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Water heaters. We use them every day without thinking about them. The next types of water heaters in our series provide cost-effective and exciting ways to heat your water and save money.

What is a Tankless Coil Water Heater?

It is a device that supplies hot water, whenever needed, without the use of a water tank. It utilizes the hot water boiler to heat water for the household plumbing. In some cases, it is a slide in option for select boilers.

How Does a Tankless Coil Water Heater work?

When the hot water faucet is turned on, cold water is flooded into the inlet side of the heat exchanger in the boiler. The heat exchanger is located near the top of the water or steam boiler and is typically made of copper pipes. The copper piping ensures the best heat transference. After this process, the water is usually too hot for household use. As such, most setups have a regulated tempering valve which releases a small amount of cold water. This allows the water to cool to a safer temperature of about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Pros of having a Tankless Coil Water Heater:

It’s easily fitted to most boilers, including steam boilers. It is far more cost-efficient in the winter months than a typical water heater. This type of water heater is much cheaper to install and maintain than basic water heaters. If something were to go wrong or break, these water heaters are easier to replace. It basically supplies limitless hot water to the household. The biggest pro is the saving on heating costs because it doesn’t lose any heat from standing heated water.

Cons of having a Tankless Coil Water Heater:

While it is cost savvy in the winter months, this isn’t a great option for people in warmer climates, or during summer months. This is due to the reduced need and frequency for hot water on demand. Also, it’s lifespan is not as long as other water heaters. The Tankless Coil Water Heater only lasts about 10 years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, the Tankless Water Heater is not compatible with a furnace. Something else to consider is the quality of water running to your household. If the household is on hard water supply, the Tankless Coil Water Heater will require a water softener to run smoothly and efficiently.

What is an Indirect Water heater?

The Indirect Water Heater is a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat water. It is a little tank-like device that holds a coiled heat exchanger. The Indirect Water Heater relies on the boiler to heat the household water, as it does not produce its own heat.

How does an Indirect Water Heater work?

A closed-loop water pipe connects the Indirect Water Heater to the boiler, where the boiler supplies heated water to it. This boiler water never mixes with the water in the Indirect Water Heater. The water circulates through the heat exchanging coils, heating the water in the tank that is for the household use. The Indirect Water heater is basically a conduit. The household water flows through the water heater to be heated and pushed up to the household appliances. The Indirect Water Heater pays for itself as it saves on heating costs, and allows the furnace to turn off and on less often.

Pros and Cons of having an Indirect Water Heater.

The Indirect Water Heater is very similar to the Tankless Coil Water heater. They both are great money savers, both better for winter months/cooler climates. The main difference between them is that a Tankless Coil Water Heater cannot use a furnace in its functions, whereas the Indirect Water Heater is furnace compatible.

If you are in the market for a new water heating system and are looking to save some money then give us a call today! We are ready to help you with your next home improvement project.

The post Water Heaters: Tankless Coil & Indirect appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Do you call a licensed plumber or DIY it? Despite the claims of popular DIY shows, not to mention YouTube videos, there are just some plumbing issues you cannot DIY. The key for the average homeowner is knowing their own limits. What might be a simple fix for a professional could run into two or three times the trouble and cost with a DIY-gone-bad.

That said, Knoxville Plumbing has put together a short list of plumbing issues that can usually be a successful DIY project along with ones that should be handled by a licensed plumber.

DIY

The most successful DIY projects will only require a minimal number of tools and will be in easy-to-access areas. They may require a trip to the hardware store, but should not take too much time out of your day.

Leaky faucets

Faucets leak from either the handles or the spout. To DIY repair the leak you have to determine where it originates. After you figure out where the leak is, turn off your water supply to the faucet. Next,  disassemble that part of the faucet, using appropriate tools. You may need to replace O rings, washers, cartridges, or an aerator. Taking the worn or damaged part with you to the hardware store will help you to figure out exactly which replacement you need.

 

Clogs

Most clogs respond well to DIY treatments. Try pouring boiling water down the clogged pipe, as long as it is not PVC. Other common and successful DIY tricks are plunging, baking soda and vinegar, or a small drain snake. You can also remove the P trap under the sink to try to find the clog. If the clog persists, or you do not want to start pulling your pipes apart, your best bet is to call a licensed plumber to get deeper into the problem.

 

Toilet “running” or “phantom flush”

If your toilet continues to run after the tank is full, it is usually an easy fix. These problems occur when there is a problem with the fill tube, the water level float, the flush handle/flapper chain, or the flapper itself. You will have to drain the tank and bowl to perform some of these repairs, so if it looks more troublesome than you have time for, just give us a call.

 

When to call a licensed plumber

We recommend every homeowner have basic plumbing tools, including a heavy pipe wrench, a water meter key,  an adjustable wrench, and a toilet auger. These jobs, however, can lead to much more complex problems and require specialized equipment and experience to correctly diagnose and repair. We recommend calling a licensed plumber for these kinds of jobs.

