Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Size of Water Heater Is Right for My Home?
    Sizing a water heater is different for traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. To find the right size tank water heater, your plumber will determine your household’s peak-hour demand based on factors such as the number of people living in your house. To find the right size for tankless models, the most crucial factors to keep in mind are the temperature rise and flow rate. Temperature rise refers to the difference between the desired hot water temperature and the temperature of inflowing water. The flow rate is the maximum gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water flowing through a fixture, factoring in the temperature rise.
  • What Type of Water Heater Is Best for My Property?
    Selecting the right water heater for your property requires plenty of research. All types of water heating systems have features that can benefit your property. Traditional tank-style water heaters are reliable and easy to install, but tankless unit require less energy. Solar water heaters are environmentally friendly and can increase your property’s resale value. If your climate isn’t ideal for solar heating, indirect water heaters give the highest energy performance and optimal hot water output. If you’re looking for the lowest operating costs, heat pumps outclass all other heating systems. Ultimately the best type of water heater for your property is one that aligns with your needs.
  • Why Am I Running Out of Hot Water So Quickly?
    Several things can cause your home’s hot water supply to run out faster than normal. The most common culprits are sediment buildup, a faulty lower heating element, and a broken dip tube. Sediment buildup occurs when a layer of dissolved minerals settles at the bottom of your hot water storage tank. The buildup can grow big enough to displace a significant amount of water in your tank. If the lower heating element of your electric water heater suddenly goes bad, you’ll notice a significant decrease in the amount of hot water right away. When a dip tube gets damaged, cold and hot water mix in the tank, lowering the overall temperature of water you get.
  • How Often Should You Get Your Drain Lines Cleaned?
    Several factors can determine how often you should schedule drain line cleaning. The amount of wastewater that goes down your drains will vary if you have seven people in your household compared to two. The condition and age of your drain pipes are other factors. If you don’t know when your drain lines were last cleaned by a professional, get it done now before things get out of hand. For most homeowners, having your drains cleaned once a year is sufficient. But if you have a high volume of usage, your drains may require more frequent drain cleaning.
  • Who Is Responsible for Fixing My Sewer Line? Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover It?
    In most cases, the property owner rather than the city is responsible for fixing the sewer lines running from their property to the public main in the street. This is often the case even when damage to the pipe is at the sewer lateral, which is outside the property. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance will rarely cover sewer line repairs or replacement unless the part of the line which is on your property is damaged by something unexpected or sudden. If there’s a sewage backup or chronic issue, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for repairs.

At Drain Nerds, we take pride in addressing your most frequently asked plumbing questions. Call our friendly team now at 239-221-2021 for help. We’re available around the clock!