water Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

What Is Soft Water?

The Effects of Hard Water

Hard water may seem paradoxical, but the term is well-known in Alabama. Although it rarely looks different from regular water, hard water is contaminated with minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Left untreated, this can cause health issues and scale buildup in the shower. That's why homeowners need water softening service.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener is used to reduce heavy minerals in the water. Several softener systems are available, and depending on which one is installed, they can use salt-based solutions or assisted crystallization.

Salt-based water softeners are the most popular softener system. One of the reasons for this is their size. Many different sizing options can be used in almost any home. Using an ion exchange system, this water softener removes minerals by moving them through a resin bed. Once the resin beads can catch magnesium and calcium, they are re-released as sodium ions.

A salt-free water softener uses assisted crystallization and potassium chloride to prevent minerals from entering the water supply. This is done by using treated resin beads to create scale-resistant crystals. Salt-free softeners are designed to prevent surface scaling without using electricity. Because these systems do not need salt they are also considered environmentally friendly.

Dual-tank water softeners are similar to the standard salt-based softeners, but use two tanks. One tank is the brine tank, while the other is for resin. The brine tank can rinse and recharge once the resin beads are filled with minerals. This is ideal for larger households.

Although magnetic water conditioner systems are not technically considered water softeners, they are also used to descale water. By using an electromagnetic coil, the magnesium ions can effectively change structure. This helps remove them from the water.

How To See Hard Water

Since hard water is difficult to spot, homeowners are encouraged to spot the symptoms. Hard water will often create water stains on dishes. Spotted glasses can be seen even after running them through the dishwasher.

Due to hard water, washing machines do not provide the same kind of cleanliness. Homeowners who notice faded clothes or stiff fabric may need to pay attention to their water, which is rarely a problem with the washing machine. Other noticeable problems include skin rashes from the shower and acne.

Water Softener Benefits

In addition to feeling more clean, a water softener system helps prevent the plumbing system from unnecessary wear and tear. Hard minerals will eventually cause corrosion and rust buildup. When this occurs, the structural integrity of the pipes will begin to diminish.

A water softener will save homeowners money on plumbing repair and time. Without magnesium and calcium buildup, bathrooms stay cleaner for longer. This is also true for hair and skin. Soft water is better at moisturizing the body so that dry hair and skin are no longer an issue. Soft water is also less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air is the best source for top-rated water quality solutions. They offer custom-tailored solutions for home needs with upfront pricing and honest advice to take the guesswork out of plumbing service. Contact them today for plumbing service in Fairhope, AL.

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Save Energy and Go Green with Tankless Water Heaters

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Having hot water available at the turn of a handle is one of the great modern comforts. Because hot water is so readily available, it has also become instrumental in public health by making hygiene practices so easy. How much less would people shower and wash their hands if they had to do it in cold water all the time?!

In most homes, hot water is provided by a water tank. Water tanks use burners or heating elements to heat a batch of water and keep it on standby waiting for use. As water is used, cold water rushes into the heated tank and eventually allows the tank to only provide cold water. Luckily, engineers have developed better solutions for hot water: tankless water heaters. Here are the reasons to switch to a tankless water heater.

When is the Best Time to Replace an Old Water Heater

The best time to install a tankless water heater is when the current water heater is on its last legs. Let's face it, water heaters are expensive, and there is no good reason to replace one before the current unit fails. But how can homeowners know when the time is right? Some of the signs that the current water heater is failing are:

The unit is more than 7 years old or has outlived its warranty
Repairs are becoming more common on the current water heater
Leaks or unusual noises have developed
Less hot water seems to be available
Energy bills are slowly climbing

When any of these occur, it is a good time to think about replacing the water heater. Why not consider a tankless water heater?

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Tankless water heaters are completely different from their conventional counterparts. They take up far less space because they don't need a giant tank to hold water. Instead, tankless water heaters are installed in line with the current water piping. They use sensitive slow sensors to determine when hot water is called for from faucets or appliances. Once they sense flow they turn on powerful burners that heat water as it flows through piping. When flow is no longer sensed in the pipes, the burners turn off and wait until the next call.

