Tag: Plumbing Tips

10 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Immediate Attention

Written by Amanda Zink on October 16, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

A clogged kitchen drain or sudden yard seepage doesn’t just ruin your day; it’s also your sewer line sounding the alarm. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to major backups and costly repairs. At Air Control Home Services in Lake Havasu, AZ, we’ve guided homeowners through challenging sewer emergencies and offer clear insight on what to look out for.

1. Persistent Slow Drains and Frequent Clogs

You notice water pooling around your feet in the shower and sinks draining at a snail’s pace. Clearing the trap might help for a day, but when slow flow returns quickly, it signals trouble deep in the sewer line. Hardened grease, root intrusion, or collapsed sections can snag debris and force water to back up into lower fixtures.

If you plunge a sink and then find the shower flooding, your sewer is warning that the routine flow exceeds its capacity. Technicians use a video scope to inspect the line, pinpointing blockages or breaks. Once they have located them, they can choose hydro jetting or spot replacement to restore full flow and keep you dry.

2. Gurgling Sounds From Drains

When you flush a toilet or run the dishwasher, you expect silence. Instead, you hear a wet bubbling echo as air and water mix in a partially blocked sewer. That gurgle travels through connected fixtures, betraying an obstruction between you and the main line. You might hear it in a basement floor drain while the kitchen sink empties upstairs.

Ignoring the noise allows the blockage to grow until water reverses course or sewage rises. Pros deploy smoke or pressure testing, followed by a video inspection, to pinpoint the fault, whether it’s a displaced joint or stubborn roots. Restoring free airflow stops those drain clogs and keeps waste flowing downward where it belongs.

3. Foul Odors in the Yard or Basement

A faint sewage smell in the basement after rain may seem temporary, but if it lingers or grows stronger, it points to a leaking sewer line. Wastewater escaping underground seeps into soil and rises through cracks, carrying that rotten-egg stench indoors.

In your yard, patches of unusually lush grass above a buried pipe hint at nutrient-rich leaks feeding roots. Seasonal shifts can force gases back into your home through foundation gaps or floor drains. Plumbers bring gas detectors to trace concentrations and cameras to confirm the break’s location. Targeted repairs seal that damaged section, stopping odors and preventing wastewater from contaminating soil and air around your home.

4. Visible Sinkholes or Depressions in the Yard

A small dip in lawn grade might start as an odd softness underfoot, then blossom into a depression that collects water. This hollow often sits directly above a leaking sewer joint. As wastewater washes away soil, the ground collapses. Over weeks, irrigation or rain magnifies the gap until mulch and grass give way.

Don’t ignore the sinkhole risks of swallowing landscaping and damaging underground utilities. Excavators can carefully remove soil to expose the broken pipe, then replace or reline it. Compacted backfill restores the yard grade. Addressing these depressions early prevents the expense of full-yard excavation and preserves the structural support beneath your landscaping.

5. Sewage Backup and Wet Spots Indoors

When raw sewage pushes up through a floor drain or bubbles out of a toilet, you face a major sewer blockage or break. Water may pool in laundry trays or back up in basement drains as the main line resists flow. That dark, foul liquid carries bacteria and can ruin flooring, drywall, and personal belongings.

At the first sign of trouble, shut off interior valves to limit seepage, and then call a professional. Technicians scope the line, then choose trenchless relining or targeted excavation. Quick action stops contaminated water from spreading and lets you restore safe drainage without prolonged downtime or repeated flooding.

6. Root Intrusion and Pipe Damage

Tree roots seek moisture, slipping into pinholes in your sewer joint. Once inside, they grow into dense tangles that trap toilet paper and kitchen grease. You might spot small root fragments in your clean-out access. As the roots thicken, they stress pipe walls, causing cracks or collapse. Seasonal soil shifts widen the joints, allowing roots to invade further.

Repair crews cut out the affected section and install a pipe that resists root invasion or reline the line with a seamless insert. Technicians may treat nearby backfill with a root inhibitor to discourage repeat growth. Removing roots and reinforcing the pipe stop constant backups and protect long-term flow.

