Top 3 Reasons to Install a Tankless Water Heater

If your current water heater has reached the end of its useful lifespan, you may be considering not just replacing it, but also upgrading to a tankless water heater. There are a number of reasons why tankless water heaters are a better choice, including that they heat water faster than traditional units.

That’s right- with a tankless water heater, you get hot water on command! No more waiting for the tank to heat up! If instant hot water throughout your entire house sounds like something you could get behind, then check out these other compelling reasons why switching to a tankless water heater is the way to go:

1. They conserve water
2. They save you money
3. They take up less space

Read on to hear a little more about each of these benefits of tankless water heaters.

They Conserve Water

Many people don’t know this, but we are currently experiencing what scientists are calling a global water crisis.

That means that humans are using up water faster than nature can replenish it. It is an issue that all humans contribute to, and one that all humans can help to resolve.

How can you help with the water conservation effort? One simple way is by switching to a more eco-friendly water heater!

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, meaning that they can heat the same amount of water (and sometimes more) as traditional units, while using less energy.

Since they only heat water when it’s needed, they also don’t waste an entire tank of water if it isn’t used in time, the way storage tank units do.

They Save You Money

Due to the energy efficiency of tankless water heating systems, they are also known to help lower your monthly energy bill.

Your actual energy usage, as well as your water heater costs in general, depends on whether you are using a gas powered water heater or an electric one. According to the US Department of Energy, tankless water heaters that run on gas can save homeowners upwards of $100 per year on their energy bill.

Electrically powered tankless water heaters can save as much as $44 per year. While the initial cost of a tankless unit can be as high as $5,000 for the unit and the installation, tankless water heaters are expected to last anywhere between 20 to 30 years, which is double the lifespan of a traditional water heater. That means that aside from your annual energy savings, you’ll be able to go twice as long without having to replace your water heater.

They Take up Less Space Than Conventional Water Heaters

The final reason to switch to a tankless water heater is to get yourself a little more floor space in your home!

Whether your water heater is located in your garage or basement, or in a utility closet, getting rid of that bulky water storage tank can free up space for other things!

Research is always important when deciding to install a major appliance like a tankless water heater. Find the right tankless system for you, and call Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service! Our plumbing contractors want to help you get the best tankless water heater installed in your Evansville home. Just call (812) 618-9638!

Do You Have The Safest Plumbing Pipes in Your Home?

At Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service, we know that keeping your family safe and healthy in your home is of the utmost importance to you. We know you’ll go to any lengths, and pull out all the stops, to ensure that your family is safe.

That’s why we also know that it’s time for you to take a step back and consider how your plumbing pipes could be impacting your family’s safety. Read on to learn more about some plumbing pipe materials that can help improve your home safety.

Why Choose PEX Pipes?

Cross-linked polyethylene is an affordable, yet durable material. It is also highly flexible, so pipes made from PEX can fit virtually any plumbing system.

As lightweight as PEX pipes are, they are not very likely to leak, which can reduce the chances of harmful mold and mildew growth in your house.

PEX piping is ideal for any plumbing application, including both hot and cold fresh water supply lines.

Stainless Steel: The Cleanest Pipes

Stainless steel is a far costlier pipe material than other kinds of steel, but that is because it resists corrosion better than other steel pipes, which allows them to last longer.

Stainless steel pipes can be used for sewer pipes, as well as hot and cold water lines. Stainless steel is also the preferred plumbing pipe material of hospital because they are easy to clean and sanitize.

Who’s Ever Heard of Brass Pipes? We Have!

If you're looking for repiping services, brass pipes are also highly corrosion resistant, as well as heat resistant. This makes them great for hot water lines.

One drawback to brass pipes is that some brass pipes may contain lead, which can be deadly if it comes into contact with your drinking water. These pipes can still be used safely, however, as waste or drain lines.

Why go With CPVC Piping?

CPVC is another great, cost-effective option for a safer plumbing pipe material. Considered one of the most durable and versatile piping materials to date, CPVC has a reputation for protecting against leaks, reducing noises from water pressure and water hammer, and even reducing energy loss from water supply lines.

