What is more efficient tankless or tank water heater?

The amount of hot water used by a household usually determines whether a tankless or tank water heater is more efficient for the home. The more hot water a household uses, the more energy efficient the tankless system becomes.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of tankless vs. tank water heaters

Overall, however, tankless water heaters have the advantage over tank storage water heaters when it comes to energy efficiency. Even if you are using 41 gallons or less of hot water each day, your tankless water heaters will prove to be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than a tank water heater. The energy efficiency improves as more hot water is used, which can be a real savings for those with larger families that use a lot of hot water. Energy efficiency improves by 8% to 14% for homes using more than 86 gallons of hot water per day.

No matter what kind of water heater you choose, you need to keep it well maintained for it to run properly and efficiently. When you need water heater repair, make sure to contact the experts at Grateful Plumber.

Energy efficiency is an important aspect for savings for both residential and commercial properties. One area that helps with energy efficiency is a good residential or commercial roofing system that reflects heat from the building.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more, as compared to the 10 to 13 years a standard tank system will last.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

While tankless water heaters are generally low maintenance, it’s good to give them a regular check up once a year to ensure the device is running properly, especially if you have hard water problems or the heat is set at high temperature year round. Both situations can lead to mineral buildup and scaling.  

Here are some maintenance tips for tankless water heaters:

• Shut off the power source before beginning any work.
• Turn off all three valves. The hot water valve is usually red, while the cold water valve is usually blue. A third valve controls the main line that carries the water to the house.
• Remove the T-shaped purging valve to relieve pressure inside the heater.
• Attach hosing lines that came with the heater so you can flush the system.
• Turn the purge port valves to “open” position, usually vertical.
• Flush the system using about 3 gallons of white vinegar.
• After purging the system according to the manufacturer’s instruction, remove hosing and reattach valves
• Restart the system according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and then let water run in the sink for about 1 minute to get rid of all the air.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need?

The size of the tankless water system that you choose will depend on the flow rate you need and the temperature rise for the system application. That is, are planning to heat the whole house or just a small part like a single bathroom. For each device you’re heating in the home, you’ll want determine the flow rate or gallons per minute the device will use. You’ll add all the flow rates together. You’ll determine the temperature rise by subtracting the incoming water temperature from the desired output. Usually it’s best to assume the incoming water temperature is 50 degrees. Using that temperature will prevent you from undersizing the tankless water heater.

What tankless water heater should I get

The type of tankless water heater you get will primarily depend on how much water you plan to use and how many appliances you’re hooking it up to. There are many good brands on the market that will fit perfectly to your household needs. You’ll also want a tankless water heater with a good warranty from the manufacturer. A good warranty will indicate the manufacturer believes in its product’s quality and reliability.

Tankless water heater is leaking

Although it is rare, tankless water heaters do leak. Usually leaks occur near the bottom of the system or around the connections. Leaks may also occur because the water heater is poorly vented. If you live in an area with hard water, leaks could occur because of mineral build up in the system. Regular maintenance, including flushing the system, and repairs will help prevent leaks.

Tankless water heater to fill a bath

Size matters when it comes to tankless water heaters. A tankless heater that’s too small will not heat your water properly. Bathtubs will generally need a larger water heater to make sure that when you fill the tub the water will stay hot.

No matter what kind of water heater you have, when you need water heater repair in Indianapolis, IN, you can rely on the professionals at Grateful Plumber. Give us a call at 317-677-4918 today to schedule services.

One of the best ways to add value to our home is to improve upon areas that might be outdated. Whether you bought a home that was built in the 90s or in the 60s, you might notice that a lot of rooms are outdated, especially. After the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the rooms which gets the most use. We shower, bathe, get ready for our days, and its most likely the last room we go into besides our bedrooms. The great thing is that we can improve our bathrooms with a little remodeling. While a bathroom remodels might sound like the best option, many people ask the most important question–how much will it cost to remodel my bathroom?

According to Homeadvisor, an average price for a bathroom remodel in 2019 is going to cost $10,272. A lot of people don’t have that kind of money lying around to spend on a bathroom remodel, but they are in desperate need of remodeling their bathroom. After finding out how much bathroom remodeling is going to cost, they might ask, “How can I save money on my bathroom remodel?” There are a lot of ways that you can still remodel your bathroom and not have to pay upwards of $10,000.

