Monthly Archives: March 2024

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home: Gas vs. Electric vs. Tankless

plumber repairing water heater

Water Heater Installation in a City Near You

Energy efficiency, cost, available space, and your household’s hot water usage patterns are all things to consider when getting a new water heater. Tankless or storage tank. Gas or electric. What’s the better choice? Here’s a comparison of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters to help you make an informed decision. 

And if you need water heater installation in Indianapolis, IN, be sure to call your local plumber at 317-677-4918. Our prices are fair, and we provide a range of services, so reach out to learn how we can help you.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters are typically more cost-effective to operate than electric heaters, especially in areas with low natural gas prices. They tend to recover hot water faster than electric heaters, making them suitable for homes with high hot water demand. Gas heaters continue to provide hot water during power outages if they have a pilot light (though some newer models may require electricity).

On the flip side, gas water heaters tend to cost more than their electric counterparts, and installation may require venting to expel combustion gases, which can add to installation costs. Finally, gas water heaters will work only if there is access to natural gas or propane.

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters can be installed in any home, even those without access to gas or propane. It’s generally more affordable to purchase an electric water heater and installation is simpler.

Although electric water heaters are cheaper than gas ones, it’s usually more expensive to operate a gas unit — particularly in areas with high electricity rates. It also takes longer to heat up water using an electric unit than a gas unit. Finally, your electric water heater may not function during power outages unless equipped with a backup power source like a generator.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater

 As their name indicates, tankless water heaters don’t have a tank of stored hot water. Instead, they heat water on demand or as needed. This means that a tankless unit can provide an endless stream of hot water, whereas a storage tank unit can provide as much hot water as its tank allows it to hold. Lack of a storage tank makes tankless units a lot more compact. 

Although having unlimited hot water is nice, tankless units take a lot longer to heat up water than do storage tank units. Tankless water heaters are also more expensive, and their installation can be a bit more labor-intensive.

Call Your Local Indianapolis, IN Plumber

When choosing a water heater, consider your budget, energy preferences, hot water needs, and available space. It’s also essential to research energy efficiency ratings and potential rebates or incentives offered by utility companies for more environmentally friendly options. Additionally, consulting with a professional plumber or HVAC technician can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific home and requirements. If you need help choosing a water heater in Indianapolis, IN, give Grateful Plumber a call. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and when you’re ready, we guarantee a water heater installation done right. Call 317-677-4918 or connect with us online.

Why is my ice maker leaking?

ice cubes against a black background

Why is my ice maker leaking?

With the cost of living increasing every day, we can’t afford to waste water, which is why ice maker line repair is important. A leaking ice maker water line can not only cost you money on your water bill, but the damage it can do over time can get expensive, too. Keeping that in mind, how do you know your ice maker is leaking, and when should you think about getting it repaired?

What kind of damage can a leaking ice maker water line cause? 

Just because a leaking water line is behind the refrigerator and out of sight doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is important to check behind the refrigerator for possible ice maker line repair needs. Even the smallest of leaks will cause damage that will need to be addressed.

From water stains on the wall behind the refrigerator to cracked paint, they create mildew and mold and cause the baseboards to swell. As the ice maker water line slowly leaks, that water runs under the refrigerator, too, damaging the flooring under it. 

What causes an ice maker water line to leak?

Some common causes that lead to ice maker line repairs include: 

  • An ice jam inside the ice maker can cause it to overfill and prevent the arms from rotating fully.
  • The refrigerator is not level.
  • The ice cube fill-cup and valve aren’t aligned.
  • The drain line is clogged.
  • The water supply is cracked or otherwise damaged, causing the leaks.
  • The water line connection is loose.
  • The fill tube in the ice maker is damaged or loose.  

How do you prevent an ice maker water line from leaking?

Before you attempt to repair the ice maker line, you must first determine where the water line is leaking. 

  • Check behind the refrigerator where the water line comes out and that the connection to the fridge is secure. If the water line under the sink is connected and nearby, check the connection there. 
  • If you don’t see any water in those areas, open the ice maker at the front panel and examine for possible water leaks. This kind of ice maker line repair is more common than you think. 
  • If you don’t find any water leaks there, check the drain. Any excess water from the ice maker drains into a drain, and if that line or the drain pan is clogged, it could appear as a leaking ice maker line. 

If you can’t find where an ice maker line repair is needed, call an appliance expert or plumber.

How much is the cost of an ice maker line repair?

The cost of repairing an ice maker line will vary between appliance repair services and plumbers. Some may charge a flat rate, and others may charge by the hour. Either billing method charges an additional fee for any parts needed.

Is a copper or plastic line better for an ice maker?

Copper and plastic are suitable materials for ice maker lines. Plastic would be easier to work with if you’re doing your own ice maker line repairs. However, if you’re having the ice make line repairs done by a professional, they will probably recommend using copper because it is more durable and will have a longer lifespan. 

Are ice maker water line repairs worthwhile?

You can shut the water off to the ice maker, and ice maker line repairs aren’t necessary. But you will lose the convenience of ice being immediately available! So that is a call you need to make for your personal preferences. 

How often does an ice maker water line need to be replaced?

We don’t think about the dishwasher and ice maker water lines daily. Both can have subtle leaks, though, so minimize those unexpected water line leaks. Experts recommend replacing both every five years, whether leaking or not. 

