Important Changes to Water Heaters Coming Soon!

Beginning in April 2015, new government mandated regulations will take effect on virtually ALL residential water heaters, requiring them to have higher energy efficiency ratings. 

What does this mean?

Any new water heaters manufactured after April 16, 2015 must meet the new regulations.  Some models will no longer be manufactured, and existing models will need to be altered to meet the minimum energy efficiency

requirements.  Many units will increase in size because they will require more insulation, and other units will have new technology.  Basically, water heaters as we know them will be entirely different.  Costs are expected to increase for both material and installation of these new water heaters.  Installations will most likely require additional training for plumbers, thus making it more difficult for the do-it-yourself homeowners.  This law affects only the manufacturing of new water heaters, any remaining inventory is still allowed to be sold and installed, so there may be a lag in time on when this actually starts affecting consumers. 

What does this mean for you?

These new regulations mean increased costs, completely different water heater options than in the past, and units that are 2” larger (or more) in height and/or diameter.  With the increase in size, this is particularly an issue for condo buildings and apartments that frequently have water heaters installed in tight spaces under the counter, or in a closet.  In addition to issues with doorway access – homes with water heaters in tight places may need to relocate the water heater, or downgrade to a smaller size.  For individuals with gas water heaters (which are also expected to increase in size), tank-less water heaters may become a more viable option due to space constraints.  If you are considering replacing your water heater in the near future, it’s important to take these changes into consideration now, before the new changes take effect.

Holiday Plumbing Tips

The holidays are often the busiest time of year for plumbers. Sometimes issues can arise when you are not home, or because you have too many people in your home. Here are a few tips to reduce your chances of becoming victim to frozen pipes and common clogs:

-If travelling for the holidays, do not turn your heat below 60. It's also a good idea to turn your water off at the main shut off valve - if a leak should occur while you are gone, this will minimize the damage.

-Try not to put any fats, oils or fibrous/tough materials (including sweet potatoes, egg shells and poultry skins) down your drain or into your garbage disposal.

-Turn your disposal on before throwing any food scraps into it.  Also let your disposal run for at least 10-15 seconds before and after using it to be sure that all of the food waste has flushed through.

-Avoid using flushable wipes - they are often not as 'flushable' as the manufacturer makes them out to be and can commonly cause backups.

-Keep a trash can nearby toilets and make sure it's visible to discourage guests from flushing unwanted items.  

We hope you have a happy and headache free holiday!

Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting Tips for Common Problems l AHS

Here are some troubleshooting tips for common garbage disposal problems, if these don't work then it might be a good idea to call a professional.  

World Toilet Day - where you go, matters

Happy World Toilet Day!  World Toilet Day was started in 2001 to bring awareness to the lack of sanitation and toilets around the world.  Roughly 35% of people do not have access to toilets, and according to UNICEF about 1,800 children die every day from diseases directly linked to a lack of sanitation and clean water.  

Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Thursday November 13th

The Assateague Coastal Trust will be hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Thursday November 13th.  Click here for tickets or more information.

Know Where Your Shut-Off Valves are Located

Water damage from failed or faulty plumbing systems is one of the most common homeowners’ insurance claims.  Leaks can be very costly and damaging to your home – in order to minimize damage it’s important to familiarize yourself with your home’s plumbing system and to know where your shut-off valves are located. 

The location can vary depending on the house, but the most common places are near your water heater, or in your crawlspace.  There is also a shut off valve underground at your water meter pit.  If you are on a well system, there should also be one near your well pump.  Most fixtures should also have their own individual shut off valves: your sink faucet shut offs should be underneath the sink, a toilet’s shut off valve should be located to the side, and your washing machine shut off valves should be located above the appliance in the washer box recessed in the wall.  Showers sometimes do not have their own shut off valves, and if they do they are usually located inside of the wall – so if you believe water may be leaking from a shower fixture it would be best to turn the water off at the main.  If all else fails, be sure that you have the emergency number for your water service provider or plumber on hand. 

