Nearly 90% of homes throughout the nation have standard, storage-based water heaters. Also known as tank water heaters and tank-based water heaters, these units heat water and store it for future use. Capable of holding between 20 and 100 gallons at once, tank water heaters use energy around the clock.

Even with insulation, the hot water inside their tanks gradually loses heat. Tankless water heaters offer a sleek, modern, and significantly more efficient alternative. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. This eliminates standby energy use and allows for a seemingly unlimited hot water supply. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we want locals to know how these two water heater types measure up.

Tankless Water Heaters Have Longer Lifespans

Constantly heating and reheating water is tough work. Tank water heaters sustain more wear than tankless models as a result. Much of this wear comes from calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved minerals in hard water. These minerals settle on tank bottoms and heating elements. The resulting sediment gradually decreases the efficiency of tank water heaters. It can also lead to loose, leaky connections, and cracks in glass tank liners.

When properly sized and installed, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. On average, storage-based water heaters last just 12 years. They also require more maintenance throughout their service lives.

Hot Water Supply Issues

An 80-gallon storage-based water heater can only hold 80 gallons of hot water at once. If you have a large family, you might run out of hot water before everyone has the chance to take a hot shower. This is especially true if you run your dishwasher and washing machine just before or during bath time.

Tankless water heaters aren’t subject to the limitations of tanks. If you need 100 gallons of hot water, a tankless water heater can produce them as needed. However, these units can’t service multiple taps or plumbing-connected appliances at the same time. For instance, although everyone in your home can enjoy a piping hot shower, you can’t run your dishwasher or washing machine while they do so. If you do, some of your active hot water taps will run cold.

Delays in Hot Water Production

If you have a tank water heater with a capacity that’s just right for your household, you won’t have to wait long for hot water after turning on your tap. Given that storage-based water heaters constantly reheat the water in their tanks, they almost always have hot water readily available.

With a tankless water heater, your hot water taps will release cold water for several seconds after they’re turned on. The wait for hot could prove even longer if you live in an area where the groundwater is especially cold.

You Might Need More Than One Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters cost about 40% more than their storage-based alternatives. Some households also require two tankless water heaters to keep up with their hot water demands. This is often the case with large, active households that regularly use multiple fixtures and plumbing-connected appliances at once.

Tank Water Heaters Require More Space for Storage

Often installed in basements, garages, or laundry rooms, tank water heaters take up valuable real estate in smaller homes. In comparison, tankless water heaters have slim, inconspicuous profiles and a fresh, modern look. Although plumbers often install tankless water heaters in garages, basements, and utility rooms, they’re compact enough for bathroom, pantry, and attic installations.

Poor Maintenance and Property Damage

When homeowners neglect water heater maintenance, tank water heaters can develop leaks or their tanks might rupture. If you’ve ever had a storage-based water heater empty its contents onto your floors, you already know just how destructive 20 to 100 gallons of hot water can be. Although tankless water heaters aren’t impervious to leaks, wear-related damage, or damage caused by insufficient maintenance, these appliances don’t hold large amounts of water and can’t cause major floods.

Are Tankless Water Heaters the Best Choice?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more efficient than their alternatives in homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water each day. However, for larger households with consistently high hot-water demand, sufficiently large storage-based water heaters are often the best choice.

Both appliance types heat water effectively and both have their own range of benefits and drawbacks. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can assess factors like your household size, hot water needs, budget, and targeted storage area to find the perfect water heater for your home.

Does the hot water run out in your Pompano Beach, Florida, home before your family finishes bathing in the morning? Do you have to run the dishwasher and washing machine separately to ensure there is enough hot water? If so, your water heater is too small. If you are buying a new one, work with a professional to calculate the size needed for an adequate hot water supply for your household. The professional plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Margate, Florida, will discuss your lifestyle, family schedules, appliances and budget to help you select a water heater that will meet your needs.