Some may say that the cost of CPVC piping vs. PVC piping is more than it's worth, but CPVC offers so many more benefits.

Cast Your Safety on Cast Iron!

Cast iron pipes are incredibly durable. They are so durable that there are cast iron pipes in the gardens of the Château de Versailles that have been in use for almost 400 years!

This durability means that you can look forward to peace of mind when it comes to your piping system. Another benefit of cast iron is that, because the pipes are so incredibly dense, no water sound can be heard without pressing your ear to the pipe.

Cast iron can be used for water lines, drain pipes, and gas lines in some cases. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and loved ones to help them find their perfect plumbing pipes too!

Contact Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service in Evansville if you have any questions about these or other plumbing materials or services. Call us today at (812) 618-9638 to talk to a plumbing professional about your new commitment to home health and safety!

Here’s What We Know About Where Your Household Plumbing Waste Goes

Household plumbing is one of the modern conveniences people often take for granted, especially when it comes to their toilets!

It may not be very pleasant to think about the plumbing waste going down in your toilet, or what happens to it after you flush, but it is very interesting how modern sewage treatment works!

Understanding how your drains work also makes clear the importance of sewer (or drain) cleaning.

If You Have a Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank, chances are you live in a rural area, or in a tiny house or mobile home.

Septic tanks are an excellent option for treating your sewage without having to be connected to the main sewer line. How do they work?

First, waste runs from your drainage line into the tank, where it is stored while the solid waste separates (forming the sludge at the bottom of the tank and scum at the top) from the water.

Next, the wastewater passes through a filter on its way out of the tank and into the drain field. In the drain field, soil accepts the wastewater and treats it naturally, returning it to groundwater.

If You Use The Public Sewer System

If your home is connected to the public sewer system, then your waste flows to the sewer lines that usually run down the center of your street, to a city-wide water treatment plant.

Here, sewage undergoes a series of treatments. The process usually goes like this:

1. Just like in a septic tank, wastewater is separated from solid waste, and waste is collected for disposal.
2. Wastewater passes into an aeration tank where micro bacteria eats up any bacteria or nutrients that remain in the water.
3. Hazardous elements like phosphorus and nitrogen are removed, usually by chemicals added to the water. Chlorine is often also added to kill any bacteria that may remain.

Other Kinds of Waste Disposal

In a public water treatment plant, you will likely find an aeration tank that is electrically run.

The tank might have an electric rotating disk, or electric pumps to spray the water out, or even electric air blowers to blow bubbles up through the water.

Cesspools are similar to septic tanks in that sewage drains into the tank from your home and is held there while the water separates from solid waste.

In a cesspool, however, the water drains out of the "tank" (really just a pit in the ground surrounded by brick, porous stone, or concrete blocks) directly into the soil.

While cesspools are significantly cheaper to install than septic tanks, they require more cleaning and maintenance and pose a threat of contamination to surrounding groundwater.

Most public sewage systems are what are known as gravity drains. All that means is that the sewage runs mostly downhill along a series of pipes, toward the treatment plant.

If the sewage reaches a point where it needs to travel uphill for a time, the system might employ lifting or pumping stations to push the wastewater to where it needs to go.

No matter what kind of sewer system your home uses, sewers keep our homes safe and sanitary. That’s why it is imperative to take good care of your drains and sewers.

Call Bud’s Plumbing today at (812) 618-9638 to speak with a professional in Evansville about sewer and drain cleaning.

Are You in Search of a Plumber Near You?

Tired of searching for honest, quality plumbing companies in your area? Then stop the search! Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is just what you’ve been looking for! With our experienced, and highly qualified plumbing contractors on the job, you can trust your plumbing system is in good hands.

And as far as our customer service goes, well Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has been voted the best plumbing service in Evansville, IN for the last two years in a row! You don’t get an honor like that without being fair and honest with your customers! Read on for more about what makes Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service the best “plumber near me” in Indiana!

We Solve Plumbing Problems All Across Evansville!

For almost 100 years, our family owned and operated business has been serving Evansville and the surrounding communities by fixing their plumbing, both at home and in commercial buildings!

