Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
14004-J Willard Rd Chantilly, Virginia 20151

Price your
Job today!

Call Now
Water Heater Repair Chantilly

5 Signs A Water Heater Needs Repair

Water heaters often give off warning clues when something is wrong. There are some obvious signs that a water heater is about to go that all homeowners need to know about! This is important because broken water heaters can create some very serious collateral damage impacting the rest of the house when they do go. Take a look at five signs a water heater needs repairs.

1. The Water Only Reaches Lukewarm Temperatures

If the water exiting a faucet is tepid even though the knob is cranked to maximum heat, there’s a potential malfunction somewhere in the system. With an electric system, this could mean a heating element has gone out. With gas, a burner may have gone wrong.

2. The Hot Water Doesn’t Last

5 Signs A Water Heater Needs Repair 1

While hot water may still be pouring through the pipes, the hot water runs out very quickly. Like the lukewarm issue, short-lived hot water could be a sign of a malfunctioning burner or element. Many other components could be responsible for producing ice-cold water in the “hot” setting.

3. Strange Noises Coming From the Water Heater

In most cases, some subtle noises coming from a water heater won’t indicate a problem. It’s not uncommon for older heating units to produce mild buzzing or humming sounds. Even rumbling sounds don’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

However, certain noises are telltale signs that something is about to go very wrong. Have a water heater checked out immediately if it’s making the following sounds:

  • Popping
  • Banging
  • Cracking

In most cases, these unsettling sounds are actually caused by sediment deposits that have accumulated on the bottom of the tank. The constant heating and reheating cycle that the unit goes through hardens that sediment over time. Yes, this can ultimately break a water heater.

However, it will cause tons of trouble under the radar long before that happens. Sediment buildup in a water heater reduces a unit’s efficiency. That means higher heating bills while getting a reduced performance.

4. Leaking

Leaky Water Heater

The hardest sign to ignore, leaking can also be the most serious red flag that something is wrong with a water heater. The danger with an untreated leak is that it can quickly do serious damage to a home. If there’s moisture or pooling water near a water heater, get the unit looked at by a professional right away.

Homeowners should regularly inspect for these types of leaks as part of routine home maintenance. It’s one of those small things that can save thousands and thousands of dollars by preventing damage and dangerous mold that will require costly time-consuming remediation.

In addition to contributing to long-term remediation costs, a leak is probably already pouring money down the drain. According to the American Water Works Association, homeowners lose $1 per month for every drop per second caused by faulty or improperly maintained water heaters.

That’s why Energy.gov recommends fixing leaks as one of its 15 ways to save on your water heating bill.

5. Rust-Tinged Water

Seeing rusty water coming from pipes can be a very disconcerting experience. Getting to the source often requires some investigation. In some cases, a home may have corroded pipes that are discoloring the water. It’s also very possible that the root of the rust is inside the water heater.

If this is the case, the heater may be on the verge of bursting.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble With a Water Heater.

Any sudden change or fluctuation in performance can be a sign that a water heater is in distress. The good news is that addressing a problem before a water heater bursts or breaks down can prevent severe and costly damage. Homeowners who are proactive about having water heaters routinely inspected and repaired enjoy peace of mind with the added perk of saving money by running efficient units! Please make an appointment for water heater repair Chantilly residents count on to keep their systems in top condition today!

Plumbing Company in Chantilly

What Is The Best Temperature To Set Your Water Heater

One of the must have appliances in every home is a water heater. We all know how it gives off warm water when in the showers and that is exactly what you would want when you will take a shower and it is pretty cold outside. It would feel great to have a nice hot shower and you would have the entire room all to yourself. It is like a warm feeling deep down inside you and you will not know what you would need to do next.

The best temperature for your water heater would be more or less 120 degrees. It is what experts say so you should not argue with that. Besides, you would want nothing more than for you to not spend too much for it when the electricity bill arrives. It is called taking care of what you invested in and the water heater is one of them. After all, it takes up a huge portion of your electricity bill so better do your part.

 

Cost Efficient

Water Heater Saves You Money

It is just the right amount of temperature so you won’t need to pay a huge amount of money each month for your electricity bill. We all know how that would make you feel a bit bad about yourself especially since you need to spend for a whole lot of other things in your house. It would be better if you won’t pay much for it so that you would have more money to spend on other bills that you pay in your home.

 

Safe for Elders and Children

When you have elderly people and children in your house, it would be better if you would set it at 120 degrees. If it is a bit higher than that, you know there is a chance for them to get several burns on their skin. That would cause you to go to the nearest hospital to have them checked out. As they say, the rest is history and you will rather have your kids always be safe at home. It is like not having them play outside without any supervision.

