Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Tankless Water Heater’ Category

The Pros and Cons to Tankless Water Heating

Thursday, June 29th, 2023
Tankless water heater service unit with exposed pipes, valves, and gas line connections.

Hot water has become an integral aspect of our daily modern lives, from soothing showers to sparkling clean dishes.

Traditional water heaters with storage tanks have long been the norm, but tankless water heaters in Neenah, WI have gained popularity, for their energy efficiency and on-demand hot water supply.

We’re going to take a look at a few of the pros and cons of tankless water heating so you can make a more informed decision on the right system for your home!

Continue Reading

Tankless Water Heater Myths

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021
tankless water heater myths

Tankless Water Heater Myths

If you think it’s time to replace your current water heater, you may want to consider upgrading to a tankless model. The best plumbing companies will agree that a tankless water heater is the better choice. A new tankless water heater can last up to 30 years. If you’re considering a tankless water heater installation in Appleton, WI, read the article below to learn more about tankless water heater myths.

Myth: Easy To Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

Most homes in Appleton, WI are over 10 years old, so it’s likely that your water heater has a storage tank. Going from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless water heater is harder than it looks. Tankless water heaters burn fuel with coal. As a result, the construction phase for a tankless water heater can also require work on the gas lines to ensure that the device receives adequate gas supplies. 

In addition, extra work might also be needed to equip your home with the necessary ventilation to guide the exhaust gasses outdoors. Therefore, it’s not recommended that you swap out your water heater yourself. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services for professional tankless water heater installation

Myth: The Water Is Instantly Hot

A lot of people had the idea that a tankless water heater is comparable to instant hot water in your showers or faucets. Yes, it’s accurate that the tankless device heats up the water as it’s switched on. But, the water also has to pass through the plumbing in your home until it’s sent to the working plug. Essentially, it would take almost the same time for hot water to enter the tap as it does from the storage water heater. If you want to shorten the waiting period for you to finally use hot water, you may want to look at a circulating system installation in combination with your tankless machine to hold hot water continuously accessible in the pipes for immediate supply.

Myth: Require an Annual Inspection

One of the benefits of a tankless water heater is skipping annual inspections! There’s no maintenance timeline for a tankless water heater. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company in Stillwater, say that it really depends on the hardness of the water. The harder the temperature, the faster the mineral deposits can build up in the water heater. Your tankless water heater will force much of this through the system, but if there’s a build-up, the scale detector program will send you an error message, and then you’ll need to have it serviced by a professional plumber.

Myth: Not Enough Water

As we mentioned above, most homes have a storage-tank water heater. Therefore, switching to a tankless water heater creates a common misconception that there’s a lack of hot water. “Not the case at all. The water is heated when it moves through the unit. So, you don’t need to worry about not getting enough hot water,” says Ed Tureks from Tureks Plumbing. 

Contact a Plumbing Company in Fox Valley

Need water heater services in Appleton, WI? Tureks Plumbing is happy to help! Our team of professional, licensed, and insured plumbers can service, repair, and install your water heater. We’ve been serving the Fox Valley and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Contact us today for a water heater estimate or if you need residential plumbing services or commercial plumbing services.

Continue Reading

What is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020
what is high-pressure water jetting? - Tureks Plumbing Services

What Is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

High-pressure water jetting also referred to as hydro-jetting, is a technique of unblocking and cleaning drains. It uses high water pressure to thoroughly clean drains that have been clogged. This technique removes even the toughest of blockages that may be in your pipes and drains. High-pressure water jetting completed by Tureks Plumbing Services in Appleton, Wisconsin, leaves your drainage system almost as good as new. You may, therefore, find yourself experiencing no problems with your system in the future. 

To help understand how high-pressure water jetting works, here’s a list of some of its benefits.