Pipes

Anytime you have to take pipes apart, you should have a licensed plumber doing the work. They will be able to assess multiple factors including the age of your pipes and the exact needs for your pipes when it comes to putting everything back together again.

Sump pumps

The sump pit, usually in the basement,  collects water that drains into the house from groundwater or perimeter drains. Once water has accumulated in the pit, the pump pushes the water away from the house. Your sump pump is an easy to forget — an out-of-sight, out-of-mind appliance. You do not want to forget or ignore it. The potential for serious problems if it is not working properly makes this type of installation, maintenance, and repair best for a licensed plumber rather than DIY. You do not want to deal with a broken or improperly installed sump pump.

Mainline backups

Gurgling sounds and water backing up in your drains, toilet, or bathtub indicate a major problem. Mainline backups require specialized equipment including a camera attached to a line to accurately assess the damage and plan repairs. The repairs often entail using digging equipment to access the damaged pipes. You definitely want a licensed plumber dealing with the wastewater rather than exposing yourself to this hazardous waste.

A failed DIY

If you get started with a DIY that turns into a nightmare, that is where we come in! Knoxville Plumbing has expert licensed plumbers standing by to help with any of your plumbing concerns. Here are a few of the most common DIY plumbing fails, according to Family Handyman. You can read details about each of these fails on Family Handyman.

 

10 Most Common DIY Plumbing Fails

1. Overtightening connections
2. Wrapping Thread Tape Backward or Using the Wrong Tape
3. Using Drain Cleaners as a First Choice
4. Tackling a Plumbing Job Without Spare Parts
5. Not Turning Off the Water
6. Using Too Much Muscle On a Stuck Shut Off Valve
7. Sweating Copper Pipes With Water in the Line
8. Not Having the Right Tools
9. Mixing up Wyes, Tees, and Elbows
10. Installing a Saddle Valve for an Ice Maker or Humidifier

Conclusion

DIY projects are a great option for many homeowners in the right circumstances. We appreciate the need to save money and the sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done. But, if your DIY project gets out of control or if the plumbing problem is beyond your expertise, Knoxville Plumbing can help. Give us a call today!

The post Licensed Plumber vs. DIY appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Having a dishwasher is a real lifesaver. All you have to do is load your dirty dishes into the machine and in a few minutes, you get your dishes sparkling clean!

Well, not so fast. Due to the fact that your dishwasher cleans dirt regularly and uses cleaning materials, it needs proper and regular maintenance.

Or else, you have a dishwasher that’s clogged and unable to wash your dishes. Now, having your dishwasher clogged could be a headache as you’ll be unable to carry out your cleaning activities as before.

So the best step here is to prevent your dishwasher from clogging. Then you’ll never have to bother yourself about unclogging a clogged dishwasher. Of course, prevention is better than cure.

By using these simple tips, you can keep your machine working in top condition and getting your dishes clean daily. Let’s consider 7 ways you can keep your dishwasher from clogging.

1. Clear your plates of food particles

In most cases, you find that what clogs your dishwasher are food particles from your plates. Many people make a mistake of just packing their plates into the dishwasher without first checking for sticky food on plates or even some grains of food.

When you pack plates into your dishwasher with these particles, it becomes more difficult for the dishwasher to wash your plates properly.

Furthermore, those food particles can end up clogging various parts of your machine.

Overall, this would lead to unnecessary stress. You can prevent this by removing food particles from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

This would ensure that your dishwasher only needs to clean the oil and other dirt that pose little threat of clogging.

2. Wash dishes regularly

One of the ways to keep your dishwasher from clogging is to use it. Sounds simple right? Using your machine regularly will ensure there’s a flow of water and detergent in and out of the machine to flush dirt out.

Irregular use means dirt can stick around in your machine for a long time. This can happen when you travel or go on a vacation for a while. Before going on the vacation, it’s important that you clean your dishwasher.

This way, when you come back from your vacation, you won’t find dirt that has settled into your machine.

3. Run a hot water cycle

Running hot water through your dishwasher will help you to remove dirt easier as hot water is more effective with oily dirt than cold water will be. Doing this will also ensure that you have cleaner dishes after washing.

You can set the thermostat of your water heater to 120°F(50°C) to get the water warm enough but not too hot. You should do this a few times in a week to help remove all the mineral buildups.

4. Wash the exterior parts and edges

You need to take care of your exterior parts as they can affect the internal workings of your machine.

You need to clean the door and edges of the machine. In many cases, you can have the front part stained with water and fingerprints.

You can use a cleaning rag dipped in hot soapy water to wipe the surface clean. After doing this, take a clean cloth to wipe the surface dry.

While using your machine, you need to check that the door is properly closed.

If your dishwasher door opens during use, then this can lead to the escape of water onto the floor, including dirt from your plates.

When you notice an open door, you need to check your manufacturer’s manual to see how you can tighten your dishwasher’s door.

This is because dishwashers differ in their door mechanisms. Some doors have spring mechanisms while some have adjustable latch plate at the top frame of the machine.

