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Water softeners last about 10 to 20 years. The lifetime of your water softener will depend on several factors including the type of water softener and brand you buy, as well as the installation. Proper installation is important to ensure maximum effectiveness and lifetime. One of the many benefits of having a water softener installed in your home is that it will extend the lifetime of your other plumbing appliances. Hard water is tough on appliances like water heaters and laundry machines, as the minerals in the water wear away pipe sealants over time causing leaks and clogs. However, a water softener will remove excessive mineral content from all of the water, helping to protect your plumbing and appliances from unnecessary damage.

Tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water systems on the market. In fact, tankless water heaters can be approximately 35% – 80% more efficient than traditional hot water tanks. 

Tankless hot water heaters can be powered by electricity or gas. However, gas-powered tankless heaters are more efficient. In addition to being more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters cost less to operate (up to 50% less than traditional hot water tanks) and last longer (up to double the lifetime).

The plumbing professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency tankless water heater:

• Noritz EZ111 (Gas Powered)

Please note: Although tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water system, they are not for everyone. Our guide to tankless water heaters can help you decide if a tankless heater is the best option for your home.

Tankless water heaters have many benefits over traditional hot water tanks however, the truth is, a tankless water heater is not worth it for everyone. Any professional plumbing company can tell you that a tankless hot water system is best for homes that don’t often use large amounts of hot water. For example, if you often take baths in a large tub, or you have numerous high-volume shower heads in your shower, then an on-demand hot water system may not be worth it. On the other hand, a tankless hot water heater will save you money over time, you won’t run out of hot water and it will last much longer than a traditional hot water tank. Consult your local tankless water heater plumber and they can help you decide whether a tankless water heater is right for you.

It can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,500 to get a water softener installed in your home. This estimate includes the price of the unit as well as installation. The total cost will range depending on several factors including the type of water softener you choose, the softener’s capacity, the size of your home and the difficulty of the installation. In order to avoid unnecessary costs down the road, it’s important that you have your water softener installed by an expert. Water softener installation in Edmonton is ideal, especially if you are constantly having to deal with soap scum and limescale buildup or you want to increase the longevity of your household appliances that use water.

You can’t run out of hot water with tankless water heaters – unless, of course, the power supply is off or goes out. However, a tankless water heater can have trouble keeping up with demand if too many things require hot water all at once. For example, if several appliances are operating at the same time (the dishwasher, the laundry machine, etc.), and you go to have a hot shower, you may find that your tankless unit isn’t capable of providing enough hot water. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you install a tankless water heater that has a large enough capacity to handle your demand for hot water.

In colder climates, water inside the pipes can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. This is especially common if the pipes are not properly insulated or if there are sudden drops in temperature.

There are several common signs that your hot water tank may stop working. Consider calling a water heater services company to take a look at and repair or replace your unit if: 

1. Your unit is getting old. The average water heater will last 8 to 10 years. 
2. Your water smells or is discoloured. For example, if the water looks rusty the unit may be corroding. 
3. You hear loud noises coming from your hot water heater. Loud popping or crackling sounds can mean sediment has built up in the tank.
4. Your tank is leaking or you notice water around the water heater.
5. Your hot water tank no longer provides enough hot water.
6. The water pressure has gone down and is not sufficient.

Drain cleaners can be bad for pipes. This is particularly true for chemically costic drain cleaners. 

Chemical drain cleaners create a chemical reaction in your pipes. This results in heat being emitted. It is this heat that can be bad for your pipes. Older and plastic pipes, especially, can be damaged by chemical drain cleaners. If you have plastic pipes and you use a chemical cleaner, the heat may melt the plastic. This can result in leaks and further damage. As well, drain cleaners are not good for septic systems.

To avoid damaging your pipes, try another method of unclogging your pipe first. If you’re unsure, call a professional drain cleaning plumber services provider to help you get the job done right.