Hydro-Jetting is Versatile

This method of cleaning can be used to fix both commercial and domestic drainage-related issues. Our commercial plumbing company in Appleton, WI, utilizes state of the art technology to clear blockages from your drains using high-pressure water jetting. Additionally, the drainage engineers are trained and skilled, thus ensuring that there’s no risk of your drains clogging up in the future. 

It is an Effective Drain Cleaning Technique

While there are various traditional methods that can be used to unblock drains, none of them equal the effectiveness of high-pressure water jetting. Snaking or rooting a drain does not clean your drainage pipe fully, which leaves residue behind even after the unblocking has been done. Some residue types are sticky, and this may cause the pipe to block, again, explains our friends at Do It Right Plumbers, an OC drain cleaning company

On the other hand, using high-pressure water jetting to clean your pipes thoroughly ensures that no residue is left behind. This ensures the water flows in your pipes steadily and continuously with no hindrances. Contact an emergency Fox Valley plumbing company today for effective drain cleaning using this technique.

An Environmentally Friendly Option

While it may seem that hydro-jetting is a waste of water, this is a misconception. This is because little water is used, and it only looks like a lot because the pressure of the water in use is high. If you live near a water body such as a river or lake, many drain service providers will utilize water from the river or lake with added pressure to clean your drains. Water is a valuable resource for mankind, so an option that scarcely uses a resource is a better option to that which exploits a lot of the same resource.

In addition, Fox Valley plumbing experts assert that this method of cleaning your drains does not use any harmful chemicals. It, therefore, has no negative impact on the environment.

A Cost-effective Option

Using traditional methods, such as chemical cleaners, baking soda, vinegar, or hot water to unclog your pipes, is only a temporary fix. This only makes it more expensive to have your drain cleaned regularly. The use of hydro-jetting, on the other hand, is effective after one cleaning session. Additionally, it leaves no possibility of your drains clogging up in the near future. This makes it a cost-effective way to unblock drains. Tureks Plumbing Services provides this service at affordable rates; contact us today!

Cleaner Method of Cleaning Your Pipes

In comparison to traditional methods of cleaning your drains, high-pressure water jetting is cleaner, faster, and more efficient. Because it uses water pressure, it requires no chemicals or acid that leave a foul smell behind in your home or your business. Furthermore, the job is done quickly, which reduces the risk of many people getting exposed to possible contaminants. This makes it a cleaner technique for cleaning your pipes that poses no health risks. 

Hydro-Jetting Services in Fox Valley

Now that we are well informed on the various benefits of hydro-jetting, you should make sure you use hydro-jetting to unblock your clogged drains. Instead of contacting other companies that may prefer to use traditional sewer methods that may not be safe to clean your pipes, contact Tureks Plumbing Services to clean your pipes using hydro-jetting or trenchless sewer repair.

The method is effective, judging by the benefits mentioned above, so contact us for the best results!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is high-pressure water jetting?
Answer: High-pressure water jetting, also called hydro-jetting, is a drain cleaning method that uses powerful water pressure to clear clogs and wash buildup from inside pipes. It helps remove tough blockages and residue so water can flow more freely through the drainage system.

Question: How is hydro-jetting different from snaking a drain?
Answer: Snaking can break through a clog, but it may leave sticky residue on the pipe walls. Hydro-jetting cleans more thoroughly by flushing the inside of the pipe with pressurized water. This makes it a stronger option for recurring clogs, buildup, and slow drains.

Question: Is high-pressure water jetting safe for residential and commercial drains?
Answer: High-pressure water jetting can be used for both residential and commercial drainage problems when handled by trained plumbing professionals. The method is versatile and effective, but the right equipment and technique matter to help clear blockages without unnecessary risk to the drain system.

Question: Is hydro-jetting an environmentally friendly drain cleaning option?
Answer: Hydro-jetting is considered environmentally friendly because it relies on water pressure instead of harsh chemicals or acids. It can clean drains without leaving chemical odors behind or introducing harmful substances into the plumbing system, making it a cleaner option for homes and businesses.