7. Age-Related Corrosion and Material Breakdown

Older lines made of clay, cast iron, or fiber can degrade over decades. Clay joints separate under frost, cast iron rusts from the inside, and fiber pipes compress under soil pressure. Tiny holes let sewage escape, eroding soil until sinkholes appear or foul odors emerge.

In a camera survey, you may see pitted metal or crushed sections. Pressure from passing vehicles can further weaken these pipes. Comprehensive replacement with PVC restores reliable flow. When your line is 50 years old or shows multiple failures, swapping the entire run avoids endless spot repairs. This investment delivers decades of trouble-free operation and guards against unexpected collapses.

8. Unexplained Spikes in Water Bills

One month’s water bill arrives as usual, then the next doubles with no change in habits. Hidden leaks, whether in the supply or sewer line, can pour hundreds of gallons underground daily. When sewage seeps into soil, you still pay for that lost water. Checking your meter overnight reveals a slow but steady flow.

Pros use acoustic sensors to listen for leaks under pressure. After pinpointing the breach, they excavate and repair the defective section. Stopping that hidden loss immediately reduces both water supply and sewage charges, covering repair costs by avoiding unnecessary meter fees.

9. Groundwater Infiltration After Heavy Rain

Heavy rains elevate groundwater and can force water through tiny cracks or loose seals in your sewer line. You may find silt deposits in floor drains or mud staining basement tiles. That stormwater overloads your plumbing and can flood low points.

Camera inspection often shows damaged joints or degraded seals. Repair crews pressure-test the line, then reseal or replace failing joints. They may backfill with gravel to improve drainage around the pipe and recommend regrading or gutter extensions to divert surface runoff. Controlling both underground and surface water keeps your basement dry even during intense storms.

10. Sewer Gas Smell Inside the House

A whiff of rotten egg odor in your kitchen or basement signals sewer gas leaking into living areas. It may escape through a dry trap, cracked vent stack, or line break beneath your slab. That gas contains methane and hydrogen sulfide, both of which are harmful at elevated levels.

Technicians check roof vents for blockages and test each trap for proper water seal. They may pour food-grade antifreeze into seldom-used drains to maintain a barrier. If gas seeps through a cracked sewer line under the floor, smoke testing will reveal its path. Sealing or replacing the affected section restores healthy indoor air and keeps unwelcome and harmful odors from drifting through your home.

Have Your Sewer Drains Inspected Now

Spotting trouble early keeps sewer repairs manageable and protects your home from raw sewage damage. We also offer trenchless pipe repair, video line inspections, and preventive maintenance plans to extend your system’s life.

Call Air Control Home Services today to schedule a prompt plumbing inspection and get your drains in Lake Havasu flowing freely again.

Plumbing services in Lake Havasu City, AZ

9 Signs You Need to Repipe Your Home

Written by Amanda Zink on September 9, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Plumbing problems rarely show up all at once. More often, they start with small signs that are easy to ignore: a little rust in the water, a slow drop in pressure, or the occasional leak that keeps coming back. These issues might seem unrelated, but together, they can point to a bigger problem hiding behind your walls. Air Control Home Services in Lake Havasu City, AZ helps homeowners spot these early warnings and decide when it’s time to repipe instead of patch.

1. Corrosion You Can Taste or Smell

If your tap water has a metallic taste or a strange odor that never used to be there, it might be coming from inside your pipes. Older metal plumbing, especially galvanized steel or iron, will corrode from the inside as the years stack up. That corrosion breaks loose into your water, adding a rusty taste or sulfuric smell. You might also see an orange-brown tint when you fill a white sink or bathtub.

This isn’t just about taste. Corroded pipes become brittle and weak. When corrosion gets bad enough, it chokes off flow or breaks under pressure. If you’ve replaced your faucet or water heater recently, but the water still smells like pennies or eggs, your piping may be the source. In homes where the pipes are decades old, these are early signs that the system isn’t going to hold up much longer.

2. Water Pressure Has Slowed Down

One faucet slowing down is a clogged aerator. But when water pressure across the house drops, your whole plumbing system needs a closer look. Mineral deposits, corrosion, or small leaks inside old pipes will gradually block the flow. What feels like a slow morning shower could be a warning that water isn’t making it through your pipes the way it should.

