Water Heaters: Tank vs Tankless
For a home with a high demand for hot water, a tankless unit is a good option as it is virtually unlimited. One should be cautious with electric tankless, however; they can drive up the electric bill and may necessitate expensive upgrades to the electrical system, so we do not recommend them without first verifying capacity. Gas models will see an increase in demand when firing. On the maintenance side, igniters and heat sensors on tankless systems are prone to corrosion and error codes, making correct installation and service a must.
With a conventional tank, brown or rusty water and pooling in the drain pan are telltale signs it is time for a new one. A rotten egg odor usually means the anode rod has worn out, though in some instances that can be replaced.
Wells, Pumps and Sump Systems
Well and sump pumps are generally not worth rebuilding once they fail and need to be replaced. You will often notice low house pressure when a well pump is on its last legs. Sump pumps are a necessity in basements or crawl spaces where groundwater is an issue; we install check valves, alarms, and pump pits to keep the system from cycling continuously or flooding unexpectedly. Proper sizing and regular testing will get more life out of the equipment.
Water Softeners and Filtration
Pensacola homeowners will see the benefit of a softener when hard water leaves mineral deposits on the faucets. Not only does a softener cut down on that buildup to protect valves and fixtures, but whole-home filtration will take care of chlorine and debris to safeguard appliances and cartridges. It is important to have a system that is properly sized and professionally put in; an undersized or substandard unit will restrict flow and leave one wanting. Reverse osmosis can be wasteful of water and is not always the answer for the whole house.
