Author: Kevin

Garbage disposal services in Hanover, MD

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Written by Kevin on May 12, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, there’s a high chance that you’ll eventually encounter some type of issue with it. Occasionally, the problem might be something you can take care of yourself in a few minutes while, in other circumstances, it’s something you should hire a plumber to fix. There are also certain problems that can’t be fixed in a practical and economical fashion and certain situations in which it just makes more sense to replace the entire disposal.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Typically Last?

One thing you always want to think about when trying to decide whether it’s worth paying a plumber to fix your garbage disposal is how old it is. Some garbage disposals can last for 10 to 15 years, especially if they don’t get much use and are always used properly. However, the majority of units will either fail or just no longer work effectively enough after only six to eight years.

Even if a plumber can fix the issue, it almost never makes sense to repair a garbage disposal if it’s old and will likely fail again in the near future or if it already isn’t working as well as you need it to. Depending on what the problem is, you’re usually looking at paying at least $100 to $200 for a plumber to fix your garbage disposal. At the same time, you can usually get a new unit for between $100 and $350, excluding the additional cost for a plumber to install it. Even if you’re handy, it generally isn’t recommended that you try to replace it yourself. Homeowners doing this run significant risks of leaks and water damage. If your existing disposal is hardwired instead of a plug-in model, you should absolutely hire a professional due to the extreme danger of working with electrical wiring around water.

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

There are really only a few issues that can cause a garbage disposal to break or stop working effectively. The specific problem you’re dealing with is important for determining whether you might be able to fix the disposal yourself or whether you need a plumber to repair or replace the unit.

Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

If you open up the cabinet under your kitchen sink and see that water has pooled up underneath your garbage disposal, you definitely want to contact a plumber. Nonetheless, where the water is leaking from determines whether the problem can be fixed or if you need to have your garbage disposal replaced.

One common problem is that the flange or gasket that connects the garbage disposal to the drain breaks or wears out. This results in water leaking out of the connection and the water then dripping down the side of the disposal. To fix the problem, the plumber will need to unhook the disposal and then replace the flange or possibly the drain pipe. This usually isn’t that expensive of a repair. However, if your disposal is near the end of its life, you’re better off just replacing it at the same time. That’s because the parts and labor costs will be about the same whether you have a plumber just fix the leak or install a replacement disposal. You’ll obviously have to pay for the new disposal itself, but you’ll still save money in the future.

If water is leaking out of the bottom or side of your garbage disposal, replacement is your only option. This type of leak can happen because of a worn-out inner seal or because the shell of the disposal is cracked. In either case, the problem can’t be fixed and the disposal will continue leaking every time you use your sink.

Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

The first thing to do if your garbage disposal won’t turn on is to press the reset button. Most disposals have an internal mechanism that will shut them off in certain situations, such as if the flywheel gets jammed or the motor overheats. A power surge can also cause the same thing to happen.

If your garbage disposal still won’t turn on after pressing the reset button, it potentially means the unit isn’t receiving power. One thing to check in this situation is that the circuit breaker for the disposal isn’t tripped. If you have a plug-in disposal, you can also unplug the power cord and plug something else into the outlet to check that it still has power. If the outlet is dead, you’ll need to have an electrician repair or replace it. The other possibility in this situation is that the motor is dead, which again means you’ll need to have a plumber install a replacement.

Garbage Disposal Isn’t Spinning

The most common issue you’ll encounter is that the flywheel and impellers don’t spin when you turn your garbage disposal on. You’ll still hear a humming noise from the motor, but nothing else will happen. In this case, you can be almost certain that the disposal is jammed. Garbage disposals can get jammed as a result of a hard object getting trapped between one of the impellers and the grinding ring. It can also happen because of tough fibers getting wrapped around the impellers and flywheel, binding everything up.

There’s a slot on the bottom of garbage disposals that is specifically used for unjamming. All you need to do is insert the right size hex wrench into this slot and then turn it back and forth until the flywheel starts spinning freely again. Before turning the unit back on, you should use a flashlight and look inside for any hard items. If you see something like a bone or fruit pit, you’ll want to remove it with needle-nose pliers first. However, you need to make sure to unplug the disposal or shut the circuit breaker off before doing so, just to be fully certain that you don’t accidentally turn the unit on.

Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working Effectively

Many people think that the reason their garbage disposal no longer works effectively is because its blades are dull. It’s a very common misconception that garbage disposals have sharp blades that dice all of the food scraps up. How a garbage disposal really works is that the spinning flywheel and impellers force everything up against a stationary grinding ring, pulverizing the scraps so that they easily get washed out of the disposal and down the drain.

The grinding ring can get dulled over time or corrode, both of which can make a garbage disposal work much less effectively and lead to frequent clogs. The same thing can happen when the unit’s motor is starting to wear out. It’s possible to replace the grinding ring if needed. However, doing so is quite complex and time consuming, as it requires removing and then disassembling the unit. As such, it’s almost always going to cost you more than it would to install a replacement.

For the most dependable plumbing services in the Hanover area, rely on our team at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. We specialize in all aspects of kitchen plumbing from garbage disposals and drains to faucets and water lines. If you’re dealing with a garbage disposal issue or need any other help with your plumbing, contact us today for rapid, expert service.

Upgrading Outdoor Faucets and Spigots: A Homeowner’s Guide

Written by Kevin on May 5, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Outdoor faucets and spigots get a lot of use during the summer, from watering lawns, gardens, and flowers to filling up the pool for your kids to play in. That’s why, with summer soon around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about whether your outdoor plumbing is in good shape and ready to meet all of your needs. Upgrading old, outdated fixtures is an easy way to prevent and overcome issues like leaks and poor water pressure. In this article, we’ll explain everything you should know about upgrading your outdoor plumbing fixtures and the reasons why you may want or need to do so.

Understanding the Different Types of Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

There are two primary types of outdoor plumbing fixtures: faucets and spigots. While you’ll hear some people use the terms interchangeably, they’re technically two different things. An outdoor faucet is no different from an indoor faucet and is something you’ll find in outdoor kitchens and hand-washing stations. Some outdoor faucets only have cold water, but more commonly, they have both hot and cold, allowing you to adjust the temperature just like you do with an indoor faucet.

Spigots are what you use to connect hoses. You’ll also hear people refer to this type of fixture as a hose bib or sill cock. There are three different types of spigots: standard, frost-proof, and anti-siphon. That said, most standard and frost-proof spigots sold nowadays are also anti-siphon, as the plumbing code in most places now requires the use of anti-siphon spigots.

Standard spigots have a short stem that extends through the wall and connects to the water line inside the house. Frost-proof spigots have a much longer stem that extends further inside. When you shut off and drain a standard spigot before winter, you still have water right next to the wall in the basement or crawl space.