• Instead of replacing the builder made bathroom mirror, you can add a frame around it to give it a facelift.
• Since tile is very expensive, you can focus on tiling the floor and painting the walls or using beadboard or board and batten.
• A great way to update the look of the bathroom is upgrading the fixtures.
• Change the toilet seat and lid to make it look like a brand new toilet.
• Use an antique dresser to update the vanity in your bathroom.
• Clean the grout and fix the caulking in your bathroom for a cleaner look.
• If you want marble or granite countertops for the vanity, consider making little changes and making the countertop the focus of the bathroom.

Is a Bathroom Remodel Worth It?

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, you should never jump in head first. There are so many things to consider, like if bathroom remodeling is really worth it. While we want to add value to our homes, that doesn’t mean that how much money you put into your home is going to equal to the actual value of the home. You can remodel every area of your home but that doesn’t necessarily mean the value is going to go up. This is because when we remodel or renovate something, its usually to our specific tastes–if we end up putting our homes on the market and buyers aren’t liking what they are seeing, they might move onto another home or consider your home if you knock a few thousand dollars off the price.

This isn’t to say that a bathroom remodel isn’t worth it. Sometimes these types of things to increase the value of a home, but most of the time, bathroom remodeling is great when you are looking to stay in your home for the long run. Another thing to consider when you are thinking about remodeling is that you need to remodel based on the neighborhood you are in. If you live in an area with million dollar homes, then remodeling is going to increase the value of your home; if you live in an area where your neighbors aren’t doing much to improve their homes, then you might not want to go all out with remodeling, However, remodeling one room, like a bathroom, isn’t going to hurt you– it’s all going to depend on how much you want to spend.

Can You Remodel a Bathroom Yourself?

If you want to remodel your bathroom or add a completely new bathroom to your home, you need to decide whether or not you or a professional is going to take care of the bathroom remodel or addition. You need to consider that if you are changing the structure of the bathroom, which you usually do with remodeling, you are going to have to move around plumbing pipes, appliances, lighting, and more. If you are able to handle that type of work, then you are going to save a lot of money doing it on your own. But if you can’t, then you need to think about hiring a professional contractor to help you.

Other things that need you should mull over is, is it going to look better if I do it or if a professional does it? Will you love it or hate it if you are the one to remodel the bathroom? When you hire a contractor, they will have the necessary experience, knowledge, and contacts to get you deals as well as ensure everything is completed correctly. Things you could do to save money do your own demolition, paint the walls, and buy your own appliances and fixtures. Instead of thinking, “What is the best color for a bathroom?” or “How much does it cost to replace a tub with a shower?” an expert will be able to answer these questions and help you. You wouldn’t handle emergency roofing in Louisville, KY, so why not leave the remodeling to a professional?

How To Plan a Bathroom Remodel

Coming up with a plan for your bathroom remodel can be fun and exciting, but it also might be overwhelming. The reason why is because people might not know where to start in regards to planning. In order to make your bathroom remodeling planning less stressful, we have created a plan that will make things a lot less stressful and give you a clear plan on what should happen.

• Make a Budget: You will need to sit down with your spouse, partner, or roommate and decide how much you are willing to spend on a bathroom remodel.
• Come Up with Ideas: Start compiling ideas on Pinterest or in a folder on what you want your bathroom to look like.
• Bathroom Layout and Design: Once you know what your bathroom to look like, create a layout on how you want it to look.
• Hire a Contractor: To make the remodeling less overwhelming and more smooth, hire a professional contractor that you trust.
• Buy Your Supplies: You can buy the paint, tile, wood, appliances, and fixtures you want for your bathroom.

When To Remodel Bathroom

Because bathroom remodeling can take a long time, you need to consider when the best time will be. You might not want to remodel your bathroom during major holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving. You could potentially schedule your remodel to happen during the summer; this would be nice since the weather is great and you could go on vacation during that time. It would be a good feeling going on vacation with an old bathroom and coming back to a bathroom that is completely new. However, when you hire a contractor, they are able to tell you when they think the best time to remodel is. If you want to upgrade other things in your home like installing Tankless water heaters in Indianapolis, IN, call Grateful Plumber at 317-677-4918 for more information.