Factors That Influence Water Heater Sizing

Several variables influence the size of the water heater that will serve your needs. Our plumbers determine the appropriate size by calculating the variables that affect optimum hot water delivery. We consider the number and ages of family members, the number of bathrooms and when the demand is greatest. We factor in the appliances you use regularly that require hot water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. We also discuss the types of water heaters available and help you select equipment that will work well in your home.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless or on-demand water heaters do not heat and store water. Instead, they heat water when you turn on the tap or start the dishwasher or washing machine. If space is a problem, tankless water heaters are compact. They can be mounted on a wall or easily fit into a corner.

Although tankless units cost more, they can reduce energy bills because they do not heat large quantities of water at a time or require standby energy to keep the water hot. They have a long service life, typically more than 20 years. In addition, readily available replacement parts make them easy to repair, a factor that can extend the service life.

Sizing Demand-Type Water Heaters

Sizing demand-type water heaters is based on temperature rise and flow rate. Tankless units have lower flow rates than storage water heaters. Instead of one large storage water heater, we may recommend installing two or more on-demand units serving specific needs, such as a washing machine, hot tub or dishwasher.

Demand water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas or propane. Compare fuel costs in your area to determine which will be most economical for you.

Storage Water Heaters

Storage water heaters heat a large quantity of water and use standby energy to keep it hot. They are sized by volume of water and the first hour rating. The FHR indicates the quantity of water the unit can produce per hour. The supply per hour depends on the capacity of the unit, the type of fuel used to heat the water and the size of the burner or heating element. They can be powered by electricity, natural gas, propane or fuel oil.

Storage water heaters have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Large-capacity storage water heaters need a large space. They are often installed in a garage, utility room, closet or bathroom.

Calculating the First Hour Rating (FHR)

We calculate the FHR according to usage by activity or appliance:

• Showering: 20 gallons per person
• Automatic dishwasher: 7 gallons
• Top-loading washing machine: 25 gallons
• Shaving: 0.05 gallon per minute
• Food preparation: 3 gallons per minute

The FHR should meet or exceed the number of gallons required to supply the demand of the busiest time of day.

The FHR for heat pump storage water heaters is calculated the same way. However, heat pump water heaters use less energy and have lower operating costs. Geothermal heat pumps are even more energy efficient.

Advantages of Proper Sizing

Properly sized water heaters will not only better serve the needs of your household but will also operate more efficiently. Water usage for a typical household averages 64 gallons per day. Heating water is the second-largest utility expense, accounting for 14% to 18% of utility costs. Choosing a type of water heater that is sized to meet your needs can save several hundred dollars a year on utility costs. Keeping your water heater well-maintained can maximize energy efficiency, extend the service life and help achieve consistent temperatures.

A water heater does have the ability to explode under the right circumstances. Although it can happen with seemingly little or no warning, there are often warning signs that something is wrong before anything actually happens. Therefore, if you understand what those clues are, you can take steps such as calling the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to mitigate a potential disaster.

What Causes a Water Heater to Explode?

A combination of heat, pressure and spark are what causes a water heater to explode. For example, you might get the right conditions for an explosion if the item is too close to a gas leak. You might also get heat and pressure thanks to a buildup of sediment in the tank that causes it to rupture or makes it impossible to get rid of excess heat and pressure.

If the temperature and pressure (T&P) release valve isn’t working, it may also allow heat and pressure to build over time. Ironically, you may also have a problem if the valve is activating itself too often. This means that it is not able to regulate itself without having to ask for help. When in good condition, there should be no issue with the cycle of water entering or exiting the tank or any issues with water heating and cooling in an even fashion.

What Might Happen Before a Potential Explosion?

There are a number of possible clues that your water heater might be at risk of exploding. For instance, you might see puddles of water caused by the unexpected release of the T&P valve. You might also notice that the valve is stuck and unable to allow hot water or pressure to escape before it’s too late.

You may hear whistling or similar noises coming from the water heater as pressure continues to build inside of it. There might also be issues with water being too hot or not staying hot because of problems inside of the tank.

You might also see water that is discolored or has an odd smell to it. The smell might indicate that there is gas nearby or that there are other issues that need to have resolved right away. If there is a gas leak anywhere in your house, you’ll want to have it addressed even if you aren’t concerned that the water heater might blow up. This is because exposure to gas can cause serious health issues or damage to other parts of your home.

