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Tankless Water Heaters
Energy-efficient options are becoming more readily available for most appliances in our homes. We have low-energy options for lighting, heat, air, and water usage. Consider getting rid of that bulky water heater taking up space and learn more about a tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters are a great option to reduce energy output and costs by reducing your water usage. Tankless heaters are 24%-34% more efficient than a standard water heater. Often, they come with a warranty much longer than that of a counterpart. They should last around 20 years, nearly doubling the life span of a standard water heater. A tankless option is also safer for you and your home. Because there is no water stored anywhere, leaks and spills will not occur.
Additionally, some tankless options are wi-fi enabled, allowing the user to adjust temperature and monitor usage via a phone.
This is an on-demand water option, meaning energy is not required to store water but deliver hot water only as needed. The process is as follows:
- Water is turned on in a shower or faucet
- Flame ignites
- Coldwater flows through a heating element using either a gas or electric method.
- The desired temperature is met and maintained as the water reaches its destination.
- Usage complete
- Water stops flowing, and the flame turns off
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is more, but the heater will last longer than the traditional option, and the reduction in usage can offset the upfront cost. Consider your current energy usage and potential savings over time when determining if this is the right option for you.
A tankless water heater is much smaller than a standard option, allowing it to fit in compact spaces and remain out of sight. One of our professionals can work with you to determine if a tankless water heater option will work for you and schedule an installation.
Low-Pressure Water Faucets
Are you looking for easy and safe ways to reduce that pesky water bill? Consider installing a low-pressure water faucet. The cost-saving change is also beneficial to the environment, a win-win! Contrary to the name, a low-pressure tap will still maintain a good amount of pressure, but the type of engineering used in the product reduces the amount of water flowing through the faucet. With a low-flow or low-pressure option, you can plan to reduce your water use by about 30% and will notice a decrease in your water bill right away. The new faucet will pay for itself in around a year, depending on the model you choose. There are two options for low-flow faucets, Aerating and Laminar. As the name suggests, an aerating option adds air to the water stream and creates a spray, adding slightly more moisture than a standard faucet. An aerator can be added to a standard faucet to create the same effect for only a few dollars. Additionally, the aerator will add another filtration layer, ensuring you are using and drinking the best water possible. Water pressure is more regulated with an aerator as the filter will aid in creating a steadier stream.
A laminar option won’t add any additional moisture. If you’re considering a low-flow showerhead and live in a humid area, this may be the better option for you. Both options are cost and water-reducing, so either choice is a good one. There is a wide variety of low-pressure possibilities from which to choose, and you can find any aesthetic or design for which you are looking. Review your options at your local hardware store or your favorite online retailer, and give Putman and Sons a call when you are ready to install. Installing a new faucet is relatively quick and easy, and one of our trained professionals can complete the install in one short visit.
We look forward to assisting you. As always, give us a call with any questions.
Smelly Sinks
If you’ve been searching up and down for the source of the mysterious smell in your kitchen or bathroom, you should check your drains. Tub and sink drains can grow bacteria or let off gasses when specific plumbing problems exist. The result is an offensive odor that can sometimes be hard to track down and eliminate.
There are several different kinds of plumbing problems that can cause smelly drains. Some odor problems can be solved with simple fixes, while other situations require a professional plumber’s help. It won’t hurt to try the easy home remedies. If they don’t work, you’ll need a plumber to figure out the cause of the odor.
The most direct cause of smelly drains is a build-up of soap scum, grease, and other drain clogging material. Even though the build-up may not be bad enough to slow your gutters, it is still an ideal environment for the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Drain flies also like to lay eggs in this type of scum membrane. If you notice tiny flies and smell an odor, then organic build-up in your pipes is probably to blame for the situation.
You can clear the bio scum out of your drains with a gallon of hot water and a cup of bleach. If that doesn’t remove the odor, you may be smelling sewage fumes from cracked pipes or improperly installed drain traps. Give us a call! We will help you find the source of the odors and get them fixed.
Types of Sinks for Your Kitchen
Upgrading your kitchen sink can significantly increase the amount of food you can cook and dishes you can wash. Drop-in sinks are the most commonly used kitchen sinks because they are inexpensive. They are also easy to remove and replace. You can cut space for a more oversized drop-in sink on your countertop.
Putting in a deeper sink is another way to increase capacity. If you want to wash big pots and pans, make sure your new sink is big enough to handle them. Some people install separate utility sinks in their kitchen for more significant tasks such as washing pots and processing food.
Consider whether you want a garbage disposal device installed in your sink. It is best to have at least two deep sink basins, and only one is to be equipped with a garbage disposal unit. Some garbage disposal units can automatically feed the mulch to a biogas digestor or compost pile.
The material of your sink is an essential factor to consider. Stainless steel sinks are the most common type of sink installed in the housing. It is a durable material. The thinner and lighter sinks are less expensive than the thicker gauge ones, and the Granite composite, cast iron, and fireclay sinks are all very heavy. They require additional bracing for support. They are also significantly more expensive than stainless steel.
All-in-one sinks come complete with a faucet and other complimentary fixtures. Many have soap pumps, sprayer hoses, and strainer baskets. These packages make installation very easy since all parts have been tested together, and the unit has been tested for efficiency in research kitchens.
Give us a call if you would like some help choosing your new kitchen sink. We can help you make the best kitchen design choices based on your budget and needs.
What Can You Put Down Your Garbage Disposal?
Besides being a helpful appliance that prevents clogged drains, garbage disposals are fun! We’ve all been tempted to test the capacity of our disposals, just for the satisfaction of watching a big mess magically disappear. However, you can break your disposal if you overload it.
There are two essential rules when it comes to running your garbage disposal. First, you should always be running water in the sink when you turn on the disposal. Second, you should only put biodegradable items into the disposal. Break these rules, and you will probably also break the disposal system.
There are a few food items that you should not put into your disposal. Eggshells, coffee grounds, bones, banana peels, potato peels, fruit pits, and oil and grease belong in your garbage can. Rice, pasta, and starchy vegetables are also bad for your disposal.
Some people feel okay with disposing of paper trash and cigarette butts using their disposal. While you may get away with it for a while, this practice will probably cause you problems at some point. You should never put plastic, glass, and metal into the garbage disposal.
Some people have been shocked by how much damage that paint can cause to garbage disposals. It may seem simple just to run the water and flush the paint down the drain. You don’t even have to activate the disposal. However, the paint residue can dry on the inside of the disposal, locking up the moving parts.
If you want to clean your garbage disposal, ice and lemon peels are the best options. The ice sharpens the blades and knocks off loose debris, while the Lemon peels are antiseptic and smell great. Some people also use rock salt and vinegar for the same reasons.
If you make a mistake and need to repair or replace your disposal unit, we are just a phone call away. A busy household depends on the fast clean-up that garbage disposals provide. We can have your disposal fixed in time for dinner.