Whenever you see water on the floor, another reason could be that your machine is unleveled. This could happen if your machine wasn’t installed properly. If your machine tilts, it could cause water and dirt to pool and leak out.

Pooled water in your machine can lead to dirt settling in some areas and over time clogging your machine. In cases when your machine is unleveled, you can just adjust the front or back feet to ensure that water is centered.

To do this, you can check the owner’s manual to get more details about how to access your machine’s feet. If you’re unable to adjust it yourself or the feet has been damaged, you may need to contact a plumber or get wooden shims.

5. Clear your dishwasher’s filter and other parts

Some of your dishwasher parts tend to gather dirt over a long period of use. This is why you should check them regularly and clean them before they start affecting your machine’s functions.

One of these important parts is the filter. The filter, as the name suggests, helps to filter water that goes into the drain. It prevents food particles and other materials from going into your drain.

Over time, your machine’s filter will have dirt stuck within the spaces. If you don’t clean the filter regularly, it can accumulate to the point that it clogs your machine.

After cleaning your filter, another part you need to clean is the whole float assembly. You need to first remove the dish racks to have space to work with. After that, you can remove your float assembly.

How you remove it will depend on your machine’s manufacturer. If you’ve never done this, it’s important to check your owner’s manual before you proceed.

After removing your float assembly, you should clean all the parts of dirt that may be stuck within.

Another thing you may notice while cleaning your float assembly and your filter is that dirt may still stick to some of these parts. One tool you can use to remove this dirt is your air blower.

With this tool, you can remove dirt stuck in your filter. All you have to do is run your blower through places where you find dirt.

The same thing applies to parts of your float assembly. You can point your blower at different openings in these parts to force the dirt out of the part.

With this, you may not remove all the dirt but it’ll be far better than without the blower. After doing this, you should remove dirt in the area around the float assembly in the dishwasher. You can then replace the float assembly. You should check other removable parts and follow the same process.

Another way to help you reach these hidden parts is to use an old toothbrush as it can reach these parts including parts of your machine you can’t remove.

After doing that, another part to check is your pipes. In some cases, dirt can settle in your pipe and clog the pipe which will make the flow of water from your dishwasher to the sink difficult.

When you inspect the pipe, you can easily clean the waste left in your pipe. You should also check the dishwasher pump.

This pump contains two impellers. The one at the top helps to pump water into the machine while the one below helps to pump water out of your machine into the drain.

Over time, gunk may settle in the impellers and affect your dishwasher’s functions as water finds it difficult to flow.

Check these parts and clean the gunk. You must ensure you turn off your dishwasher before doing all these. You should also unplug it from the wall just to ensure it’s totally safe.

6. Apply vinegar to it

Vinegar works as an antibacterial agent and can help you to remove odors that may build up over time. You can pour two cups of vinegar in a bowl and place it at the center of the bottom rack of your dishwasher.

You can then run a cycle on your machine without detergent. This will help remove bacteria and troubling odors.

You can also put lemonade Kool-Aid into your detergent cup and run the machine empty. The citric acid in this drink can help to remove stains in your dishwasher.

7. Improve the scent with baking soda

Vinegar helps you to remove odors in your dishwasher. But you can give your machine a better smell by applying baking soda to it.

To achieve this, sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the bottom of your dishwasher. You can leave it overnight to allow the soda soak in the dishwasher. This will kill bacteria lying in your machine and also give it a new smell.

In the morning, you can run your dishwasher on an empty cycle to remove the baking soda.

Conclusion

If you use your dishwasher regularly, one of the issues you should always try to avoid is clogging up your machine. Because it can waste your time and make your chores more difficult.

You can always prevent this by ensuring that you use your machine regularly to ensure that wastes are removed.

You should also follow the ways described in this post to remove dirt in your machine before they clog it up.

And lastly, you can add cleaning substances to remove bacteria and improve its smell. Then, you won’t have to worry about your dishwasher giving you sudden problems.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

Everything You Need To Know About Marine Deep Cycle Battery Back-Up Sump Pumps

The temperature is starting to rise, and you know what that means. Snow melt. With snow melt comes issues with water in the basement, which also means you are going to be running your sump pump more often. During these times, you need to know that your pump is going to be able to last. That’s where battery back-up sump pumps can be a lifesaver.

Sometimes, primary
sump pumps will fail due to excessive usage, mechanical failures, or even power
outages. When any of these unfortunate circumstances occurs and you lose the
primary sump pump, you could experience a flood in your home.

Why You
Need A Back-Up Sump Pump

Homeowners who are at risk of water damage in their basements should always take a few extra steps to ensure the safety of their home and belongings. This includes a back-up sump pump and decent battery. Power outages can happen at any time throughout the year, and sump pumps can fail. Purchasing a deep cycle battery is a worthwhile investment when considering how much money it could save you in repairs, water removal, and other issues that come from unexpected flood damages. The battery will also increase your peace of mind, because you know that you are more protected than if you didn’t have the back-up.

