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Water Heater Repair from Your Chapel Hill NC Plumber

In the modern economy, everyone is looking for ways to reduce the home budget and business overhead. However, there is no way around a failed water heater. Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham is the premier plumbing company in Chapel Hill. They provide repair services and can help with choosing and installing new heaters that both fit the family budget and provide energy savings over older models.

Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
Repair is a fact of life for older model water heaters. The copper heating elements and pipes face corrosion and the damaging effects of mineral scale build-up, as well as a lack of information on how to prolong the life of these critical appliances. A high-quality Chapel Hill NC plumber will be available 24 hours a day to respond to emergency calls, and you should expect more than basic plumbing repair and a bill.

An assessment of usage rates and energy costs may mean it is more cost efficient to replace the heater with a newer and different model. There are a variety of models on the market today, and each has advantages for different situations. Also, repair should be followed by recommendations on simple things that can be done to prolong heater life, reduce energy costs, and prevent further damage to the appliance.

Increasing Efficiency, Decreasing Energy Costs
A water heater should be seen as a major investment. The choice of model carries an upfront payment, but it will also help determine energy costs over the long-term. Several types of heater have been designed, including new designs of the standard storage tank, that provide extra efficiency. Solar water heaters, for instance, will use very little energy from the grid during most of the year in Chapel Hill. They come with back-up energy supply on those days with too little sunshine. Another new option is the tankless water heater. Choosing the right size for projected usage will mean an unlimited hot water flow, and there is no energy spent when not in use.

Besides these replacement options, your plumber will be able to answer questions on how to reduce energy costs regardless of the heater model. Things like pipe coating and heater sleeves can be beneficial, but they can also be a hassle to install. It pays to have a professional, trusted Chapel Hill plumber. For emergencies or to schedule a free consultation, contact Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham at 919-408-7200.

Durham Home Buyer’s Value Guide to Plumbing

It’s summer, and this is the most common time for home buyers to search the Durham real estate market. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of problems that may exist in a home that are not found by inspectors, especially plumbing leaks and poor plumbing systems. Before buying a home filled with plumbing repair needs, be sure to check out the various plumbing fixtures so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

In the bathroom, be sure to inspect the floor; look around the base of the toilet for water damage, and test to make sure there are no soft spots in the floor. These are signs of water leaks, typically existing. If you find black and white stains or rolled vinyl flooring, these are also clues that water leaks may have previously plagued the area or are currently a problem. Also be sure to press tiles on the wall to check for leaks and loose tiling. Before you move on, flush the toilet and make sure it works properly, not draining too slowly or causing water to leak.

To check for adequate piping and water pressure, turn on a bathtub faucet and the kitchen sink faucet. If the pressure is significantly reduced with both running, the piping may have a large amount of calcium and mineral deposits and need to be replaced. While you are in the kitchen, make sure the connections to the dishwasher and garbage disposal are tight and show no signs of leaks. Also, check within the cabinetry to assure there is no water damage, including stains, rotted corkboard, or sagging bottoms. Be sure to check the washing machine hose as well, since these can rupture and lead to extensive water damage.

The first four digits of the serial number on a water heater are the month and year of manufacture. If the water heater in the home is more than 15 years old, you’ll want to contact your local Durham plumbing company to replace it. You may also want to check for rust on the tank, as this is a sign of impending issues with the hot water heater. If you are unsure of problems you may find, you can get assistance with inspections from our Durham water heater technicians, available to help you assess the value of the plumbing system in your prospective home purchase.

 

Steps Before Choosing a New Water Heater

Water HeaterDurham-area residents know the necessity of water, but may not realize the daily importance of hot water until a problem occurs. Water heaters provide comfort and convenience by enabling essentials like cooking, cleaning, showering, and cleaning. Your local Benjamin Franklin plumber can show Durham NC customers the best water heater to keep any household running smoothly.

Whether you are outfitting a new home or replacing an outdated or broken water heater, take some time to know all your plumbing options. Professional, experienced local plumbing contractors will help you make the best possible water heater selection.

There are many types of water heaters, with the two basic forms being tank and tankless. Traditional tank water heaters fill and maintain a reservoir of hot water at all times. Tank sizes can vary, usually anywhere between 20 to 100 gallons.

However, Benjamin Franklin plumbing professionals agree that the first decision Durham-area buyers need to make is the choice of fuel. Determine the availability and costs for all energy sources in your locale. The energy source will affect annual operation costs, as will a water heater’s size and overall energy efficiency.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for up to 25 percent of the energy consumed in a home, so smart selection and energy-efficient usage combine to save substantial expense in the long term.

Energy sources to consider before installation include:

  • Electricity
  • Fuel oil
  • Geothermal
  • Natural gas
  • Propane
  • Solar (with gas or electric backup)

Once you know which power source will drive your new water heater, your local Durham plumber can educate you about the wide selection of water heaters available for installation by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Annual operating costs will vary by style, type, make and model. Your plumbing contractor can help explain the differences among such options as tank water heaters, tankless/instantaneous water heaters, combination water/space heating units, heat pumps, tankless coil, and hot water circulating systems.

Before you make a purchase, your local plumbing technician helps you know what to expect in the way of energy efficiency. Just contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbers in Durham NC to meet all your water heater and plumbing needs.