February 2, 2015 Plumbing Services Newsletter

"I sure appreciated how quick and cost effectively you guys took care of my leaking copper pipes under the house this past summer. Highly recommend you to anyone I know who needs plumbing service!"

Andy Krivy, owner of Infinity Signs, Boise, Idaho

Water Heater: Traditional vs. Tankless

Water heaters are an important part of our daily lives. Whether we are washing our hands, or taking a shower, our water heaters are constantly keeping our water at a regulated temperature so it is available as we need it. Although frequently taken for granted, if the water heater stops working correctly, it will quickly become a priority. When selecting a new water heater there are a number of considerations.

One idea to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing a new water heater, is the style of water heater that will work best for the family situation. New technologies have provide a variety of options. One such option is a new tankless water heater.

Instead of having a large tank taking up the corner of the garage or utility closet, a new tankless system can be mounted on a wall and will only takes up the area of large picture frame. Another beneficial feature of a tankless water heater is that it activates only as needed. This allows water to be instantly heated to the necessary temperature and then sent off to the proper area. This reduces the amount of energy required to heat the water by 25-35% compared to conventional storage water tanks as they don’t have a 60 gallon tank that has to be continually heated. On the down side though, if you have a large family or constantly have heavy water-consuming projects running in a home, they may not be able to keep up with demand.

Upfront costs on a tankless unit and the required installation expenses are a good bit more than a traditional hot water tank. The initial cost of a traditional tank is generally in the mid hundreds, whereas a tankless unit will usually start in the $800 range. However, a tankless heater has a life expectancy of more than 20 years, whereas traditional water heaters have a life span of around 10 years. Thus the benefits can offset the higher price tag.

The choice of which type of heater comes down to household preference. And whether you invest in tankless or traditional water heater, All Star Plumbing is here to get your new water heater installed and working 24/7.

 

Restoration Services: Mold Remediation

You might think that your home is safe from mold, but mold can be found in even the cleanest of homes. Mold is often an indicator of excess moisture in a home. This can be the result of many factors, from improper home maintenance, high humidity, and even weather conditions.

As mold can be found almost anywhere, mold can often go undetected in a home until it has become a problem that can’t be fixed by simple cleaning methods. Excessive mold can lead to lung damage, especially for those who are prone to asthma attacks, and in some cases can result in serious allergic reactions. As spores can enter the human airways, it can be very dangerous if not treated immediately.

All Star Plumbing offers a wide range of services to deal with mold remediation such as wet vacuuming, damp wipes to pull up mold residue, and in more serious cases discarding and rebuilding of a severely damaged area.

Prevention is always the best option. Some ways to help reduce the chances of mold build-up include dehumidifiers in damp areas of a home, yearly home maintenance check-ups, and even disposal of household items that may be more prone to mold. When it comes to mold, taking extensive preventative measurements is the best way to keep your home from unnecessary problems long-term.

 

The Evolution of the Toilet

The evolution of the toilet may not be the most exciting topic, but it is one of the most important inventions, none-the-less. At the dawn of age, people simply dug a hole and that was the end of it, nothing more. But as the centuries have progressed, people switched from a hand-dug hole to chamber pots. The chamber pot was predominant for a long period of history before the first systems of plumbing were enacted. Over time however, modern plumbing gradually became a part of daily use. Even into the early 1900’s, having modern plumbing in a home was considered a luxury beyond the reach of the average homeowner.

Now the concept of multiple toilets and bathrooms in a home is frequently considered a necessity. But the toilet doesn’t stop there.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Most people are still half asleep and prefer to wander around in the darkness to the restroom rather than turning on the light. Luckily, glow-in-the-dark toilet locator strips are now available to light the way. But toilets, or in this case bathrooms, don’t stop there. From fully bedazzled toilets, to the man cave of all toilets, with a full gaming system and television in the bathroom, going to the bathroom has become quite a lively entertainment experience.

For installation of the latest toilets and other bathroom renovations, call All Star Plumbing and Restoration.

 

Outrageous Renovations

Indoor pools, hidden staircase rooms, wine cellars and even a mosaic balcony are all what most people consider dream home fantasies. Most people live in, a more “practical” environment. Sometimes it’s fun to dream though. Choosing one area of the home to create a special pampering space can quickly change the feel of the entire home. Adding a jetted tub or a steam room could really help create that relaxed spa feeling at home.

Each person’s dream may be a bit different but making your dream space a reality is exactly what the professionals at All Star Plumbing and Restoration do. This includes painting your walls, updating your fence, and even sheet rocking and texturizing the add-on bedroom and spa you just built above your garage. Contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration and we’ll help make your dream room a reality.

Past Newsletters

January 7, 2015