Tag Archive for: Raleigh NC plumbers

high-efficiency-electric-water-heater

High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters: Are They For You?

Just as the Poole’s Plumbing name has become the most respected and trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbing, they have also earned the reputation as the “go-to” for installation, servicing and repair of any type of water heater. Whether tankless or your conventional model, the experts at Poole’s have a “best price guarantee” on all of their water heater services, striving to save you more while providing the most efficiency possible.

Many folks have tried in the more “modern age” of water heater technology to steer clear from the pricier and less efficient electric models that have historically been known to make one’s electric meter readings skyrocket. The term High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters may almost seem an oxymoron to some, however for those who aren’t aware, several years ago, there was a hybrid heat pump water heater introduced that has made the term High Efficiency Electric Waters Heaters no longer a fantasy.

Given the long standing tradition of your electric bill going through the roof due to having an electric unit, the first thing one may ask is, “How exactly do these High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters work?” At an average operating price of only about 60 cents per day, the once unthinkable High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters are at least worth consideration.

In actuality, most major water heater manufacturers do now make some type of High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters. How these hybrid heat pump type water heaters work is as follows: they pull hot air in, intensifying the heat and trnsfering to the water. In a nutshell, the heat pump does the work and helps heat the water before the electrical element even has to do any of the work. In many of the newer model High Efficiency Water Heaters, there is also smart controls that allow for you to create a schedule or the unit will actually do this on their own based upon the patterns of your usage.

While the initial cost of these High Efficiency Electric Water heaters can be a bit higher than other units, over a longer period of time, they can save you do to said efficiency. Whether this is the water heater option you wish to explore or whether you would like to look at the popular tankless models, Poole’s Plumbing is the number one water heater specialists

Constant or Conventional: What to Know When Selecting a Well Pump

When calling upon the Raleigh NC plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing for replacement or installation, it is essential to know the facts and both the pros and cons of both Constant Pressure and Conventional models when Selecting a Well Pump.

Constant Pressure Pump Selecting a Well PumpIn Selecting a Well Pump, it is essential to know which model best suits you and your needs as to not waste your money on a pump that may give you either too much or too little. The Constant Pressure Pump operates using a variable speed motor that is built in to the unit that allows the pump to speed up or slow down depending on your level of water usage. Thus, when you need more water, the Constant Pressure Pump runs faster, and when less water is used, it runs at a slower pace. Benefits of this type model include:

  • Better water pressure when taking a shower
  • More “city-like” water pressure coming from all faucets
  • Higher powered lawn irrigation
  • A smaller, low cost tank that takes up less space
  • Several built in features to prevent any damage to your pump
  • Convenient push button pressure selection

Conventional Pump System

The conventional or traditional system is your other option in Selecting a Well Pump. These units operate at only two speeds, on and off. A pressurized switch controls the Conventional Pump System, turning the unit on when a certain pressure level is reached and likewise, shutting it off once the necessary level is reached.  Benefits of the Conventional Pump System include:

  • A larger tank model produces longer cycles
  • Overall length of the pumping cycles being determined by the varying size of tank which you need
  • The pump not running while you are consuming water
  • Due to its “on” or “off” cycles, helps to conserve water and avoid unnecessary or wasteful usage.
Unclog a Shower Drain

Simple Household Spring Plumbing Tips Can Help to Save

As the changing of the season from Winter to Spring is even more apparent with the recent change in temperature, the second part of our Spring Plumbing Tips from the most trusted name in Raleigh NC plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, has several more simple things that you can do around the house to help prepare and avoid major issues as the heavy rains of the season approach.

These basic check up and repair techniques are Spring Plumbing Tips that any home owner can follow and they not only get you ready for the changing of the season, but also is a safe way to avoid more significant damage in the case that you have actually developed some type of plumbing issue during the cold winter months.

To begin with these Spring Plumbing Tips, thoroughly check all faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom of your home. This can help you to conserve water and money, as can checking your toilets to be sure there aren’t any leaks. An easy way to do this would be to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and if a leak has developed you will see the coloring in the bowl with in 30 minutes time. Checking for leaks or cracks in the toilet bowl also is a good idea when doing this.

Before moving along from checking your toilet, another of our suggested Spring Plumbing Tips is to be sure the units are flushing correctly. If by chance you need to shake or wiggle the handle, certain parts will need to be replaced. This can be done inexpensively and can not only fix the toilet but also save you money on water costs.

Spring Plumbing TipsChecking for clogs is next on the list of Spring Plumbing Tips. Beng certain that you have a filter on all of the drains in the house will prevent buildup such as soap, hair, or a variety of other substances from creating some type of blockage. Shower heads are another area that can easily become clogged due to mineral deposits. A simple solution to this is to fill a zip-lock bag with white vinegar and using are rubber band to secure it, wrap the full baggie around the head. Leaving this on the shower head for 24 hours will break the deposits down and have it completely clog-free and clean.

Lastly, you should check your water supply valve on occasion and turn them on and off. By doing this regularly, you can prevent the valve from sticking, which can lead to much more serious issues down the road.

By following these simple Spring Plumbing Tips and staying on top of these items around the house, in addition to checking each of the items detailed in Part One of our tips that can be seen here, you can with little effort have the plumbing in your home ready for the Spring and free and clear of any minor damage caused through the winter before it becomes more costly and a much bigger problem.