 

In addition to your water main shut offs, it’s also important to know where your main gas shut offs are located in case of a leak.  In most cases there will be a shut off where the gas enters the home.  If you have a gas tank on your property, there should as be a shut off valve located at the tank itself.

Being able to turn off your main in the event of a leak can save your home from a substantial amount of damage.  If you’re still not sure where your shut-offs are located, just give us a call.  We’d be happy to give you a quick overview of your plumbing system, and even do a preventative maintenance inspection to identify any potential trouble spots.  

KOHLER® Touchless

Check out the new touch-less flushing option from Kohler.  

Fall Plumbing Tips

It's just about time to start preparing your home's plumbing system for the colder months ahead.  If you plan to be out of town for any extended periods of time, or if you have a vacation home - it's always a good idea to have a licensed plumber winterize your property. Otherwise, here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Don't forget to disconnect your outside hoses. Leaving them connected can cause water to freeze all the way back into your crawlspace. 
• Close the shut off valves leading to any outside fixtures (if you have separate shut-off valves), and drain down the fixtures.  Not sure how to do this?  Give your local plumber a call and they should be able to walk you through it.  
• Flush your water heater.  Colder temperatures mean that your water heater has to work even harder, having it flushed annually is recommended by most manufacturers to reduce sediment build up and prolong its life. 

Plumbing FAQs - What Should I Do If I Get An Abnormally Expensive Water Bill?

If you receive a water bill that is higher than usual, the first thing you should do is call your city or municipal water department and let them know.  They can come out to make sure that the meter was read correctly, and also to inspect for any leaks on the city owned side of your water meter.  

If everything checks out alright on their end, you should call a plumber to come out and inspect your plumbing system to determine if there is a leak and where it may be coming from.  Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in the meantime:

• water pooled up in your yard or driveway - this may be indicative of a water main leak underground and you will want to have this addressed sooner rather than later
• any visible leaks, drips or signs of water damage
• constantly running toilets

A high water bill can stem from a wide range number of issues, it could simply be that your toilet fill or flush valve may need to be replaced, or you could have a break in your water main that may need to be dug up and repaired.  Once the issue is identified and corrected, be sure to get a copy of the invoice from your plumber.  Some municipalities will give you a break on your water bill if you are able to show them proof that there was a problem.  

Recognizing Water Efficiency’s Value & Celebrating 20 Years of Water Efficient Fixtures

2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Energy Policy Act that mandated more efficient plumbing fixtures.  The Act has helped reduce water usage by trillions of gallons.  It's a great step forward, but there is still more we can all do to reduce our own usage.  

Click here to ready more about Recognizing Water Efficiency’s Value.  

Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

Garbage disposal problems can be either plumbing or electrical.  First things first, never attempt to reach your hand into a garbage disposal for any reason!! Serious injury can occur.

If you turn on your garbage disposal, and no sound occurs at all (no "hum" or any sound of the cutter wheels turning), your problem could be electrical.

Try pushing the red reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal.  If you still get no results, check your electric breaker in your electrical panel to make sure that it is not "tripped."  If this doesn't resolve the issue, then there may be a physical clog of debris preventing your flywheel from turning.  Most units provide you with a wrench that you can insert into the bottom of the garbage disposal to manually "unstick" it.  Keep in mind that the electric needs to be turned off to the garbage disposal before you try this step.  If your unit does not respond to these actions, then it is likely that it needs to be replaced.

Turning Wastewater to Drinking Water

How do you feel about drinking wastewater?  Check out this article on what many states are now considering to help alleviate water shortages.  By 2030 the UN estimates that over half of the world population will face water scarcity.  Many states are looking into using reclaimed wastewater for drinking water, while some already use wastewater for irrigation purposes.  Drinking wastewater may be hard to swallow for some, but with worsening water shortages, it's becoming a more viable option.  

Considering the droughts and shortages of water in many states, conservation of water is becoming ever so important.  Did you know that the average home wastes about 9,000 gallons of water each year waiting for hot water?  This number could be even higher if you have a larger home, think about getting a recirculator pump to reduce your wait time for hot water and to save water.  Visit our website for more ideas on what you can do to save water, or to calculate your water usage.  

