water Archives | A&A Plumbing

Unleash Your Eco-Warrior Spirit with a Tankless Water Heater

Say Goodbye to Bulky Tanks and Hello to Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional storage tank water heaters. These devices heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a large tank to heat and store it constantly. Tankless water heaters can save homeowners money on utility bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and save space. In this blog, look at the numerous environmental advantages of tankless water heaters and why they’re a good choice for a greener home.

How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to That Old Water Heater

As essential household appliances, water heaters require regular maintenance and replacement to ensure they function correctly. If a homeowner is unsure whether their water heater needs to be replaced, look for rust or corrosion on the tank, metallic-tasting or smelling water, unusual noises, leaks, and a lack of hot water. The age of the water heater is also an essential factor to consider, as units older than ten years may be nearing the end of their useful life. By recognizing these warning signs early on, homeowners can avoid more serious issues and ensure their water heater operates efficiently and safely.

Discovering the Magic of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular for homeowners looking for a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional storage tank water heaters. Unlike conventional units, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, continuously heating and storing water in a large tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit, where a gas or electric heating element warms it. The hot water then flows from the unit to the required faucet or appliance.

Because there is no storage tank, there is no standby heat loss, and hot water is available immediately, making it more convenient for users. Furthermore, tankless water heaters only heat water when required, so they can be more energy-efficient, lowering water and energy bills. Homeowners can decide which type of water heater is best for their needs if they understand how tankless water heaters work.

Efficient and Eco-Friendly: Exploring the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

Compared to traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters have several advantages. Because they only heat water when needed, these units can be more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters. This feature has the potential to save money on both water and energy bills. Tankless water heaters are also smaller, making them ideal for homes with limited space. They have a lifespan of up to 20 years, often longer than that of storage tank water heaters.

Furthermore, tankless water heaters are a more environmentally friendly option because they generate less waste and use less energy. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply of hot water, which is especially beneficial for larger households or homes with high hot water demands. Homeowners can enjoy these benefits and the many advantages of this innovative technology by upgrading to a tankless water heater.

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing is committed to providing superior solutions to its customers in the surrounding areas. When working with them, one can expect nothing less than exceptional service from beginning to end. Since 2007, their expert team has been solving problems, and they understand customers’ needs throughout the area. Call A&A Plumbing for all San Antonio, TX tankless water heater services.

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Avoid Getting Stuck Without Hot Water This Winter!

3 Signs the Water Heater Is Close To Failure

As winter approaches and the weather in south-central Texas turns from pleasantly brisk to chillingly cold, the importance of a working water heater is not lost on San Antonio homeowners. Sure, cold showers may be a popular and refreshing health hack, but most people probably don't want that to be their only option - especially in the colder months. Unfortunately, that's when most water heater breakdowns tend to occur.

But the good news is that water heaters seldom fail without warning - the trick is to spot the signs before it's too late and the home is left without hot water. So this article will share a few of the most common signs that a hot water heater is going out!

Problems with Water Temperature

Water temperature issues are among the most obvious signs of water heater trouble. Such issues include temperature fluctuations, running out of hot water, or lacking hot water. Sometimes, the problem may be a faulty thermostat or broken heating element. The cost of replacing these parts varies, but if the unit is very old, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit.

Another possibility is that the water heater is undersized or outdated and can't keep up with the household's hot water demands. This is surprisingly common in growing families or older homes with aging water heaters. If this is the case, the solution may be to upgrade to a larger hot water tank unit or install a tankless water heater that rapidly heats water on demand.

The Unit Is Leaking

Another common sign of a failing water heater is evidence of leaks on or around the unit. A water heater leak often results from smaller issues, such as a loose connection, damaged/corroded pipe, or faulty valve (the temperature & pressure relief valve is a common culprit). Fortunately, these are relatively quick and easy fixes for a professional plumber.

But if the water heater's storage tank is leaking, that's a different story. This can occur if the tank has become cracked or corroded due to inadequate maintenance - failing to regularly flush sediment buildup or replace the anode rod (a corrosion prevention device inside the tank) are the two most common causes of such leaks. A leaking hot water tank generally cannot be repaired, so homeowners will likely have to replace the entire unit.

Old Age/Wear and Tear

In addition to the specific issues described above, it may also be time for a water heater replacement if the unit is very old or in constant need of repairs. Traditional water heaters have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years or 15-20 for tankless water heaters (depending on how well they've been maintained).

If the water heater is over 10 years old (or 15 for tankless) but gets annual professional service visits and is still functioning normally, there's probably nothing to worry about. But if it's getting into that age range and frequently requires repairs, it will probably make more financial sense to replace it rather than shelling out for repairs and parts every year - not to mention that such a unit is more likely to break down completely.