Reasons to Make the Switch

Because tankless water heaters differ from conventional water tanks, they offer several profound benefits. Among these benefits are the following:

Endless Hot Water: The unit will continue heating water for as long as it is demanded. This means no more being left in a cold shower.
Lower Water Heating Bills: Water heating bills comprise a decent portion of monthly bills. Since tankless water heaters don't waste energy keeping water warm on standby, they save a lot of money.
Longevity: Tankless water heaters generally last longer because they don't have to work constantly. While they generally cost more upfront, tankless water heaters' longevity, reliability, and efficiency make them the obvious choice for thrifty homeowners.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air can handle any water heater need. Their professionals are ready with upfront pricing from water heater maintenance to tankless water heater installation. Call today for fast turnarounds in Fairhope, AL.

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Guarantee Hot Water Is Available For The Holiday Season

How To Tell if a Water Heater Is on Its Last Legs

Hot water is essential during the winter, especially when guests are in town. In addition to causing cold showers, a broken water heater raises energy bills and can make cooking even more time-consuming. Before the cold months arrive, it's important to understand all the warning signs of a faulty heater so that one can fix issues before the holiday season.

What if Warm Water Is Still Available?

A malfunctioning water heater does not necessarily break all at once. Just because hot water is available sometimes does not mean the heater is working. Temperature fluctuations typically occur weeks before the water heater stops producing any heat.

If the hot water runs out after a ten-minute shower, there is a problem. This is likely due to the build-up of mineral deposits. A water heater technician will need to extricate sediment that accumulates around the heating components.

leaks

Leaks Are a Common Warning Sign

Water heater leaks are not always obvious. Most problematic leaks are from small cracks and corrosion that cause damage to the heater over time. Homeowners should also check for water around surrounding appliances to ensure it's not from the furnace.

If the leak comes from the top of the water heater tank, this may be a problem with the pipes. Sometimes connections become loose and can be fixed with a standard pipe wrench. If the side of the tank is leaking, this is likely due to a damaged valve. A trained technician will need to examine both bottom and side leaks. Water heater replacement may be necessary.

Geriatric Water Heaters: When Is It Time for a Replacement?

Water heaters last approximately ten years. After that, they need consistent repairs to keep energy use efficient.

Water heaters affect personal finances in a variety of ways. The more energy it takes for a hot water tank to generate heat, the more likely utility bills will rise. If repairs are needed every month, this will add to the overall price of a faulty heater.

Average wear and tear signs include higher utility bills, leaks, and cooler water temperatures. If the heating elements are old, these can be separately replaced rather than getting rid of the entire water heater. The motors and valves are also easily repairable.

Water heater maintenance is recommended regardless of the type of water heater. One should inspect even new heaters that are only two or three years old annually. This helps prolong the heater's life while keeping monthly energy bills to a minimum. The water heater will need to work harder for large households to provide enough hot water for everyone.

Replacing an old water heater may save money if the heater is causing strange noises or murky water. Foul odor is usually a sign that the water heater is on its last legs. There are several models to choose from when picking the right replacement, and tankless water heaters can last up to twenty years. A qualified professional can help assess whether water heater replacement or repair is the best option.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air offers upfront pricing with zero overtime charges for water heater repair during the holidays. To learn more about their VIP membership inspections, call Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air in Fairhope, AL.

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Warning Signs of a Hidden Water Leak

Water Leak Detection Tips

Homeowners need to be on the lookout for these three warning signs of a hidden water leak. Plumbing leaks can cause extensive water damage, adding up to thousands of dollars in repairs. Catching the water leak early on can save homeowners from the headache and high bills of dealing with water damage.

Obvious signs of a leak include noticing water visibility leaking from the plumbing, a dark spot of water damage on a wall or ceiling, or visible mold and mildew growing. Homeowners should try to visually inspect their plumbing system whenever possible. Here are three less obvious signs of a hidden water leak in a home's plumbing system.

