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Is your water heater over 8 years old or starting to malfunction? If so, a water heater replacement might be in your near future but with the new water heater regulations being imposed by the Department of Energy, homeowners need to be prepared for some big changes happening within the next few months. Officially as of April 16, new water heater regulations will hit the ground running, and manufactures will have to abide by the new efficiency standards set in place to help lower energy consumption. This means that as of April 16 current water heater models that do not meet these standards will no longer be in production.  Now I’m sure you’re wondering, what all this mumbo jumbo has to do with you, right? Well, as it turns out, A LOT!

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

For starters, if you didn’t know already, your water heater takes up about 20% of your home’s energy expense according to the American Council for An Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). With the new standards being imposed by the Department of Energy, consumers should expect about 4% increased efficiency on units with a capacity of 55 gallons or less. For larger units of 55 gallons or more the efficiency is much higher which means energy costs for your home will go down depending on the type of unit installed. This is great news for homeowners but there are some differences as well as options you should consider before you buy your next water heater.

SIZE DIFFERENCE

One big difference is the size of the water heater.  Not the capacity of the unit, but the actual size. For standard water heaters, the height and diameter will increase about 1”-2” in size due to thicker insulation. That doesn’t sound like a big difference, but there are several factors that will be impacted by this minor change in size. For example, if your current unit is located in a tight spot, like say a closet, then your new replacement might not fit. If that’s the case, then it may need to be relocated to another area of the home, which in turn will increase the cost of replacement. Another note, is that given the size increase, these newer models may require an additional technician for installation, which might, once again, impact the overall cost of replacement.

NEW COMPONENTS

Another change being made to accommodate the new regulations is the inner workings of the unit itself.  New components like an electric spark ignition system will require an electrical connection for the unit which was never required before for gas water heaters. These new components mean that the way water heaters are installed and repaired is going to change, which again, most likely leads to yet another price increase for a new installation.

All of these changes are going to create a bit of frustration for homeowners, and our valuable customers, and it’s completely understandable.  Just keep in mind that these changes are meant to improve our standard of living and help conserve our resources, so in the long run, it benefits us all!  However, if you are concerned about paying a higher cost and your water heater is on its way out, you may want to consider replacing your unit now before the current models are out of stock.  Right now, it is hard to say when the current units will run out.  It may take a few weeks or even a few months, but the fact of the matter is that manufacturers will no longer be producing them as of April 16.  So whether you decide to wait it out and let lady luck decide when it’s time to replace your unit, OR if you decide to replace your water heater now to save a few dollars, it is always good to be informed and know the changes that are in store and can affect you, as well as your options, so that you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs.

For more information on the new water heater regulations or if you have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime! We are always here to help!

What Are Some of the Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaning Solutions?

 

Introduction

There are some people that have clogged drains and are looking for the correct way to unclog them without having to harm their drain pipes.

It is for this reason that a growing number of people are realizing that there are some real dangers that are associated with using harsh chemicals to get rid of the clogs in a drain.

Dangers

The first danger that a person may experience when they are trying to unclog their drain with harsh chemicals is the danger of having the harsh chemicals burn their skin.

It is important that a person that is attempting to use these chemicals should wear rubber gloves and goggles to ensure that they are protected.

Many of these chemicals also produce fumes that are harmful if inhaled. These chemicals are also corrosive and can damage the walls of the pipe which can lead to a leak in the pipe. This leak can end up costing the homeowner money to fix. It is for these reasons that people should not use harsh chemicals to unclog their drain.

Options

The best option for a person that is thinking about using chemicals to unclog a drain is to first think about the price of the chemicals and the added expense of a repair in case the harsh chemicals eat through the pipe or damage the finish on a sink basin.

It may be that the person would spend less money by hiring a professional to come and unclog a drain mechanically instead of using harsh chemicals. Many of these professionals are trained to make sure that they can get rid of the clogged drain without damaging the pipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is a good idea to make sure that a person takes the proper precautions when they are looking to unclog a drain with harsh chemicals.

Many of these chemicals can be hazardous to a person’s health and they should make sure that they know all of the safety procedures to follow before they work with them.

They should also make sure that the chemicals that they use are safe for the materials that are coming in contact with them like porcelain, plastic, ivory, and brass.