Pipes that are failing don’t collapse in an instant. They get narrower from the inside as sediment builds up or the pipe itself starts breaking down. You might notice your washing machine takes longer to fill or your toilet refills more slowly than before. If your neighbors have strong pressure and your house doesn’t, your plumbing system might be dragging behind.

3. Recurring Leaks That Never Seem to Stop

Fixing one leak and then another, month after month, starts to feel like you’re chasing your tail. If you’ve already patched multiple spots in your plumbing and more keep appearing, your system is no longer holding up. Patching can only go so far when the material itself is failing.

You might have copper pipes that have thinned out from pitting or pinhole leaks, or aging PVC that’s cracked from temperature swings. In older homes, leak frequency is often what tips the scale toward repiping. A few repairs might be manageable, but when you’re dealing with monthly water spots, new drywall patches, or unexpected ceiling stains, your system is asking for a bigger fix.

4. Pipe Material That’s No Longer Considered Reliable

If your home still uses certain outdated pipe materials, replacement might be smarter than repair, regardless of how things look on the outside. Galvanized steel, polybutylene, and even some early plastics have been shown to fail long before expected. Galvanized pipes, for example, rust shut from the inside and can release lead into your drinking water.

Polybutylene, used in homes during the 1970s through the 1990s, is known to flake, crack, or burst without much warning. Even if you’re not experiencing visible problems yet, the risk increases with time. A licensed plumber can tell you what your home is built with if you’re unsure, and whether it’s still safe to rely on.

5. Stains or Watermarks on Walls and Ceilings

Discolored patches on the ceiling or bubbling paint near the floorboards aren’t always roof or window leaks. They can just as easily come from water traveling through a damaged pipe behind your wall. Slow leaks tend to leave yellow or brown halos as the water dries up and then returns. You might also notice mold growth or soft drywall in the area. These small stains are often the only visible signal that something hidden is going wrong.

6. Unusual Noises in the Plumbing System

Pipes should be quiet. You’ll hear the rush of water when you turn on a tap, but if you’re hearing rattling, banging, or whistling when the system is idle, you could have a deeper problem. These sounds often mean air is trapped in the lines, pressure is fluctuating, or the pipes are moving due to loose connections or structural wear.

In some cases, water hammer can occur when old pipes can’t handle quick pressure changes; all of these point toward a system that may be past its prime. A healthy plumbing system runs quietly and evenly. If yours has started sounding like an old radiator or a haunted attic, it may be time to consider replacing the whole system instead of patching one rattle at a time.

7. Rust or Debris in Washed Clothing

You expect clean clothes from your washing machine, not rust streaks or grit stuck in the fabric. When pipe corrosion breaks loose, it doesn’t just affect water taste; it can enter appliances, too. The laundry room often reveals problems sooner because water usage is high, and rust or debris has a direct path to the drum. If your clothes come out worse than they went in, your plumbing may be breaking down in a way you can’t see. A flush or cleaning might work once, but if it keeps happening, repiping is a safer long-term answer.

8. Wet Spots Around the Foundation

Pipes that run under your home can crack, collapse, or leak with age. When that happens, water may pool around the foundation or soak into the basement floor. If you’re seeing unexplained puddles, cracks in the concrete, or musty smells, your underground plumbing could be to blame. Unlike indoor leaks, these don’t show up as drips under a sink. They leak into the ground, where they can create structural problems if left alone. Once these pipes reach the end of their lifespan, small repairs won’t hold up.

9. Your Home Is 50 Years or Older

Sometimes, the most telling sign is the age of your house. If your home was built decades ago and the plumbing has never been replaced, you’re running on borrowed time. Most pipe materials have a rough lifespan. Copper can last around 50 years. For galvanized steel, this is around 40 years. Plastic pipes vary widely.

Even if the system has performed well for years, the materials themselves may have aged out. Repiping before a major failure gives you control. You choose when to schedule the work, rather than scrambling during an emergency. It also helps bring the home up to modern standards, which matters if you’re planning to sell or remodel.

Repipe Your Home Today

Repiping isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about preventing future damage, improving water quality, and making sure your home runs the way it should. Whether you’re seeing stains in your sinks or patching leaks too often, these signs point to a larger plumbing issue worth tackling. Replacing your pipes is a big step, but it’s also a smart one when the warning signs keep piling up.