How to Minimize the Risk of an Explosion

The good news is that there are steps that you can take today to minimize the risk of a future issue. For example, you can have your water heater flushed annually to get rid of sediment. You can also check the T&P valve every month by pressing the lever attached to it. If it’s working properly, it will dispense a minimal amount of water while the lever will go back to its original position. You can also have the water heater inspected to ensure that it was properly installed and mounted.

Give The Folks at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a Call Today

If you are in need of water heater maintenance, the folks at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help. We can assess your water heater, make any necessary repairs and give you insight into how you can minimize the risk of future problems such as an explosion.

Water heaters that are energy efficient can heat water for your home while using less energy. Upgrading your home with a more energy-efficient unit can have a major influence on your monthly energy expenses and your carbon footprint; this is particularly advantageous in today’s age of growing environmental consciousness and ever-increasing energy prices.

Conventional Water Heaters

The vast majority of houses have conventional water heaters, sometimes called storage tank water heaters. These heaters keep a big tank of water at a constant temperature, so there’s always hot water on hand. Despite their dependability and ease of installation, these systems fall short when it comes to energy efficiency because of standby heat loss; this is the energy that is lost while the water cools down in the tank. Even with better insulation and more efficient burners, most conventional water heaters still use more power than others.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless models do away with standby heat loss since they do not keep a reservoir of heated water. Instead, when you need hot water, the equipment takes cold water and heats it using an electric element or a gas burner. In houses that don’t require a great deal of hot water, this technique can significantly reduce energy consumption. An additional perk of tankless water heaters is their extended lifespan compared to more conventional models. On the other hand, tankless heaters can be more complicated to install and typically have a higher upfront cost.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters, which include heat pumps, are some of the most energy-efficient options out there. They are not heat generators per se; rather, they transfer heat from the air to the water. These devices use a fraction of the energy of standard electric water heaters because they harness the heat from the surrounding environment. Heat pump water heaters work best in warm weather or in locations with a lot of ambient heat, such as indoor garages or basements. The systems’ efficiency decreases with decreasing temperature, making them unsuitable for extremely cold climates.

Solar Water Heaters

Another one of the most eco-friendly and economical choices is a solar water heater, which uses energy from the sun to heat water. The two main components of a solar water heater are the collector and the storage tank. The collector takes in sunlight and converts it into heat that the tank’s water can use. Solar water heaters rely heavily on weather conditions and the amount of sunshine available to drastically reduce or eliminate the need for energy to heat water. A backup heating system is usually necessary to guarantee a constant supply of hot water in areas with low sunlight.

Condensing Water Heaters

For households that use natural gas, condensing water heaters are an efficient option. While these systems are functionally identical to standard gas water heaters, they divert the heat that would otherwise escape through the chimney into the system. In doing so, the water heater is able to heat more water with less effort and energy. Because of its superior efficiency in handling bigger loads compared to conventional gas heaters, condensing water heaters are the best choice for homes that use a lot of hot water. These units may have a greater initial cost, but they usually pay for themselves in the long run through reduced energy bills and improved performance.

Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters

For households that use boilers for space heating, there are energy-efficient solutions such as tankless coil water heaters and indirect water heaters. A separate water storage tank is unnecessary with these systems. They eliminate the need for continuous energy use associated with conventional water heaters by extracting heat from the home’s existing boiler to supply hot water on demand. Nevertheless, their effectiveness can fluctuate based on the frequency of boiler runs, which makes them well-suited to colder regions with more heating system usage.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings and Standards

If you want to buy a water heater that saves energy, you need to know what the different ratings mean. The Energy Factor (EF) is the most popular metric for evaluating water heaters. It assesses the unit’s overall energy efficiency. A water heater with a higher EF is more efficient. A more recent metric, the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), considers various water heater models and sizes to give a more precise efficiency measurement. The ENERGY STAR® label is an indicator that a water heater has met the rigorous energy performance standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

How Efficient Water Heaters Affect the Environment

Water heaters that use less energy not only help you save money but also reduce your home’s environmental impact. These systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption, which in turn reduces the demand for power and natural gas. Solar water heaters are an excellent example of a renewable energy source that does not contribute to pollution. If your home still uses inefficient heating techniques, replacing it with an energy-efficient water heater is a great way to lessen your influence on the environment.