If your sump pump is
more than 5 years old, then the chance of breakdown increases. Buying a back-up
battery is a good idea, especially if you want your sump pump to come back
online before damage occurs. That said, if you have a 10 year old or older sump
pump, don’t just get a back-up battery. Buy a new sump pump too!

Back-up batteries come
with a sensor that will monitor the sump pump. Once the primary sump pump
fails, it will receive a signal that tells the battery to switch on.

About Deep
Cycle Batteries

There are a few battery types that you could choose from, but the recommended choice would be a marine deep cycle battery. These types of batteries will last the longest against any other type of back-up sump pump battery available. For example, at maximum capacity, a 200Ah battery can operate endlessly for 20 hours straight. These deep-cycle batteries are maintenance free.

Technology has made
back-up batteries even more efficient. Some can connect to smartphones and send
you danger reports. Others monitor primary battery status. Others run
diagnostic tests on themselves. All these little bonuses help keep your
property safe and dry.

You will have to
replace the battery every 3-4 years, depending on how often it is being used.
Deep-cycle batteries can be recharged, but over time the charging will become
less and less efficient.

Installation

You don’t need to hire
a professional plumber to install a back-up sump pump or battery, but you
should be cautious. Consider the following:

• Keep the battery in the protective that it comes in until you need to use it. When storing the battery, it should be on a shelf high above any water.
• Never use extension cords to power the battery charger or back-up sump pump.
• You may need to hire an electrician to install a circuit for the sump pump (both primary and back-up).
• If you don’t know anything about plumbing or electricity, you should hire a professional.

While a sump pump is
not something every homeowner needs, if you live somewhere with a lot of snow
melt or repeatedly have water in the basement, it is time for a sump pump—and
more importantly, a deep cycle back-up battery. Live with more peace of mind by
knowing that even when your sump pump goes offline, it will come back on in a
blink, thanks to your back-up system.

Have questions or want more information? Contact us today.

The post Water in Your Basement or Flooding Due to Snow Melt? appeared first on The Irish Plumber.

Solar water heaters have the potential of being an ecofriendly and cost-efficient way of heating one’s household water supply. The process is simple and does just what the name implies. This type of system harnesses sunlight, turning it into heat through a device called a Solar Thermal Collector.

Direct solar water heater systems

There are several types of solar water heaters on the market. While it’s true that these water heaters can work in any climate, some do work better in warmer areas.

Open loop

One of the most common types of Solar Water Heaters is called a Direct System, also known as an “active” or “open loop”.  The process for the Active system is simple: Water is circulated from the water tank, up to the roof to the Solar Thermal Collectors. The water is then heated in the collectors and transferred down to the water tank and into the household, ready, for use. This type of system is best for tropical climates, as it doesn’t require assistance in heating one’s water.

Closed loop

The most common Solar Water Heater, in the Direct System, is the Indirect or “closed-loop” system. These work best in climates where temperatures drop below freezing. This system uses a combination of sunlight and antifreeze to heat the water. Antifreeze is circulated from the water heater up to the Solar Thermal Collectors, heated, and then moved down into the heat exchanger, heating the water in the tank, indirectly. The cooler antifreeze is then pushed back up to the collectors where the process begins again.

Common Problems with Solar Water Heaters

Leaking

Probably the most common problem with a Solar Water Heater is leaking. The most plausible explanation for this is a leaky temperature and pressure relief valve on the solar heater. Do not try to repair this problem on your own. It’s better to call and have a technician come out and replace it. Another reason leaks can occur is because the piping in the solar panel has burst. This may be due to either freezing weather conditions or simply too much pressure in the pipes. It is best to call a technician to come and assess this problem as well. The problem could also be that the pipe fittings just need to be tightened.

Not enough hot water

The second most common problem is not having enough hot water. To address this issue you can do a couple of things.

Make sure the solar panel is in the correct placement on the roof, i.e. away from tree shading, facing south with the recommended tilt. Also consider if the solar panel size is correct for the household size. The amount of hot water that you use will help determine the size you need. Not having enough hot water can also be caused by a leaky or stuck valve. Make sure that if there is a back up storage tank, that the thermostat is set to the right temperature. Be mindful in the winter months that the solar panel is given an adequate slope, so the output end is higher. There could also be a system blockage. If so, all you need to do is flush the system until the flow is no longer blocked. The most important thing you can do is make sure that the solar panels are properly insulated.

No hot water

Finally, the third most often reported problem is no hot water at all. To avoid this problem, it is best to be preemptive. Make sure to maintain the absorber paint on the collector panels. If this paint deteriorates, it can cause the system to be less efficient. Make sure that the paint is both heat and UV exposure resistant. Also make sure to provide a small weep hole on the bottom of the collectors. When there is a lot of condensation inside the panels, the excess needs to be expelled so as not to affect the performance of the system.