If you’ve noticed changes in your water pressure, quality, or bills, Air Control Home Services offers repiping and plumbing inspection services to help you understand what’s really going on behind the walls. We’re here to help you get it sorted before it becomes a bigger problem. Call Air Control Home Services today to schedule a plumbing assessment and find out if it’s time for a fresh start.

Plumbing Service in Lake Havasu City, AZ

What to Do If You Have Low Water Pressure in Your Home

Written by Amanda Zink on July 14, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

One system in your home that you likely rely on every single day is your plumbing system. Having fresh water for activities like bathing and cooking is an absolute must for our modern-day standard of living. One really frustrating problem you may experience with your plumbing system is low water pressure. Here, we’ll address some of the most common culprits behind this issue and what you can do to solve it.

Check All Your Fixtures

When you experience low water pressure, the very first thing you want to do is check all the fixtures in your home. You want to see if the problem is secluded to one fixture or is affecting all of your fixtures. If the problem is only happening at one fixture, you can surmise the issue is likely with that particular fixture and not your entire plumbing system.

If the problem is at one fixture, one of the first things you want to do is check its aerator. You can do this by simply unscrewing the aerator or even the shower head from the main fixture body. Try running your water and see if it comes out.

If it comes out with normal pressure, there’s a blockage in your aerator. Try using a scrub brush and some vinegar to remove any white mineral deposits that could be blocking the aerator screen. Simply reinstall the aerator and see if the fixture’s water pressure returns to normal.

Check With Your Municipal Company

If low water pressure is affecting all the different fixtures in your home, the problem may actually lie with your municipal water supply. It can be helpful to check with your neighbors or your municipal water supply’s website to see if they have any malfunctions with their line. If they have a main water break, a lot of the water will be pouring out at the break and leave you with low water pressure.

Examine Hot vs. Cold Lines

Another tip to help make locating the issue easier is to test both the hot and cold sides of the fixture. You may find that the issue may only lie with your hot water supply line. This tells you that you’ll need to trace that side of the line instead of your main water line.

Check Shut-Off Valves

Another simple thing to check when you experience low water pressure is your shut-off valve. If the problem is at one fixture, check the valve underneath the fixture to see if it accidentally got bumped partially closed. This can restrict the full water through your line. If the problem is with all your fixtures, you’ll want to check your main water shut-off valve.

Look for a Leak

One culprit behind your low water pressure issue may be a leak in your water supply line. If the issue is with one fixture, start by checking the water line that’s running from that fixture back to the main water supply line. If the issue is with all of your fixtures, the leak is likely somewhere close to the main water supply line.

This is because the water will be pouring out before it reaches all your fixtures. The loss of water will cause all your fixtures to have low water pressure because they’re simply not getting enough water delivered to them. There are many key indicators of a leak that you’ll want to be on the lookout for.

Visible Water

One of the most obvious signs that you have a water leak in your home is visible water. You may notice this on your walls or even pooling on your floors. Sometimes you may not physically see the water but you can feel the dampness on your drywall or flooring.

Rising Water Meter

Another method to verify you have a water leak is to check your water heater. You first want to shut off all the different plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances in your home. Head out to your water meter and write down the number on it. Give it about 15 to 20 minutes and check the meter again. If the number goes up, it means your home is using water. Since you didn’t have anything on, it indicates a leak somewhere in your water supply lines.

Oddities With Walls or Flooring

Apart from visually seeing water or checking your water meter, there are some oddities you may notice with your walls or flooring that can also indicate a hidden water leak. Your walls may have peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper. You may notice mold or mildew growth on the surface. In some cases where the mold or mildew growth is behind the wall, you’ll get a whiff of a musty odor. You may also notice yellow or brownish water stains.

Internal Pipe Blockages

Another reason you may be experiencing low water pressure without any sort of visible water leak is there is an obstruction inside the water supply line. This is most prominent in outdated plumbing lines, as they tend to corrode from the inside out.

This is very common in homes that have untreated hard water, as the minerals will cause premature deterioration of the piping material. As the corrosion grows, it will continually restrict more and more water flowing through the line.