How Energy-Efficient Water Heaters Can Improve Your Comfort Level

Installing an energy-efficient water heater can make your home more comfortable. For example, you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water at high usage periods with tankless and hybrid water heaters because they provide a constant supply. Plus, compared to earlier models, efficient systems are often quieter and more dependable, adding to the convenience and comfort of your home. You can take showers, wash dishes and do laundry without worrying about running out of hot water.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the correct size water heater is essential for achieving peak efficiency and performance. Inadequately sized water heaters may not be able to heat enough water for your home, while excessively large ones waste energy. Consider the number of people living in your home, the times when you’ll require the most hot water and whether you’ll be performing multiple simultaneous tasks when selecting the appropriate size water heater. To get the most out of your energy savings and comfort, it’s a good idea to get some expert advice on what size unit would be best for your home.

If you want professional guidance and installation from a dependable local supplier when you update to an energy-efficient water heater, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

The United States Department of Energy recommends that you set your water heater to 120°F to save energy, although setting it as high as 140°F is reasonable. Setting it higher than that doesn’t achieve anything useful for general residential consumption. In fact, about the only thing that it does is to raise your energy bill because the heating element goes on more often than if it were set lower.

Why 120°F?

This temperature offers the “best of all worlds.” First, it protects your water heater from harmful bacteria, most of which cannot grow at temperatures of 120°F or higher. Second, it’s still comfortable when it comes to hot showers. Third, it not only saves energy but also keeps your energy bill lower. As they say, “Everyone wins.”

It’s also safer if you have young children who might accidentally turn on a faucet. Children have thinner skin, and 140-degree water can cause a second-degree burn in three seconds. At 120°F, serious burns won’t happen for 10 minutes or more.

Why 140°F?

If you have a need to do a lot of cleaning and/or sanitizing, such as running certain kinds of home businesses, then you’ll need to have 140°F water because it’s much better for these tasks. Remember, though, that setting your water heater to a hotter temperature doesn’t mean that you’ll get hot water out of the faucet more quickly than with cooler water.

Hot Water Circulator

This device is better at getting hot water out of the faucet than simply setting a higher temperature. It connects a loop of pipes to both the hot-water heater and each sink you want to have nearly instant hot water. This will save money, too, because you can use a lower setting on your hot-water heater.

How to Set Your Water Temperature

It’s unfortunate that most water heaters don’t have temperature gauges, but you can test it easily enough. All you need to do is not to use any hot water for at least 30 minutes. That’ll mean that it’s full and heated. Get a drinking glass, and turn on the hot water tap. Let it run until it’s hot. Then, fill the glass. Take a kitchen thermometer, and place it in the glass.

The Right Water Heater Company

Trust our almost four decades’ experience when it comes to your water heater. Not only can we provide you with a new one, but we’re also expert at repairing them. Contact us right away, and ask us about how we can help you with your water heater.

There are two main materials that are used to make plumbing pipes: Pex and copper. For a long time, though, copper was your only choice. In fact, until the 1990s, most people had to rely on copper piping for all their plumbing needs. Having alternative material available is exciting, but it also helps to call attention to the pros and cons of each type. Let’s take a closer look at your options so you can decide what type to use for any new pipes in your Pompano Beach, FL, home.

Pros and Cons of Copper Piping

Copper piping has a long and proven history of distributing water. It can be traced back all the way to 2150 BCE, and its usage in modern homes dates back to the 1940s.

Pros of Using Copper Pipes:

Durability

Copper piping has been proven to not only work but also to have a typical lifespan of at least 50 years. This record of durability and reliability made copper a proven alternative to lead pipes.

Highly Damage Resistant

There are many things that will try to break your pipes down, including solvents, chemicals, and UV rays. Copper has the ability to resist damage from these sources.

High-Temperature Applications

Copper pipes are able to be used outside without needing any special protection. Additionally, it can be used for high-temperature applications without breaking down.

Cons of Using Copper Pipes:

Harder to Install

Since the advent of pex piping, it’s become clear that installing copper pipes takes more time and is more difficult. It requires using special fittings and tools, whereas pex piping does not.