Conclusion

Despite their drawbacks, Solar Water Heaters are a great option for alternative-energy conscious homeowners. If you are looking to save money, we’ve got everything you need to get you started on this eco-friendly alternative energy option for your home. Give us a call today!

The post Solar Water Heaters appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

Tired of the steady drip, drip, drip of your leaky faucet? Whether those water droplets fall at a regular pace, or until you’re able to locate the “sweet spot” on the handle that stops the drop, a leaky faucet is one of a homeowner’s most annoying problems. The first question is which solution is more cost-effective: repair or replacement? The second question – regardless of the answer to the first – is DIY or hire a plumber? Because we at Adams and Son Plumbing believe that knowledge is power, we offer this guide.

 

How long do faucets last?

Generally, good-quality faucets can last for about 10 years.

But the life of a faucet depends on several factors:

• Frequency of use

• Make and model

• Water hardness

• Proper installation

• Maintenance

If the offending faucet is at or near the 10-year mark, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair – unless it’s a high-end designer faucet, which could cost well over $1,000 to replace. As many homeowners have learned from experience, however, a fancy European brand and high price tag doesn’t always mean a superior product. In such a case, it’s probably better to cut your losses and replace the temperamental tap with a tried-and-true brand.

Ignoring the drip isn’t an option. Our April 2018 blog post, “Got a Plumbergency?” cautions that a neglected faucet leak can lead to very costly repairs. In addition, leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water over time, and result in higher water bills.

 

There are three main types of faucets:

• Cartridge faucets – These generally use an up/down motion to regulate water flow and control temperature with a left/right motion.
• Compression faucets – This type features two knobs or levers – one each for hot and cold.
• Ball-type faucets – These have a knob directly above the spout that controls water flow and temperature, depending upon the direction it’s twisted.

 

Should I do it myself, or hire a pro?

The next question is should you tackle repair or replacement yourself, or hire a professional plumber? There are numerous websites and YouTube videos providing step-by-step instructions for either type of project. But as easy as they try to make the process seem, taking the DIY route isn’t advisable unless you have hands-on experience with plumbing. Even then, your DIY experience with a cartridge or ball-type faucet may not transfer to compression faucets.

Also consider unanticipated problems you may encounter that could result in damage or a more extensive repair that you’d expected. Removing an existing faucet may expose corroded pipes or other components that require replacement.

 

DIY repair and new faucet installation

Again, many tutorials are available online from reputable sources, such as home improvement stores. If you have intermediate repair skills and feel comfortable, a repair can be done in a half-hour to an hour, depending upon the type of faucet.

Replacement is, of course, a more complex and time-consuming project. Basic tools and supplies required are a basin wrench, adjustable wrenches and bucket. Lowes provides step-by-step instructions and a video. Not all faucets come preassembled, so be sure you have the know-how necessary to install your faucet.

 

Faucet repair and installation by a plumber

While the cost of professional installation varies, online research can provide the suggested retail price of specific faucet brands and models. If you want a basic, quality faucet, a plumber can provide and install it for one price. Should you buy the faucet yourself, make sure it will fit your sink and is compatible with your home’s plumbing.

A plumber also has the experience and proper equipment to replace supply lines and repair related problems that you may not have noticed, or were hidden until the old faucet was removed. Hiring a professional can save time and money by ensuring the job is done right.

Our colleagues at MillTown provide solid reasons why you should hire a pro, which include:

• Helping you select the best quality products for your home.
• Installing your fixtures quickly and cost-effectively.
• Performing all work in compliance will local municipal codes.
• Ensuring all connections are safe.

Whether you’re a proud Central Florida homeowner or business owner, Adams and Son Plumbing can keep your plumbing working dependably. We are a family-owned business with over 50 years in plumbing service. A state-certified plumbing contractor, we have over three generations of master plumbing experience.

Contact us to learn more.

 

The post Should You Repair or Replace Your Faucet? appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Tankless or demand-type water heaters are a type of water heater that only heats up water when one needs it. They are a more cost-efficient way of heating water because they don’t waste as much energy on heating a whole storage water tank. They are also referred to as instantaneous water heaters.

How do they work?

 

The way these water heaters are designed is quite ingenious. The hot water is turned on at the tap, and cold water is propelled though the pipeline into the unit. Once this happens, either an electric unit or a gas burner heats the water. This type of system practically insures that one will always have hot water available. It will produce about 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute. Keep in mind that a gas-burning water heater will yield larger quantities of flow rates than an electric-powered water heater. The beauty of this is that the demand-type water heater will do all of this without needing a hot water heating tank, saving space, money, and energy in the process.

While the tankless water heater itself is more expensive than the typical storage water heater, it will usually last longer. Tankless water heaters also cost less to operate, and as mentioned before, save energy. All that counters the initial purchase price. In addition, the storage water heater only lasts about 10-15 years, whereas a tankless water heater will last up to 20. It is also easy to keep up with the maintenance of a tankless water heater because its parts are so easy to come by and usually cheap.

What are some common problems with tankless water heaters?

