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The difference between a boiler and a hot water tank has to do with the way in which each uses the hot water that it produces.

Both boilers and hot water tanks take cool water, heat this water and then distribute it throughout a home via pipes. However, the water that is heated by a boiler is distributed throughout the home via pipes, radiators and radiant in-floor systems in order to heat it – to keep the rooms, floors, garage, etc. comfortable and warm.

On the other hand, a hot water tank heats water that is used for cooking and cleaning purposes – for showers, dishwashing, laundry, etc.

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.

If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain. 

To try this safe and easy method at home – first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling in the drain (this is caused by the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar). Once the bubbling stops, wait a few more minutes then pour some boiling water down the drain. Repeat until the clog is cleared. Keep at it, it can take a long time.

With a heavy-duty clog, you might need something more powerful. In this case, try snaking the drain, plunging it or calling a local Edmonton drain cleaning company to get the job done.

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.

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

A sump pump is an appliance that is used to help prevent flooding in your home. If you’re in a flood zone and your basement floods regularly, if you have older plumbing, or if you just want to take a proactive step against flooding, then a sump pump installation is right for you. Sump pumps help prevent flood damage in your home by detecting increasing water pressure or water levels. If high levels are detected, the sump pump will pump water out of your basement and away from your home to a better location like a storm drain or a well.

First, shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage. If the burst pipe is near any electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity at the breaker box. Avoid standing in water to prevent electrical shock. Once you’ve secured the area, call a professional plumbing company to assess and repair the damage.

The amount of time it takes to get hot water from a new water heater depends on the size and type of hot water heater. A properly and professionally installed gas hot water heater will provide hot water most quickly. An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer. For an average 40-gallon electric heater it will take about 60 to 80 minutes and for an 80-gallon tank about 2 hours.