Scale and Corrosion Buildup

Although copper pipes will last a long time, they’re also susceptible to the buildup of scale and corrosion. This means that you’ll need to have a plumber provide regular maintenance to deal with leaks and other miscellaneous issues.

More Expensive

Copper piping is generally more expensive than pex piping, and its production process creates higher embodied energy.

Pros and Cons of Pex Piping

Pex piping was invented in 1968, and it came to America in the 1980s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became a viable alternative to copper plumbing pipes in American homes.

Pros of Using Pex Piping:

Easier to Install

Pex piping is much easier to install than copper pipes due to its flexibility. It also doesn’t require the same number of specialized fittings and tools as copper.

Resistant to Buildup

Copper pipes tend to deal with a lot of scale buildup and corrosion, but you won’t have to worry about either of these issues with pex piping. Furthermore, pex pipes are more durable for usage in freezing temperatures.

More Sustainable

If the environment is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that pex pipes will reduce your likelihood of leaks. Additionally, the manufacturing process requires less energy.

Cons of Using Pex Piping:

Long-Term Durability is Questioned

There are concerns about whether pex piping can hold up as well as copper pipes. This is because it hasn’t been in place for as long as copper pipes, so no one is truly aware of how long it will last.

Higher Damage

Pex pipes are more susceptible to becoming damaged by solvents, chemicals, and UV rays.

Not for Outdoor Usage

Unlike copper, pex piping is not suitable for outdoor usage unless it is properly protected from sunlight. It may also have limitations when it comes to high-temperature applications.

Which Pipes Should I Choose?

There is no simple answer to this question. As you learned above, both materials have a pretty even list of pros and cons, so it’s vital to discuss your options with a professional plumber. If you have specific financial concerns, however, it might be easier to use pex piping.

Generally speaking, pex piping costs between $0.28 and $12.23 per foot. Meanwhile, copper piping can run you between $1.35 and $117.76 per foot. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s easy to understand what option will work best. Even if you take pex’s shorter expected lifespan of 25-40 years into consideration, it would still be cheaper to purchase pex piping twice than to purchase copper piping once.

Something else to consider is the very serious issue of corrosion. When your pipes come into contact with oxygen or water in their environment, they might begin to break down. Furthermore, the presence of hard water in your Pompano Beach home will compromise copper piping over time. Unfortunately, Florida has hard to very hard water, so corrosion will most likely be an issue.

Is it Time to Replace My Pipes?

There are several different signs that it’s time to replace your house’s plumbing pipes. Among them are:

• Frequent leaks
• Rusty water
• Aging pipes
• Low water pressure
• Foul smells
• Bad taste
• Water stains
• Odd sounds
• Temperature inconsistencies

If you’ve run into any of the above issues, it’s vital to reach out to the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our team will do a thorough inspection to determine whether you need your pipes repaired or replaced. They’ll also consult with you regarding your piping options.

Install New Pipes in Pompano Beach

No matter what type of pipes you select, it’s wise to take care of any piping issues right away. After all, the last thing you want is a major leak, especially if you’re not at home when it happens. Keep your Pompano Beach home safe by calling Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

Are you experiencing a water pipe emergency? Contact our professional Pompano Beach team right now. We offer 24/7 emergency maintenance services to help get your house back on track quickly!

Your plumbing system may be out of sight, but it only stays out of mind as long as everything is working properly. Unfortunately, by the time things start going sideways, it may already be beyond a simple fix. To solve serious systemic problems, investing in whole-house repiping may be the smartest solution.

Of course, repiping an entire plumbing system is no small task, so it’s important to consider whether it’s the right option for you. While every home is unique, here are several key factors to evaluate before making a decision.

Age and Pipe Material

All plumbing systems come with an expected lifespan, which can vary significantly depending on the materials used. Brass, copper and cast iron can typically last 70 to 80 years or more. For PVC piping, those numbers drop to around 25 to 50 years. Naturally, shoddy workmanship or low-quality materials can shorten your plumbing’s lifespan even further.