Running out of hot water

One of the most common problems with a tankless or demand-type water heater is that it runs out of hot water too quickly. There are several variables that one must consider when dealing with this problem. One reason this could be happening is that tankless water heaters cannot supply enough hot water when the hot water is being used for multiple things at the same time. For example, if one household is using the dishwasher, the laundry machine, and the shower all at the same time, this will drastically impede the water heater’s ability to supply hot water to all three places. A simple but slightly pricey solution to this problem is to install an additional tankless water heater next to the original to help spread the hot water throughout the household. Another possibility is to install appliance-specific water heaters onto the appliances.

Mineral build-up

Mineral build-up can be another culprit. Hard water can be damaging and counter-productive for any water heater. Be sure to flush the tankless water heater about every six months or so to insure optimal usage. Consider a water softener to help keep the mineral build-up to a minimum.

Failure to ignite

Failure to ignite is a frustrating problem. This is often caused by blockage of the air supply or exhaust. Many tankless water heaters will have a display with an error code to tell that there is an air supply or exhaust problem. The demand-type water heater is most likely struggling with venting or combustion air. Make sure all the vents are clear. Look out for small animals, birds or even wasps. These creatures like to make their homes in or around the outside vents.

Flame failure

Flame failure is another common problem. This typically occurs from an electrical or gas pressure issue. Make sure that it is not because of an overdue gas bill or empty propane tank before calling professionals.

Sound good?

Give us a call if it’s time to change the way your house heats water! We have professionals standing by to help with the next chapter in your home improvement journey.

The post Demand-Type or Tankless Water Heaters appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

You whipped up dinner and threw the scraps into your kitchen sink without giving it a second thought, for the garbage disposal to do its job. We’ve all done this numerous times.

Such little lapses could eventually cause big-time damage. It’s true, that garbage disposals were invented with the aim of creating a fast and easy way to dispose of trash and clean up your kitchen.

However, disposals have limits on what they can dispose of and what they can’t. In regards to your garbage disposal, adopting good disposal habits and prevention are best practices.

With the United States producing 624,700 metric tons of waste daily, garbage disposals have become a necessity in most homes to manage waste but when damaged they can be very expensive to fix.

So how do you know what not to drop into your garbage disposal in order to prevent damage?

That’s what you’ll learn in this article, knowing this will save you tons of cash in repairs. So let’s look at 16 things you should never throw into your garbage disposal.

1. Coffee Grounds

Most likely you’ve heard about how coffee grounds help to clean your garbage disposal and eliminate odors; however, putting coffee grounds in your garbage disposal is a big no-no and should be avoided.

If you want to clean your garbage disposal you can try using lemon and ice.

Even though it’s quite tempting to toss the coffee grounds into your drain, as it seems like a quick solution, it will cause a very costly backup.

2. Egg Shells

After whipping up your bacon and eggs breakfast, you can easily form the habit of throwing the eggshells into the garbage disposal.

The eggshells may seem brittle and harmless, but after you throw them down the drain, your garbage disposal grinds it up into tiny pieces and it ends up sticking to other oily and fatty substances which creates a huge clog.

Asides from this, the inner membrane of the eggshells gets stuck in the garbage disposal blades which makes it dull in grinding up waste.

3. Fat and Oils

Fats and oil account for over 47% of all sewer overflow in the United States yearly, this shows that it’s a major problem for your garbage disposal and must be actively prevented.

As a matter of fact, these two substances spell woe for your garbage disposal.

They act as adhesives for all other substances thrown into your drain and create sticky, thick globs in your pipe which stops every other thing from passing through.

4. Pasta and Rice

Dropping cooked rice and pasta into your garbage disposal can cause a plumbing nightmare. This is because they are foods that expand in water, and will increase in size when in the disposal.

Also, the garbage disposal grinds the pasta and rice making a nasty thick paste which will cause your garbage disposal to stop functioning or block your drain.

5. Bones and Other Solids

Source: YouTube

You shouldn’t send solid substances down your garbage disposal, it may be strong but it’s certainly not strong enough to break bones and other types of solid wastes.

They will get stuck in your pipes and sink and, jam your disposal as well as cause numerous other issues. Rather, put them in the bin or compost them.

Also, seed pits should never be put in the garbage disposal, because of how thick they are.

6. Celery

While some veggies can slide down your garbage disposal with no issues at all, celery can cause it to back up with heavy problems.

This happens as a result of the long fibers it possesses which tie up the glides of your garbage disposal

7. Paper Towels

Even though paper towels are biodegradable, they won’t dissolve instantly because they are made to be absorbent, so they’ll end up restricting the blades of your disposal.

8. Cotton Balls

As soft as cotton balls are, if you dump a bunch of them in your garbage disposal, you’ll end up restricting the blades from moving.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal especially when uncooked can easily slip through the disposal without being cut. Oatmeal generally swells or expands when it makes its way through the disposal.

