How to Maintain a Tankless Water Heater

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After having a tankless water heater installed by qualified water heater repair & replacement services, the homeowner is encouraged to perform routine maintenance periodically. How often you should purge the system depends on the condition of your home’s water supply, but should be done at least every 18-24 months. For larger families or locations with hard (iron- or calcium-rich) water, this process should be done more often.

Your water heater repair and replacement company will show you how the system is maintained after it is professionally installed. If you forget or have a problem, call the installers and they will be happy to assist you. The procedure is pretty simple, though, so you should be able to do it yourself.

Turn Off The System

Gas tankless water heaters may require you to turn off the main gas line coming into your home. If this is the case, make sure that you know where and how to restart the pilot lights of any devices that have them afterward. Electric tankless systems will have a dedicated circuit breaker that can be shut off without killing power to the whole house. Turn off all 3 of the valves entering the tankless water heater. 

Connect the Hoses

You should have been supplied with hoses that resemble the hoses used for washing machines when your tankless system was installed. If you do not know where they are or didn’t receive them, you can buy a set at your local hardware store. In some cases, the hoses are marked red for hot, blue for cold, and uncolored or even red for the house main.

Add Decalcifier or Vinegar

You can purchase a chemical decalcifier at the hardware store, or simply pick up a few gallons of white vinegar. Vinegar will have the same cleaning effect and it is available at many retail or hardware stores. Some people prefer to use vinegar because it is more natural, others prefer the chemical version because it works a little faster.

Flush the System

Open the purge valves and flush the system. You will need a large bucket, and some systems require you to connect a sump pump to complete the process. Check your manual for the specific method your system uses, look it up by model number online, or call your contractor for assistance.

Disconnect and Restart

Close the purge valves and reverse the process you used to shut the system down. Replace all port covers, and turn the valves on one at a time. Make sure that there are no leaks after each valve, and then move on to the next one. When you have restored water to the tankless system, turn on the circuit breaker or reignite your gas system. Run the water for a few minutes as a final rinse, and your system will be ready for normal use.

Any time you feel overwhelmed by the task of flushing out your tankless system, call your trusted home plumbing contractor. That will allow you to rest assured that the job is getting done right, and a licensed and insured contractor is covering the liability for any accidental damages that could occur.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

4 Reasons Your Pipes Could be Noisy

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The source of noisy pipe problems is usually found during a household plumbing inspection. Most of the problems can be traced by the homeowner, but a licensed and insured plumbing specialist is able to make necessary repairs that the homeowner may not have experience with. To illustrate how varied noisy pipes can be, here are 4 common reasons for noisy pipes. 

1. Valves Not Fully Open

One of the first things to check in a home plumbing inspection is the condition of the valves in the plumbing system. Valves that are partially clogged or not fully open can cause vibrations and squealing sounds. Defined simply, the noise is a result of water flow being squeezed off, similar to the sound made by reducing airflow out of a balloon.

2. Too Much Pressure

A common problem known as “water hammering”: is the result of over-pressurized water lines. When the flow is turned off, a sudden backup in the lines causes them to shake. Other related noises will develop over time, including a banging or knocking sound. Water hammering may be more noticeable when using appliances such as washers because those machines have immediate full cutoffs that instantly stop the flow.

3. Drains Partially Clogged

Drains that are starting to clog will produce a variety of symptoms that include gurgling noises, odors, and the drain not operating as well as it once did. One common sign of a drain getting clogged is a toilet that doesn’t flush with the same force. It may be working satisfactorily, but not as well as you recall, and that may be a sign of plumbing problems on the horizon.

4. Loose Pipes in the Walls

Pipes that are improperly secured inside your walls may move around when toilets are flushed or faucets turned on or off. As they move, they can knock against the inside of the walls or against the framing or other covered items causing knocks or rattling noises. This problem may be caused by water hammering, but it is also common in older houses and is closely connected to the age of the home.

Contractor or DIY?

Some plumbing noises can be fixed by the homeowner, such as checking that the valves are fully operational, but other solutions involve experienced plumbing contractors. Keep in mind that securing plumbing inside your walls or repairing a clogged sewer line may involve things like opening the wall or trenchless sewer replacement. If you aren’t sure you can fix the problem, enlisting the assistance of a licensed and insured professional is your best course of action.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Preparing Your Bathrooms for a Long Vacation Away from Home

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It can be disheartening to return from vacation only to discover your sewer lines are clogged, a water line has broken, or some other type of rooter service is required. To save you time and money, here are a few things you can do to guard against water and sewage problems when you are away from home. Note that it is still a good idea to have a friend or relative check on things if you will be gone a long time.

Clean and Disinfect

It is important to clean and disinfect everything in your bathrooms before leaving home for a period of time. Even a weekend away from home gives mold and mildew an opportunity to grow unfettered and longer trips can have even bigger problems. Clean everything from your toilet bowl and tank to your shower stall and sinks. Keep in mind that the other sinks and showers in the home need the same degree of cleaning.

Shut Off the Water

After cleaning up the area, you should also turn off the water to guard against leaks and freezes while you are away. This step isn’t necessary for a short getaway, but if you will be gone a week or more it is a good practice to get into. It’s best to turn off the water main but if you have appliances like an ice maker that need water regularly you can still turn off the water to your bathroom toilets.