Plumbing FAQs - Why Can't My Plumber Match the Material Prices I Find Online??

With the advent of internet shopping, many customers will ask if they can provide their own plumbing material.  Click here for our original post on providing your own plumbing material.  

In most cases this question arises because the customer is able to find material online or through big box stores for cheaper.  So often we get the question:

-Why can't you match the price I found online or in the store??

• First off most local plumbers cannot compete on pricing with these retailers.  Due to their large volume of sales and stock - they can often unload products for cheaper than we can.
• The products we sell are more expensive in some cases because they are of better quality - even though from the outside they may look exactly the same.  A good example is a lavatory bathroom faucet - most of the faucets that homeowners provide will have a plastic drain assembly, the faucets we buy from suppliers have higher quality metal drain assemblies.  Plastic drain assemblies are more prone to leaking, and sometimes tricky to install - this can increase the cost to the customer.  The plumber may have to forego the plastic drain assembly in some cases, and install metal drain assemblies just to get a finished product that they can stand behind - this again increases the cost to the customer.  Or, they may install it, and you may have to pay them to come back out for a service call to replace it at a later date if it begins leaking.  
• Most plumber's prices include a one year warranty on the material and installation.  So if there is a problem within one year, they will come back out and take care of it for you.

Upgrade Your Toilet to Save Water

Some older toilets can use upwards of 3.5 gallons of water per flush or more.  Newer, more efficient toilets use about 1.28 gallons per flush. Upgrading your toilet can save more than 4000 gallons of water in one year. This is enough drinking water to last the average person over 20 years. Consider upgrading your toilet to help reduce your usage of this precious resource.

Lessons Learned From a Year Without Showering

Lessons Learned From a Year Without Showering

A different take on water conservation, maybe not for everyone!  But there are small changes we can all make to reduce our usage of this important resource.

Important Water Heater Changes Coming in 2015

Beginning in April 2015, new government mandated regulations will take effect on virtually ALL residential water heaters, requiring them to have higher energy efficiency ratings. 

What does this mean?

Any new water heaters manufactured after April 16, 2015 must meet the new regulations.  Some models will no longer be manufactured, and existing models will need to be altered to meet the minimum energy efficiency

requirements.  Many units will increase in size because they will require more insulation, and other units will have new technology.  Basically, water heaters as we know them will be entirely different.  Costs are expected to increase for both material and installation of these new water heaters.  Installations will most likely require additional training for plumbers, thus making it more difficult for the do-it-yourself homeowners.  This law affects only the manufacturing of new water heaters, any remaining inventory is still allowed to be sold and installed, so there may be a lag in time on when this actually starts affecting consumers. 

What does this mean for you?

These new regulations mean increased costs, completely different water heater options than in the past, and units that are 2” larger (or more) in height and/or diameter.  With the increase in size, this is particularly an issue for condo buildings and apartments that frequently have water heaters installed in tight spaces under the counter, or in a closet.  In addition to issues with doorway access – homes with water heaters in tight places may need to relocate the water heater, or downgrade to a smaller size.  For individuals with gas water heaters (which are also expected to increase in size), tank-less water heaters may become a more viable option due to space constraints.  If you are considering replacing your water heater in the near future, it’s important to take these changes into consideration now, before the new changes take effect.

The Drinkable Book

Check out this book that can also serve as a filter to give you clean drinking water.

Use Caution with Toilet Tank Cleaning Products

When cleaning your toilet, beware of in-tank cleaning products and tablets – the harsh chemicals can slowly eat away at the rubber seals on the flapper and the tank-to-bowl bolts.  With these components deteriorated, water can flow continuously into the bowl, causing your toilet to run constantly (or leak through the tank-to bowl bolts onto the floor).  Not only does this result in wasted water, but it can also cause higher water bills and void any toilet warranties.

Fortunately, there are several other options that don’t go directly into your toilet tank – so you can prevent damage from occurring.  Also, for products that claim they are safe, be sure to check the labels for any warnings or harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine.

April 25th is National Hug a Plumber Day!

Did You Know?