The kids are not mature enough for them to be going around and doing things that they are not supposed to. They are not aware that the water is too hot and they may not even want to shower because of that. The same goes for people who are over the age of sixty. The truth is they would think they are still good with the hot water but it should not be that hot for them or else they would end up suffering a lot of damage to their skin.

 

Best for Those Who Live Alone

Solo Living

When you live alone and you don’t really mind anybody else, you know you would want to keep the electricity bill down as much as possible. The lower the temperature is, the more you will save. It does not really have to be that hot when the weather outside your place is a bit cooperative. Thus, better just keep it at a standstill so that you know you won’t need to pay much when the next electricity bill arrives.

It is pretty discomforting to be alone but it gives you all the sense of freedom. For example, nobody is going to complain when you decide to go out in the middle of the night. It is all about finding the right person and you know you would have given it your all no matter what happens. The water heater certainly plays a huge part in making things right for all the people that live in the house.

 

Safe for Low Immune System

Person with Low Immunity

Those who get sick often should consider raising the bar a little. For example, putting the temperature up to 140 degrees would help. The last thing you would want to happen is to get sick and be unproductive each day. You will be forced to sit home and not get paid.

Until then, you can work on your immune system by exercising regularly and eating the right food. When that happens, you know you would want to be on top of the world. It is not about eating what you want all the time. After all, it should be about giving all the people their due when you could just do it. Besides, you can’t just let time pass by without doing anything. You must go to the nearest nutritionist for the best food that you can eat.

When you experience problems with your water heater, be reminded that this is not one problem you can afford to do yourself. You would be better off enlisting the help of a plumbing company in Chantilly. After all, they have been training for a long time so they would know what to do in a situation like that. Ask them for advice about the best temperature to set your water heater and they would be more than happy to lend a hand.

Better check out the reviews of each plumbing company that you arrive with so that you will end up with a good one. We all know how you can’t afford to hire a bad one or else your water heater will suffer in the process. When that happens, you would want nothing more than to give props to those people who would love to give you the props that you deserve. It won’t be long before you will arrive with a someone deserving.

New Water Heater

How To Choose A New Water Heater

Every household out there is in need of a water heater. However, on most occasions, we have to face major issues with the water heaters we purchase within one year of usage. The main reason for these issues to happen is that we did not make proper research prior to buying one for your house.

In this article, we have mentioned some useful information that will help you to choose a new water heater without any problem whatsoever. But first, we will take a look at the different types of water heaters available on the market.

 

Water Heater Types

Standard Tank Water Heaters

These types of water heaters are used in commercial and residential areas extensively. The water within the tank is heated up regularly for providing a large amount of hot water. It has been found that standard tank water heaters have the ability to store between 20 and 80 gallons of water and come with safety equipment like pressure-relief valves that have to be inspected at regular intervals.

These types of water heaters are available in gas as well as electric versions and will help to minimize the use of energy because of the high-efficiency burners and additional insulation facilities.

Tankless Water Heaters

Mounted Tankless Water Heaters

These are actually mounted on walls which heat the water according to the demands instead of storing a large amount of preheated water. In fact, tankless water heaters are able to provide 3 to 5 gallons of water every minute. As compared to the conventional water heaters, these devices will not be storing large amounts of water.

Instead, these consist of heating coils which will be able to heat the water quickly on demand as long as power is available. Tankless water heaters are available in gas and electric models just like the standard ones.

Compared to the standard tank water heaters, the tankless heaters are somewhat more expensive although they are more energy-efficient. Thus, helping you save a considerable amount of money in the long run. It has also been found that tankless water heaters can last for more than 20 years, unlike standard water heaters which have a typical lifespan of approximately 10 years.

 

Choosing A New Water Heater

What size is exactly required by you?

Water Heater Temperature

Water heaters are available in various sizes these days depending on the volume of hot water you require. You need to consider a number of factors for figuring out the ideal size of a water heater.

Optimum Flow Rate: The maximum flow rate is one of the most important factors which help to figure out the size of water heaters. Flow rates which are included in the manuals of the appliances provided by the manufacturers are measured by gauging the volume of water which flows through a supply line or faucet over a period of 1 minute. Any water heater you purchase must mention this particular feature.

Gallons of Water Utilized: Just like flow rate, the gallons of water which are available are an essential consideration for figuring out the size of water heaters. For calculating the total number of gallons used, you simply need to add together the gallons needed by a faucet over a period of one hour and make sure that the water heater is able to produce that volume of water.