That means there’s still a fairly high chance that the water line will freeze during winter and potentially burst. This chance is greatly reduced with a frost-proof spigot since the entire water line is farther away from the wall, where the air normally stays quite a bit warmer. However, you still need to ensure that you shut off and drain a frost-proof spigot. If not, the part of the spigot that’s outside the house will remain full of water and almost certainly freeze.

Anti-siphon spigots have a vacuum breaker, which is a type of backflow prevention device that ensures water can only ever flow in the intended direction. There are situations where a sudden drop in the home’s water supply could result in water being drawn back up into the spigot through a hose and then entering the home’s water system. An anti-siphon spigot ensures this can never happen.

Reasons You May Need To Upgrade Your Outdoor Plumbing

There are a few situations where it is either recommended or necessary to upgrade or replace certain outdoor plumbing fixtures. It is necessary if you have an outdoor faucet or spigot that is leaking. Leaks commonly happen due to not fully draining a spigot before winter, and the water inside it freezes, causing the outdoor portion of the spigot to crack.

If you shut the water off inside, you won’t realize that the spigot is cracked until you turn the water back on the next year. Once you turn the water on, you’ll usually end up with water leaking both outside and inside, even when the spigot is turned off. Spigots can also leak when not in use due to a worn-out seal or because the internal shut-off valve is broken or stuck open.

Some of the situations where we definitely recommend upgrading your outdoor plumbing include having any standard spigots instead of frost-proof ones or any spigots that lack an anti-siphon valve. Installing frost-proof spigots can save you a major headache and expense by ensuring the water lines inside your house will never freeze and break during the winter.

Anti-siphon spigots are important for preventing your home’s water supply from potentially being contaminated. The concern if you don’t have anti-siphon spigots is that it can cause muddy water, fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants to be pulled inside. Once the contaminants enter your water supply, they can then end up coming out of your faucets, shower, etc.

The other situation where we absolutely recommend replacing outdoor plumbing fixtures is if they don’t have a shut-off valve inside the house. Without a shut-off valve, you won’t be able to drain the fixture before winter, potentially leading to both the spigot and the water line inside freezing and breaking. You also won’t be able to shut off the water to the outdoor fixture should it suddenly start leaking. That means your only option to stop the leak will be to close the valve on your main water line, shutting off the water to your entire house.

Do You Need a Plumber To Install Outdoor Faucets and Spigots?

Replacing an outdoor faucet or spigot usually isn’t all that difficult. Nonetheless, you’re still better off hiring a plumber to do it. One reason is to be fully certain that the installation is done correctly. Improper installation often leads to serious leaks, creating the potential for extensive water damage inside your home that necessitates costly and extensive repairs.

Another thing to consider is the potential insurance implications you could face if you install the fixture yourself. If you have a licensed plumber install the fixture and it ends up leaking because they didn’t install it properly, your homeowner’s insurance company will make the plumbing company’s insurance pay to repair any damage. However, if you install it yourself and it ends up leaking and damaging your home, your homeowner’s insurance usually won’t pay to repair the damage. That means you’ll be left footing the repair bill yourself.

Another reason it’s best to hire a plumber is to ensure the work is done according to code. Most places have specific code requirements regarding the types of outdoor fixtures you must use, such as being required to install anti-siphon spigots. Installing plumbing fixtures that do not meet code could result in fines and create headaches if you want to sell your house.

There are also some cases when you may be required to obtain a plumbing permit when upgrading your outdoor fixtures. You normally don’t need a permit if you’re just replacing a fixture, but you often will if the job requires more substantial changes to your existing plumbing. This includes tasks like installing a new water line and fixture or moving the location of an existing water line.

With years of experience serving Hanover and the surrounding cities in Maryland, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is the company to turn to for reliable plumbing services. We serve both residential and commercial customers and are ready to help when you need any upgrades, installations, and plumbing repairs. If you’re looking to upgrade any of your outdoor plumbing, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need. For the best plumbing services in the area, contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure: Common Causes and Solutions

Written by Kevin on April 16, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Low water pressure can quickly become an inconvenience to your daily routine. It can also leave you without enough water for tasks like cooking, washing laundry and doing dishes. You can prevent this issue by learning about the common causes and the solutions to low water pressure in your Hanover, MD home.

Cause: Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes can drastically reduce the water pressure in your home. Debris like mineral deposits, food, grease and hair can become trapped inside the drains as you shower, cook and carry out other normal daily tasks. It can then form large clogs that disrupt normal water flow and reduce water pressure.

Solution: Clean Out the Pipes

The solution to clogged pipes involves cleaning them out thoroughly. As tempting as it might be to pour plumbing chemicals from the grocery or hardware store down them, you should hire one of our professional plumbers from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. Our plumbing team uses effective cleaning solutions and tools like scopes to find and remove tough clogs and restore your home’s water pressure.

Cause: Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can also negatively impact your home’s water pressure. Age, rust and freezing during the winter can cause damage like cracks and holes in the pipes. Water escapes before reaching the faucet and shower head, reducing the pressure when you try to wash dishes, take a shower or do laundry.

Solution: Locate and Repair the Leaks

The most practical solution to leaky pipes involves finding and repairing the leaks. Our plumbers can quickly find and repair leaks by using materials like caulk, epoxy putty, Teflon tape and rubber gaskets. They can also replace pipes that are too damaged or old to fix.

Cause: Faulty Pressure Regulator

The pressure regulator is a valve that lowers incoming water pressure to a manageable level for the plumbing system in your home. It’s located where the main water valve enters the home. When it wears out and stops working, it can reduce the water pressure coming from your faucets, shower head and washer.

Solution: Replace the Regulator

The solution to this problem involves hiring a plumber to replace the pressure regulator in your home’s plumbing system. Our plumbers know where to locate this regulator. They also know how to install a new one and calibrate it to ensure you have sufficient water pressure for your daily routine.

Cause: Corroded Pipes

Corrosion can cause pipe damage that negatively impacts your home’s water pressure. Corrosion can occur because of:

A pH imbalance in the water
Oxidation of the water in the pipes
Hard water
Chemical drain cleaners
Iron deposits from your water heater

It can also occur because of excess flux residue from cold water piping.

Solution: Replace the Pipes

The most viable solution to corroded pipes involves replacing them with brand-new pipes. Choose pipes made from materials like high-performance alloys that resist corrosion. You can also have our plumbers install coated pipes that don’t corrode as quickly as other pipe materials.

Cause: High Water Demand

High water demand in your home can cause damage to your pipes. Multiple plumbing fixtures in use at the same time can lead to an increase in water pressure. This high water pressure can lead to pipe damage that can then reduce your home’s water pressure.

