember to check on a warranty. You never know when something might go wrong with a water heater, and it’s best to know you’re covered if possible.

For more on choosing a new water heater, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

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