General Plumbing FAQ

A heat pump water heater is a highly efficient appliance that uses electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air to a storage tank to heat water. It works much like a refrigerator, but in reverse. While a refrigerator pulls heat from inside a box and sends it out, a heat pump water heater pulls heat from the ambient air around the unit and transfers it to the water inside the tank. This process makes it two to three times more energy-efficient than a conventional electric resistance water heater.

Heat pump water heaters offer several significant advantages over traditional water heaters:

• Exceptional Energy Efficiency: They consume up to 60% less electricity, which can lead to considerable long-term savings on your utility bills.
• Lower Operating Costs: The reduced energy consumption directly translates to a smaller monthly bill, offsetting the initial purchase and installation cost over time.
• Environmental Benefits: By using less electricity, they reduce your carbon footprint and are a more eco-friendly option for your home.
• Dehumidification: As a heat pump pulls heat from the air, it also dehumidifies the space it's in, which can be a bonus if the unit is installed in a basement or garage.

Yes! Modern heat pump water heaters are designed to work effectively in a wide range of temperatures. While their efficiency may decrease slightly in extremely cold conditions (below 40°F), they are still far more efficient than a standard electric water heater. Most models have a backup electric resistance element that will kick in automatically on the coldest days to ensure you always have hot water.

The installation of a heat pump water heater requires professional expertise. Our technicians will:

• Remove Your Existing Unit: We will safely disconnect and remove your old water heater.
• Position the New Unit: A heat pump water heater requires adequate clearance for proper airflow, so we'll ensure it is placed in a suitable location, like a basement or garage.
• Connect Plumbing and Electrical: We will securely connect the new unit to your home's water pipes and electrical supply.
• Manage Condensate: A heat pump water heater creates condensation as it operates, which requires a drain line to be installed.
• Test and Finalize: We will test the system to ensure it is operating safely and correctly, and we'll walk you through how to use your new unit.

To keep your heat pump water heater running at peak performance, we recommend annual professional maintenance. In between services, you can perform a few simple tasks yourself, such as regularly cleaning the air filter to ensure proper airflow and draining the tank annually to remove sediment. We'll provide you with a user manual and instructions for proper care.

We specialize in a wide range of residential plumbing installation services. You can count on our team for:

• Water heaters: Both traditional tank and tankless models.
• Plumbing fixtures: Faucets, sinks, toilets, and garbage disposals.
• Water softeners and water filtration systems.
• Gas and water lines: We can install new lines or move existing ones for home renovations or appliance hookups.

Plumbing installations are often more complex than they seem and require specialized tools and expertise. Improper installation can lead to costly water damage, leaks, and even safety hazards like gas leaks. A professional plumber ensures the job is done right the first time, in accordance with all local building codes and safety standards. Our services also come with a workmanship guarantee, giving you peace of mind.

Our process is designed to be efficient and stress-free. After you contact us, we'll schedule a visit to assess your needs and provide a clear, upfront quote. On the day of the installation, our technician will:

• Prepare the work area: We'll clear the space and lay down drop cloths to protect your home.
• Turn off the water supply: This is a crucial first step to prevent flooding.
• Install the new fixture or appliance: We'll carefully install the new unit and all necessary connections, including water lines, drainpipes, and venting.
• Test the system: We'll thoroughly test the new installation to check for leaks and ensure everything is functioning correctly.
• Clean up: We'll clean up the work area, remove the old fixture or appliance, and leave your space tidy.

You can help make the installation go smoothly by taking a few simple steps before we arrive. Please clear the work area of any items under sinks or around the installation site to give our technician easy access. If you're having a toilet or tub replaced, it's also helpful to have the area around the fixture as clear as possible. Securing pets in another room is also appreciated for their safety and our technicians'.

Plumbing problems can often start small, but it's important to catch them early. Be on the lookout for these common warning signs:

• Persistent Leaks: A constant drip from a faucet or a small leak under a sink can waste a surprising amount of water and lead to water damage.
• Slow Drains: Sinks, showers, or tubs that take a long time to drain often have a developing clog from hair, soap scum, or grease.
• Strange Noises: Gurgling sounds from your drains or pipes can indicate a clog, while a banging sound may point to a water pressure issue.
• Foul Odors: A sewer-like smell coming from your drains is a clear sign of a problem with your drain or sewer line.
• Low Water Pressure: A sudden or gradual drop in water pressure can indicate an issue with your water lines, a clogged aerator, or a problem with your water heater.

We handle a wide variety of plumbing repairs, from minor annoyances to major emergencies. The most common issues we fix include:

• Clogged Drains: From simple sink and shower blockages to more complex main sewer line clogs.
• Leaky Faucets, Pipes, and Toilets: We can quickly diagnose and repair leaks to prevent water waste and damage.
• Running Toilets: A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day.
• Water Heater Issues: We repair problems with both gas and electric water heaters, including leaks, lack of hot water, or inconsistent temperatures.
• Low Water Pressure: We can find the source of the problem and restore proper water flow to your fixtures.