When it comes to a busted water pipe in your home, you can, unfortunately, expect to have a bit of damage to your property. The water lines in your home include water pipes that bring water into your home and water lines for your water heater; regardless of the water pipe, they can all be susceptible to bursting. There are a couple of reasons why pipes burst and that includes corrosion, the pipes freezing, the pipes moving, and high water pressure. So what happens if a pipe bursts? The most common thing that is going to happen when a pipe bursts in your home is that there will be water damage. This can be due to a pipe burst flood or even just a little bit of water, but the type of water damage will be based on how bad the pipe was damaged and where the pipe is located. Because your water pipes can be located in several areas of your home, this means that there is the possibility that various things in your home will become damaged, which include

• Your Floors: If water from your burst pipe leaks or floods, it’s most likely going to get on your floor. There are several problems with that, the first being that is can cause structural damage to the floor. This is especially true if you have wood floors; when water is left standing long enough, it can cause the wood to start to warp. The second problem is that is can cause mold growth underneath and on the floor. Again, when water is left standing for more than 24 hours, mold can start to grown.
• Your Walls: Your water pipes are located behind your walls, so the first thing that is going to get damaged are your walls. Not only can the water from the burst pipe cause damages to the structure of the wall, but if there are electrical wires behind the wall, there is a chance that the water and the electrical wires come into contact and start a fire. While the biggest concern would be with your interior walls, the walls on the outside of your home are also threatened by water. You should also be aware that if it penetrates far enough, it can cause problems with the drywall.
• Your Furniture: Depending on the extent of the water that accumulates from a burst pipe, your furniture can also become damaged. Wet furniture is never good, as it is also a good place for mold to grow and spread to other areas of your home.
• Your Electronic Components: Electronics can include computers, TVs, appliances, etc. that are plugged into your wall that come into contact with water that has burst from your water pipes.

In order to avoid a burst pipe from happening in your home, it is so important to get plumbing maintenance. Or if you are noticing that your water pressure is a little too high or it’s extremely cold outside, you call a plumber and ask them what you can do. If you call a plumbing contractor for burst pipe repair, you can expect pipe burst repair time to be around four to six hours to repair. This is because they need to know how bad the damage is and it takes a bit of time to repair water pipes.

What Do You Do If a Pipe Bursts?

While a water pipe burst inside house is one of the most overwhelming things that can happen to a homeowner, you have to do what you can in order to protect your home from water damage. There are a couple of things that you need to do in order to reduce water damage and flooding in your home. The first thing that you will want to do is stop the water; the way that you will do this is by locating the main water line and turning it off. The main water line shutoff is usually outside but if you live in a colder climate it can be located in your home. Once the water has been shut off, you will also need to run your sinks and flush the toilet to ensure all of the water is out of the pipes. Next, you will want to remove as much water as possible. Be sure that you wipe up areas that can have water easily hidden. When the water has been cleaned up, open up a window to dry your home out. Another thing you can do is turn on the AC to remove humidity from the air and then turn on the heater to remove moisture. After all of that is complete and a plumber has come by and fixed your broken water pipe, you can call a professional water removal company to make sure there is no water in your home or mold growth.

Is a Burst Water Pipe Covered By Insurance?

When a water pipe bursts, a lot of people want to know if they will get water and flood damage insurance claims assistance from their insurance company. If you have water or flood damage from a burst water pipe, your insurance coverage policy should cover the cost of the burst pipe repair that is needed for the burst pipe and any damages. However, it’s important to note that your insurance carrier can deny your claim if they think that the burst pipe could’ve been prevented. Pipes tend to burst due to water pressure, freezing pipes, moving pipes, and corrosion, so if your insurance company gets one of their adjusters to inspect your broken pipes and they determine that the damage could be prevented, you will need to cover the cost of your repairs. How much does it cost to fix a burst water pipe? It’s going to depend on if burst pipe repair is an emergency or if it’s not that serious. If burst pipe repair is needed right away, it can cost somewhere in the thousands. It’s also important to note that where the pipes are located as well as the time of year will also play a part in how expensive the repairs are.

Because your insurance company can deny you based on the claim that the pipe burst could’ve been prevented, it is so important that you always get a plumbing inspection for your pipes. This way you have evidence for your insurance company that you actually had maintenance done. Not only can it help when it comes to your insurance company, but there are other benefits of a plumbing inspection.

• If there are any leaks coming from the pipes they can repair them before they become bigger leaks.
• Inspections can determine the condition of your pipes and whether you need repairs or replacement.
• Save on the cost of expensive repairs as well as on your water bills.
• Plumbing inspections for your pipes can save you because they can determine if there is high water pressure, corrosion, or if your pipes have moved, which are the culprits of burst water pipes.

When you need burst pipe repair, it is so important that you call a licensed and insured plumbing contractor. At Grateful Plumber, we are able to provide pipe burst repair in Indianapolis, IN for homeowners who are looking for affordable burst pipe repair. Just call us at 317-677-4918 to make an appointment today!

