According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for homes that use 41 gallons or less of how water each day, demand or tankless water heaters can be 24-34 percent more energy efficient than conventional storage tank heaters. For home that use double that amount of water- around 86 gallons per day- tankless or demand water heaters can be 8-14 percent more energy efficient than traditional units.
Dedicated tankless systems for specific units such as dishwashers or clothes washers can be up to 50 percent more energy efficient than traditional water heater units.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A TANKLESS WATER HEATER COMPARED TO A TRADITIONAL WATER HEATER?
Tankless water heaters on average perform for 20 years. The way the system operates means it has parts that are easily replaced. That means you can keep it working for longer without spending a lot on costly repairs.
Traditional tankless water heaters have an efficiency life of up to 12 years. Replacing water heaters before they fail or become inefficient will save you money in the long run.
Joe’s Plumbing is well versed in new construction plumbing installations in all types of buildings. From residential homes to apartments and condominiums to commercial, retail, industrial, and institutional projects. Whether your project involves drilling a well or hooking up to city water, Joe’s Plumbing will install all the internal and external piping, pumps, water treatment devices and absolutely everything you need to get your water system operating efficiently.
1. Place the water heater and furnace in the basement. If there’s no basement planned for your new home, place the furnace and water heater on the main floor of the house. Have the water heater placed in an aluminum drain pan with the drain pan plumbed to the sanitary sewer.
2. If there is a basement, have the water heater, water softener, furnace, sump pit, sewage ejector pit, main water shut-off valve and sewer connection all in the same corner.
3. If you are building on a crawl space, have a main water shut-off valve plumbed into the living space of the house. Most homes on a crawl space have the shut-off valve down below where they are generally inaccessible or not convenient to get to in an emergency.
4. Even if you are not getting a water softener, have the house plumbed for one, especially if this is going to be a slab home. This can be a selling feature down the road or allow for an easier installation of a water softener after the house has been built.
5. Have the sump pump discharge line plumbed to the storm sewer or to an area away from the house.
They happen to the best of us. Toilet clogs are just a fact of life. And while your trusted local plumbers will always be there for you, this is often a job you can take care of yourself. All it takes are a few household supplies and a little know-how.
Take the Plunge
If you don’t have a plunger in your home, a clogged toilet is the universe’s way of telling you it’s time to go buy one. In the event your toilet overflows, having a plunger handy can save you from a flooded bathroom. Take advantage of the opportunity by choosing a durable rubber plunger with a flange, which is more effective for plunging toilets.
To ensure a good seal, you can spread a little petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger. Just be sure to get a tight fit at the bottom of the bowl, and ensure that the top of the plunger is submerged. If necessary, add more water. Plunge as vigorously as possible without splashing, and with a little luck, you’ll be flushing again in no time.
The Model Volcano Method
Don’t worry, this won’t erupt — but the ingredients that make model volcanoes magic, baking soda and vinegar, also make a great toilet clog cleaner. It’s cheaper and gentler on your plumbing than chemical cleaners, and the key ingredients are probably in your pantry right now.
Bring a large pot of water to a simmering boil, then allow it to cool for five minutes. Add one cup of baking soda to your toilet bowl, followed by two cups of vinegar. Pour the water in, taking care to not overflow the bowl, and allow the mixture to work for several hours. If the clog doesn’t prove too tough, you’re back in business.
Get Slippery
A variation on the model volcano method uses liquid dish soap to get things moving. As before, heat a large pot of water and allow it to cool slightly. While you’re waiting, squirt a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the bowl and allow it to settle.
Pour the water in, making sure to pour from at least a foot above the bowl — you want the force of the water to push things through your soaped-up exit. With a little luck, the clog will slide on through.
Fetch the Snake
If you have access to a plumbing snake, you have what you need to tackle some of the most stubborn clogs. There are variations among models, but the basic concept is universal — feed the flexible end of the snake into the toilet drain until you encounter the clog, then twist the snake handle to break up and dislodge the obstruction.
Just be sure you’re not using a snake that’s too large for your toilet, and take your time when extracting the flexible end. Take it out too quickly, and you could fling dirty water all over the bathroom.
Call the Pros
If these methods fail, or if you just want someone else to do the clog-clearing, you can always call your local licensed and insured plumbers. They’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to!
Joe's Plumbing 304-673-0390 