That's right! Our residential and commercial plumbing services are available even outside of Evansville! Give us a call today to speak with a knowledgeable plumbing contractor in any of the following areas:

If you live in, or near, and of the above communities, we want to help you with all of your plumbing needs!

What Kind of Service Are You in Need of?

No matter what plumbing problem you’re facing, we’re sure we can help you find a solution. Our highly trained technicians are well equipped to handle everything from a clogged sink drain, to a massive slab leak.

Give us a call today to learn more about any of the following services we offer:

• Emergency plumbing services.
• Backflow testing and certification.
• Drain cleaning.
• Sewer line services.
• Gas line leak detection and repair.
• Video camera pipe inspection.
• Water heater repair and installation.
• Water filtration system installation.
• Commercial plumbing services.

Trust us With Your Plumbing!

At Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service, we don’t have to prove to you how trustworthy we are, or how competent our plumbers and staff are.

Our company history does that all by itself. Since we first opened our doors, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service has always valued quality work and honest pricing.

We put our customers first because we want you to be 100% satisfied with our service. When you choose Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service for your plumbing repair needs, you can count on three things:

1. There will be no surprise fees or charges because our technicians will always be upfront with you about what you need and how much it will cost.
2. There will be no mess left behind for you to clean up because our technicians always wear she covers while on-site.
3. There will be absolutely no hassle over getting a plumbing technician to your home promptly, with all the necessary equipment for the job!

There's a reason we've been around for almost 100 years, and a reason we've been voted the best plumbers in Evansville for two years running. The reason is simple: We believe in high-quality workmanship, and fair, honest prices. Call Bud's Plumbing & Repair today to see for yourself what makes us Evansville's best!

3 Amazing Facts About Commercial Plumbing

For as much as we all interact with commercial plumbing on a daily basis, few people ever stop and appreciate what a technological feat our modern plumbing actually is!

There is so much about plumbing that many people don't even consider, like how their pipes can become corroded over time, what kinds of regulations plumbers need to be aware of before beginning a project and the effect of loose soil on your pipes.

Let’s take a look at some of these amazing facts about commercial plumbing, that most people don’t know!

Corrosion Depends on the Pipe’s Material

Plumbing lines and pipes come in many different types and materials. From plastic to copper, to galvanized steel, what your pipes are made of is a significant factor in determining how quickly they can be corroded, and what type of corrosion they are likely to experience.

Steel pipes, for example, can form rust between the threads of the metal. The danger here is less about pipe failure, and more about the fact that that rust can contaminate your family’s water supply, including drinking water, which can pose serious health threats.

Even copper pipes, which have a reputation for lasting far longer than steel, can corrode over time. One way copper pipes can corrode is when they are connected with other pipes of a different metal. This causes something called galvanic corrosion, which creates a blue-green colored deposit to form where they meet.

Plumbers Must Know the Health Regulations that Apply for All Buildings’ Plumbing

Because plumbing work interacts so much with clean water supply, and with sewage, it is imperative that plumbers be aware of all health regulations that apply in each building they work in.

Careless plumbing can lead to a host of issues like poorly installed pipes that can come loose or burst, and flood a building. It can also cause sewage backup, and contaminated drinking water, which can be extremely hazardous to your health.

You should always confirm with your plumbing contractor that your home's plumbing (whether newly installed or older) meets all your buildings regulations, if you don't, your licensed plumbing contractor should be able to adjust your plumbing and get you back "up to code."

The Ground Surrounding Your Pipes Can Shift, This Happens When the Soil is Loose

Loose soil, like everything else, has its time and place where it is needed. Gardening, for example, is an area where loose soil is very useful. When gardening, you'll want loose soil because it allows air and water to get to the plants' roots.

However, when you are laying underground pipes for your home's plumbing, you absolutely do not want loose soil! This is because soil that is loose is far more likely to move around than packed soil is.

What's wrong with a little bit of soil movement," you ask? Well, shifts in the earth around a pipe can cause pressure to build up within the line, leading to cracks or even a burst pipe!