If you believe that you may have a blockage in your water supply line, it’s best to consult one of our professionals to further evaluate the line. In some cases, we may be able to flush the line to remove the corrosion or mineral sediment that is blocking the water flow. In other cases of severely deteriorated piping, we’ll likely recommend doing a full line replacement.

Preventative Tips for Avoiding Low Water Pressure Issues

As a homeowner, there are some things you can do to help greatly reduce your risk of experiencing low water pressure. One of the most important is to get routine maintenance for your plumbing system. This maintenance includes things like flushing out your water heater and cleaning your aerators. This helps to avoid any excessive buildup of minerals that could otherwise obstruct your water supply lines or plumbing fixtures.

Another helpful tip is to always update your piping and plumbing fixtures when necessary. You should never just wait till it completely fails to consider a replacement. When one of our professionals does a plumbing inspection for your home, they can recommend what piping or fixtures may be due for an upgrade in the near future.

You may even want to consider replacing lines that are made of galvanized steel or cast iron, as both are well-known to corrode. By keeping up with consistent upgrading to newer materials like copper, PVC, and PEX, you can avoid low water pressure due to corrosion issues.

Expert Plumbing Repair Service

Air Control Home Services offers expert plumbing repair service for the Bullhead City, AZ area. We can also help with all your plumbing inspection, installation, and replacement needs. Simply call our office to schedule your next service consultation.

Water treatment services in Lake Havasu City, AZ

How to Combat Arizona’s High Mineral Content with Whole-Home Reverse Osmosis Systems

Written by Amanda Zink on March 15, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Throughout much of Arizona, homeowners receive water that contains high mineral content. From dry skin and hair to scale deposits in pipes, hard water can cause many issues in your Lake Havasu City home. There are, however, numerous solutions that can reduce the mineral content and provide you with softer water. Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective options. If you want to reduce your water’s mineral content, consider whole-home reverse osmosis systems.

Understanding Hard Water

Homeowners don’t always need to install reverse osmosis systems to receive soft water. However, most of Arizona has high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium. If the hardness of your water is higher than 300 ppm, you’ll likely experience the effects of high mineral content.

The signs of hard water include mineral stains on your clothes, low water flow from your pipes, and soap scum after you wash your hands. You may also notice that your skin and hair aren’t as fresh even after you take a shower. You can mitigate these effects with a whole-home reverse osmosis system.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a type of filtration process that applies pressure to the water to push it through a semipermeable membrane. Most of the contaminants in the water will be captured by the membrane, which ensures that only clean water remains. The impurities will be flushed away via a waste stream.

Contaminants Removed by Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective water filtration solutions on the market. They can filter out everything from dissolved solids and salt to PFAS and chlorine. Most whole-home systems are also outfitted with carbon and sediment filters that can help remove smaller contaminants.

You can get rid of magnesium, calcium, and other hardness minerals with a reverse osmosis system. Keep in mind that filtering water with high mineral content will put more stress on the equipment, which means that regular maintenance is necessary. The only contaminants that reverse osmosis systems don’t remove from the water are viruses and bacteria.

How Reverse Osmosis Systems Work

The amount of contaminants you’re able to remove with a reverse osmosis system depends on the types of filters you use. Every system is equipped with a semipermeable membrane, a sediment filter, and a carbon filter. You can also outfit the equipment with pre-filters and post-filters.

If your whole-home system uses pre-filters, they should be able to remove some of the larger contaminants in the water, such as organic matter and sediment. The remaining filters can get rid of chemicals and dissolved salts, which should improve the taste and smell of your water.

Once contaminants are collected on the filters, they will move out of the system through drainage pipes and a flow restrictor. In most cases, a gallon of purified water results in three to four gallons of wastewater. Depending on the setup of your whole-home system, the wastewater can be collected and retreated.

The clean water will be kept in a storage tank until you request it in your home. If your system contains a post filter, it will polish the water to further improve its taste.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis

There are many advantages associated with the water that passes through a reverse osmosis system, the primary of which is that most of the mineral content will be removed. Since most contaminants will be taken out of the water, you might experience health benefits from drinking it. Eliminating the potential for scale deposits and other water hardness issues can also extend the longevity of your home’s plumbing system.