Our sewage treatment plants are unable to break down pharmaceuticals, so when they are flushed down the toilet they ultimately end up in our waterways, posing a threat to fish and other wildlife.  Operation Medicine Drop allows people to dispose of unused medicine properly instead of flushing it.  Our next local medicine drop is scheduled for Saturday April 26th at various locations in Worcester County.  Click here for more information.

Spring Plumbing Tips

In eager anticipation of spring, here are a few spring plumbing tips:

Flushing Your Water Heater: Water heaters (both regular water heaters and tank-less water heaters) should be flushed on a regular basis (we suggest once a year). Over time, inches (no exaggeration!) of sediment can build up in your regular water heater. Tank-less water heaters also need to be flushed with vinegar to keep lime and scale from corroding the heat exchanger piping.  Having your water heater flushed regularly can help prolong it's life and keep it running efficiently.  Spring is also a good time to do a quick visual assessment of your water heater.  If you have a tanked water heater that is showing signs of rust, it's time to call a plumber!!

Dewinterizations: If you are returning to a home that has been vacant over the winter, it's always a good idea to have a professional thoroughly inspect the pipes for any leaks before turning the water back on.

If you have any questions or would like for us to take care of your water heater or dewinterization, don't hesitate to contact us or give us a call at 410-641-1368. Out of town? Can't have it done for another month or two? That's no problem just let us know and we will gladly mail you a reminder. 

March Is All About Plumbing!

Not only does March 17th mark the beginning of Fix a Leak Week, but World Plumbing Day was celebrated on March 11th, and March 22nd is World Water Day.  What are you doing to reduce your water usage this month?

Fix a Leak Week - March 17th - 23rd

Did you know that over one trillion gallons of water are wasted each year in the US due to household plumbing leaks?  In light of the recent drought in California, that's a lot of water wasted!

Each year in March the EPA's Water Sense program promotes Fix a Leak Week as effort to bring awareness to the amount of water wasted from leaks, and to remind homeowners to inspect their plumbing system and fixtures.  Not only do leaks waste a precious resource, but they can also cause your water bill to be higher than necessary.  

Visit the EPA's website for some facts and tips.   

Plumbing FAQs - When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Over time, the tank of a water heater can rust and produce leaks.  In some cases the tank can actually burst and flood your home.  So, what's a good rule of thumb for replacing your water heater?

Unfortunately there isn't one perfect answer to this question. Generally, tanked water heaters have a life expectancy of 10-15 years.  However, we have seen some burst at 10 years old, and others have made it to 20 (which we don't recommend!!).  It's always better to replace it sooner rather than later as a preventative measure, particularly if you are in a condo or apartment building with units beneath you.  

Once it hits 10 years old, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on it and to begin to consider replacing it.  If you see any water or wet areas near the base, call a plumber right away!

Tanked Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Often our customers will ask “What do you recommend – a tanked or tankless water heater?”  There is no perfect answer to this question, it depends on the individual preference and situation.  What we can offer is a list of pros and cons for your consideration and to assist you in making a decision.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters:

Pros:

• You have on demand, endless hot water that will not run out.
• Tankless water heaters are generally smaller and more compact, saving space inside of your home.
• Water is only heated when you need it which makes tankless units more efficient and cheaper to operate in most cases. Some units boast an energy factor of up to .96!
• They have a longer life expectancy of about 20 years (as opposed to 10-15 years for a standard tanked water heater)

Cons:

• Tankless units are more expensive than traditional tanked water heaters and the installation costs are generally higher.  In some remodeling scenarios installation costs can be significantly higher.
• While tankless water heaters are more efficient, many recent studies have found the payback on actual energy savings vs. the initial cost of the unit to be longer than what is advertised.  Again, it depends on the individual situation and usage (and certainly more research will continue to be released), but it is worth noting.
• Most tankless water heaters require a minimum flow of .5 gallons per minute in order to ignite the water heater and deliver hot water to fixtures.  If you turn your faucet on at a trickle, it will most likely not be enough to ignite the water heater.  There are hybrid units on the market that are tankless water heaters with a small 2 gallon storage tank inside of the units – they specifically address this issue (among other things) and allow you to get hot water even at a trickle.
• Most units require both gas and electric to operate, in the event of a power or gas outage, you will not have hot water.