Solution: Install a Pressure Booster

If you can’t stagger the water use in your home, you could prevent this problem by hiring our plumbing team to install a pressure booster in your home’s plumbing system. This device increases low water pressure and flow. It’s useful when a single pump can’t handle the water pressure demands in your house.

Cause: Faulty Pump

If your home uses well water, it could experience low pressure when the well’s pump malfunctions. The pump can stop working because of issues like a blown fuse or tripped breaker. It can also malfunction when a part inside of it wears out or breaks down.

Solution: Replace the Well Pump

The best way to deal with a malfunctioning well pump involves replacing it with a new one. Our plumbers have the training and tools to take out the broken pump and safely install a new one. They can also ensure your new pump functions normally and that your home has enough water pressure.

Cause: Pipe Freezing

During the winter, partially or completely frozen pipes can reduce your home’s water pressure. The ice inside the pipes prevents water from flowing normally. The ice can also expand and cause the pipes to break or burst. Pipe freezing occurs most often in exposed areas like the garage, utility room, basement or crawlspace.

Solution: Insulate and Drip Your Pipes and Faucets

When the weather calls for cold temperatures, you can keep the pipes warm by wrapping them with insulated tape or using pipe sleeves on them. You should also drip the indoor faucets and leave the cabinet doors open in the bathroom and kitchen to help warm air circulate around the pipes.

Keep your garage door shut and open inside doors to bedrooms and closets that have pipes running in the walls. If you can’t thaw pipes on your own or ice damages them, call one of our plumbers to thaw, repair or replace them.

Cause: Water Heater Issues

Sediment in your water heater can reduce water pressure in your home. Sediment can build up because of:

Hard water
Incorrect temperature setting
No water filter installed
Outdated plumbing

Solution: Flush the Water Heater

You can prevent sediment buildup in your water heater by flushing it out regularly. Flushing out the water heater also resolves issues like popping and rumbling noises and can also reduce the risk of corrosion inside the tank.

Cause: Airlocks in the Pipes

An air lock occurs when air becomes trapped inside your plumbing system’s pipes. Issues like a change in water temperature can cause this problem. Loose connections likewise can cause airlocks inside your home’s pipes. Airlocks can reduce the water pressure coming from your faucets.

Solution: Bleed the Air from the Lines

To resolve airlocks, you need to bleed the air from inside your home’s pipes. This job requires specialized skills and tools. You should outsource it to one of our plumbers to prevent damage to the pipework and ensure all the air escapes from your plumbing system.

Cause: Old Plumbing System

With proper care, a home’s plumbing system can last for 40 to 70 years. If your system is close to that age, you could experience lower water pressure from it.

Solution: Upgrade the Plumbing System

The ideal solution to an aged plumbing system involves replacing it with a new one. A brand-new plumbing system can provide you with reliable water pressure. It can also last for decades and offer you more peace of mind about your plumbing’s reliability and efficiency.

Allow Our Plumbers to Resolve Low Water Pressure

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide our customers in Hanover with free virtual estimates for our plumbing services. Our plumbers provide services like hydro jetting and drain cleaning as well as plumbing leak detection to help restore your home’s water pressure. We even work on Saturdays for your convenience. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for water pressure repairs today.

Tankless water heater installation in Hanover, MD

The Pros and Cons of Going Tankless: A Closer Look at Tankless Water Heaters

Written by Kevin on April 9, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

On-demand water heaters are among the hottest trends in home improvement. While they’re not a new concept, lowering prices and advancing technologies have made them more compelling. Let’s explore the pros and cons to see if a tankless system is right for your home.

Power and Fuel Options

Tankless water heaters are available in electric and fuel-burning configurations. Which type is right for you depends on many factors, including your household’s peak hot water demand.

Electric

Electric water heaters are generally cheaper to purchase and install because they’re less complex. Still, they often cost more long-term due to the cost of electricity. A small home with low hot water demand is the one scenario where an electric on-demand water heater is more economical. In other scenarios, fuel-burning systems are usually best. If you must have an electric unit, consider a hybrid heat pump water heater as a highly efficient alternative.

Fuel

For most households, fuel-burning on-demand water heaters are the most cost-effective for long-term use. Natural gas is the ideal fuel because it’s cheaper and more convenient. If your property lacks access, you can opt for either fuel oil or liquid propane.

Fuel-burning systems require gas lines and exhaust systems. If you’re converting to a fuel-burning system, the conversion will be an additional but one-time cost. With fuel-burning water heaters, you also have the option of a condensing system. These models have a second heat exchanger to help avoid heat losses through the flue.

Electrical Panel Considerations

All tankless water heaters require electricity, meaning gas models don’t function during power outages either. If you have an older home, you may need to upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate the new water heater. This may be necessary to increase the amp capacity or provide room for an additional dedicated circuit. Even in newer homes, you may need a whole-home surge protector. The National Electrical Code added it as a requirement in 2023.

Hard Water Considerations

Water hardness refers to the amount of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water is a concern for all water heaters because it decreases efficiency, increases operating costs, and lowers expected lifespan. Yet, it’s even more problematic for on-demand systems because they are more sensitive and don’t have a tank. If you have moderately hard water, consider adding an anti-scale device to your new water heater. If your water ranges higher on the hard water scale, consider a whole-house water softener instead.

Equipment & Installation Costs

Tankless water heaters cost more to purchase and install than their traditional tank counterparts. Homeowners should expect to need a bigger budget by at least 25% and as much as 50%. There may be additional costs, such as a gas conversion and electrical panel upgrade. That said, you shouldn’t have to pay those costs each time you replace the water heater.

Installation Footprint

Traditional water heaters require significantly more space due to the tank. Most on-demand water heaters, on the other hand, are wall-mounted and take up little space. If you currently have a water heater closet, you can repurpose it. You can install a tankless water heater in your garage without taking up valuable storage space. Other popular installation sites include attics and basements so that the water heater equipment is out of sight.

Less Risk of Leaks and Water Damage

Leaks are a much bigger concern with tank water heaters. Consider that the average model can dump 40 gallons or more of water onto your floor quickly. Tankless water heaters do leak, but it’s generally a drip from a bad valve. They rarely result in significant water damage.

Sizing Tankless Water Heaters

Estimating the needed capacity for an on-demand water heater is more complex than with standard water heaters. Each fixture and water-using appliance requires a certain flow rate, which we measure in gallons per minute (GPM). You need a water heater that delivers a flow rate that meets or exceeds your household’s peak demand. Peak demand is the combined GPM for all the fixtures and appliances you want to run at the same time.

Another consideration is temperature rise. Rise is the difference between the temperature of your water supply and the target temperature of your hot water. Manufacturers indicate GPM within the context of temperature rise. This is why the same model will provide a lower flow rate in a northern climate than in a southern one.