If homeowners notice any of these signs, they would do well to contact their plumber to diagnose the issue rather than trying to repair it themselves. Professional water heater technicians can pinpoint the exact cause and make expert recommendations on whether to repair or replace the unit. They can also work with the homeowners to determine what type and size of water heater to choose based on the household's specific needs - if it comes to that!

About A&A Plumbing

Since opening its doors in 2007, A&A Plumbing has quickly become one of San Antonio's most trusted and highly-rated plumbers. As a family-owned business focused on personal attention, unbeatable workmanship, and stellar customer service, they have been honored with ServiceTitan's "Titan of the Year" finalist award and a 5-star rating on Home Advisor. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, and a money-saving membership program, so don't hesitate to call A&A today for water heater repair in San Antonio, TX!

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3 Signs of a Water Leak Every Homeowner Should Know

Tips for Detecting Water Leaks at Home

Water leaks are one of the most common and insidious plumbing issues homeowners can face. The EPA estimates that an average household can lose as much as 10,000 gallons of water to leaks every year - that’s not just a lot of wasted water, it’s also a lot of wasted money. But leaks can also damage the home or its foundation, degrade indoor air quality by facilitating mold growth, and attract pests, so it behooves every homeowner to find and fix any leaks as quickly as possible.

The trouble is that leaks aren’t always easy to spot. Some reveal themselves through obvious signs like mold and mildew growth, evidence of water damage (discoloration, warped wood or drywall, bubbling or peeling wallpaper/paint, etc.), or even a puddle of water under a pipe. But other leaks, hidden behind walls or underground, only leave subtler hints of their existence. This article will outline three common signs of a hidden water leak that often gets overlooked.

Running Water Sounds

The first clue that the home may have a hidden water leak is the sound of running water when no plumbing fixtures are in use. This is typically described as a muffled hissing or rushing sound coming from somewhere in the house. If the home’s faucets are off and appliances like dishwashers are not running, no water should be actively flowing through the home’s supply lines. If there’s a leak, water will continue to flow through the pipes, sometimes quite noisily.

Running water sounds can not only alert homeowners to the presence of a leak but may also indicate the general vicinity of the leak itself. Unfortunately, very slow leaks aren’t likely to make much noise when running water, so this clue won’t help homeowners detect every kind of leak.

Weak Water Pressure

The next potential sign of a leak is low water pressure. The water in a home’s supply lines is kept under constant pressure so it can be instantly available whenever a faucet or fixture is opened. If there’s a leak, some of that pressure will escape through the opening along with the water, resulting in weak water pressure. There will also be less water reaching the fixture, which will decrease the flow rate - while technically different from water pressure, both amount to the same thing in a practical sense: a weak flow of water.

Low water pressure can also be caused by other issues, such as a partially closed valve, faulty pressure regulator, or mineral deposits inside the pipes. It’s best to have a professional plumber diagnose water pressure issues.

Unusually High Water Bills

Finally, higher water bills can also point to a hidden water leak in the home. Unfortunately, the water meter doesn’t distinguish between water used and water lost to leaks - and neither does the utility company. As water leaks out of the pipes, the meter will keep on ticking.

However, homeowners can use that fact to their advantage by running a simple test. First, they can ensure that no faucets or fixtures are used anywhere in the home. Then they can go to their water meter and write down the number displayed on its face, which signifies the amount of water used in a given period. Then they can wait for about an hour (without water) and check the meter again. If the number has gone up, there’s almost certainly a leak.

Even a relatively minor water leak can dramatically increase utility costs and cause significant water damage, so if homeowners determine that they have a leak using any of the above clues, the next step is to call a professional plumber or leak detection service soon as possible. Professionals can pinpoint the exact location of the leak, determine the root cause, and repair it quickly - as well as offer advice for preventing future leaks.

About A&A Plumbing

The experts at A&A Plumbing have been proud to serve San Antonio and the surrounding areas since 2007. As a BBB-accredited company, their personalized approach, cost-effective solutions, and industry-leading expertise have earned them a 5-star HomeAdvisor rating and ServiceTitan’s prestigious Titan of the Year Finalist Award. Their financing options and membership plans make it easy for homeowners to get the plumbing services they need without breaking the bank - so call A&A for leak detection in San Antonio, TX, today!

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Say Goodbye To Low Shower Water Pressure!

Do You Know Why Your Shower Has Low Water Pressure?

Few things are as annoying as stepping into the shower only to be met by a puny trickle of water coming from the showerhead. Weak water pressure makes showers take way longer than they should, but even after taking all that time, the soap or shampoo often doesn’t quite get rinsed off all the way, resulting in dry, itchy skin or limp, lifeless hair.