If you use a reverse osmosis system in your home, you won’t need to buy as much bottled water, which should promote environmental health. These systems can also help you maintain the efficiency of any appliances in your home that rely on water. You can protect your coffee maker, refrigerator, and dishwasher from damage.

The lack of hard water in your home will be most noticeable when you take a shower or wash your hands. Hard water usually contains a high concentration of calcium, which can increase the dryness and irritation of your skin. If you have dermatitis or a similar skin condition, using hard water raises the potential for a flare-up. Soft water is more beneficial for your skin. It also improves the effectiveness of your soap and detergent, which means that you should be cleaner after taking a shower.

When you use hard water in your home, the minerals might stick to your dishes and clothes. If your dishes aren’t fully clean after you run the dishwasher, hard water is likely the cause. A reverse osmosis system eliminates this problem. Once it’s installed, it might also increase the value of your property. Soft water offers many advantages that could compel potential buyers to offer more. If you properly maintain your reverse osmosis system, it can last for 15-20 years.

Differences Between Whole-Home and Point-of-Use Systems

There are numerous types of reverse osmosis systems that are available for residential homes. If you choose a whole-home system, it will be installed in the area right before the water line reaches the interior of your home. Any water you request through your faucets or showerheads will already be filtered.

In comparison, a point-of-use filter is typically installed under a sink or on the counter. These systems can only filter the water that comes through a single faucet. The purpose of a whole-home system is to treat all the water that enters your home, which means that it will also benefit your washer and other appliances. Small countertop or under-sink filters mainly treat the water you cook with or drink. They won’t limit scale buildup in your plumbing system.

Why You Should Choose a Whole-Home System

There are numerous reasons why you should select a whole-home reverse osmosis system. It’s the most effective type of filtration system if you want to get rid of the high mineral content in your home’s water supply. Whether you use well water or city water, a whole-home system can remove any contaminants before you need to take a shower or do the dishes. The reverse osmosis process can effectively remove around 99% of contaminants, which include everything from calcium and magnesium to lead and asbestos.

Do you believe a whole-home reverse osmosis system is right for you? At Air Control Home Services, our professional plumbers know how to efficiently install any brand of reverse osmosis system. If you haven’t selected a system for your home, we can perform a diagnostic to identify the specific types of contaminants in your water supply. With this information in hand, we can help you identify the reverse osmosis system that’s suitable for your property.

We’ll then connect the equipment to your home’s plumbing system. Our team also offers a wide selection of plumbing services, which include everything from drain cleaning to water heater installation. Call Air Control Home Services today to schedule a reverse osmosis installation for your Lake Havasu City home.

Whole-Home Reverse Osmosis FAQs

1. What are the benefits of installing a whole-home reverse osmosis system in Arizona?
A whole-home reverse osmosis system removes minerals, sediments, and contaminants from the water supply, improving water quality for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It helps prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, enhances the taste of water, and protects plumbing systems from the damaging effects of hard water commonly found in Arizona.

2. How often should a reverse osmosis system be maintained or serviced?
Maintenance depends on water usage and mineral content, but typically includes replacing filters every 6–12 months and sanitizing the system annually. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance, prevents clogs from mineral buildup, and extends the lifespan of your whole-home reverse osmosis system.

Water heater services in Lake Havasu City, AZ

Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters: Which Should You Choose?

Written by Amanda Zink on March 8, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Water heaters serve a vital function in homes. They are responsible for heating cold water and circulating it throughout your home. However, all water heaters are not the same. There are two types of water heaters – tank and tankless. The type you choose should depend on a variety of factors. Both perform the same function, but there are some key differences to keep in mind when deciding between one or the other. Considering these factors can help you make a sound decision, especially when it comes to selecting tankless water heater technicians in the future.

How Do Water Heaters Work?

Tank water heaters can usually hold between 30 and 60 gallons of water. Most, however, are capable of holding 50 gallons. The amount of water your water heater can hold should depend on how much hot water your household uses. Tank water heaters use electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil to heat water to the desired temperature when necessary. Hot water is always present in the tank and ready to be dispersed through pipes to the appropriate location. Tank water heaters are usually installed in a utility closet, basement, attic, or garage.

