Tankless Water Heaters: Hype-full or Hopeful?

by digital.team | Sep 14, 2015 | Heating, Plumbing

We often get asked by our Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky plumbing customers about the latest innovation in water heater technology, the tankless water heater.

People sometimes hear that they can quickly recoup their investment in a tankless water heater with the money they save. Other people hear that it’s all hype.

So which is it? Hope for a lower water bill, or hype?

The truth is, it’s a little of both.

Yes, a tankless water heater is more energy-efficient than a traditional water heater. That’s good for the environment, so if you’re going green or planning a new construction plumbing project, a tankless water heater may be the way to go.

Also, the major advantage of a tankless water heater can be summed up with four words “endless hot water supply”–if you frequently find yourself running out of hot water in mid-shower, it may be worth upgrading for that benefit alone.

That said, an average family may save $70-$100 per year versus a traditional water heater. When you add up the cost of the unit ($2000-$2500, depending on which brand and capacity), modifications you’ll need to make to your gas, yearly maintenance to remove scale and calcium buildup on the inside of the burners, and consider the average life of a tankless water heater is about 20 years, the math may not work out that you’ll recoup the cost of switching. Also, it’s important to note that a tankless water heater provides 4-6 gallons of hot water per minute, so for a larger sized home with multiple baths, you may need more than one unit.

At Dauenhauer Plumbing, we want to be your trusted resource when it comes to all things related to residential plumbing in the Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky areas. That means giving you honest answers about the costs and benefits of plumbing fixtures, so that you make the best choice for your family.

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Bob Lofton was prompt friendly knowledgeable and honest.

He gave me a very fair estimate compared to your competition. I have already called back for Bob's help with another issue and will use him whenever the need arises. I have already shared his name and Dauenhauer plumbing with family and friends.

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Your plumber in this particular job did a fantastic job.

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He was so caring and informative. He was neat and cleaned up after installing the new toilet.

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I liked my plumber Tim.

I felt like he explained my repair options and gave me an honest reasonable price. I would recommend Dauenhauer plumbing to my friends and family.

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Cotton the plumber who came out was a true professional. Long time in the business. I appreciate his attention to detail and value plus service.

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Five sneaky signs something scary is in your shower

by digital.team | Sep 3, 2015 | MSD, Plumbing

You don’t have to be a fan of Alfred Hitchcock to find showers a little scary.You just have to encounter one of these clues that a sneaky plumbing problem has crept into your shower.

Dripping shower head. That constant drip, drip, drip could drive you mad as a character from Edgar Allen Poe. Mineral deposits and plain old wear and tear can erode the inner workings of your shower head, leading to a constant drip of water. While it might not seem that scary, over time it can really add up on your water bill.

Hard-to-regulate heat. Shocked by suddenly cold water? If the water temperature in your shower is unpredictable, the first place to look is the water heater. But if your water heater is in good condition and the right capacity for your home, it could be a problem in the mixing valve in your tub or shower.

Clogged or slow drain. It’s a blob! Of loose hair, greasy conditioner, and grime. All that junk eventually builds up to create a clog in your pipes. Once your shower drain becomes slow, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need professional help clearing it. Trust us, the only thing scarier than that clog is what chemical “drain cleaners” will do to your pipes.

Weird noises or smells. In a horror movie, you wonder why the victims don’t start running as soon as they hear the chainsaw fire up. In real life, plumbers wonder why people don’t call us as soon as their shower starts making weird noises or emitting foul odors. Come on, you know that’s not normal! Just like in a horror movie, waiting will only make things end badly.

Poor water pressure. When you can’t rinse out all the conditioner, you might end up with horrifying hair. This is most likely a problem in the aerator of your shower head. Particularly in areas with hard water, minerals can build up and disrupt the flow of water. The best fix is to replace the showerhead.

There’s no reason to be afraid to go into your shower. If you’re seeing troubling signs of a plumbing problem, just call us! Our friendly, reliable plumbing techs will get it fixed fast, and we always provide a quote, so there are no scary surprises on your bill.