We typically do not recommend electric tankless water heaters for a whole house scenario.  They need a serious amount of electrical amperage to operate, in most cases 4 double-pole breakers are required to be dedicated to this appliance.  A typical home does not usually have that extra space in their breaker box to run an electric tank-less water heater.  Additionally we have found that their hot water output cannot always sufficiently meet household demand.

Traditional Tanked Water Heaters (Gas or Electric):

Pros:

• Tanked water heaters are typically cheaper for both the material and the installation.
• They have been around for a very long time, so the technology is proven and widely understood. 
• You will receive hot water at a fixture, even if the water is turned on at just a trickle.
• In the event of a power or gas outage, you will still have a temporary supply of heated water in the tank available for use.

Cons:

• The amount of hot water you have is limited to the size of your tank, so you can easily run out of hot water, having to wait 30-45 minutes in order for the tank to heat up again.
• Tanked water heaters have a shorter life span of 10-15 years tops, they are also prone to bursting once they get to the end of their life expectancy which can cause flood damage to your home.
• They are continuously heating the water in the tank making them less efficient, subject to standby heat loss and thus more expensive to operate. 
• They are larger, bulkier and take up more space inside your home.

Both tanked and tankless water heaters should be routinely maintenanced and flushed in order to operate efficiently and properly.  Sediment can gather on the bottom of tanks or within the tankless units which can affect the lifespan, water quality and in some cases void the warranty.

A qualified and licensed plumbing contractor should be able to give you a free estimate in writing with all of the details spelled out on either a tanked or tankless water heater.  BEWARE of low estimates!  It’s very important that tankless water heaters are installed correctly and sized to sufficiently meet your demand.  Tankless water heaters must also be properly vented and sometimes require upgrading your gas line to a larger size – this is where many contractors will cut corners in order to get the job.   It’s important to educate yourself, ask questions and shop around.  As always, give us a call if you’d like more information or if you have any questions.

Recall Affecting Kohler, American Standard, Crane, Eljer, Gerber, Mansfield and St. Thomas Toilets!

Flushmate recently recalled it's Flushmate III Pressure Assisted Flushing System, affecting toilets manufactured by Kohler, American Standard, Crane, Eljer, Gerber, Mansfield and St. Thomas between 1997 and 2008.  The recall is in response to reports of the system bursting, in some cases with enough force to cause the toilet tank to shatter.  

Click here for more information about this recall.  If you suspect that your toilet may be affected, you should turn off the water to the toilet and stop using it immediately.  Click here for more information on contacting Flushmate, or you can contact us with any questions.    

Plumbing FAQs – How Can I Prevent My Pipes from Freezing?

There are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of becoming victim to frozen pipes:

·       Make sure your crawlspace, basement (or any other area where pipes are located) is properly sealed.  You want to be sure that no cold drafts are penetrating the area.

·       If you have a well pump that is located in an exterior pump house or exposed area, make sure that the area is sealed properly with no drafts.  It’s also a good idea to use a space heater in these areas on a low setting during the colder months. 

·       Have water piping in any exposed or at-risk areas insulated.

·       Make sure all outside hoses are unhooked from the spigot.  Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze all the way back into the crawlspace of your home (this is one of the most common causes of frozen pipes and it’s very easy to prevent!)

·       Let the cold water trickle from any fixture that is fed by exposed pipes – moving water helps prevent water in the pipes from freezing.  However, if you find yourself having to do this often to prevent pipes from freezing – these pipes should be insulated.  Letting the water trickle is not a full proof method and it results in wasted water.

If you turn on one of your fixtures and very little or no water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.  Additionally, if you hear any running water when no fixtures are on, a pipe could have frozen and burst underneath your home.

What should you do if you suspect you have a frozen pipe?

·       Call a licensed plumber right away!  They can help locate the frozen pipes, thaw them, and inspect for any cracks or leaks.  It’s very important to take action immediately to minimize the damage.