Frequently Asked Questions
If you have plumbing-related questions, call Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc. today at (760) 998-3636. We’ve proudly served residents in San Bernadino County for over 25 years and are always happy to help.
Choosing the wrong capacity water heater for your home means running out of hot water more quickly and waiting longer for the tank to refill. This isn’t a problem for people with a tankless system, but here are a few tips if you’re in the market for a traditional water heater.
First, you must determine how much hot water you’ll need during peak hours, typically in the morning for most households. Allot 12 gallons per person and multiply it by the number of people in the house.
Once you have the number from above, you can choose an appropriate tank size based on the number of people living in the house. For 1 to 2 people, choose a 30-40 gallon tank. For 2 to 3 people, choose a 40-50 gallon tank. For 3 to 4 people, choose a 50-60 gallon tank. And if you have more than four people, choose a 60-80 gallon tank.
Finally, consider the Energy Factor (EF) when buying a water heater. The EF determines how efficient the water heater is. The more efficient it is, the less energy it uses, which is helpful if you have a large family with high hot water demands.
If you’re still unsure, call one of our technicians for a recommendation.
Tankless water heaters are growing in popularity in the United States, but are they that much better than traditional water heaters, and should you consider upgrading?
Pros
Tankless water heaters are more efficient because they only heat water as needed, so you spend less on energy bills.
Tankless water heaters take up much less space and can be wall mounted, making them ideal for small homes and apartments or for people who don’t want a massive tank taking up valuable floor space.
People mainly love tankless systems because they provide unlimited hot water. Unlike storage tank systems, a tankless water heater heats water as it comes into the system, giving you an unending supply.
Finally, tankless water heaters can last up to twice as long as a standard water heater, making them a more valuable investment.
Cons
The biggest drawback of a tankless water heater installation is its high upfront cost. However, many argue it’s worth it for the energy savings and the extended system lifespan.
Another drawback is that some tankless water heaters may cause a drop in water pressure if you use multiple water sources simultaneously.
Finally, although they supply an unlimited amount of hot water, they may not be able to keep up with high hot water demands, like running the shower, the dishwasher, and the washing machine simultaneously.
Many people know how dangerous chemical drain cleaners are, but what’s the safer alternative? Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to blast through clogs and debris, leaving drains cleaner for longer. Moreover, hydro-jetting removes material stuck to the pipe’s inner walls for a more thorough cleaning and can remove stubborn debris like grease, mineral deposits, and tree roots.
Most homeowners clean their drains when they clog, but it’s better to schedule routine cleaning as preventative maintenance. Regular drain cleaning frequency depends on your usage habits; however, we recommend cleaning every one to three months. Kitchen sinks, where grease and food particles accumulate, once a month can keep them running smoothly. The bathroom tub, sink, and shower, where hair, soap scum, and toothpaste buildup, every three months should do the trick.
Losing water pressure is annoying, but here’s what you can do if it happens:
- Check with your neighbors to see if it’s just you or the whole neighborhood having the issue.
- Check the main valve and pressure regulator to ensure the valve is fully open and working correctly. If the issue is localized to a single fixture, check for leaks, which can reduce water pressure.
- If everything seems normal, but you still can’t restore pressure, call a licensed plumber to determine the problem.
If you have more questions or need plumbing repairs, call Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc. in San Bernadino County at (760) 998-3636 to speak to one of our professionals.
