Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it can also bring a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing system. The increased water usage and various outdoor activities can put additional strain on your pipes, drains, and fixtures. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common summer Middletown plumbing problems and provide tips on how to prevent and address them.

Increased Water Usage

During the summer months, water usage typically skyrockets. Whether it’s from kids being home for the summer, taking extra showers to cool off, or watering the garden, the demand on your plumbing system can be substantial. This increased usage can lead to a number of issues:

• Water Pressure Problems: If multiple water-intensive activities are happening simultaneously, you might notice a drop in water pressure. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to shower or water your plants. To mitigate this, try to stagger your water usage throughout the day. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening when overall household water demand is lower.
• Higher Water Bills: Increased water usage inevitably leads to higher utility bills. To keep costs in check, consider water-efficient fixtures and regularly check for leaks. 

Clogged Drains

Summer activities often mean more dirt, sand, and debris finding their way into your home and, consequently, your drains. Here are a few common causes of clogged drains during the summer and how to prevent them:

• Outdoor Activities: After a day at the beach or playing in the yard, it’s easy for sand, dirt, and small stones to end up in your drains. To prevent this, make sure to rinse off outside before coming indoors. You can also place a drain cover in your shower or bathtub to catch debris before it enters the plumbing system.
• Increased Showering: More frequent showers can also lead to hair and soap scum building up faster in your drains. Regularly clean your drain covers to keep things flowing smoothly.

Clogged Kitchen Sink or Disposal

Summer barbecues are a great way to enjoy the season, but they can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink. The combination of grease, food particles, and increased dishwashing can lead to stubborn clogs:

• Grease Buildup: Pouring grease down the drain is a common mistake that can cause major blockages. Instead, let the grease cool and dispose of it in the trash. Use a paper towel to wipe off greasy pans before washing them to minimize the amount of grease that enters your pipes.
• Food Particles: Large food scraps can also cause clogs. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain. Avoid putting bones, shells, and fibrous or starchy foods like potato peels and pasta down the garbage disposal, as they can quickly cause backups.

Summer can be hard on your plumbing system, but with a little vigilance and some preventative measures, you can avoid many common problems.

Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for plumbing services in Middletown, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.

The post Common Summer Plumbing Issues first appeared on Quality Heating & Cooling.

When it’s time to replace your home’s water heater, the debate between traditional tank water heaters and their innovative tankless counterparts is a common consideration. As a leading plumbing company dedicated to ensuring the comfort and efficiency of our customers’ homes, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about water heating systems. 

In this blog, we will delve into the pros and cons of both tank and tankless water heaters, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make the best choice for your home. No matter which version you choose, rely on us for your plumbing service in Monroe, NY.

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters have long been the go-to option for residential hot water needs. Operating on a simple principle of heating water and storing it in a tank until needed, these systems have stood the test of time for their reliability and affordability. 

The upfront cost of tank water heaters is generally lower than their tankless counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, installation is usually straightforward, with minimal requirements beyond a dedicated space for the tank.

However, tank water heaters do have their drawbacks. One notable limitation is their finite hot water supply. Once the tank’s capacity is depleted, it takes time for the unit to heat up more water, leading to potential delays and discomfort during peak usage periods. Furthermore, traditional tank water heaters are notorious for their energy inefficiency, as they continuously heat and reheat water even when not in use, resulting in higher utility bills over time. 

Tankless Water Heaters

In recent years, tankless water heaters have emerged as an alternative to traditional tank systems. Unlike their counterparts, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and providing a continuous supply of hot water. This feature alone makes tankless water heaters highly desirable for households with high hot water demands or limited storage space.

Furthermore, tankless water heaters boast impressive energy efficiency, as they only consume energy when hot water is needed. This results in significant cost savings on utility bills over time, offsetting the higher initial investment required for installation. Additionally, the compact size of tankless water heaters makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking to maximize space.

Despite their numerous advantages, tankless water heaters are not without their drawbacks. The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a tankless unit is typically higher than that of a tank water heater, which may deter some homeowners. 

Additionally, the installation process for tankless water heaters can be more complex, requiring specialized knowledge and potentially higher labor costs. Finally, some users may experience fluctuations in water temperature with tankless systems, particularly in homes with multiple simultaneous hot water demands.

In conclusion, the decision between a tank or tankless water heater ultimately boils down to individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances. As a reputable plumbing company committed to excellence in service and customer satisfaction, we encourage homeowners to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision. 

Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for plumbing service in Monroe, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.

The post Should I Get a Tank or Tankless Water Heater? first appeared on Quality Heating & Cooling.

Here in Monroe, NY, your heating system is of utmost importance, trucking along day in and day out to keep your home a cozy oasis in our brutal winter weather. Almost as important is your hot water heater. This essential system provides your home with hot water 24/7.

Just think of all the tasks in your home that depend on a steady supply of water. When something goes wrong with your water heater, it can immediately put a halt to your home comfort. That’s why water heater repairs and replacements are one of the plumbing services that we provide. Here are 3 signs that your water heater might have reached the end of its lifespan.

Lack of Hot Water

The temperature is in the single digits and you’re looking forward to a nice, hot shower to warm you up. But then the shower turns icy cold halfway through. You’ve also noticed that your clothes and dishes aren’t getting as clean. These are all signs that your water heater isn’t able to meet the demands of your household.

Although we’ll thoroughly diagnose the issue to make sure there’s not an easy fix, if your water heater is on the older side (in the 10-15 year range) a replacement may be in your future.

Signs of Rust, Corrosion, or Leaks

Does the water from your taps look slightly rusty or reddish in color? This is a sign of corrosion and is likely to occur in older water heaters. Unfortunately, a rusted or corroded water heater tank can’t be fixed. It’s impossible to stop or reverse the corrosion process in its tracks once it starts. 

Any sign of leaks is another reason for a water heater replacement. Even a small leak has the potential to become a major one. Paying for a new water heater is a lot more affordable than paying to repair the damage that can occur when a minor leak becomes a major one.

Your Water Heater Is Old

We’ve seen some outdated water heaters in our many years of servicing water heaters. Although the average lifespan of a water heater is 10-15 years, many people keep a water heater that’s past this service life around thinking that if it’s not broken, why fix it? 

Even though your old water heater is still technically working, it’s definitely not working efficiently. In the last few years of life, a water heater can really start to decline. It may spring a major leak or break down completely. 

In other words, it could become a major headache without any of the above signs. For a water heater that’s older than 15 years, we generally recommend that you have it replaced. A new model will be much more energy efficient. You won’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns or a major leak. 

Better yet, you can plan for your replacement rather than having to make a hasty decision bourne out of the need to restore your home’s hot water as quickly as possible.

Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for water heater replacement in Monroe, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal. 

The post 3 Signs Your Water Heater Is Due for Replacement first appeared on Quality Heating & Cooling.