Hissing/Running Water Sounds

When the plumbing is not being used, it should be quiet for the most part. A leak in the plumbing could make it sound like water is running even when the faucet isn't on. Homeowners should not ignore the persistent sound of running water. The longer the water leak is left alone, the worse the water damage can get.

A hidden water leak can also sound like a hissing noise. In addition to causing water damage, water leaks can lead to accidental electrocutions or housefires if the water reaches electrical wiring in the walls.

Professional plumbers also use sound to locate the source of a water leak. Water leak detection devices are specialized tools used by plumbers. The leak detector listens for the sound of running water to pinpoint the exact location of a difficult-to-find leak.

Leaks Cause Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make it difficult to complete daily tasks like cooking, washing hands, and showering. A leak in the main water line can cause the entire plumbing system to have reduced water pressure. On the other hand, if only one fixture in the home has low water pressure, this can also help to pinpoint where the leak is located.

Why does a water leak cause low water pressure? When the water leaks out of holes in the pipe before it reaches its final destination, the plumbing has the work twice as hard to create the same water pressure.

Higher Water Bills

Homeowners may notice that they have higher water bills out of nowhere. It is normal for utility bills to fluctuate slightly, but a sudden spike in water bills could mean a leak in the system. When there is a water leak somewhere in the system, the home could be wasting hundreds of dollars in water.

Homeowners can save money by fixing water leaks as soon as possible. Wasting water is not only bad for one's wallet; it is also bad for the environment. One should repair leaks as soon as possible before damage can worsen. Homeowners save the most money in the long run by repairing leaks quickly.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air is proud to provide its community with solutions the affordable home services without sacrificing quality. Homeowners can depend on the team of experts at Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air to always have integrity and professionalism. Call them today to schedule an appointment for water leak repair!

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What To Do About Low Water Pressure

Why Is the Water Pressure Low?

Shower plumbing can be complicated! There are rarely issues with the shower, but it can be frustrating to face as a homeowner when it occurs. But residents should not worry, as a low shower pressure can be easily fixed!

However, plumbing technicians do need to first figure out the leading cause of the water pressure. Through various tests and specialized tools, technicians can scan the bathroom plumbing, look for hidden leaks, and analyze the effectiveness of the showerhead. One small change can easily improve the water pressure and temperature.

Scan the Bathroom Plumbing

Interestingly enough, all of the major fixtures in a bathroom are connected through pipes that share a water source. In other words, if there is a problem affecting one fixture, it can affect all of them.

Plumbing technicians start by looking over the bathroom plumbing, more importantly, the pipes. This includes the bathroom sink and the shower! Although most of the time, the big issue with water pressure is a small and minor problem, it can also be because of a serious clog.

If there is a clogged drain, bathroom plumbing is necessary. If not, this can lead to a backup of water. Since the water in a bathroom is mainly waste, it can be disgusting and damaging.

Locate Hidden Leaks

If there is a hidden water leak, this could lead to a reduction in water pressure. This is because there is a lack of water rushing through the showerhead or faucet. It is important to review the water line to ensure no hidden leaks.

Sometimes, even the smallest cracks can go unnoticed. Thankfully, plumbers have various tools that one can use to look for hidden leaks. There are also tell-tale signs like water condensation on the pipes or in the general area. This could also explain why a homeowner's water bill suddenly skyrockets and becomes more expensive.

Inspect the Showerhead

Who doesn't love a good and strong showerhead? Most of the time, water pressure is low because of buildup in the showerhead from hard water. Hard water has minerals that build up easily. The best way to understand if the water in a home is hard is to do a quick test.

They sell tests in hardware stores and general stores. An easy fix to this problem is using a water softener as an attachment to the showerhead. Sometimes the showerhead also leads to a hidden leak and poor shower pressure because it is broken or old. The water flows and trickles out when there is a crack, instead of blasting through the designated area.

There are many showerheads to choose from that are great at adding water pressure. Homeowners should ask their local plumbing contractors for a list of affordable and efficient options.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Who doesn't love affordability? Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air provides inexpensive services with financial options and satisfaction guaranteed. Spanish Fort residents should contact them soon for any plumbing help!