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

Chemical drain cleaners do work, depending on the type of clog you have and how tough it is. Chemical drain cleaners work by creating a chemical reaction in your pipes.

When using chemical drain cleaners, always make sure to choose the right type of cleaner for the job. Also, make sure you know what kind of pipes you have, and how old they are so you can avoid using any chemical drain cleaner that might damage your pipes. Older pipes can become damaged due to the chemical reaction created by chemical drain cleaners. This can lead to bigger issues, like leaking pipes, and the need for plumbing repair services.

To avoid damage, physical methods are always best. Plunging or snaking a drain will ensure that it is not damaged by chemicals. When in doubt, call a drain cleaning plumber for professional advice and assistance.

The best homemade drain cleaner is baking soda. Baking soda can be used along with vinegar or lemon juice to create a strong and effective homemade drain cleaner that is safe for your home’s pipes.

To unclog your drains using baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice, pour one cup of baking soda then one cup of white vinegar or lemon juice down the drain. Allow this to sit for an hour then pour down a few cups of boiling water. If this doesn’t work the first time, repeat as necessary.

If your homemade drain cleaner isn’t working, call an experienced provider of drain cleaning plumbers near you to take a look. A professional plumber will be able to determine what is causing the clogged drain and how to fix it.

There are several preventive measures you can take:

• Insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
• Keep your home’s thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even at night and when you’re away.
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold spells to keep water flowing.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

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

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

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

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

The strongest drain cleaner is an acidic drain cleaner. When you have a clogged drain, it’s always best to try snaking or plunging it first. This method will ensure you do not damage your pipes. If that fails, give a drain cleaning product a try (at your own risk). 

Different types of drain cleaners have different uses. When you have a tough clog – hair, food, grease, soap scum, paper – an acidic drain cleaning product will be your best bet.

Keep in mind that you should never use chemical drain cleaning products in a completely clogged drain. These types of clogs require the product to sit in the drain for an extended period and this can cause damage to your pipes.
If a drain cleaning product doesn’t cut it, plumbing contractors in Edmonton can help. Contact a local, experienced plumber to have your drains unclogged and working like new in no time.