In some occasions, the oatmeal may flow out of the garbage into the sewer but if it doesn’t flow out and it gathers in the down line and you will have to clean out the drain and this can be very discomforting.

So if you do not want to constantly do some plumbing work on your garbage disposal, try not to let oatmeal get into it.

10. Nuts

No matter how tempting it looks don’t ever succumb to the temptation of dumping nuts into your drainage. Nuts are hard to get rid of and peanuts are not exempted.

It may look as if they glide easily into the garbage disposal but the issue is not getting them into the garbage disposal it is getting them out of the garbage disposal.

If peanuts and peanut butter get into your garbage disposal, the drain will get clogged and the process of unclogging is quite messy and tiring.

11. Onion Skins

If big chunks or diced onions are dumped into the garbage disposal, it doesn’t really cause any problem, but where the problem lies is if the thin membrane which comes after the dry outer layer gets stuck in the garbage disposal.

This inner layer is not just thin; it is also very slippery and can easily pass into the garbage disposal without your notice.

The thinness makes it easy for it to miss being cut by the blades of the garbage disposal and they it gets wound around the drain.

Once it gets wound in the drain it begins to catch more items that should pass through the drain and before you know it the drain will become blocked.

You can, however, avoid this annoying scenario by dropping the thin layer in the trash and then cut it up into tiny pieces before throwing the tiny pieces into the garbage disposal.

12. Trash

Trash like plastic bags, paper towels, candy wrappers, banana peels, shouldn’t be put into the garbage disposal.

What you could do is put materials like this into the recycle bin or look for alternative ways of disposing of them.

13. Fruit Pits

Some fruits have very hard and dense pits in their center and despite the fact that other parts of the fruit can be put into the garbage disposal, the pits shouldn’t be put into it to avoid running into problems.

Have you ever tried to cut through the pit of a peach fruit?

The answer is most likely no. If you are not able to cut it open with a knife then the garbage disposal will most likely not be able to grind it up either.

When hard items are dropped into the garbage disposal, the machine will begin to malfunction and will have difficulty properly disposing of waste.

Save yourself the stress by dumping your fruit pits into somewhere else order than the garbage disposal.

14. Cleaning Chemicals

Avoid pouring harsh cleaning chemicals such as industrial grade cleaners and drain busters into the garbage disposal.

Regular cleaning agents like dish soap are not capable of causing any harm but harsh chemicals can cause damage to both your garbage disposal and your drain line.

You may think that putting these chemicals will help to clean the blade of the garbage disposal but all they will end up doing is causing wear to it.

If you want to clean the blades of the garbage disposal you can use ice cube of dish soap to clean out any buildup of dirt or grease and if it is clogged, you can seek for alternative ways of unclogging it without using harsh chemicals.

15. Paint

When you pour paint (oil or latex) into your garbage disposal, the paint won’t go directly into the drain, it will cling to the sides of the disposal and also the pipes and then begin to get hard and clog the drainage.

You can pour heavily diluted paint into the disposal without running into any problem but once the paint is concentrated, don’t pour it into the disposal directly.

16. Wet wipes

Wet wipes are an absolute no for your garbage disposal. They create knots which prevent the disposal from functioning optimally and ultimately damage it.

Conclusion

While having garbage disposal makes getting rid of unwanted waste quicker, if you do not know the do’s and don’ts of using one, you may end up spending a fortune in fixing it.

However, following the above list, you can save a lot of cash by avoiding unnecessary repairs.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

Whether your water heater broke or your family is growing, you might just need a new water heater. Choosing a new one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just follow these tips, and this will be one of the easiest things you’ve done!

Research How Water Heaters Work

There are a lot of different kinds of water heaters. They range from tank to tankless and can be powered by gas, electricity, oil, solar or heat pump.

The two most common tank water heaters run on gas or electricity.

Electric water heaters use coils that go down into the tank to heat your water. This type is ideal for a smaller household that doesn’t require much hot water. Although electric water heaters might be cheaper to purchase, they’re not as efficient as gas heaters in the long run. They also tend to be more expensive over time.

Gas heaters, be it natural gas or propane, are another common water heater choice. They use a gas burner that is vented through a chimney or small wall vent. Propane gas heaters are used when natural gas is not accessible. Propane tends to be cheaper than natural gas.

Above are great examples of tank water heaters, but there is another option: a tankless water heater.

Also known as the “on demand” water heater, it only turns on when you need hot water. There is no holding tank, which makes this a more efficient option. However, like the electric water heater, this also makes it a more expensive option.

You also need to consider the lifetime expectancy of the heater you choose. Where a tank water heater can hold from 40 to 60 gallons of hot water and last up to 13 years, a tankless heater can last up to 20 years.

Taking all this into consideration, it ultimately comes to what is most suitable for you and your household.

Size and Storage Of Water Heaters

You must factor size and storage into your search for a new water heater. To help with this, think back to how satisfied you were with how your old one worked. Some things to consider: Did you had enough hot water? How long did you have to wait for it to reheat?