This is roughly the value of the maximum flow rate multiplied by 60. Although standard tank water heaters might be able to provide adequate gallons for satisfying your requirements, they should not be drained completely and must also be refilled constantly. A bigger water heater might be required for providing water flow constantly over time. However, it is possible for tankless water heaters to provide hot water at all times.

Temperature Rise: Although the temperature of the incoming water supply is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be warmer or colder depending on the water source and the season. The flow rate will be lower in case the temperature rises higher, and this makes bigger water heaters ideal for high temperature as well as high-demand situations.

 

Other Things to Consider

Electric Gas Water Heater

Water heaters are available in electric as well as gas models, and the main differences depend on the existing energy hookups, your financial budget, local utility expenses, and sustainability goals. You need to consider a number of factors while buying a water heater.

Available Power Sources: In case no gas source is available in your area, a gas water heater will be quite expensive to set up. Prices for electricity as well as gas might fluctuate according to the season or your area and must be considered while choosing a water heater.

Power Outages: It is possible for gas water heaters to operate at the time of power outage since the coil or flame powered by gas goes on flowing.

Energy Efficiency: Look for an “Energy Guide” sticker on a new water heater. It will provide you an estimated operating cost on a given scale. A higher number usually means that it will use less energy.

Price: Electric water heaters can prove to be less costly; however, it will be pricier to operate them. The cost of installation of both versions is almost identical unless it is imperative to install gas piping. Tankless water heaters usually have higher upfront expenses.

You depend on water heaters for everything including cleaning, cooking, and bathing. Therefore, it is one of the most essential components of most residences at present. However, in case these appliances begin to malfunction or break down completely, there is no need for you to lose your mental peace.

You can always go for emergency plumbing services in Arlington VA for providing you with help. Highly trained and experienced plumbers will be able to identify the issue accurately and make the necessary repairs. So, do not give any second thoughts and get in touch with us today.

 

Water Heater Replacement

5 Signs to Know When to Replace Your Water Heater

A water heater is one of the fantastic heating systems that a homeowner can invest in and own. Water heating is a procedure that involves warming water for everyday use at home. Many homeowners use different sources of energy to heat their water, including electricity, gas, oil, and propane.

There are various water heaters available, and one can decide to go for a design that fits his or her needs. For instance, a homeowner can buy a heat pump water heater, solar water heater, heat pump water heater, tankless water heaters, and storage-tank water heater. Each type of water heater he or she buys merits a home in different exceptional ways.

Regardless of the type of water heater one installs, there are notable benefits of undertaking such an investment. For instance:

  • It helps cut energy costs at home or business premises, depending on the source of energy you use.
  • Water heaters are useful in difficult situations, and one can install them in different properties.
  • Water heaters are easy and fast to install and start using stress-free at home.

Replacing a Water Heater- What to Know

Water heaters have many advantages and are a worthy investment thanks to their widespread use. Unfortunately, a water heating system will not last for a lifetime, and there will come a time when he or she has to replace some of its parts or the entire system. Significantly, this heating system might also get damaged or become faulty.

No one wants to use cold water when he or she has already installed a water heater. It is quite disappointing if a home heating system fails or starts experiencing some problems. This is an essential home appliance and needs urgent replacement if it is not working correctly.

Do not wait until the heater fails completely. Replace it before it stops working and end up spending a lot of money on replacement and repairs. Chantilly homeowners should not worry at all. There are Chantilly plumbers eager to lend a helping hand.

Here are the top five signs to know when to replace your water heater and keep a water heating system working adequately:

1. Water Heater is OldOld Water Heaters

A water heating system can last from 10 to 20 years. If the water heating system one is using is older than 20 years, then it is time to think about replacing the old one with a new system. If the homeowner is not sure how old is his or her water heater, he or she can check the serial number on the producer’s sticky label.

Even if the system is working adequately, a time will come when it will fail entirely, and this is a problem one needs to avoid as early as possible. It is best for the homeowner to get ahead and replaces the entire system.

2. Strange and Disturbing Noises

Water heater noises are a telltale sign of a faulty or ailing system. As the water heating system starts aging, strange and rumbling sounds start emanating and will grow louder as days pass by without any repairs or replacement. The banging, clunking, and loud rumbling noise originating from the system can result from residue or sediment buildup.

As a homeowner keeps reheating water since the first day of installing a water heater, sediments start building up in the bottom with time. These residues harden and grow thicker on the tank floor and will wear this system down rapidly until it fails.