Considerations for Large Homes

It’s more difficult to find the ideal location for a tankless water heater in a larger home. This is due to the longer distances the water travels. It can result in more noticeable delays and the cold-water sandwich effect. Many systems now come with a recirculating pump to help alleviate this problem. Homeowners can strategically add recirculating pumps and compact storage tanks. In very big homes, an installer may recommend installing multiple on-demand water heaters rather than a central model.

The Option to Oversize Your Water Heater

Have you ever wished you had access to more hot water, such as during the holidays? That isn’t practical with a tank water heater because you’ll pay for the added capacity daily. With an on-demand water heater, it’s an economical option. You’ll pay more initially and when you use the added capacity but not at other times.

Reduced Operating Costs & Carbon Footprint

A big selling point of modern tankless water heaters is lower energy consumption. That results in a smaller household carbon footprint and reduced month-to-month water heating costs. How much you’ll save depends on how much hot water you use. The Department of Energy estimates a 24% to 34% reduction in energy use for the average household. Average in this context means 41 gallons or less of hot water used daily. Households that use twice as much hot water or more may only experience energy savings between 8% and 14%.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

While on-demand water heaters cost more up front, you can recoup that added expense through lower operating costs. Another consideration is that tankless water heaters typically last longer. You can expect a 15-year lifespan with regular maintenance, and many systems can last 20 years or more. You’ll notice that manufacturer warranties tend to reflect this expectancy. There are even models available with 25-year warranties.

Energy Incentives

Energy incentives can significantly reduce your initial costs and, in some cases, even your out-of-pocket expenses. The Environmental Protection Agency awards ENERGY STAR certification to water heaters that meet its energy standards. Most incentives require that label. That includes the federal tax credit. It also includes rebates available through utilities, manufacturers, and other private groups. To see which offers are available to you, you can search the ENERGY STAR website using your zip code.

Tank & Tankless Water Heater Installation in New River Valley

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is a residential and commercial plumbing contractor serving Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas. Our company has a wide selection of top-rated water heaters in stock and offers many specials. Our licensed plumbers install tank and tankless systems and all brands and models. To schedule an on-site installation consultation, call today, or book online through our website.

5 Water-Saving Tips to Reduce Your Utility Bills This Spring

Written by Kevin on April 2, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Reducing your water bills this spring doesn’t necessarily mean major changes. A few simple adjustments can help you to significantly cut back on your water consumption, allowing you to save money and resources. Keeping several tips in mind can let you see a decrease sooner rather than later in your utility bills.

1. Take Shorter Showers

Cutting your shower time in half can significantly reduce your monthly water bills. For example, if you usually take a shower that’s 10 to 12 minutes, consider shortening it to four or five minutes. If that’s too drastic of a change right away, you can shorten it by a minute every few days to ease into the new habit. Bring your phone into the bathroom with you and put it in a safe place where it won’t get wet so that you can set an alarm to know when it’s time to get out of the shower.

2. Change How You Use Your Dishwasher

You have several options to change your dishwasher habits that can help decrease your bills. For example, never run the dishwasher unless it has a full load. However, you also don’t want to overload it; otherwise, the dishes won’t get properly cleaned, and you’ll likely have to rerun the appliance.

Cleaning it is also crucial. Wipe up any messes each day, and clean the filter weekly. Deep clean your dishwasher monthly. The cleaner your dishwasher is, the more efficiently it can run and the less strain it will experience when operating, which could increase your water bills.

Make sure you’re also checking for leaks periodically. They may not be as obvious as a puddle flowing into your kitchen. Some are subtle, such as small drips coming from the drain hose. Minor drips still raise your monthly water bills and could quickly worsen into severe, costly problems.

3. Collect Rainwater

Spring is the ideal time to perfect your green thumb. Many people with gardens or indoor plants turn on the faucet or hose when they want to water their greenery. However, collecting rainwater can be a great way to reduce your water consumption and save money on monthly water bills.

You don’t necessarily need a large barrel. In many cases, putting out a few buckets can suffice. Before you start the process, make sure it’s legal in your location. Some states and jurisdictions ban rainwater collections.

After you collect the rainwater, it is a good idea to cover it if you’re not using it immediately. This keeps insects and other small animals from getting into the water container. It also helps keep the water clean and prevents leaves and other debris from getting into it.

4. Get a Plumbing Inspection

Getting a plumbing inspection is crucial to reducing your monthly water bills. We can evaluate your entire system, from your water pressure to checking for leaks under your sinks. Ideally, you will have the plumbing inspection in spring after the long winter and cold temperatures, which can both take a toll on plumbing systems.

Book an appointment with us as soon as possible. Many homeowners call us for a spring plumbing inspection: Calling early ensures you get the date and time slot that works best for your schedule.

5. Do Personal Inspections

Personal inspections of your plumbing system make it easy to notice if any problems could be causing your water bills to unnecessarily increase, even subtly. There are several spaces to check, and you’ll especially want to do so in areas of your home that you don’t often go to or see. For example, check underneath your bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen sinks to make sure there’s no water dripping, and check your water heater to ensure that there’s no water coming from it. Being proactive allows you to catch plumbing problems before they worsen and increase your water bills even more.

6. Repair Leaks

Don’t wait to call us if you notice any leaks or get a repair if we inform you that we spotted one or more. Scheduling an appointment with us to make the appropriate repairs can prevent the leaks from getting worse and can ensure your water bills don’t continue to increase unnecessarily.

7. Check Your Garden Hoses

Many gardeners are excited to hook up their hoses and water their plants in spring. However, before you do so, check your garden hose from top to bottom for leaks, cracks or other damage, and ensure there’s no water dripping from the base of the outdoor faucet.

These leaks may seem minor enough that they won’t cause a problem, but any type of leak wastes water and can cause your monthly utility bills to skyrocket. If you have a leak coming from the faucet, call us as soon as possible so we can inspect it. If you have a leak in your garden hose, you can either repair the leak yourself or replace the hose entirely to eliminate the problem and enjoy hassle-free watering all summer long.

8. Install Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets in your bathroom can significantly reduce your water consumption and decrease your monthly water bills. As the name indicates, low-flow showerheads use less water than their traditional counterparts yet still do their jobs efficiently.

We can install these low-flow bathroom fixtures for you. Our professional plumbers install them quickly and properly to ensure they work optimally for you. Ask us to handle the task for you when you call us to schedule a spring plumbing inspection appointment.

9. Change Your Washing Machine Habits

Many families are starting to get out more during spring and enjoy the warmer temperatures, so washing machines may be used more often to clean dirt-stained clothes. More dirty clothes means using the washing machine more often and higher water bills.

Be sure to use your washing machine only when you have a full load if you want to save money on your monthly water bills. However, be careful not to overload it; otherwise, the appliance won’t be able to do its job correctly. Your clothes won’t get properly cleaned, and you’ll likely have to run the machine over again.