If the old water heater didn’t provide enough hot water, you might want to upgrade the size of the new water heater.

For a storage tank water heater, a very important factor to consider is the amount of water that can be held and the recovery rate, which is basically the amount of water that can be heated in an hour. An energy sticker on the new water heater will display the recovery rate as First Hour Rating (FHR).

For example, a four-person household would require a 40- to 50-gallon water tank, whereas a two-person household could skate by with a 30- to 40-gallon tank.

Gas heaters have a better FHR than electric water heaters, which means they have a smaller tank with the same EF rating.

Now What?

Choosing your new water heater doesn’t have to be a headache. Just remember: do your research on types, sizes and storage options.

If you get stuck, give us a call. Here at Knoxville Plumbing, we have experts who can help you evaluate what your family needs and match these up with the heater that will work best for you and your household.

The post Choosing a New Water Heater appeared first on Knoxville Plumbing | Plumber in Knoxville | Plumbing | Tennessee.

One of the advantages of living in Florida in general – and Central Florida in particular – is that the increasingly harsh winter weather making news this season is absent in the Sunshine State. While Northern and Midwestern states dig out from massive amounts of snow and sleet, we nevertheless complain bitterly when the thermometer dips to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

So if you’re a snowbird lucky enough to have a winter home here, or permanently relocated to escape the Arctic freezes, you may be wondering if your septic tank needs special attention this time of year.

Fortunately, the short answer is “no.”

However, certain times of year and certain weather conditions in Florida demand more vigilance on the part of homeowners who have a septic system. But back to that short “no.” What Florida lacks in snow and ice, it more than makes up for in winter visitors – many of who may be your houseguests. As your home is their vacation headquarters, they’re stressing your septic system with additional use. Since their home’s plumbing is most likely connected to a municipal sewer system, they may not know the special care a septic system requires.

Our colleagues at ADB Construct & Septic Corp. of Manchester, CT, wrote about the hazards that holiday guests pose to a septic system in their own blog. 

 

Here’s their observation, because, frankly, we couldn’t say it better ourselves:

“Having guests over during the holiday season can cause damage to your septic system. Your system can become overworked with an increase in showers and laundry usage.

The preparation of elaborate holiday meals can contribute to an overworked system as well. Additionally, guests who are unfamiliar with septic systems might flush unauthorized items down the toilet, leading to damage of your system.

“In order to avoid these issues, stagger showers and laundry usage, rather than using a large amount of water all at once. Stagger your food preparation over a few days if possible. Additionally, you should remind guests what items can and can’t be flushed down your toilet.”

 

As we always say around here at Adams and Son Plumbing, no matter if your home is on a septic or sewer system, only three things should be flushed down the toilet – one them being toilet paper. That means no baby wipes, tissues, paper towels or feminine hygiene products. Ever.

 

Now, back to the weather and your septic tank

Anyone who has called themselves a Floridian for any length of time knows that summer is the danger season for septic tanks. To understand why, it helps to know how a septic system is constructed and how it operates. 

As outlined by Nix Tank Company of Gainesville, GA, a septic system consists of three primary units:

• Inlet pipe: Waste from all of the drains in your house run through this pipe into the septic tank.
• Tank: An underground two-chamber tank holds the waste as it separates into sludge, scum and effluent (liquid).
• Drain field: A perforated pipe releases effluent into the soil for further biodegradation. Solid is routinely pumped by specialists.

The solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank and becomes sludge as microbes break the material down. Grease and lighter solids float to the top. On a non-rainy day, the liquid material, also called effluent, flows from the drain field into the soil and is purified by microbes.

Heavy rain results in excessive water in the soil. This limits the drain field’s ability to release effluents into the soil and leads to dangerous levels of liquid filling up in the tank. Day after day of heavy, sustained rain – as we experience in Florida during a typical summer – can saturate the drain field and overwhelm the septic tank, causing water to back up in toilets and drains. Add an active hurricane season to the mix, and disaster looms.

Save water to save your septic system

The best course of action during rain/hurricane season is to go into holiday houseguest mode. Schedule laundry to avoid washing more than one load a day. Give the dishwasher a break and wash by hand in the sink, running the water only to rinse. Shower, rather than bathe, and keep it brief. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and performing other personal grooming. If you have a swimming pool, don’t allow it to drain into your septic system.

Of course, call us if you suspect a leak anywhere in your house or on your property, as leaks also add to the demand on a septic tank – in addition to the other damage they cause. Our June 2018 blog post, “How to Detect Plumbing Leaks” provides valuable tips on locating leaks before they cause extensive destruction. Our July 2018 blog post, “Septic Tank Maintenance – What You Need to Know,” offers additional water-saving advice, as well as steps to keep your septic system trouble-free.

No matter what the season – rain or shine – Adams and Son Plumbing has been providing experienced, expert septic system service to Central Florida residences for 40 years.

Contact us to schedule an appointment.

The post How Weather Affects Septic Tanks in Florida appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.