3. Rusty or Contaminated WaterRusty Pipes

If the water running from the heating system is rusty or contaminated, the water heater could be rusting inside or on the side. Like all metals, the metal used to build the water heater or tank can rust with time. The home will be left with rusty water that is unsafe for daily use.

A rusty valve or inlet can also lead to contaminated or rusty water. There is no perfect way to save or salvage an old water heater once there is rust. Rusty pipes can cause the water from the tank to come out rusty.

If the piping system is made up of galvanized pipes, rust could form inside as the system ages. This problem could be intense until sinks and tubs supply rusty water.

4. Water Heater Leaking

As a water heater nears its lifespan, there is a higher chance that water will start leaking on the floor and around the tank or heater. An old water heater will begin to crack, causing leaks around the water heater. The metal used in the entire system might expand when heating the system, and this will lead to cracks and unexpected leakage.

Residues at the bottom of the tank can also lead to leakage. If the water is leaking directly from the tank, it is time to replace the water heater. Remember any leakage, can cause unexpected and costly damage. These may include ruined carpeting, mold on walls and floors, and damage to personal belongings.

5. Water Heater Not HeatingNo Hot Water from Heater

The primary purpose of buying and installing a water heater is to warm water in a homestead. However, if the heater is no longer heating water, it’s time to replace it. This issue can be due to a poorly installed thermostat, broken heating element, and the tank being too small for the entire home.

Replace Your Water Heater Today

Water is an essential resource in every home, and more so if a family loves using hot water to do daily chores. However, a homeowner cannot enjoy such a source of pride if the water heater is not working adequately. The best solution is to replace an old or damaged water heater.

Worry not if looking for help replace an old and damaged water heater. Feel free to work with plumbers as they are the best in the market. These plumbers are experienced, licensed, and qualified to offer top-notch plumbing services. Available plumbing services are budget-friendly and will meet all your plumbing needs. Make a call today and get a water heater replacement and repair quote.

Why You Need to Get a High-Efficiency Electric Water Heater 2

Why You Need to Get a High-Efficiency Electric Water Heater

Not too long ago, even the idea of having a high-efficiency electric water heater installed by a plumber would have been an oxymoron.

The cost of using this kind of water heater have been high for a long time, and as a result they’ve mostly been found in areas where gas lines couldn’t be run to a home.

Fortunately, that’s changing quickly. The technology and efficiency of electric water heaters has been making great strides recently, and better products are coming on the market as well. The tradeoffs are changing, so it’s important to be aware of the latest info to get the best possible high-efficiency electric water heater.

 

Know Your EF

Start with the efficiency rating. When it comes to water heaters, this is expressed as the Energy Factor (EF), and the way the number works is relatively simple.

  • The higher the EF, the more efficient the electric water heater
  • Most standard electric heaters have an EF of .75
  • The new generation of high-efficiency electric water heaters is boosting that number to 0.9

If the electric water heater has a storage tank, that efficiency number can go up as high as .95. In that scenario, though, some heat is lost as the water moves from the storage tank through the heater and then up through the pipes into the house.

 

Tankless Electric Water Heaters

Why You Need to Get a High-Efficiency Electric Water Heater 3

Another technology that has had an impact on the efficiency of electric water heaters is the move toward tankless. These heaters use electric coils to instantly heat a flow of water, after which it is used immediately. As a result, no tank is required to store hot water, so the efficiency is increased because no heat is lost due to cooling in the tank.

There is a catch, however. Water must be heated as fast as it can be used, and this is measured through a spec called temp rise, which is the amount of heat in degrees the heater can generate at a given number of gallons per hour flow rate.

A quick example: If water enters the heater at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the desired temperature is 120 F, the heater must generate 70 degree rise at a flow rate that’s high enough to meet household demands.

 

Hybrid Hot Water Heaters

Another technology that must be included in the conversation is hybrid hot water heaters. These types of heaters use a heat pump along with electrical resistance to add heat.

To do this, the heat pump extracts latent heat from surrounding air, then transfers it to the water in the tank by using a head exchange device. It also incorporates resistance coils inside the tank to provide necessary heat to raise the water temperature to approximately 120 F.

Hybrids come with specific strengths and weaknesses, however. They typically use 60 percent less electricity than their strictly-electric counterparts, which means the EF rating can rise above 2.0.

The downside is that hybrid heaters tend to be taller than standard ones, and as a result they may not fit into existing water heater closets. Also, the heat pump releases a large amount of cold air through its exhaust, and that air must be vented away from the house.