You also want to make sure you’re cleaning your washing machine each month. It must be clean to work efficiently, and an efficient machine uses the least amount of energy possible to wash your clothes.

When doing the laundry, make sure no leaks are coming from the hose or the machine itself. If there are, there’s a good chance it could increase your monthly water bills even if the leaks seem minor.

Taking steps now to reduce your water bills can allow you to start saving money sooner rather than later. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover, MD, offers many plumbing services, including plumbing inspections, water heater installations, and more, that can help you with the process. Contact us today to schedule an inspection for your bathroom or kitchen plumbing and for more information on how to reduce your monthly water bills.

Choosing the Right Whole-House Water Filtration System

Written by Kevin on February 15, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Ensuring the quality of your home’s water is essential for the health and well-being of your family. Installing a whole-house water filtration system can provide comprehensive protection, delivering cleaner water to every tap in your home. This not only safeguards your drinking water but also ensures that the water you use for bathing and cooking is free of contaminants. By understanding the benefits and options available, you can make an informed decision to enhance your home’s water quality.

Why Add a Whole-Home Water Filtration System?

Even after treatment, municipal water can still contain contaminants such as lead, pesticides, and residual chemicals. Additionally, treatment processes often involve adding chemicals like chlorine, which can impact both your family’s health and the water’s taste and smell. For homeowners with private wells, filtration is equally essential. Well water may contain contaminants like sediment, bacteria, or high mineral levels, as well as pollutants from nearby agricultural or industrial activity. Installing a whole-home water filtration system ensures clean, safe water throughout your home, whether you rely on a municipal supply or a private well.

Mechanical Filtration

Most whole-home water filters use some form of mechanical filtration and even multiple layers. Mechanical filtration involves removing suspended particles by passing water through a mesh filter or cartridge.

The effectiveness of mechanical filtration depends on the filter’s pore size, which determines the size of particles it can capture. For example, a filter with a larger pore size might trap only visible debris like sediment or rust. In contrast, a finer filter can remove microscopic contaminants such as silt and even some bacteria.

Many systems combine different layers of mechanical filtration, starting with coarse filters to catch larger particles and progressing to finer ones for smaller impurities. Prefilters trap the largest particles. They’re, sometimes, called sediment filters and are most necessary for homes with wells, which are more prone to having large dirt particles in their water supply.

However, prefilters are usually also incorporated into water filtration systems for homes that use municipal water. This is because they extend the lifetime of the more expensive filters deeper in the system. By removing larger debris and sediment, prefilters help prevent clogging and wear on finer filters, ensuring that the overall filtration system functions more efficiently and lasts longer.

When choosing a whole-home system, ensure that it incorporates a prefilter to keep maintenance costs down and finer filters to capture smaller contaminants. Also, keep in mind that, while mechanical filtration is excellent for removing physical impurities, it often works best when paired with other filtration methods, such as activated carbon or UV systems, to address chemical and biological contaminants.

Absorptive Filtration

Mechanical filters alone are unable to trap gases and chemical molecules because their pore sizes are too large. To address this, many whole-home water filtration systems include absorptive filter media, such as activated carbon.

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon that can effectively absorb gases like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine. VOCs are a group of carbon-based chemicals often found in water and can include substances like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They can be harmful to your health and contribute to poor water quality.

Due to its large surface area, activated carbon can undergo numerous filtration cycles before needing replacement. Once it traps harmful contaminants, they are neutralized and rendered harmless, providing a safer, cleaner water supply for your home.

Activated carbon comes in two primary forms: granular carbon and carbon block. Granular carbon consists of loose, small particles, allowing water to flow through the filter quickly. While it provides effective filtration, its larger spaces between the particles can allow some contaminants to pass through. On the other hand, carbon blocks are compacted into solid form, which provides a denser surface area for filtration. This structure allows carbon block filters to capture more contaminants than granular carbon, especially when it comes to chemicals like chlorine and chloramine. When shopping for a water treatment system, focus on ones that combine granular and carbon block filters because they balance filtration performance with flow rate.

UV Light

To eliminate over 99% of pathogens in your water, consider a whole-house water filtration system that includes ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). The UVGI process uses a UV lamp emitting ultraviolet (UV) light, effectively neutralizing harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Unlike chemical disinfectants, UV light doesn’t introduce any substances into your water, so it doesn’t alter the taste, smell, or appearance. It’s a chemical-free, environmentally friendly way to ensure that your water is free from harmful pathogens without the need for chlorine or other chemicals.

UV light is highly effective at targeting a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli, viruses like hepatitis, and protozoa like Giardia. However, it’s important to note that UV light does not remove chemical contaminants, sediment, or heavy metals. Therefore, it’s often combined with other mechanical and absorptive filtration methods to provide comprehensive water treatment.

One of the advantages of UV light is its speed. The process requires only seconds to deactivate harmful microorganisms. This makes it a very efficient option for households that need to disinfect large amounts of water quickly, like if you have a well.

When purchasing a system for your home, keep in mind that, for the most effective results, the water must be clear before it enters the UV chamber. Particles or sediment in the water can block UV light from fully reaching pathogens, reducing the system’s effectiveness. Quality whole-house systems with UV lights incorporate prefilters to ensure the water is clear before UV exposure, optimizing performance and ensuring safe, pathogen-free water throughout your home.

Water Softening

Water softeners address hard water caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can make it more difficult for soaps to lather, lead to scale buildup in your plumbing, and potentially reduce the lifespan of appliances. Some water filtration systems can also soften your water, or you can install one separately to improve your water quality.

The most common type of water softener is a salt-based system. These systems use a process called ion exchange, where calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions. As hard water passes through a resin tank, the resin beads absorb calcium and magnesium, and sodium ions are released into the water in their place.

However, not everyone wants a salt-based system. For those seeking an alternative, non-salt water softeners are available. These systems use various technologies, such as reverse osmosis or template-assisted crystallization (TAC), to reduce scale buildup without adding sodium to the water. Non-salt systems are often preferred by homeowners who need to avoid increased sodium intake or those with moderately hard water.

Contact Your Local Experts

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we have served the residents of Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas for years. We are expert plumbers who can help you choose the best water treatment system for your home. Additionally, we install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.

Tips for Water Heater Maintenance That Can Boost Efficiency

Written by Kevin on February 8, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Your water heater is an essential part of your Hanover, MD, residence. You use hot water for activities like showering, bathing, performing basic cleaning tasks, doing laundry, etc. It often isn’t until your home’s hot water heater fails that you realize how important this appliance is. There are several maintenance tips that you can follow that will not only protect your hot water heater but also boost year-round efficiency. This will allow you to use your water heater without spending a ton of money on your monthly utility bills.