Are ice maker water lines universal?

If you or a plumber find that ice maker line repairs aren’t sufficient and you need to replace the line, they are not universal fitting! Every make and model of ice makers takes a different water line size.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover repairing ice maker lines?

No, homeowner’s insurance policies won’t usually include this. However, if you have a home warranty plan, that will probably cover any ice maker line repair or replacement. You should review your home warranty plan to know what to expect.

In Closing

Similarly to the water heater, you don’t usually think about the ice maker water line until there is a problem. If you suspect or find that your ice maker water line is leaking, even the smallest amount, it is important to get ice maker line repairs or replacement done sooner rather than later. Like any water leak, it starts small and becomes a more significant problem requiring more maintenance costs. Fortunately, by working with a plumbing professional who can help you understand what to expect, you can get the repairs you need and prevent future problems when you get the ice maker water line repair you require.

What are the Most Common Problems With Toilets?

plumber repairing a toilet

What should you do if you need toilet repair?

Ahhh …. The toilet. The throne. The ‘John’. It is known by so many names, but it serves only one purpose. To collect and remove human waste. Sometimes, there are homeowners (or small children) who like to flush things that aren’t meant to be flushed, but the main purpose is to collect and remove human waste through the sewer system. When things are flushed that shouldn’t be, it can lead to needing toilet repair, or even replacement. Fortunately, if you need toilet repair in Indianapolis, IN or the surrounding area, the team at Grateful Plumber can be there to help. We’re always available with the information you require, so give us a call at 317-677-4918 if you need to know what to do when you’re looking for assistance with toilet repairs.

What makes a toilet clog and not flush?

Chances are the culprit is an excessive amount of human waste and toilet paper. Other things that can clog a toilet include non-flushable items like diapers and wipes, feminine products, cotton balls, cotton swabs, animal waste, and more like FOG (fats, oils, and grease) from the kitchen.

These are things that can become stuck in the toilet trap and once there is a significant amount stuck there, the toilet can’t flush as needed. Then you’re in a panic with the plunger, but sometimes that isn’t enough, and a professional plumber is needed for toilet repair service.

What is the average cost to repair a toilet?

There isn’t a way to average the cost of toilet repair service because it is dependent on the problem. In addition to the problem being a factor in determining the cost, every plumber has their own rates. Most will charge by the hour plus parts, and others, after inspecting the problem, may charge a flat rate. 

Can you do your own toilet repairs? 

Yes, some toilet problems can be fixed by the homeowner with some DIY skills and tools, like a toilet that keeps running after you have flushed it. How do you fix a toilet that keeps running after flushing? We are going to share a four-step strategy that can solve up to 95% of possible toilet flushing problems while answering the common question, “What is the most common cause of a running toilet?”, because there is more than one common cause:  

  • The Fill Tube

This is a small flexible tube that runs between the fill valve and the overflow tube. As the tank refills, this tube allows enough water to refill the bowl after each flush. If the tube falls off or the water it releases misses the overflow tube, the water will keep running into the bowl.  Simply reattach the fill tup firmly and you have completed a toilet repair job! 

  • The Float

An adjustable float inside the tank controls the water level, and if it is set too low, you’ll have a weak flush, meaning the waste doesn’t disappear. If this float is adjusted too high, the water will spill into the overflow tube and the fill valve won’t shut off, letting the toilet keep running. For a toilet repair to fix this,  find the fill level mark inside the tank, mark the overflow tube at the same level, and adjust the float height accordingly. 

  • The Flush Handle and Chain

If the chain that runs from the handle to the flapper is too short or entangled, the flapper can’t close and water will keep leaking into the toilet bowl. If the chain is too long, the flush rod will hit the tank lid and the flapper can’t open enough for the flush. A simple toilet repair is to adjust the chain length as needed! 

  • The Flapper

If these three steps didn’t stop the toilet from running, then you need to replace the rubber flapper inside the tank, another easy toilet repair. How do you fix a toilet flapper that won’t seal? Adjusting the chain longer or shorter is often the needed toilet repair. Another possibility is the flapper is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Why is the toilet struggling to flush?

Again, five possible problems can keep a toilet from flushing. Among them include some of the items we just listed like the flapper needs to be replaced, the chain is too long or too short, or the float needs to be adjusted. And of course, one of the most common problems is a clogged toilet. 

For toilet repair for the first four things, review the issues listed above. For the clogged toilet possibility, use a toilet plunger, these are black and have an extension coming from the ball of the plunger that fits into the toilet. Plunging for 10 to 20 seconds repeatedly. 

If that doesn’t clear the clog, you’ll need to use an auger, similar to a plumber’s snake.  And if that doesn’t successfully clear the clog, call a plumber for toilet repair. The clog may be further into the sewer line, even a possible broken sewer line. 

In Closing

Flushing the toilet is an activity that takes place several times a day. And the more people in the house, the more flushing! It is an expected and needed activity, but the flushing problems are usually unexpected. Fortunately, not all toilet repairs require the services of a professional plumber! But having one that you trust is important because when you do need a professional toilet repair, you can’t always say you’ll find one later.  And if you do find yourself seeking toilet repair in Indianapolis, IN or any nearby cities, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Grateful Plumber. You can give us a call at 317-677-4918 if you need to speak to one of our plumbing professionals.