You may have heard a lot about how tankless water heaters can help you save money on energy costs, decrease water waste, and improve access to hot water in your home. But do you know how tankless water heaters actually work?

This video provides viewers with a basic explanation of how tankless water heaters work. You’ll also learn why troubleshooting a tankless water heater is best left to a qualified plumbing professional.

For expert plumbing, heating, and sewer services in the Sacramento area, contact Ace Plumbing. Call (916) 455-4548 to see why we’ve been Sacramento’s most trusted plumbing and HVAC service for over 40 years.

Few homeowners are lucky enough to enjoy home ownership without at least one plumbing fiasco. Read on to learn about the pipe and heating issues that threaten most homeowners and how a plumber can help:

Leaks

Even small drips in faucets can significantly inflate a water bill if left unattended. Thankfully, a plumber can typically handle these repairs with little effort. Relatively urgent pipe leaks, however, are caused by corrosive elements within the pipe. Leaks between walls are especially problematic, because they are difficult to detect. In addition to wasted water, long-term pipe leaks can leave your home more vulnerable to mold growth. Avoid these problems with annual home inspections by a local plumber.

Clogged Drains

Clogged sewer drains can cause all manner of inconveniences for households. Rancid smells and slow drains are likely symptoms of sewage lines on the verge of a complete clog. Excess hair, coagulated oils, and root intrusions also contribute to debilitating sewage blockage. The worst case scenario includes backup sewage returning to your home. Speak with a plumber if you suspect your drains may be starting to back up.

Hot Water Loss

Not much is worse than discovering your morning shower has been ruined by a surprise torrent of frigid water. Water heater failures have many potential sources. A leaking water tank is a symptom that’s easy to identify, but many problems will likely require the assistance of a professional to locate. 

Contact Ace Plumbing. We provide expert HVAC repair and installation services throughout the Sacramento area. Visit us online or call (916) 455-4548 for more information on our heating and cooling services.

If you’d like to learn more about home plumbing and HVAC repairs, click on the following links to access great online resources. Then call Ace Plumbing for plumbing and heating services in the Sacramento area. Call (916) 455-4548 for more information. 

• For signs that your home’s air conditioner isn’t working efficiently, visit this page from YellowPages.com. 

• Backflow can occur throughout your home’s plumbing system, including your sprinkler system. Read this page form Colorado State University to learn more about how backflow can affect your irrigation system. 

• Is your furnace or air conditioner ready to be replaced? Find out on this page from Energy Star. 

• To learn more about what backflow is and how to stop it, check out this page from the American Backflow Prevention Association. 

• How energy efficient is your furnace? For help finding out, and for tips on shopping for an energy-efficient furnace, visit this page from Consumer Reports.

Home sewer systems are carefully designed to protect homeowners from using non potable sewer water. However, certain pressure changes in your plumbing system can quickly send water flowing reverse, causing unsafe water to flow into your home. This phenomenon, known as backflow, can result in overflowing toilets, unsafe water consumption, and other problems. Let’s take a look at how backflow occurs, and how installing a backflow prevention device can help you. 

There are two types of backflow. The first is backpressure backflow, which is caused when water pressure in your plumbing is weaker than the pressure pushing against it from the outside. This is typically caused by problems at your local water utility or municipal plumbing systems. The second kind of backflow is called back siphonage, which is caused when your home’s plumbing system creates a vacuum and sucks sewer water back into the home. Both types of backflow can send sewage flowing into your home through toilets, sinks, faucets, irrigation systems, floor drains, and more. 

Although normal home plumbing systems may not always protect you against backflow, specialized plumbing devices can help to prevent backflow from occurring. Backflow preventers are a very simple solution for stopping sewer water from moving in reverse. These preventers create a mechanical blockage that prevents water from flowing in reverse through your system. There are many different kinds of backflow prevention devices, including reduced principle assemblies, vacuum breaker assemblies, and double check valve assemblies. Your plumber can help you determine which type of backflow prevention device is right for your home. 

Are you worried about backflow in your home or business? Then contact Ace Plumbing for backflow preventer installation services in the Sacramento area. We specialize in all types of residential and commercial plumbing service, as well as residential HVAC repair and installation. Call (916) 455-4548.

Your home’s heating and cooling system is essential to maintaining indoor comfort throughout the year. But are you paying more than you should be to heat and cool your home? Inefficient heating and air conditioning systems can drive up your monthly utility bills, and are a huge waste of energy. Here are some signs that your heating and cooling system could be running more efficiently.

 1.      Humidity Levels in the Home

Your home’s humidity is greatly affected by heating and cooling efficiency. Furnaces and air conditioners that are oversized for your home will use up a lot of energy, but won’t run for long enough. This causes moisture to buildup throughout the home, which can inflame allergies and promote mold growth.

 2.      Annual Electricity Costs

Compare your current heating and cooling costs to previous years’. If your utility rates haven’t changed but your heating or cooling bills have increased significantly, then you may be dealing with some heating and cooling inefficiencies.

 3.      Check Your Maintenance Schedule

Furnaces and air conditioners require regular maintenance to ensure efficient heating and cooling. If you haven’t had a heating or cooling professional inspect or maintain your HVAC system recently, then you’re probably paying more than you should every month.

 4.      Find your SEER and AFUE Numbers

Heating and cooling systems use special numbers to describe their energy efficiency. Heating units have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) number, while air conditioners have SEER numbers. AFUE numbers can be read like percentages, and SEER numbers start at 12 (the federal minimum) and go up. The higher each number is, the better. 

For help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling system is, contact Ace Plumbing. We provide expert HVAC repair and installation services throughout the Sacramento area. Visit us online or call (916) 455-4548 for more information on our heating and cooling services.