Empty the Tank

After the water is shut off, flush the toilets a few times to empty the water out of them. It is rare for a toilet tank to spontaneously begin to link, but it could happen, especially if you live in an area that is prone to seismic disturbances. Don’t worry about any residual water in the tank. It won’t be enough to be a major problem.

Add Antifreeze

If you are traveling during the winter months, the biggest plumbing issue to worry about will be frozen pipes. Turning off the water main is the best protection against burst pipes, but tanks, traps, and drains can freeze during an extended power outage. The solution is to use marine antifreeze, which does not contain harmful chemicals or create the noxious fumes of regular antifreeze. Add a little to your toilet bowl, and an ounce or so to every drain, from the shower to your kitchen sink.

For Long-Term Absence

If you will be away for a month or more, it might be a good idea to work out a plan with a family member, friend, or neighbor to perform some regular activities. In addition to checking the mail and mowing the lawn, inspecting your plumbing is a great idea. If you were able to turn off the water main that won’t be a big deal, but if the house has water pressure,it will benefit you to find out about a problem expeditiously.

It is far more cost-effective to prevent plumbing problems while you are on vacation. The consequences of not taking a proactive stance could include having to make an emergency call to your local rooter service, and that is an unappealing way to end your holiday.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

The Top Toilet Brands for Your Business Restrooms

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High-quality commercial plumbing services demand the use of the best plumbing appliances on the market. In fact, one way to identify a great plumbing company is by the brands they carry. Here are 3 brands that always win top ratings, and a few of their top competitors for the title of best toilet brand for business restrooms.

American Standard

American Standard has worked hard at positioning itself as the “American Standard” and is available from industry-leading commercial plumbing services. It is used in both commercial restrooms and residential homes all over the country and features one of the best water conservation flush systems on the market. This is accomplished with a patented trapway and flush valve system that allows full-force flushing with minimal water use. Their H2Option is at the top of the field, featuring a 1.6gpf and a dual flush system that is both fast and quiet.

TOTO

TOTO is a Japanese company that manufactures plumbing appliances for all budgets in the commercial and residential industries. They manufacture such a wide range of products that choosing their best item is difficult, but the G400 Washlet is popular for its compact size, low water usage, and quiet flush. For more European style-restrooms, TOTO is also a leading manufacturer of bidets.

Kohler

With origins in rural Wisconsin, Kohler is the inventor of the bathtub as we know it today, and has grown from its humble roots to a multinational corporation. They are considered to be among the best and most prolific plumbing appliance companies in the world. Their best-selling commercial brand is the Santa Rosa and features an impressive 1.28 gpf, along with industry-standard quiet flush and fast refill. If the traditional oval bowl takes up too much floor space, their second-highest ranked toilet, the Wellworth, uses a modernistic round design and includes dual flush technology.

Honorable Mentions

These are 3 of the most popular brands, but there are other great companies available as well. Moen and Delta are 2 mention-worthy brands that are familiar to most Americans, but there are also companies such as Grohe and Price Pfister that are commonly found in mid or high-end installations. 

The estimator who schedules your commercial plumbing services will be able to tell what brands the company has in stock, and offer you some helpful advice for getting the best toilet for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that even the best-rated brands are not perfect for every application and choose what works best for you.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

How to Know if You Need Sewer Replacement Services

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Sewer lines wear out or get damaged over time, and can be efficiently repaired by trenchless sewer replacement. Trenchless sewer replacement services use end-point hoiles for pipe insertion so that most of your lawn remains undamaged, but the same techniques are excellent for areas with ground-level barriers that prevent trenching. Here are some important tips on recognizing when it’s time for sewer replacement services. 

Drains Slow Down or Stop Flowing

The first sign that you need trenchless sewer replacement will usually be noticed in the toilet, tub, or shower drains. These household drains typically have a higher flow of water than sinks, so clogged or broken sewer lines back up faster. Before you invest in sewer line replacement, try to identify other causes for drains that back up. Many of these are easy and inexpensive to fix with rooter service, such as hair in the shower drain or too much tissue in the toilet. 

Bad Odor From Drains

When material begins to collect in your sewer lines instead of draining properly, you may begin to notice foul odors near your household drains. This is a sign that matter is decomposing in your sewer pipes. Sometimes this type of clog can be cleared up by running a snake through the line or with different ways to fix a broken sewer line, but trenchless sewer replacement may be the most efficient solution.

Wet Spots in the Yard

If you have specific places in your yard that seem to be wet or have standing water more often than seems appropriate, it could be an indication of a sewer line that needs repair. These spots will typically become wetter and larger when doing tasks that use a lot of water such as bathing or washing laundry.

Bright Green Grass

When your sewer lines leak, they release nutrient-rich sewage into the ground. This may result in the grass growing a brighter shade of green, and growing faster than the surrounding area. This symptom is sometimes apparent even if the leak is too far below the ground to cause a wet spot. 

Wet Floors

In the home, floors that become wet for no obvious reason may indicate the need for trenchless sewer replacement. Because a broken or clogged sewer pipe prevents water from draining properly, it may back up in sinks or tubs, or even under your toilet if the wax ring is old or damaged.

The good news is that most sewer problems develop slowly, so you will see the need for trenchless sewer replacement developing. The reason it happens slowly is that most exterior problems are related to things like a pipe getting slowly crushed under a path or tree roots growing through the line. The important thing is to get the repairs as soon as you notice the problem because it will become more expensive as time goes on.

Trenchless Sewer Replacement — Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 residential plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.