All of this makes the buying decision somewhat more complex, with several factors that have to be evaluated. Let’s start with capacity.

 

Know Your Capacity

Why You Need to Get a High-Efficiency Electric Water Heater 4

When considering a high-efficiency electric water heater, it’s important to match capacity with demand.

If the unit has a tank, a measurement called the First Hour rating is especially critical. This number specifies how many gallons of hot water the heater can produce in one hour at peak demand to meet a specific thermostat setting.

Knowing this number simplifies things enormously. Simply put, the FH must be above peak household demand to make sure everyone gets a hot shower.

 

Summary

The typical cost range for a high-efficiency electric water heater is from $1000-3000. Performance-wise, these units are usually anywhere from 100-300 percent more efficient than standard water heaters. With a conventional gas-fired hot water heater with a storage tank typically has an Energy Star EF between 0.67 and 0.70, so there’s plenty of room for improvement in that regard.

A new standard electrical hot water heater typically uses ten times more electricity than the average new refrigerator, so it’s more than worthwhile to consider the extra efficiency that’s coming on the market with electric water heaters.

To get the best possible product installed by an Arlington plumber, call Doherty plumbing and let us do the job right for you!

How Our Plumbing Company in Fairfax Can Help You with Tankless Water Heater Repair and Installation

What You Need To Know About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have long been a popular household solution across Europe, and in recent years they are becoming increasingly common in homes across the US and Canada. Our plumbing company in Fairfax offers repair and installation on a range of tankless water heaters, but how exactly do they work and what are the benefits? Read on for all you need to know about tankless water heaters.

 

How do they work?

A tankless water heater is a household water heating solution that works by heating water directly, meaning there’s no need to store the hot water in a tank.

The process is simple and efficient, which is part of the reason why tankless systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. When you turn on the hot faucet in your home, the water supply will flow via the tankless heater unit. The flowing water is then heated with either gas or electric, before it flows out of your faucet perfectly heated.

Furthermore, tankless water heaters can heat water impressively quickly, providing up to 5 gallons of hot water per minute. Larger households sometimes opt for more than one tankless water heater, as it means they will have plenty of hot water for multiple showers, baths, clothes washing and more.

 

What are the benefits of tankless water heaters?

Our Plumbing Company in Fairfax's Tankless Water Heater Benefits

Cost efficient 

Tankless water heaters can help you significantly reduce your household bills. This is due to the fact that less energy is being used to heat the water, and water is only heated when you turn the faucet. As you no longer have the costs of keeping gallons of water hot in the tank, you will inevitably save money. In fact, a family’s water-heating bills could be reduced by up to 30%. If your household uses a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater offers attractive savings.

A continuous supply

Furthermore, households that use large amounts of hot water will be pleased to hear that with a tankless water heater there’s no running out of hot water, you’ll have a continuous supply.

Energy efficient

Another advantage is that less energy is wasted. Of course, the amount of energy wastage depends on whether you opt for a gas-powered or electric tankless water heater. However, whichever you choose you will still be wasting less energy, while also enjoying added convenience!

Space-saving

Tankless water heaters are incredibly compact and can even be mounted on your wall! Compared to a huge water tank, this is a desirably space-saving solution.

 

What are the different types? 

Our Plumbing Company in Fairfax's Tankless Water Heater Types

When it comes to your tankless water heater, you have two key choices:

  • Electric
  • Gas

Both types do the same thing, they simply heat your water with a different source of power. The choice between the two may come down to whether your household is predominantly powered by electric or gas, or you may want to choose the one that sounds most convenient to you.

Energy.gov has noted that gas-powered tankless water heaters have a higher flow rate than electric, meaning they can produce more gallons of hot water per minute. While they found electric tankless water heaters to be more energy efficient.

Although electric models are more energy efficient, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are cheaper to run. Generally, electric tankless water heaters require a lot of electricity to run, which usually makes gas the more cost-efficient option.

 

Which size is best for you?

Due to the fact that this water heating system is tankless, size is not measured in capacity. However, you should pay attention to the flow of each model. The higher the flow means the more hot water that will be produced per minute.

If you are a larger household that will be likely to need more than one hot faucet running at once – you will want to opt for a higher flow, usually signified by a higher gallon-per-minute.

Overall, as homeowners become increasingly conscious of energy-saving, money-saving and space-saving, tankless water heating systems are becoming a widely popular solution that seems to tick all their boxes. If you are curious about how this type of system could benefit you, or are looking for plumbing services to fit a new system, Doherty Plumbing is always happy to help.