Question: When should I consider hydro-jetting for clogged drains?
Answer: Hydro-jetting is worth considering when drains clog repeatedly, drain slowly, or have stubborn buildup that traditional methods do not fully remove. Because it clears residue from the pipe walls, it can provide a longer-lasting solution than temporary fixes like chemical cleaners, hot water, or basic drain tools.

Continue Reading

Tankless Wate Heater Savings

Wednesday, August 26th, 2020

Will a Tankless Water Heater Save Me Money?

Tankless Water Heater Savings - Tureks Plumbing Services

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American homes spend an average of $2,060 each year on energy bills. Approximately $268, or 13% of the annual energy bill, goes to heating water. This doesn’t include the cost of the water itself, so it isn’t surprising that many homeowners in Appleton, WI, are looking for ways to cut costs. One of the avenues they consider is a tankless water heater for its improved energy efficiency, with some units offering on-demand hot water in a compact wall-mounted design, up to 34% better energy performance, and potential annual savings of up to $95.

Unlike traditional tank water heaters, these systems heat water only as needed instead of storing it, which is generally more energy-efficient and can help lower utility bills and energy costs over time.

Can a Tankless Water Heater Result in Cost Savings?

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as instantaneous water heaters, on-demand water heaters or simply demand heaters. This type of heater has seen a spike in demand because the heater can heat water only when it is needed.

This instantaneous availability of hot water, rather than having gallons standing by just in case someone needs a supply of hot water, helps keep hot water flowing on demand and has led many homeowners to believe that having one of these appliances will save them money.

Turek’s Plumbing Services confirms that Appleton WI tankless water heaters usually require less energy to run than storage systems. Many tankless models also offer on-demand performance, a compact wall-mounted design, and potential annual energy savings of up to $95. However, having lower energy bills doesn’t necessarily mean you are saving money since the upfront pricing for equipment and setup is often higher and also has to be accounted for.

Because tankless water heaters are more complex than water heaters with storage tanks, and each unit relies on advanced electronics and venting, it costs more to install the on-demand water heater and service it properly. That added cost, plus the purchase price of the heater, means that it will take longer for the water heater to pay for itself.

In Appleton, hard water can cause mineral buildup and scale inside the water heater tank and components, so annual service and water heater maintenance are important to protect energy efficiency and extend the system’s longer lifespan.

These water heaters could deliver savings in your case, and they come with the following added benefits which could outweigh any savings you hoped to gain.

Longer Service Life

As mentioned earlier, on-demand water heaters typically last about twice as long as older units with water storage tanks. For instance, while a traditional water heater could last for 8-12 years, a tankless version can work for 20-25 years.

Furthermore, most components of on-demand water heaters can be replaced, such as the anode rod and pressure relief valve, so a repair on a traditional tank unit may only extend its life briefly, while replacement parts can keep a tankless water heater going longer and provide dependable hot water.

Limitless Hot Water Supply

In most cases, on-demand water heaters can provide endless hot water. You therefore no longer have to worry that you will get a jet of cold water in the midst of having a hot shower.

Choosing the right water heater also depends on fuel type, the size of the unit, household size, and total household demand, since the major types homeowners compare often include tankless systems, gas water heaters, electric models, and traditional tank models.

You could also solve the flow rate challenge by installing a smaller on-demand water heater at a point of use that requires a lot of hot water. This will result in even more efficiency as the heat losses incurred while water is transported from the heater to the point of use are avoided, and this smaller unit can help serve that high-demand fixture more directly.

Space Economy

We live at a time when every square foot of space comes at a premium. It is therefore welcome news to learn that tankless water heaters require very limited space since the heater doesn’t come with a storage tank, and their compact design supports improved efficiency while saving valuable floor space.

A traditional water heater (the ones with storage tanks) are approximately two feet in diameter and five feet tall. These huge water heaters aren’t only an eyesore wherever they are installed, but they also take up a lot of space in the kitchen, laundry room, or any other location where they have been installed.