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, does not store water in its tank. The water is heated as it passes through the water heater. The water heater then uses a heat exchanger to make the water hot. Like tank water heaters, tankless water heaters can run on electricity, propane, or natural gas. Since they only heat water when needed, there is no loss of standby energy, so you can save on your energy bills. Tankless water heaters are typically mounted on the wall, saving you space.

Benefits of Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are also easier to install because their connections are relatively simple. Most plumbers can quickly install a tank water heater with minimal effort. The process for installing tank water heaters is not as complex as the process needed to install a tankless water heater. Typically, they do not need a complicated venting system, which also reduces the cost of installation. Tank water heaters are easier to find and buy because they are still the most common type of water heater.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters allow you access to a constant hot water supply, so you won’t have to worry about running out. Energy efficiency is another benefit of tankless water heaters. They use less energy because they only heat water when needed. This can help you save money on your utility bills in the long run. They also have a relatively long life span of up to 20 years or more. Your tankless water heater’s life span will depend heavily on how well it is maintained.

Tankless water heaters do not take up much space and can be installed in almost any location. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, and there is no need for sporadic flushing. They are also less likely to spring a leak.

Cons of Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters aren’t perfect, so everyone won’t benefit from installing one. Some of the cons of tank water heaters include:

Higher energy costs
Wait time for hot water
Limited hot water (water can run out easily)
Short life span
Takes up more space
Potential for leaks

Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Despite their convenience, there are some drawbacks to installing a tankless water heater. Some of the cons of going this route includes:

More expensive to buy and install
May need to reconfigure plumbing to install
Can’t provide hot water faster than it can heat it
Limited flow rate
May need multiple water heaters in larger homes

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Water Heater

Plumbing System

Before you choose between a tankless or tank water heater, you must take your plumbing system into consideration. You will want to factor in the size of your household and how much hot water you will probably need. The shape and size of your pipes may also be better suited for one option than the other. Lastly, you will want to consider your budget. Both types of water heaters can be a good investment. This is especially true if you choose one that meets your family’s needs.

Home Resell Value

The type of water heater you choose can also have an impact on your home’s resell value. Homes with tankless water heaters are seen as more desirable, so they tend to command higher prices than homes with tank water heaters. Buyers are often attracted to their energy efficiency, which translates to savings on their utility bills. If you are thinking of selling your home, you may be able to sell it faster if you install a tankless water heater. The value added to your home will depend on various factors such as the current real estate market.

Environmental Impact

Many homeowners only focus on the costs associated with the purchase, operation, and installation of their water heater. This is to be expected, but there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between a tank and a tankless water heater. If you are concerned about the environment, tankless water heaters will almost always leave a smaller carbon footprint. Since they use less energy, they are better for the environment.

Rate of Hot Water Delivery

A standard tank water heater can produce up to 80 gallons of hot water per hour. This means they can produce hot water at a relatively fast rate but usually not as fast as tankless heaters. The amount of time it takes for a plumbing fixture to receive hot water will depend on factors such as the configuration of your plumbing, the distance between the water heater and the plumbing fixture, and the size of your home.

When choosing a water heater, keep the location in mind. You won’t receive hot water immediately, so no matter what type of heater you choose, you will need to be somewhat patient. If it is far away from its point of delivery, it can take a tankless water heater just as long to heat up water.

Maintenance

No matter what type of water heater you choose, you will need to consider maintenance. A properly maintained water heater will be able to do its job more effectively and efficiently. Tank water heaters should be flushed and cleaned at least once a year. Neglecting to do this will allow sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. You should clean your tankless water heater by cleaning the inlet filter as well as descaling and flushing it. A professional should also periodically inspect your tankless water heater to ensure it works properly. In short, tank and tankless water heaters require almost the same type and amount of maintenance.

Tank vs. Tankless

In essence, the type of water heater you choose should depend on your household’s needs, the configuration of your plumbing, and the layout of your home. Depending on these factors, one may be a better fit than the other. If you can’t decide which type to install in your home, contact a plumbing professional at Air Control Home Services in Lake Havasu City. We offer affordable and professional plumbing services to area homeowners. If you’re looking for tankless water heater technicians or general tankless water heater service, we can assist with an estimate or repair.

