Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
The possibility of lower energy usage and energy bills has helped tankless water heaters gain popularity over the years. However, before switching to this style of water heater, homeowners should get all the facts about them. Here are the pros and cons of investing in a tankless water heater:
Pros
- Energy Savings
Tankless water heaters can save homeowners quite a bit on energy costs. A gas-fired version saves $108 per year on average, while the electric version saves $44 on average.
- Save Space
Tankless water heaters are compact, taking up less space in the home than traditional water heaters. This can give homeowners more room for storage, a larger laundry room, etc.
- Endless Hot Water
Traditional water heaters can only hold and deliver so much hot water at one time. Tankless water heaters don’t have this issue. They deliver a seemingly endless supply of hot water on demand.
Cons
- Cost
Probably the biggest downside some see to tankless water heaters is the upfront cost. They can cost up to $3,000, which is three times more than a traditional water heater. Homeowners have to balance this cost with the projected annual savings.
- Upgrade Home
Not all homes can support tankless water heaters without doing some work first. The home may need to have the electrical system upgraded to be able to support this type of water heater. Gas-fired versions need to be vented, requiring some work as well.
- Demand
Smaller, less expensive tankless water heaters might only be able to deliver hot water to one faucet at a time. Larger versions can support whole house hot water demand, but they will cost more.
For some homeowners, the possible energy savings outweigh the cost of investing in a tankless water heater. Still not sure? All Star Plumbing and Restoration can assist homeowners in determining if a tankless water heater is the right choice.
Dealing with Water Damaged Appliances
A water leak or flooding can cause major damage to the structure of the house, but it can also damage appliances. Because appliances deal with electricity and gas, they can be dangerous to use after becoming water damaged.
If there is standing water in the home or a chance the electrical wiring in the home has been affected, it is best to call the power company to get the power turned off until the leak is repaired, and the damage assessed. Additionally, if any appliances were submerged in water, it is wise not to turn them on, and to call for help right away. The team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration can assist in assessing the impact of the water damage on the appliances and recommend the next steps.
Homeowners will have to decide if they want to have their affected appliances repaired or replaced. Sometimes they can be salvaged, but it depends on a few factors:
- Level of Water Damage
How much water got into the appliances and how much damage occurred will have a big impact on whether or not the appliance can be saved.
- Age
Older appliances that have become water damaged might not be worth the effort to repair. If they were nearing the end anyway, replacing them might be a better idea. Replacement can help homeowners save on energy costs in the future as well.
- Cost
Extensive repairs after a flood can cost more than purchasing new appliances. It’s best to weigh the cost of the repairs with the cost of new appliances to see which is the better option.
Even if appliances have dried out on their own, they may still have residual damage that will show up in time. Don’t risk further damage or appliance failure down the road. When water damage happens, call the team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration right away.
The Popularity of Pastel Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms have seen a lot of trends, but one of the most memorable of these is pastel fixtures. There was a time when sinks, toilets and bathtubs were light shades of pink, green, blue, and yellow. Non-white fixtures became popular starting in the 1920’s and evolved through the decades.
Some years saw bolder colors such as teal and turquoise, but pastels continued to dominate. Pastel pink was arguably the most popular of these colors as seen in 1950’s bathrooms. All of the major manufacturers carried pink bathtubs, toilets, and sinks to appease the growing demand.
After the 1970’s homeowners started drifting toward white fixtures, leaving behind the colorful décor. Bathrooms took on a more sterile, white look instead. This change had many homeowners taking out their pastel bathroom fixtures to make the home more appealing to potential buyers.
For some time, the pastel bathrooms wound up being a deal breaker for many buyers not wanting to spend their time or money on bathroom remodeling. Along with buying new fixtures, the pastel tile often found in these bathrooms was very hard and costly to remove.
However, the pastel pink bathroom saw a resurgence around 2010. It began making its way into bathrooms once again through fixtures. Some think it could have been sparked by the popularity of the show “Mad Men” while others claim it has something to do with nostalgia. That time in history is romanticized by many and having a pink bathroom is one way to keep those sentiments around.
This happy, bubblegum-like color might not be for everyone, but for some it’s the perfect shade of happy. Looking to add pastel fixtures back into the bathroom? Let All Star Plumbing and Restoration handle adjusting the plumbing and installing the fixtures to prevent possible leaks and water damage.
Choosing a Kitchen Sink Material
There are a ton of choices to make when it comes to kitchen sinks. Single or double basin, how large, what type of material, etc. A lot of the choices are based off personal preference, but the type of material the sink is made from can have a large impact later on.
Here are some of the popular materials and their pros and cons:
Stainless Steel
This heat and stain resistant material is a popular choice for many. It’s low maintenance and comes in many mounting options. Stainless steel sinks can be noisy when washing dishes, and can be dented if something heavy is dropped in them.
Composite Granite
The durability of this sink material is a huge advantage. It is generally heat, stain and scratch resistant. An issue some have with these sinks is damaging items that are dropped in it, because it is such a hard surface.
Fireclay Ceramic
Looking for an easy-to-clean sink? A fireclay ceramic sink is the answer. Even stains that are left overnight can easily be wiped off the next morning. When well-maintained, fireclay ceramic sinks can last a lifetime. The downside to this type of sink is the cost. It is one of the more expensive options.
Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks have an enamel finish that can come in many colors, but white is the most popular. This is a traditional choice in many homes. When choosing a cast iron sink, make sure the counter and cabinets are solid enough to hold up such a heavy sink.
Copper
Cooper fixtures are becoming more popular and for good reasons. They are rust-resistant and antimicrobial. They are also easy to clean with soap and mild water. However, if harsh chemicals are used, it can damage the sink.
No matter what type of sink is chosen, All Star plumbing and Restoration can make sure the installation goes smoothly. Visit our website to learn more about the remodeling services we offer.
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