In contrast, many tankless water heaters are compact, wall-mounted systems that can be tucked away in tight spaces. Additionally, they come in attractive designs which enhance rather than detract from the aesthetics of your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Suitable for Me?

As you can see from the discussion above, a lot goes into determining whether an on-demand water heater will deliver savings to a particular home or not. It is therefore advisable for you to contact us at Turek’s Plumbing Services so that a member of our team can visit your home, assess your hot water needs, usage, fuel source, and system type, and help you choose the right option before giving you our considered opinion on whether you may or may not realize monetary savings when you install a tankless water heater.

Our water heater service can include repair, maintenance, or water heater installation, including new water heater installations, for gas, electric, tankless, and electric water heater systems, and our heater service is tailored to your household; regular water heater maintenance helps support a reliable hot water supply, extend system life, and improve energy efficiency by preventing sediment buildup and corrosion. We also provide comprehensive water heater repair across the major system types we service. If your system needs frequent repairs, has a leaking water heater tank, shows heavy corrosion, or is an outdated unit over 10–15 years old, a new water heater replacement is often the smarter long-term choice, especially when water heater problems include inconsistent water temperature or no hot water, often caused by worn heating elements, faulty thermostats, or undersized units that cannot keep up with household demand, rusty or discolored water, or strange noises like popping and rumbling caused by excess sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and strains the system. When the issue is identified promptly, most repairs can be completed in one visit.

In hard water conditions, sediment buildup can also lead to leaks and corrosion that worsen over time if not addressed promptly. Homeowners should also choose a company well-versed in their brand and authorized to service tankless models, and credentials such as an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau or a strong standing with the local business bureau can reinforce that trust; specialized technicians with local knowledge, plumbing experience, and a proven track record can quickly diagnose tankless issues, perform same-day diagnostics for scale buildup and error codes, and respond quickly when you lose hot water, which matters for tankless systems because homeowners depend on on-demand hot water. This is especially helpful in Milwaukee homes, where Milwaukee residents often deal with hard water and older housing-related plumbing conditions. That expertise is important for solving problems tied to advanced system design, and switching from a traditional tank water heater may also require gas-line upgrades and plumbing adjustments.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services today for tankless water heater service, water heater repair, or water heater replacement in Milwaukee today—our team delivers exceptional service, honest recommendations, and quality workmanship for fewer surprises.

Continue Reading

Our Favorite Tankless Water Heater

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020

Favorite Tankless Water Heater - Rinnai tankless water heater - Tureks Plumbing ServicesOur Favorite Tankless Water Heater

We live in a world where technology is constantly changing for the better. So, there is no reason why you should remain stuck with an aging water heater that is not only inefficient and space-wasting but also doesn’t give you the hot water you need. Plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services would like to introduce to you our favorite tankless water heater, the Rinnai tankless water heater. This best-in-class appliance is our bestseller for a number of reasons as discussed below.

Endless Hot Water

A Rinnai hot water heater gives you the freedom to enjoy as much hot water as you want so that you don’t have to choose between using the dishwasher, doing your laundry or taking a hot shower. 

A Rinnai water heater heats water as you use it, so you can be sure that you will not run out of hot water simply because the tank of your traditional heater has run out of hot water. Tureks Plumbing Services knows how important time and convenience is to you, and that is why we offer you the best hot water heater that will provide hot water conveniently to you and your entire household.

No More Waiting for Hot Water

Anyone who has used a traditional water heater knows how frustrating it can be to open a faucet and wait for several minutes before hot water starts flowing through. This is particularly noticeable on chilly days.

Appleton home remodel contractors say that the water losses that occur as you wait for hot water to start flowing can add up to thousands of gallons of water each year. That is money down the drain, literally. 

With a Rinnai hot water heater, you get hot water just seconds after opening a faucet. This is a huge departure from the minutes required before you can get hot water from your traditional water heater. You will save time and money after installing a Rinnai water heater in your home.