While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, repiping your system before it reaches its life expectancy can often save you a lot of trouble. That’s especially true of certain older materials that carry risks far beyond age and condition. For instance:

Lead Pipes

In theory, strong and durable lead pipes are built to last up to a century under normal use. In practice, however, we now know they can leach potentially dangerous amounts of lead directly into your drinking water. If your home has lead pipes, it’s imperative to make plans for replacing them as soon as possible.

Polybutylene Pipes

Unlike lead plumbing, polybutylene (PB) pipes won’t slowly poison you with every glass of water you drink. What they may do, however, is suddenly and catastrophically fail with little to no warning. In fact, as PB piping gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, this type of failure became so common and damaging that it gave rise to one of the nation’s largest class-action lawsuits. Needless to say, any polybutylene pipes in your home are past due for replacement.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized pipes are simply steel pipes coated in a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, that zinc layer can’t stick around forever. After around 40 years, most galvanized piping will have begun corroding and accumulating harmful mineral deposits — including lead. While replacing galvanized pipes isn’t completely necessary in all situations, it’s often the safest option for your home and your family.

Low Water Pressure

Have you noticed the flow from your faucets and showerheads getting weaker and weaker? Has it been taking longer than expected to fill up your dishwasher or washing machine? Low water pressure has many potential causes, from bad valves and pressure regulators to well failures and water main breaks. More often, however, it’s the result of corrosion slowly and steadily building up inside your piping. This gradually reduces the effective diameter of the pipes, restricting the flow of water reaching your fixtures.

Signs of Pipe Corrosion

Speaking of corrosion, it’s not just the insides of your pipes you need to worry about. Any piping around your home that’s accessible should be periodically inspected for signs of corrosion or damage. This may include rust, discoloration, flaking, dimpling, pitting or anything else that appears unusual. Minor exterior corrosion is rarely an emergency, but it can be an early sign warning of more serious problems.

Recurring Plumbing Leaks

Leaky plumbing is always a hassle, but a small leak in an isolated area can usually be fixed without much trouble. If you’ve got your local emergency plumbers on speed dial, however, you may have much bigger problems. Frequent, recurring leaks indicate your piping is likely headed for disaster, especially when they occur in multiple areas around your home. Major plumbing failures can cause tremendous property damage, so there may be little time to waste.

Poor Water Quality

Has your normally clean, tasty water been replaced by something that looks — and smells — like it’s straight from the swamp? You probably don’t need an expert to tell you something is very wrong. More specifically, this usually indicates the presence of heavy corrosion inside your plumbing system. If only the hot water is affected, the solution may be as simple as flushing or replacing your water heater. Otherwise, you’re likely dealing with widespread corrosion that can only be addressed with a full repiping.

Loud and Noisy Plumbing

A healthy plumbing system may not be silent, but it certainly shouldn’t sound like evil spirits trapped inside your piping. Whether it’s squealing, shrieking, knocking or gurgling, loud and unusual noises coming from your pipes should never be ignored. These sounds occur for many reasons, including excessive corrosion, clogged or damaged pipes, worn-out components, water pressure issues and more.

If your plumbing system has given you cause for concern, put your mind at ease with a call to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Pompano Beach. Our highly qualified plumbing professionals can perform a complete in-home evaluation and help you determine whether whole-house repiping makes sense for you.

Your home’s plumbing is critical for maintaining a safe, healthy indoor environment. Even when you regularly maintain your pipes and fixtures, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. How often you might need to repipe your home depends on several factors, including the age of your pipes, the piping material used, your family’s usage patterns, and your water quality. Here is some information from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami, Florida about when to repipe your home.

Factors That Affect When to Repipe Your Home

The factors that affect when it might be time to repipe your home include:

1. Age of Your Pipes

If you live in an older home with original plumbing infrastructure, the pipes might need to be replaced. While plumbing pipes are durable, they weaken with age and can rust, deteriorate, and leak. If your home is 50 or more years old, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional plumbing inspection.

2. Plumbing Pipe Material

Materials used for plumbing pipes have changed over the decades. Older homes might have cast iron pipes made during the early part of the 20th century. Some pipe systems are lined with mortar, and others contain lead and other contaminants that can be hazardous to your health.