In order to get your home prepared for the Winter months, there are many tasks to complete. Your roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and even your landscape should be inspected by a professional to ensure they are in optimal condition and prepared to take on the cold temperatures of the Winter months. In fact, the cold season is the most common time for catastrophic plumbing damages such as pipe or sewer bursts. Protect your home and loved ones this Winter with a comprehensive plumbing inspection along with your other home evaluations.

What do I Need to Do?

According to the experts at 1st Plumber to Call, Fall plumbing maintenance is the best protection against burst pipes, slow water draining, and low water pressure. These problems are typically caused by frozen water, either inside your pipes or in your pipe vents. As the frozen water expands, it caused rip tears in your pipe system that can cause detrimental effects. In order to keep your home safe, a professional should check each of these areas:

• Clean and Inspect Pipes: Your plumber will clean your your indoor and outdoor pipes to prevent clogs that can lead to bursts. He will also inspect your pipe system for possible weaknesses and damages.
• Outdoor Faucets: Your plumbing expert will evaluate your outdoor faucets to identify any damages or possible leaks.
• Sprinkler Lines: While not often considered, these lines can cause just as much damage as a water line if they burst at the right time. Your plumber will ensure that your lines are intact and securely connected.

Your Local Experts

When you need Fall plumbing maintenance in Indianapolis, IN, our experts have got your covered. We provide comprehensive indoor and outdoor inspections to ensure that your plumbing is ready to take on the cold Winter months. Call us today at 317-677-4918 to schedule your Fall plumbing maintenance appointment today.

Fall is quickly approaching, and with it, threats of harsh, cold weather, heavy winds, and additional precipitation. It’s crucial to ensure that your home is in optimal condition before Fall is in full swing to protect against the effects of cold weather. Although many homeowners complete the basics of Fall home maintenance such as roof material checks and heater inspections, they often forget about the importance of plumbing maintenance. As the weather gets colder, your plumbing is more susceptible to dangers like cracked pipes, leaky outdoor faucets, and low water flow. Combat these problems with reliable drain cleaning and repair services before the cold strikes.

How Are my Drains Affected by Cold?

During cold weather, your home’s plumbing is at risk. Pipes of all kinds are capable of freezing and should be protected until temperatures are above freezing. Drains can also have trouble when vents on the home are clogged by snow or ice. However, keeping your drains clean and efficient can help combat the problem and keep your drains flowing quickly. Water, snow, and ice buildup on the roof can also lead to clogged roof vents. Your roof material, gutters, and soffit and fascia should be inspected before Fall to ensure that water can properly drain from your roof. Other important points to check include:

• Siding
• A/C Compressor
• Window and Door Seals
• Rooftop Intake Vents
• Heating Ducts

Keeping your home as efficient as possible can not only keep your family protected throughout the Winter but can also save on energy bills and wear and tear.

Expert Plumbing Inspection and Repair in Indianapolis, IN

When you need a comprehensive plumbing inspection to ensure the durability of your home throughout the Winter, call the Grateful Plumber team first. Our experienced technicians provide knowledgeable, friendly service that keeps your plumbing in excellent condition. Call us today at 317-677-4918 to schedule your Fall home maintenance drain cleaning and repair in the Indianapolis, IN area.

The Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

The drains in your home handle thousands of gallons of water on an annual basis. Of course, water is not the only substance that flows down our drains. Food residue, beverages, oil, hair, soap, and grease also flow down the drains, and their passage will eventually take its toll. The accumulation of these substances will eventually narrow the passageway of your drain pipes, all of which empty into your sewer line. Slow or totally clogged drains represent not only a hassle, but create the potential for harmful obstructions that force wastewater back up your pipes. People who wonder how to clean drains are best served through reaching out to a professional.

At Grateful Plumber, we offer professional drain cleaning service for the benefit of our clientele. We’re big believers in the benefits of modern equipment and technology, advantages that combine with professional skill to elevate our service high above what you’d achieve with store-bought drain cleaners. When you need drain cleaning in Indianapolis, IN, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 317-677-4918.

Is Drain Cleaner Bad for Your Pipes?

Most of the time, clients will attempt to treat a clog themselves before reaching out for professional help. A chemical drain clog remover will rely on harsh chemicals to supposedly dissolve clogs. At best, the cleaner will only punch a hole in the clog, a temporary fix that leaves most of the obstruction present. At the same time, the abrasive nature of a chemical drain clog remover will damage pipes both old and new.