But as frustrating as the effects of poor water pressure can be, what makes it worse is not knowing what’s causing the problem. So this article will lay out a few possible reasons a shower might have low water pressure - and what to do about it.

A Brief Overview of Bathroom Plumbing

The first place to look when the shower pressure suffers is the bathroom’s other fixtures. In general, bathroom plumbing is connected, with pipes branching off from the main supply and drainage pipes and running to each of the fixtures. A clogged drain in the tub might also affect the sink or shower drains. But the same goes for the supply lines as well.

If the mineral scale has built up inside the pipes or some sort of debris (i.e., impurities or flakes of corroded metal) has made its way into the water lines, it can cause a loss in water pressure. If the bathtub or sink faucets also seem to have weak water pressure, one or more of the bathroom supply lines may be clogged.

Hidden Water Line Leaks

Another possible reason for low shower pressure is if there’s a leak in one of the water lines. Even a very small leak will allow pressure to escape from the supply system, diminishing the flow rate significantly. Hidden water leaks are one of the most common causes of water pressure issues, but this is a blessing in disguise - without the drop in water pressure, many small leaks might go unnoticed for much longer, steadily wasting water and potentially damaging the home.

A leak in any bathroom supply lines (or upstream) may affect other fixtures in the bathroom, but a leak in the shower plumbing itself may not, depending on the configuration. Unfortunately, shower plumbing isn’t always easy to get to and inspect for leaks, so hiring a leak detection service may be the best option.

Clogged Showerhead

Poor shower pressure is often caused by a mineral scale buildup in the showerhead itself. This is especially common in regions with hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

While not necessarily harmful to ingest or bathe in, hard water can leave mineral deposits inside pipes and fixtures that can eventually build up enough to constrict water flow. This is one reason water lines may become clogged as mentioned above. This hard water scale is notorious for jamming up showerheads - it may even be visible as a sort of light-colored crust around the nozzle holes.

Removing the showerhead and soaking it in vinegar overnight is one easy home remedy for this, but it won’t solve the underlying problem. Very hard water can have other negative effects on the home, so homeowners may want to consider installing a water softener to remove the mineral content from their water supply. Homeowners can wave goodbye to low shower pressure for good!

About A&A Plumbing

The award-winning A&A Plumbing has been proudly serving San Antonio and surrounding areas since 2007. They offer up-front pricing, financing, personalized solutions, and a highly beneficial membership plan. Their friendly, trustworthy experts take pride in their cleanliness, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service, so homeowners can feel good about calling A&A for plumbing services in San Antonio, TX!

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It's Time To Replace That Old Water Heater

3 Reasons It's Time To Replace the Old Water Heater

It is hard to understand when a water heater is past its prime. However, there are three simple rules to follow: age, leaks, and overall effectiveness. When a water heater no longer works, it can increase monthly bills and water damage. It is best to perform preventative maintenance through a water heater service to avoid this.

1. The Water Heater Is Too Old

Homeowners need to remember and keep their paperwork with them regarding their old water heaters. Most of the time, when these large and older models start to age, they break down and crack.

It eventually becomes easier to replace the water heater, especially after 10 years. However, different models have different guarantees. For example, some homeowners have found that electric water heaters have a shorter lifespan than traditional water heaters. These can live up to 8 years.

Electric water heaters risk damaging electrical outlets and appliances as they start to wear down. This is likely why they begin to show their age at eight years old. It is best to check the manufacturing date and any warranties if applicable.

2. The Water Heater Is Leaking

Is there water in places that water should not be? If this is true, it is likely because of a water heater leak. There are many simple reasons that a water heater starts to leak! However, homeowners should immediately call in for a water heater replacement if they notice a water heater leak.

The most common reason is a crack inside or outside the water heater. These large cracks can easily let water seep out and start to leak. Homeowners can find the area by looking for condensation and water drops on their water heater.

Another common reason the water heater is leaking is because of a buildup of calcium and minerals inside the heater. Sometimes, a large buildup damages the inside and forces pressure to try and release.

3. The Water Heater Refuses To Work

Sometimes water heaters are not leaking water, but they do not work efficiently anymore! The cause depends on the severity of the water heater's condition and age. If a homeowner's water heater is still young and under warranty, they should call a water heater installer. However, it depends on the type of heating system. There are also gas water heater services.

Usually, if these systems stop working, though, a broken heating element or improperly sized tank can affect the water heater's ability to work efficiently.

About A&A Plumbing

A&A plumbing is a locally and family-owned business that has been in operation since 2007. With over a decade of experience serving their community, they offer fair pricing and excellent customer service. Homeowners should give them a call today for water heater service!