A plumbing emergency requires immediate action to prevent significant water damage. Here's what you should do:

• Shut Off the Water: Immediately locate and turn off your main water shut-off valve. Knowing where this is located before an emergency is crucial.
• Turn Off the Water Heater: For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the "off" position. For electric, turn off the breaker.
• Call a Professional: Contact our emergency service line right away. Don't attempt a DIY fix, as this can often make the problem worse.
• Clean Up: While waiting for the plumber, you can begin to mop or soak up the standing water to minimize damage.

While some minor plumbing issues, like a running toilet or a simple leaky faucet, have DIY solutions, we generally advise against it. What seems like a simple problem can often be a symptom of a larger, hidden issue. An improper fix can lead to bigger problems down the road, causing more damage and costing you more money in the long run. We use specialized tools and our expertise to provide a permanent, reliable repair.

Hiring a professional plumber offers peace of mind and ensures the job is done correctly and safely.

• Expert Diagnosis: We can quickly find the root cause of your problem, whether it's an easily visible leak or a hidden issue deep in your pipes.
• Proper Equipment: We have specialized tools, such as cameras for sewer lines, that are not available to the average homeowner.
• Safety and Code Compliance: We understand and follow all local plumbing codes to ensure your system is safe and up to standard.
• Guaranteed Work: We stand behind our work, offering a warranty on our repairs to give you confidence that the job is done right.

A tankless water heater, also known as a demand-type or on-demand water heater, heats water only as you need it. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit's heat exchanger. Either a powerful gas burner or an electric element heats the water to your set temperature in a matter of seconds. Unlike a traditional water heater, there is no large tank storing pre-heated water, so you're not constantly paying to keep water hot when you're not using it.

Tankless water heaters offer several significant advantages:

• Endless Hot Water: Because they heat water on demand, a properly sized tankless unit can provide a continuous supply of hot water for as long as you need it, even for multiple tasks at the same time.
• Greater Energy Efficiency: They can be up to 34% more energy-efficient than a standard tank water heater because they eliminate the standby energy loss that occurs when a tank of water is kept hot 24/7. This can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, which is nearly double the lifespan of a conventional tank model.
• Space-Saving Design: Tankless units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space in your garage, basement, or utility closet.

A tankless water heater is an excellent fit for many homeowners, especially those who:

• Want to reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills.
• Have a large family or frequently use multiple hot water appliances (like a shower and dishwasher) at the same time.
• Need to save space in their home.

The installation of a tankless water heater is more complex than a standard tank replacement and requires a professional. Our technicians are Navien and Rinnai certified installers, meaning we have the specialized training and expertise to:

• Remove the old unit: We safely disconnect and remove your existing water heater.
• Ensure Proper Sizing: We will make sure your new unit is the correct size for your home.
• Install New Gas and Venting Lines: The higher BTU requirements of tankless heaters often necessitate new, larger gas lines and specific venting.
• Connect to Your System: We will securely install the new unit, connect all plumbing and electrical lines, and ensure the system is working perfectly.

We recommend having your tankless water heater professionally maintained once a year. The most important maintenance task is to flush the system to remove mineral deposits and scale buildup, especially in areas with hard water. This descaling process ensures the unit continues to operate at peak efficiency and helps to prevent breakdowns, protecting your investment for years to come.

We install a variety of water heaters to meet the diverse needs of our customers:

• Conventional (Tank) Water Heaters: The most common and affordable option, these units store and heat a set amount of water in a tank.
• Tankless Water Heaters: These highly efficient units heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply of hot water and eliminating the standby energy loss of a tank.
• Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters: These use electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water, making them two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric water heaters.

Choosing the right size is crucial for comfort and efficiency. We will help you determine the best option based on your household's needs:

• For Conventional Tank Heaters: We will consider your household size and peak-hour hot water usage. A 40-50 gallon tank is typically sufficient for a family of four, but we'll use the "First Hour Rating" (FHR) to ensure it can meet your demand.
• For Tankless Heaters: Sizing is based on the "gallons per minute" (GPM) needed to run all your hot water appliances simultaneously. For example, a home with two showers and a dishwasher running at the same time will require a higher GPM rating.

The lifespan of a water heater depends on the type and how well it is maintained:

• Conventional Tank Water Heaters: These typically last 8-12 years.
• Heat Pump Water Heaters: You can expect these to last for 10-15 years.
• Tankless Water Heaters: With proper maintenance, these units can last for 20 years or more.

Be on the lookout for these common indicators that your water heater is failing:

• Lack of Hot Water: The most obvious sign that your unit is no longer working properly.
• Strange Noises: Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds can be caused by sediment buildup inside the tank.
• Rusty or Discolored Water: This is often a sign of corrosion inside the tank, indicating a leak may be imminent.
• Leaks: Any water pooling around the base of the tank is a clear sign of a problem and should be addressed immediately.
• Age: If your tank water heater is over 10 years old, a replacement is often more cost-effective than a repair.

To extend the life of your water heater and ensure it runs efficiently, we recommend professional maintenance at least once a year. The most important maintenance task is flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup. This sediment can harden over time, reducing the unit's efficiency, causing strange noises, and shortening its lifespan. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need more frequent flushing.