Scheduling Routine Inspections

It’s important that you have a professional come to your home annually to inspect your water heater as well as the rest of your plumbing system. A routine inspection of your water heater will include checking all the various electrical, gas, and water connections. We look at the pressure relief valve to ensure it will work properly if pressure is building up to a dangerous level inside your tank. We also inspect the anode rod inside your tank. This is a sacrificial rod that collects sediment and mineral deposits so that this material doesn’t corrode the inside of your tank. We check for other signs of corrosion on the exterior of the tank as well.

It’s important to have your water tank flushed at least once annually. This process removes any sediment and minerals that have accumulated. This accumulation can cause your water heater to work harder to provide you with the hot water you need, which decreases overall efficiency.

If we spot anything wrong with your water heater at this maintenance appointment, we can provide prompt and affordable repairs. It’s often much more efficient to perform a minor water heater repair than it is to wait for something catastrophic to happen, like your water heater not functioning at all.

We can also alert you if it looks like your hot water heater is starting to come close to the end of its useful life. This provides you with the opportunity to budget for its replacement. You can spend some time looking around for the perfect hot water heater that meets the demands of your family and provides you with the efficiency you need.

Adjusting the Thermostat on Your Water Heater

There’s a thermostat on your water heater that you can easily adjust yourself to boost efficiency. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the thermostat on your water heater at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 140 degrees Fahrenheit leads to inefficiencies. The goal is to find a setting that meets the hot water demands of your household without running your heater too frequently.

Remember that, even if you’re not using hot water right now, your water heater will run to maintain the temperature of the water in your tank. This is where a lot of homeowners lose money. If you have your thermostat set very high, your heater will run more frequently to keep up with that temperature setting. In most cases, you can still be comfortable after lowering the temperature.

Considering the Size of Your Tank

Hot water tanks come in a variety of sizes. This includes tanks that are around 30 gallons and upwards. It’s important that your home has the right-sized tank. If you have a tank that’s too large, your heater is going to run more frequently to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank. However, having too small a tank will result in your heater running too frequently to keep up with your demands.

Ideally, you want to purchase a hot water tank that’s 30 gallons if you have 1 to 2 people in your residence. Homes with 3 to 4 people benefit from a tank that’s 40 gallons in size. If you have a large household with more than 4 people in it, consider a large hot water tank that’s 50 gallons or larger.

In some homes, there may be a lot of people living in the residence, but the demand for hot water isn’t substantial. For example, you may use hot water throughout the day, but there isn’t one time of the day when the demand is very drastic. This may allow you to use a smaller tank size. Consider the amount of hot water you need at one time for bathing, cooking, running your appliances, etc.

Considering a Tankless Water Heater

If you have very high hot water demands at home, you may want to consider purchasing a tankless hot water system. This removes the need to have a tank installed, which is nice if you don’t have a lot of space to work with. Instead, a tankless system is installed on the wall of an area like your basement or utility room. Water will flow through this equipment and heat it as you need it. There won’t be any scenario where you can’t access hot water because you’ve run out.

Tankless water heaters tend to be efficient, too. If you’re not home or are away on vacation, you’re not paying to keep water in a tank heated. If the hot water faucets aren’t turned on in your home, there won’t be any expense involved. Also, tankless systems have a much longer life expectancy. A traditional hot water heater with a tank usually lasts around 10 years. A tankless setup can last as long as 30 years if it receives routine inspections and maintenance. There may be occasional repair needs as well.

Adding Insulation

You can more efficiently use the hot water in your home by insulating your pipes. The hot water that travels through your plumbing system won’t lose any heat before it arrives at the fixture you’re turning on. There are different types of insulation available. This includes foam tubing, which can be cut and fitted directly over your pipes. You can also have spray foam insulation blown into the areas around your pipes. This is a very effective and efficient form of insulation. We can also install fiberglass insulation around the opening where the pipes are located.

In addition, you can add insulation to your hot water heater to keep the water inside warmer for longer periods. There are often incentives that come along with adding insulation to your plumbing system. This makes it an affordable upgrade that can save you a lot of money on your utility bills.

How Our Experts Can Help

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating can provide routine maintenance for your hot water heater, which can help boost its efficiency. We also offer a variety of other plumbing services, including drain cleaning, new plumbing installation, hydro jetting, pipe repair and replacement, and much more. We offer heating and cooling services, too, such as emergency repairs, routine maintenance, and new equipment installation. In addition, we address indoor air quality concerns, including duct cleanings and whole-house air purification.

Contact our team of dependable professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule an appointment today.

How to Find and Fix Minor Pipe Leaks in Your Home

Written by Kevin on February 1, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

A leaky pipe is often a serious problem that needs to be fixed quickly, preferably with the help of a plumbing professional. Even a minor leak is a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing and needs to be addressed. However, it’s possible to find a small pipe leak and complete a quick fix until a plumber arrives.

Finding Minor Leaks

First, let’s discuss whether you have a leak. Many pipe leaks are hidden, so you might not know they’re there until you notice certain signs, such as water damage or mold growth. A plumbing service has several methods for detecting leaks that a layperson might miss, but there are a few ways to see if you have a hidden leak.

One way to see if there’s a pipe leak in your home is to conduct a water meter test. Simply turn off all the faucets in your home and look at your meter. If it’s still running, you have a leak somewhere in your home. Granted, this won’t help you find exactly where your leak is, but finding out is still a good first step. You can also test the water pressure in your home to see if it’s decreased at all. Low water pressure can be caused by things other than a pipe leak, but if you notice low water pressure when you fail the water meter test, you can be reasonably sure that you have a leak somewhere in your home.

Once you’ve determined that you have a leak, your next step is to find it. The most common culprits of water leaks are appliances that connect to your water line, such as washing machines or water heaters and plumbing fixtures like sinks or toilets. Leaks coming from these are relatively easy to catch, so that’s where you should begin your search.

When you check an electric appliance for leaks, unplug it first to avoid a shock. Then, check for water on the floor around the appliance and see if any water is dripping from where it is connected to your main water line. Plumbing fixtures such as sinks can generally be checked in the same way. Check the shutoff valves on your sinks and toilets to see if they are dripping, and check the plumbing underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks to see if it’s leaking.

If you can’t find a leak in any of your plumbing fixtures but you still suspect that the leak is coming from your toilet, there is a way to see if this is the case. All you need to do is put a little bit of food coloring in the toilet tank overnight. If any of the food coloring shows up in the toilet bowl the next morning, the tank is leaking and needs to be fixed.

Looking for Other Signs of a Leak

If you have checked all of your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and exposed plumbing but you still can’t find a leak, you’ll need to look for evidence of hidden leaks. If the leak is bad enough, you might hear the sound of trickling or running water when you get close to it. The sound might even be heard in your walls if that’s where the leak is. You might also see dark water spots on your walls, floors, or ceiling. If these spots aren’t immediately apparent in any common areas, check your crawlspace, as it is far more likely to be affected by water damage from a pipe leak.

