The Benefits of Tank Water Heater Systems

Although much has been said about the efficiency and other advantages of tankless units, water heaters with tanks still offer certain benefits. They represent the best choice for homeowners who prefer to avoid a large initial expense, want to minimize maintenance or use comparatively small amounts of hot water.

Expense

A heater with a tank generally costs far less to purchase and install. The equipment price usually ranges from $550 to $750. The installation expense starts at about $600; some people spend up to $200 more. On the other hand, you'll probably pay around $1,400 to $3,000 to buy and install a tank-free model.

Upkeep

Conventional water heaters may last for many years with little maintenance. Tankless units normally need to be serviced annually, especially if you have hard water. To avoid frequent repairs, a technician may have to spend about two hours maintaining the equipment each year.

Electricity

A tankless heater consumes less power than a unit with a tank. However, tank models spread their energy consumption over longer periods of time. You may need to upgrade your electrical panel, outlet or wiring to keep up with the demands of a tankless unit. This also makes it harder to use a generator.

Natural Gas

Likewise, tankless models consume gas more rapidly. The equipment does this because it needs to heat water instantly rather than gradually warming it up in a container. Consequently, you might have to upgrade the gas line to a larger size when you switch to a tankless heater.

Basically, units with tanks don't use energy as efficiently but they're less expensive to buy, install and maintain. You probably won't have to upgrade your gas or electrical lines. If you're interested in purchasing a new water heater, please contact The Polite Plumber for a quote or additional information about this equipment.

How to Know the Difference Between a DIY Issue and a Serious Plumbing Problem

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and your wallet. That's why it's essential to know which plumbing projects are do-it-yourself endeavors, and which should be left for an experienced plumber. To help you decipher between the two, we've created a helpful list that categorizes plumbing issues you can handle yourself and plumbing issues only a professional should take on.

A Dripping Faucet

After you turn off your faucet does it continue to drip? If the answer is yes, a worn out O-ring is a potential cause. Replacing the O-ring is not difficult and can be considered a DIY project. However, if the faucet continues to leak after you've swapped out the O-ring, faulty plumbing or a loose part is more than likely the issue, which means contacting a plumber is in your best interest.

Clogged Drain

No matter how careful you are, clogged drains are bound to happen, and in most cases they're not hard to fix. Simply using a natural remedy, such as baking soda and vinegar will help clear most minor obstructions. Chemical based drain cleaners you purchase at a store are not a good answer to your clog, and can actually end up eroding your pipes. A stubborn blockage that won't budge with a DIY solution indicates the clog is deep within your pipes or too large for normal efforts. In such a case, calling an experienced plumber is your next step.

Higher than Normal Water Bill

A water bill that suddenly jumps in price signals a leak has taken up residence somewhere in your home. Ignoring the abrupt increase in your bill can have serious consequences, such as, costly water damage to your house. If you believe your home has a hidden leak, hire a plumber to come out and inspect your property as soon as possible.

Water Heater Issues

A malfunctioning water heater can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard. Whether a strange odor is present or the appliance is leaking, attempting to fix the issue yourself is never a good idea. If your water heater is on the fritz, you will need to call a professional plumber to come out and have a look at it.

Burst pipes and a clogged sewer line are also plumbing issues that should be dealt with by a highly trained professional. If your home is experiencing a plumbing malfunction that is beyond your DIY expertise, please contact us today and we'll be happy to help you.

3 Common Toilet Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

If you're like most homeowners, as long as the toilet still works, you ignore its problems. Like in other aspects of life, it is usually a better idea to address issues head-on, before they turn into bigger problems. Below, we will be detailing some common toilet problems and the reasons you need to deal with these issues.

The Toilet Is Noisy

When your toilet makes noise when it's not in use, it's also wasting water and running up your water bill. Most of the time, a noisy toilet is leaking. If you don't see any signs of a leak outside of your toilet, it's probably leaking inside from the tank to the bowl. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a toilet leak can waste as much as 22 gallons of water a day, which may not seem like much. Yet, if you ignore the leak, that toilet will waste over 8,000 gallons of water in a year.

The Toilet Rocks

Simply tightening the bolts is never the solution when your toilet rocks. (Actually, making the bolts too tight can crack the toilet.) Since the toilet's movement can cause damage, it needs to be removed to inspect the area underneath it. Frequently, a rocking toilet wears down the wax seal. The resulting leak can rot the subfloor. A rocking toilet may also have a cracked flange. Your plumber can repair the damage, find out what caused the rocking, and properly reinstall the toilet.

The Toilet Is Really Old

Older toilets waste water. Government regulations require toilets made after 1994 to use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. If your toilet is over 25 years old, it probably uses between 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush. The Environmental Protection Agency says the average household could save 13,000 gallons of water annually by replacing an older toilet with an efficient one that meets the agency's WaterSense standards. 

If any of these common toilet problems are in your home, a professional plumber can resolve these issues quickly. At The Polite Plumber, we have served the area’s plumbing needs since 1948. Give us a call today to learn about how we can provide you with solutions!

5 Factors to Consider While Choosing a Plumbing Service

The truth is, at some point in life, your drainage system is likely to have hiccups and malfunction. It is a fact we can never run away from – as much as we may try! Having the right person to help with the issue is crucial. You ought to make the right choice in order to save you headaches in the future. 

We want to help you to make the best decisions for your home and family. Below are factors to consider while choosing a plumbing service.

License

Plumbing is a key factor in the health of a household. For this purpose, the state must ensure that each plumber is licensed. It is also encouraging to be sure that an expert is handling your issue.  Before a plumber is given the go-ahead to exercise his or her skills, they first go through a vetting process.  The licensing organization does a background check on the plumber to ascertain that you will be opening your doors to a reliable person.

Liability Insurance

With plumbing works, accidents and incidents are sometimes inevitable. So, you need to consider a plumber who is insured in case of any eventualities. That is a safe way of transferring any liability should an accident come about. In case a plumber causes any damage to your property, the insurance company will be liable.

Communication Skills

Communication is an essential factor in any industry. A professional plumber needs to own exceptional communication skills. As you scout and interview your potential plumber, engage them in a conversation. This way, you will learn more about their communication skills.

Materials Used

It is crucial to consider the materials being used for plumbing. That is so because, unfortunately, a few plumbers use materials that are substandard to get more cash from clients. If you are not keen on this matter, you might as well be a frequent client to dubious plumbers.

Good Reputation

A good name speaks for itself. A plumbing company with a good number of positive reviews is safer to go with. Plumbing services depend on word of mouth. A satisfied customer will always refer to another client. Visit your plumber’s website or social media profiles to see what kind of reviews they are receiving.

At The Polite Plumber, we take great pride in being a source of service that you can rely on. We’ve been a trusted source of plumbing solutions for over 70 years! Give us call today to learn how we can help you.