Common pipe materials can be expected to have the following average lifespans if they have been well-maintained:

• Cast-iron pipes – 75 to 100 years
• Galvanized steel pipes – 20 to 50 years
• Copper pipes – 50 to 70 years
• Brass pipes – 40 to 70 years
• PVC, PEX, or CVPC pipes – Indefinitely
• Kitek piping – 10 to 20 years; has been recalled

Even if you know the materials your pipes are made from, other factors can cause your pipes to deteriorate and fail much earlier.

3. Water Usage Patterns

Households that use a lot of water might experience more plumbing issues and have to repipe their homes earlier. A pattern of heavy water use can strain your pipes and cause them to deteriorate faster.

4. Water Quality

If you have hard water, it can leave mineral deposits in your pipes. These deposits can build up and cause corrosion and rust over time. Acidic water can also accelerate pipe corrosion.

Signs Your Home Might Need Repiping

The following signs indicate you should call a plumber to learn whether you need to repipe your home:

• Discolored, rusty water – This happens when pipes corrode or rust and can be a health hazard.
• Pinhole or slab leaks – If you notice multiple leaks above or below your home’s foundation, they can cause extensive damage and should be addressed promptly.
• Low water pressure – Low water pressure from fixtures throughout your home indicates pipe blockages, mineral buildup, or other problems that may require repiping.
• Kitec piping – Kitec pipes were used in homes from 1995 to 2007 because the material was flexible and believed to be an alternative to copper, but Kitec pipes are prone to bursting and have been recalled, leading to significant litigation and settlement.
• Strange sounds – Strange noises such as gurgling or banging that emanate from your pipes can indicate blockages or deterioration that requires repiping.

What Is Involved With Repiping?

Repiping your home involves the following steps:

1. Professional Inspection

A licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will assess your pipes and their condition. They will identify issues and develop a plan with you for the project.

2. Choosing Pipes

Your plumber will explain various pipe materials and the factors that might influence which is best for you and your budget. Your choice will be affected by the building codes, durability, your home’s water quality, and cost.

3. Signing a Contract

Based on the assessment and the pipe materials you choose, your plumber will draw up a detailed contract that includes information about the project’s duration, supplies, costs, and other project details. Carefully review the contract, and ask questions if you have them before you sign.

4. Preparing

Before beginning the work, your plumber will shut off the water supply to your home. They will also remove fixtures and open walls to access the plumbing based on your home’s layout. They will also access outdoor pipes, which might involve some excavation work.

5. Installation and Testing

Your plumber will remove your old pipes and install the new ones. Once installation is complete, they will test your plumbing to ensure it is functioning optimally.

Contact a Licensed Plumber

Repiping your home is a major project, but it can protect your family’s health and cut down on frequent plumbing repairs. The experienced team of licensed plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami can assess the condition of your pipes and help you determine whether it’s time to repipe your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (786) 894-1576.

Most modern plumbing pipes last for decades, so you can generally make do with repairs rather than replacement if your home has been built during the last 20 years. However, the older your home, the more the chance will be that you have to replace all of your pipes.

Reasons to Replace Your Pipes

Houses from the turn of the 20th century up until about 1950 used lead pipes. While they last longer than almost any other pipes, they can poison you over time. In the 1970s, builders used polytubelene pipes, and these are prone to breakage. Iron pipes can eventually rust and become weak. Copper pipes are prone to pitting corrosion, often resulting in slow leaks that are tough to detect. The first indication is usually a ballooning water bill.

It’s best to replace pipes that are still sound but haven’t created a disaster yet. Generally, a repiping job will cost between about $4,000 and $10,000 if there is no disaster to fix. Depending on the nature of the problems that could occur when your pipes burst, it could cost between three and five times that. So, replacing early is the best strategy.

When You Can Do Repairs Instead

If just one pipe is problematic, then it’s possible to isolate the section that needs fixing and do a small repair that costs a fraction of replacement. Given that cast-iron pipes last from 70-100 years, you won’t have to replace them very often. New pipes that are roughly 20 years old or younger can usually be repaired instead of replaced.