Older pipes will simply begin to deteriorate, a scenario that can lead to an abundance of leaks. In newer, PVC pipes, the heat created through a cleaner’s chemical reactions can actually melt and deform the plastic. Drain cleaners can also harm the environment, as they introduce dangerous chemicals into the sewer system. Drain cleaners are also ineffective cost-wise. Since they represent only a temporary solution, a homeowner will need to continually apply them as the same clogs worsen over and over.

We’re Your Drain Cleaning Solution

A professional drain cleaning service represents the cost-efficient and permanent solution to any clog or obstruction. As experienced plumbers, we can completely remove a clog or obstruction with jetting technology, then confirm its eradication through specialized cameras we insert in the line. You will never have to worry about how to clean drains, a clog worsening, or waste backing up to the extent that sewage bubbles in your drains. When you need drain cleaning in Indianapolis, IN, don’t settle for the over-the-counter solution. Instead call 317-677-4918 for the plumbers at Grateful Plumber.

When winter rolls in, it can cause havoc on your home very quickly. You may be so worried about the heating system working correctly that you forget that your pipes will freeze if you are not careful. There are ways that you can keep this from happening and avoid ending up with a burst pipe in the middle of winter. This can be frustrating and very expensive to fix so it is good to make sure that you are doing these tips mentioned below.

Avoiding Pipe Freeze

Heating – One thing that is really important is that when you leave your house, do not turn your heater off. It doesn’t have to be set high, but if you do find yourself leaving for days at a time or even just to go to work when you know the temperature outside is below freezing, set your thermostat somewhere around 40 instead of turning it off.

Open Cabinets – The main piping in your home can often be found behind your cabinets. If you are leaving your home for several days, make sure you do the above and also open up your cabinets. This will allow the heat to get into them and not allow your pipes to freeze like they could if you keep them closed and not let the air get to them.

If you end up with frozen pipes or need help with any kind of plumbing problem, give Grateful Plumber a call at 317-677-4918 and we can help you.

Your sewer line represents one of the most important pieces of plumbing for your home. All of the waste flushed down every drain in your home travels out to the sewer via this indispensable line. As you can imagine, sewer line problems can quickly turn into messy catastrophes. To avoid the worst trouble, pay attention to the following signs and call for sewer line repair.

Bad Smells

Leaks are one of the more common problems with sewer lines. Since the lines are meant to remain sealed tight, any smell of sewage around your home or yard is a cause for concern. Shifting soil or questing tree roots can both lead to cracks and leaks in your line. To find the exact source of the problem, you’ll need a professional inspection.

Clogged Drains

A clog in your sewer line will affect all the drains in your home. As sewage backs up against the clog, you’ll notice sluggish activity from the drains in your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. This problem deserves immediate attention, as it can worsen to create a huge mess. As sewage continually backs up within your line, it will eventually overflow the drains.

Vibrant Yard

While most people would welcome the appearance of vibrant green grass, it actually indicates a serious sewer line problem. As sewage leaks into your yard, it will act as fertilizer for any plants it encounters. It will also serve to lure various pests, including insects and rodents.

At Grateful Plumber, we stand as your total service solution for sewer line repair in Indianapolis, IN. To learn more or schedule work, give us a call today at 317-677-4918.

When it’s time for a new water heater in your home, you may be considering a tankless water heater. While these systems offer great advantages like instant hot water and flood risk elimination, they are not right for every home. These considerations can help you decide whether a tankless water heater is right for your home.

Coverage Size

Water heaters are built to certain specifications that help to decipher its power against the size of the space it’s serving. While this is a substantial factor, tankless water heaters require more information such as household size and frequency of use, which will play a huge role in its efficiency. Your home size may be acceptable, but three showers running at the same time off of one heater may mean cold water when you least expect it.

Cost

While the systems are known for being energy and cost-efficient in the long run, tankless water heaters have a much larger upfront cost than traditional styles. The system itself is more expensive than the average tank heater, and special installation requirements such as spatial needs and retrofitted lines in some cases. This will lead to higher installation cost, as well.

Convenience

The efficiency and convenience of a tankless heater are unbeatable. These systems use less energy because there’s no need to reheat water, and they are small and easy to use. They are able to heat water instantly by using a heating coil in water passes through so there is no need for stored water that could cause flooding in your home.

For many, tankless water heaters provide an ideal system to heat their home’s water. However, it’s a good idea to consult a professional if you’re thinking of installing a new water heater system to ensure that you receive the product you’re looking for. The experts at Grateful Plumber can help you find the perfect water heater for your Indianapolis, IN home when you call 317-677-4918 to schedule a consultation.