Fixing Minor Leaks

Minor pipe leaks can usually be fixed if caught before they get out of hand. However, many of these fixes are temporary, so you’ll still need to call a plumber to inspect your plumbing and find a more permanent pipe repair solution.

The easiest way to fix a pipe with a small leak is to patch the leak itself. This can be done with pipe clamps, epoxy putty, a pipe sleeve, or pipe tape. These are all available at most hardware stores. To use pipe clamps, fold the rubber inner sleeve of the clamp around the leaking section of the pipe, place the clamps over the sleeve, and tighten the clamps until no more water escapes the pipes. Pipe sleeves work pretty much the same way as pipe clamps, but they’re intended for use with PVC pipes and are really only useful to patch drain lines such as those under your kitchen or bathroom sinks.

If your damaged pipe is made of copper or galvanized steel, you may be able to patch the leak with some epoxy putty. To perform this task, first turn off the water to the leaking pipe. Prepare the putty according to the instructions on the package, and then apply it to the leak. Give the putty an hour to dry, and slowly turn the water back on to see if the leak has stopped. You can also wrap the damaged pipe in pipe tape to give it a little extra security.

Pipe tape can also be used on its own if you are patching a small pinhole leak. There are several types of tape that you can use, such as duct tape, Teflon tape, and electrical tape. The type that you need will depend on the pipe that you are patching up. Shut off the water supply to the pipe as you would if you were using epoxy putty and thoroughly dry the outside of the pipe. If the pipe is wet, the tape won’t form a tight seal around the leak. Wrap the tape tightly around the pipe and press it firmly against the pipe. Slowly turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Keep in mind that these are meant to be temporary solutions. They will stop minor leaks if used correctly, but you’ll need to call a plumber for a more permanent fix. This usually involves removing and replacing the damaged section of pipe.

Call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for Your Plumbing Needs

A leaky pipe is always a serious issue that can do a lot of damage to your home. If you suspect that you have a leak in your home, we at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating will be happy to assist you. We’ve provided expert plumbing services to homes in Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas for years, and we always prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our customers over everything else. In addition to leak detection and plumbing repair, we also offer new plumbing installation, drain cleaning, and garbage disposal repair services, among many others. You can also call us for heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services.

Our team will be happy to assist you and find the best possible solution to your plumbing issues. For more information about our plumbing services or if you suspect that you have a leak in your home, don’t hesitate to call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover for help.

Master Sump Pump Fundamentals and Keep Your Basement Free of Winter Flooding

Written by Kevin on January 16, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Winter presents a different set of difficulties to homeowners than other seasons, and one of them is preventing flooding in your basement. While this can happen any time of year, snow accumulations and fluctuating temperatures bring the possibility of melting snow and ice leading to water intrusion into your home’s lowest level. If you want to protect your home from suffering water damage, a sump pump is an effective tool, especially during winter.

What Are Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps are devices that remove water from a home’s lowest point, usually a crawl space or basement. A specially designed pit called a sump basin is placed there, and the sump pump is installed to collect water seeping into the foundation of the home they’re intended to protect. Once the water gets to a certain level, the pump goes to work by directing water away from the house via a discharge pipe.

Sump pumps generally fall into two categories: pedestals and submersibles. Pedestal sump pumps are positioned above the basin, and the motor is on a pedestal. They’re easier to access for servicing, but they can be the louder of the two kinds when doing their work. These are often ideal for areas that don’t get as much water intrusion or homes with smaller basements.

Submersible pumps are installed inside the physical basin, and they can operate when underwater. They’re not as prone to overheating, and they’re usually quieter than a pedestal pump. These can be effective choices for homes with bigger basements.

Sump Pump Operations

A sump pump’s operation is a relatively simple process. Water comes into the sump basin either by natural groundwater flow or through drains. If the water level hits a particular height, it triggers a pressure sensor or float switch. This activates the sump pump operations, and it moves water from the basin and into a discharge pipe that redirects it away from the home’s foundation where it’s no longer a structural threat. When the water level drops low enough, the pump will automatically turn itself off.

Basement Risks in Winter

When many homeowners think of basement flooding, they might think of strong showers that happen in spring, summer, and fall, depending on their region. However, the winter season presents some unique threats of its own. Melting snow can turn into liquid water that seeps into your home’s foundation. Frozen pipes might burst and release substantial volumes of water into your home; if it doesn’t happen in your basement, gravity will take the water down there. Ice dams can form on your roof, causing water to leak into the home through walls and, again, down toward the basement.

Getting Your Sump Pump Ready for Winter

Preparing the sump pump in your home for the winter season involves a few steps you can take yourself, professional maintenance, and potential home improvements involving professionals from other industries. To start, check your pump visually for signs of wear or damage. Clean the basin of any debris that might result in clogs, make sure the intake screen is always clear, and check your discharge pipe for ice or blockages. Depending on your particular setup, you might be able to pour a bucket full of water into your sump basin to confirm it properly activates.

A plumber should inspect the sump pump at least once a year. This visit can include a more detailed inspection than you can do yourself, and they can optimize your sump pump for performance. Consult them about home improvements that might help the sump pump, such as using an outlet extension that prevents freezing or a grated cover. Ask them about insulating the discharge line and exposed pipes, and have them apply heat tape to crucial areas they deem necessary. Have them test the float switch for freedom of movement and proper pump activation. If your sump pump doesn’t have a check valve, consider having one installed to keep water from flowing back to the basin once it’s been pumped out already.

Winter storms often mean power outages, so ask about a backup generator or battery that keeps the sump pump operational when the local grid fails you. This might involve including an electrician in addition to your plumber. Make sure someone keeps debris and leaves clear on your property so that water doesn’t pool near the foundation. If necessary, have a professional grading project to slope the ground away from your foundation to minimize water accumulation.

Installing a dehumidifier can reduce basement humidity, helping prevent mildew and mold. Waterproof sealant can seal gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation. Always monitor weather conditions so that you know when snowfall and thawing happen.

Getting Professional Help

While a professional should inspect your system at least once a year for preventative maintenance, you should also know when to call one in as a response to the conditions of your home. Persistent water issues plaguing your home, even with a functional sump pump present, mean circumstances require professional diagnosis and resolution. Complicated sump pump repairs, such as fixing electrical issues or motor replacement, are not DIY tasks. Installing a new backup system or sump pump is also a professional task.

Sump pumps can last years with the right maintenance, but they don’t work forever. Know the common warning signs that replacement is looming. Frequent cycling happens when the pump keeps turning on and off over and over, usually due to malfunction or being undersized for the workload demanded of it. With proper care, many sump pumps last for seven years up to a decade, but they likely need replacement following that. Inconsistent performance, failure to activate, and excessive noises, such as rattling or grinding sounds, are all potential indicators of mechanical failure.