If a person is unsure of how to use the chemical or which chemicals may harm their fixtures and basins then they should seek advice from a plumbing professional.

Are your pipes all clogged up in your West Covina home? If you’re having trouble, give Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer a Call at (626) 962-0885, so we can get down to the root of the problem.

10 Ways to Upgrade the Look and Feel of Your Bathroom

 

Remodeling a bathroom is no easy task, and you will most likely need help from a plumbing company. Many of the features in your space that will influence the style and function of your bathroom are plumbing features.

While you can select the right features to install in your space on your own, you can work with a plumber for professional installation. Before you schedule an installation service, pay attention to these tips when selecting your new features.

Choose Low-Flow Features to Save Water

Whether you are preparing to replace your toilet or you are replacing your faucets or showerhead, remember that low-flow features are available to save water with each use. Aerated faucets, for example, can conserve water without impeding the flow rate.

Low-flow toilets may use several fewer gallons of water per flush than their counterparts. While you may want to upgrade to having multiple shower heads in your shower or a larger tub, remember that this will result in the use of more water in your home.

Think About Investing in a Water Softener to Protect Your Fixtures

You may be planning to invest in higher-end or designer fixtures when remodeling your bathroom, and a water softener can help you to protect your fixtures. Tap water can have a wide range of minerals and other elements that can and will build up in your pipes as well as your fixtures.

They can interfere with the flow of water. They can create water stains on your toilet and other features. In addition, they can discolor the metal finish on your faucets. A plumber can install a water softener in your home as part of your remodeling efforts.

Remember Function Is as Important as Style

While you want to choose the right features to install based on their style and benefits, you also want to focus on function. Your bathroom is a purely functional space, and you likely use it regularly.

You want it to look great, but you need it to be functional. A plumber may relocate your toilet, your shower, your sink, or other features.

This may require the movement of pipes in your remodeling efforts, and your plumber can work with you to make your bathroom more functional.

There are many things to consider as you prepare to remodel your bathroom. A great idea is to work with a plumber to get more ideas and to get a quote for the work that you need to be done up-front.

Let our team help you design the bathroom of your dreams. Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885 for exceptional service in the West Covina area.

Hydrojetting: Benefits of Hydrojetting

 

What is Hydrojetting?

Hydrojetting is a technique plumbers use to clean out sewage lines and pipes that have developed clogs. It involves blasting water into the pipes. High pressure creates a great deal of force, and this force is able to force out and blockages and built-up debris that has accumulated.

Typically, hydrojetting will involve using pressures of around 4,000 psi. Pressure that is this high is usually able to quickly and effectively remove debris.

Benefits of Hydrojetting

• Removes a variety of different substances– Hydrojetting removes a variety of different types of buildup. It can remove sand, soap, ice, mud, grease, and more from clogged pipes and sewer lines.
• Offers a complete cleaning– There is no other pipe and sewer line cleaning method that is quite as thorough as hydrojetting. This method can get the plumbing system completely clean so that pipes and sewer lines end up completely unobstructed.
• Gets rid of bacteria– Sometimes, bacteria can build up in drains and pipes. This can make a home unhealthy and create foul odors. Hydrojetting can remove bacteria from the pipes.
• Economical cleaning method– Often, a good hydrojet cleaning can make it so that a plumbing system needs less maintenance and attention into the future. This saves owners of homes and commercial facilities money in the long run.
• Versatile– The equipment used to perform hydrojetting is highly maneuverable and allows plumbers to target buildup without risking damage to the plumbing system.

The Hydrojetting Process

When hydrojetting is used to clean out pipes and sewage lines, a plumber generally will first do a video inspection to get acquire some general information about what kind of clogs have formed and where exactly in the system they are forming. The video inspection can also often determine if pipes and sewage lines are in good enough shape to stand up to hydrojetting.

While it is highly effective at removing clogs, hydrojetting may not be the best choice for older or weaker pipes. It is possible that hydrojetting can damage pipes that are not strong enough.

A specialized hose and nozzle apparatus is then put down into a cleanout or opening in the plumbing lines. Pressurized water is then released into the system, and debris and buildup are washed away.

If you suspect build-up in your lines, don’t hesitate to schedule hydrojetting services. Call (626) 962-0885 and let Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer clear the pipes of your West Covina home.