Signs of Trouble

Rusty water is an easy one to spot. Rust equals pipe decay if you have metallic pipes. Indications of corrosion include dimpling, flaking, stains, and weird colors. One pipe with any of these signs isn’t that big a deal, but multiple pipes with these could indicate that a plumbing system failure is imminent. A big change in your water bill also shows a problem. If you have hard water, then even a big drop in your water bill could show a problem because of pipes clogged with calcium deposits.

Our Advantages

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have the right kind of experience and know-how to be able to advise you on your piping and whether or not a repair or replacement is better for your home. The Better Business Bureau trusts us with both full accreditation and an A+ rating, so you can trust us too. Call us at the office today to set up an appointment.

Believe it or not, making the switch from hard water in the Pompano Beach, FL, area to a water softener may initially make you feel quite puzzled. This is because you’ve gotten so used to the hard water that most Florida residents deal with that the many benefits of water softeners might leave you feeling a bit slimy. It will take some time before you adjust, but once you do, you’ll be so glad you made the switch!

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

If you’ve lived in Florida for a long time, then hard water might be all you’ve ever experienced. In fact, the water in Florida is rated as hard to very hard. What makes the water so hard is the high level of minerals in it. These minerals, especially magnesium and calcium, are not harmful to your health. Unfortunately, though, they can negatively impact your plumbing, household appliances and even personal care.

Hard water is so prevalent in Pompano Beach, that it’s quite common to deal with the following:

• Frizzy and dry hair
• Feeling like film is left behind on your skin
• Scalp irritation
• Itchy and dry skin
• Fixtures and appliances with mineral buildup

Despite all these negatives, you may not have ever made the connection between them and your water. For example, if you’ve always dealt with minor scalp irritation, you probably have no idea that its root cause is your water. Another problem that is caused by hard water is the residue it leaves behind. Also known as soap scum, this residue is caused by the minerals in your water reacting with your detergents and soaps. Resolving this issue requires you to switch to a water softener.

Once you make the switch, you’ll quickly begin to experience several benefits, including:

• Healthier hair
• Hydrated, softer skin
• Less shampoo needed
• Less soap needed

How Do I Stop the Slimy Sensation?

Now that you understand you’re feeling slimy because of spending years showering in overly hard water, it’s time to learn how to stop this sensation. After all, it doesn’t matter that using a water softener is better for your hair and skin if you can’t get rid of the icky feeling. Fortunately, there are three easy fixes for this problem.

1. Cut Back on Your Soap Usage

The primary reason why you’re feeling so slimy is because soft water doesn’t require you to use nearly as much soap. Therefore, you need to retrain yourself so that you won’t use the same amount of soap as you have in the past. Once you’ve reached the optimal level of soap, you’ll notice that the slimy feeling disappears.

2. Start Using a Synthetic Body Wash

A synthetic body wash isn’t made from oils or fats. Instead, it’s able to make suds without forming any gummy deposits. The difference between bar soap and body wash is quite noticeable, and some people absolutely love it. However, there are also people who don’t like the sensation of using synthetic body wash. If you belong to the first category, switching to a synthetic body wash is a game changer. You won’t feel slimy anymore, which will greatly enhance your enjoyment of showering.

Consider a Different Water Softener

Your current water softener might be salt-based, and this can be difficult for some people to get used to. By switching to a salt-free softener, your water will feel more natural, still provide many benefits and might even save you money in the long run.

Why Does the Slimy Feeling Happen?

In most cases, feeling a slimy sensation from showering is caused by using a salt-based softener, as mentioned above. There is actually a scientific explanation for why this happens, too. What happens is that your softener contains ions, and they naturally enhance the bond between your skin and your soap. This bond is stronger than the one between your water and your skin. This is fantastic for your skin health, but it also makes it necessary to expend more effort to make yourself feel truly clean.

Take Back Your Shower in Pompano Beach, FL

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, often referred to as the Punctual Plumber, provides water softeners for your home. Our expert team is aware of the slimy sensation, however, and we therefore offer salt-free softener solutions. When you make the switch, you’ll experience plumbing protection, increased energy efficiency and have a positive environmental impact!

Take care of your skin and hair health by installing a proven water softener today! Contact our team of expert plumbers in Pompano Beach to get started. We trace our roots back to 1996, so you know you’ll receive the absolute best care!