Minimal Space is Required

Another critical reason why Tureks Plumbing Services is comfortable recommending Rinnai tankless water heaters to homeowners in Appleton, WI is that these water heaters are space-savers.

Traditional water heaters have huge tanks that occupy a lot of space. We all know that space in a home comes at a premium. So, any area occupied by the traditional water heater is space that you cannot use.

Rinnai tankless water heaters are designed for space economy, and they are typically the size of a small suitcase. Furthermore, the experienced installers at Tureks Plumbing Services assure you that Rinnai tankless water heaters are all designed to be mounted on walls. This allows them to be at home in the most compact of locations within your home.

What this compact design means is that less space will be taken up by the water heater.

Affordability and Efficiency Savings

There is no smarter choice when it comes to the supply of hot water in your home other than upgrading to a tankless water heater. This is because Rinnai tankless water heaters are gas-powered but produce less CO2 than others on the market. Their high efficiency also means that they qualify for tax credits in many jurisdictions.

Tureks Plumbing Services gladly helps all clients to benefit from any energy rebates available. This results in our clients making significant savings on the cost of acquiring the latest Rinnai water heaters. 

Additionally, the tankless design of the Rinnai water heaters means that the operational costs of using the heater will reduce. For example, traditional water heaters keep reheating the water inside the tank to ensure a ready supply of hot water. This constant reheating wastes energy and your monthly energy bill will be higher as a result. This wasted energy is all saved when you switch to a tankless water heater from Rinnai. By only heating water when you need it, tankless water heaters from Rinnai ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Reliable Tankless Water Heater

There is no reason why you should settle for anything but the best for your business and home. That is why we bring to you Rinnai, the bestselling hot water heater in North America. 

The experts at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, agree that when you install one of these tanks in your commercial or residential property, you will get more than three decades of innovation, product integrity, and support.

Additionally, Wi-Fi functionality means that Tureks Plumbing Services can keep an eye on the efficiency of the water heater. As well as quickly correct any defects that threaten to affect the performance of the appliance. 

Durability You Can Trust

Rinnai tankless water heaters aren’t only designed to be very reliable. They’re also made to last. These tankless water heaters are built to last nearly twice as long as the traditional water heaters that have tanks.

You will also enjoy a generous warranty when you acquire and install your tankless water heater through Tureks Plumbing Services. 

As you can see, you have every reason to get a Rinnai tankless water heater for your home or business. Rest assured that Tureks Plumbing Services has the best water heater there is. Contact us today, and our experienced technicians will assess your water heater needs.

Continue Reading

Tankless Water Heaters – Pros & Cons

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

tankless water heaters wisconsinThe invention of water heaters helped shape the way people heated water in their homes. It was now possible to heat water without using a stove and without wasting too much energy in the process. This invention would later develop into a tankless water heater, from the conventional storage water heater.

Homeowners are increasingly adopting this method of heating water. Such an instantaneous supply of hot water is viewed as a great addition to any home. However, like any invention, tankless water heaters do have their merits and demerits. It is important to explore these pros and cons, before getting a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to install a water heater in your home.   

The pros include:

They are instant 

Unlike with storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are able to provide hot water on demand. You will not have to wait for the water to heat up as they are usually fast. This works well for homes with many occupants. 

They last longer 

Tankless water heaters are known to last longer than storage-tank water heaters. A typical tankless water heater is likely to last for more than 20 years, unlike their storage-tank counterpart which only lasts for 10-15 years. This added durability will save you money in the long run. 

They come with lower operational costs

Tankless water heaters have a lower operational cost than their storage tank counterparts. Given that they come with fewer components, and a longer lifespan, you are less likely to spend a lot of money carrying out a water heater repair, for example. This allows you to comfortably maintain your water heater without spending too much money. 

Reduced Risk of Water Damage 

A tankless water heater is less likely to cause damage to your property than a storage-tank water heater. This is usually because the tankless water heater has no tank to leak. While both can leak, a tankless water heater will not flood your house as a storage-tank water heater would. 