Peace of Mind

A reliable sump pump prevents basement flooding, protects against mold growth, reduces pressure applied to your home’s foundation, and gives you more peace of mind. A dry basement can be a strong selling point if you list your home on the market, and backup systems can offer additional security. Battery backups work during power outages and boost pumping capacity during inflow. Water-powered backup pumps use municipal system pressure to remove basin water if your local water supply is more reliable than the power grid. High-performance alarms can alert you when your pump malfunctions or water levels are rising. Some models can even send your smartphone notifications directly.

Enjoy Your Basement

Installing a sump pump is a crucial step for keeping your basement free of flooding, especially during the coldest and wettest seasons. When you know how your sump pump operates, do routine maintenance, and stay proactive about protecting your home, you can keep your basement secure and dry throughout the winter months. Getting your sump pump prepared for the seasonal challenges keeps your property safe and gives you peace of mind.

Ensuring your sump pump stays in peak condition helps you avoid disasters from striking. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating provides HVAC and plumbing services to residents of Hanover and the surrounding Maryland communities. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for all your home’s sump pump needs this winter or any season.

Are Tank or Tankless Water Heaters Better for Your Home?

Written by Kevin on January 8, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Choosing the right water heating appliance for your home is an important investment. When making this major decision, it is crucial to consider things like energy efficiency, life span, size, and cost. A functional water heater is vital to the comfort of your home and your family.

Depending on the specific needs of your home, choosing between a tank or tankless water heater comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages. Although both options heat water, each method performs the job differently. Understanding the differences between these two heating options will help you decide which is the best water heater installation option to choose for your home.

What is a Tank Water Heater?

For decades, tank water heaters have been the established heating method in homes. Commonly known as a storage-tank water heater, this device uses an insulated cylindrical tank to store hot water. The inner components of the insulated tank heat water at the bottom of the tank using gas or electricity, much like how a stove heats up a pot of water to make it boil. The water inside the tank rises to the top and remains hot until all the water depletes. When fresh cold water enters the tank, the water activates the heating source. When the water reaches the desired temperature, the heating source deactivates.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters, like tank water heaters, can use gas or electricity to heat water. However, without using a storage tank, this option delivers an on-demand heating method. Tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to instantly raise the temperature of cold water as it passes through the exchanger. This type of heater is more energy efficient and eliminates heat loss associated with storage-tank heaters. Tankless water heaters only heat water when the tap is used or when an appliance requires hot water.

Benefits of Tank Water Heaters

To decide if a tank water heater is the right choice for your home, you must determine what size of tank will satisfy your property’s peak demand. To figure this number out, identify the gallon-per-minute flow rate, or GPM, of all appliances and fixtures in your home using hot water. Add up the GPM flow rates of each appliance and fixture using hot water to receive your peak demand figure.

Compare your home’s peak demand with the capacity limit listed on the water heater’s energy guide label to determine what size of tank is sufficient for your place. Tank water heaters are available in sizes ranging from 20- to 80-gallon tanks.

Tank water heaters offer several benefits over tankless heaters. These benefits include:

Less expensive up-front costs
Quickly heats large volumes of water
Easier to diagnose and repair
Simpler installation process

Although there are benefits to tank water heaters, there are also disadvantages to this heating method. These disadvantages include:

Short life span, up to 15 years
More expensive energy bills
Long wait time for heated water
May develop leaks

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

If you are considering a tankless water heater, you need to understand the distinct types. The two types of tankless water heaters include point-of-use heaters and whole-house heaters. Point-of-use heaters provide heated water to a specific area or appliance. Whole-house heaters deliver heated water to all appliances, showers, and sinks in the home.

Tankless water heaters also feature condensing and non-condensing options. Condensing water heaters reduce heat loss by reusing hot exhaust gas to raise the water temperature. A non-condensing water heater exhausts excess heat outdoors. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates tankless water heaters are up to 34% more efficient than tank heaters.

Tankless water heaters have notable advantages over tank heaters. These advantages include:

More efficient with reduced heat loss
Smaller size
Decreased leaking potential
Extended life span, up to 20 years

Though there are notable benefits to tankless water heaters, there are also disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

Expensive up-front costs
May require additional installations
Minor wait time for heated water
Corrosion of condenser components

Gas vs. Electric

Both tank and tankless water heaters have gas and electric options. Whether you select a gas or an electric option depends on your home. Gas options will require proper ventilation and gas line installation. Electric options are more energy efficient but have lower GPM flow rates.

To make the best decision, weigh the pros and cons of each option. If you require less maintenance and a simple installation, then a storage-tank water heater is the better option. If you desire longevity and cheaper utility bills, then a tankless water heater is your best choice.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive initially but make up for the costs over time with better energy efficiency.

Purchase Price

The choice you make between a tank heater and a tankless model may revolve around purchase price and installation costs. The price range of water heaters varies, but the heater’s maximum capacity plays a key role. Along with capacity, the price range of the heater is determined by the heater’s brand and size dimensions.

In most cases, tank water heaters are more affordable than tankless water heaters. The price of tank water heaters ranges from $300 to $1,500, with more expensive brands reaching upward of $2,000.

The price of tankless water heaters is cheaper than tank heaters. Some tankless heater models cost as low as $150, but some models cost upward of $2,000. One of the most expensive tankless water heaters uses solar power and costs upward of $6,000.

While point-of-use water heater installation is the cheapest option, tank water heater installation can range from $800 to $1,800. The national average for tankless water heater installation is $1,200 with national estimates as low as $300.

Maintenance Tips

For many homeowners, choosing the proper water heating solution depends on budget, installation process, and available housing space. However, willingness to perform preventative maintenance on the water heater also plays a role in selecting the right water heater option for your home. Tank and tankless water heaters require different forms of preventative maintenance.

Preventative maintenance of your water heater will help extend the heater’s life span. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years while tank water heaters can last between 10 and 15 years.

Manufacturers of tank water heaters recommend occasionally draining the storage tank to flush sediment. Regular anode rod replacement helps extend the life span of tank heaters by slowing down corrosion and rust buildup.

For tankless water heaters, occasionally flushing the heat exchanger helps prevent hard-water deposits. Cleaning the sediment filter also helps increase longevity.

Consult Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for Water Heater Services

When you need maintenance or installation services for your water heater in Hanover, MD, reach out to Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating to speak with one of our professionals. With extensive training, our team provides the expertise to manage your tank or tankless water heater repair service. We also specialize in residential and commercial HVAC services within a 25-mile radius of Hanover. Give us a call or complete the online form to schedule a consultation with a member of our well-trained, licensed staff.