They save on Space 

A storage-tank water heater will require plenty of space since the tank has to go somewhere in your house. On the other hand, a tankless water heater requires no additional space making it an ideal pick for anyone with a smaller home. 

All these benefits come with their disadvantages too. The Cons include:

They come with a high initial cost 

Tankless water heaters are not only expensive to buy, but also come with added installation costs. For example, a gas water heater requires that you reroute gas lines in homes whose initial design had not accounted for such. You might also need to install new wiring systems to account for the water heater. This adds to the initial cost of the setup. 

They can’t fully cater to multiple users 

A tankless water heater might not be able to fully provide your entire household with hot water if you have multiple appliances using hot water at the same time. This leads to inconsistency in water temperatures. To counter this, you might be forced to install additional water heaters which are bound to cost more money. 

They can be affected by electricity outages 

Tankless water heaters do not work if there is a power outage. Regardless of whether your water heater uses electricity or gas, the control unit of both systems uses electricity. Therefore, this leaves you at the mercy of your power company. 

A water heater is an important addition to your home in Appleton Wisconsin. Whether you decide to pick a tank water heater or a tankless one, ensure to have Tureks by your side. We will provide you with the best plumber in Appleton Wisconsin for the right advice and installation. Contact us if you have any additional questions. 

Continue Reading

Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water Heater

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Water HeaterTankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which One Is Right for You?

Water heaters are an important addition to any home. For years, homeowners have relied on hot water to carry out different cleaning activities in their houses. Additionally, technology has allowed the invention of different types of water heaters.

They are mainly divided into two, tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters. These two vary in many ways and as a homeowner, it is important to understand the differences. To be sure you make the right decisions when picking a water heater in Appleton read on.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand by heating it directly as it flows through the unit, without using a storage tank. This makes it more energy efficient, space-saving, and longer-lasting than traditional tank models. It delivers continuous hot water but has a higher upfront cost and installation requirements.

About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are unlike the traditional forms of water heaters. Heating is provided by gas or electricity which is able to rapidly heat water on demand.

Tankless water heaters are considered more energy efficient. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan of about 20-30 years and require little plumbing maintenance. This form of water heating system comes with a higher initial cost but will save you money in the long run.

A tankless water heater is ideal for you if there are many users in your home. It also consumes less space compared to a storage-tank water heater. The tankless water heaters we recommend are made by Rinnai.

Storage Tank Water Heater

This is one of the oldest and most common forms of water heating systems. It employs the use of a tank for storage purposes where the required temperature of the water is maintained.

A storage tank water heater has a lower initial cost in terms of purchase and installation. It also costs less in repairs and maintenance allowing you to save money. However, they do not last long compared to tankless water heaters.

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, a heating company in Placerville, add that you are also likely to have higher utility bills because the talk keeps reheating the water to maintain the required temperatures. Additionally, your water heater is likely to use more energy if you live in colder regions.

They require plenty of space for the tank. Their lower longevity also poses a risk to your property as well. Problems such as leakages can cause damage to other equipment or furniture in your house.

Choosing between Tankless water heaters and Storage Tank water heater

Most of the traditional equipment in your home is being replaced by newer and more efficient equipment. The same goes for water heaters. You are better off picking a tankless water heater if your finances allow  you. The money you spend will be recovered from the money you save throughout its lifetime. You are also going to spend a lot more if you are replacing your tank storage water heater with a tankless one.
Tankless water heaters can function well if placed outside the house. These work well if you live in a place where space is an issue.

Storage tank water heaters are also ideal for anyone who cannot handle the initial cost of installation. However, you will be required to spend a little more on repairs and maintenance. It also not a very convenient way to heat water if you are many in the house since it requires some time to heat the water.
If you need a plumbing company in Appleton Wisconsin to help you pick the best water heating mechanism then look no further than Tureks plumbing services.

Continue Reading