FAQs:

What are the common issues that require tankless water heater repairs?
Common problems include inconsistent water temperature, reduced water flow, mineral buildup, ignition failure, and error codes on the display. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues and ensure your unit operates efficiently.

How often should a tankless water heater be serviced to avoid major repairs?
Tankless water heaters should typically be serviced once a year to remove scale and sediment buildup, check for leaks, inspect the heating elements, and test all safety features. Routine service can extend the lifespan of the unit and reduce the likelihood of costly tankless water heater repairs.

Can all plumbers perform tankless water heater repair service?
Not all plumbers are trained in tankless water heater repairs. These systems have specific electrical and plumbing requirements, so it’s important to hire a technician experienced in tankless water heater repair service to ensure safe and effective repairs.

7 Signs Your Home Might Have a Plumbing Leak

Written by Amanda Zink on January 1, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Having a plumbing leak at your home might not seem like a big deal. After all, how much damage can some small drops of water do? You may be surprised. These tiny drops can cause considerable damage, ranging from putting your health at risk to making you pay significant amounts of money on monthly bills and repairs. Understanding the signs of a potential plumbing leak can help you catch and fix the issue sooner rather than later while the problem worsens.

1. Increasing Water Bills

Unless you’re new to your home, you’ll know how much your water bill should be each month and how it can fluctuate throughout the seasons, depending on how much water you use. If nothing has changed from your normal routine, but you’re seeing an increase in your water bill, it could be a sign of a leak somewhere in your water delivery system. The worse the leak gets, the higher your water bills will be.

You can troubleshoot whether your water meter is running when everything in your home is shut off. When all fixtures are closed and no appliances (like your refrigerator icemaker) are drawing water, your faucets are all off and your toilets are not running, take a picture of your meter. Leave everything off for 30 minutes and come back to see if the number has moved. If you have a manual meter with spinning numbers, you can use the picture to compare whether there has been a small change in position in that time. This suggests a hairline leak.

2. Unexplainable Dampness

Dampness can be surprisingly easy to overlook at your home. For example, if the dampness is under your bathroom sink or kitchen sink, you might chalk it up to the fact that you or someone else accidentally splashed some water while you were reaching for an item in the cabinet or from washing your hands. If the issue happens once, it might not be a big deal.

However, if you keep checking and notice that it’s repeatedly happening or continues to be damp without a break, it’s time to call a plumber to evaluate the situation. Check for a leak, but even if you don’t see one while you’re running the water, don’t assume there’s not one present. It may be hidden where you won’t be able to spot it.

3. Visible Mold Growth

Mold grows incredibly fast, and within a day or two, you can have the makings of a major problem at your home. Frequent checks underneath your sinks and around your showers can allow you to spot it easily because you’re often in those areas. However, the real problem lies in areas where you don’t typically go. Often, your only early sign of mold growth is an odor.

For example, you could get a plumbing leak in a basement storage area, behind your washing machine, or around your water heater. Mold can grow rapidly and spread before anyone notices it. Check likely areas regularly to be sure mold and mildew aren’t growing behind appliances and other easy-to-forget spot.

4. Pools of Water

A pool of water in a surprising location often indicates a leak. This may be a plumbing leak, but it can also result from a roof leak or a condensation leak in a refrigerator or HVAC system. To troubleshoot the source of puddles of water, look at whether there is an appliance in the vicinity that could be the culprit and whether the puddles appear when there has not been rain or snow. Look for signs of water on the ceiling where the puddle could have dripped. Check for damp places on the drywall near the puddle if it’s close to a wall. Feel dampness on the floor or cracks where the water could rise. Smell the water to see if you can detect the odor of wastewater. Use this information to call the right plumbing services professional to address it. If you’re uncertain, you can ask a plumber to help decide whether the water is caused by leaky pipes or something else.

5. Dripping Noises

If you hear dripping water noises when you’re not supposed to, start by tracking down the most likely locations of the sound. Check all the sinks and showers to see if it’s just a matter of one or more faucets not being turned off all the way. Next, check underneath the sinks. If those don’t seem to be the source of the drip sounds, check all your other water-using appliances, such as your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine.

Once you’ve checked everywhere and still can’t find the source, go back and put a couple of sheets of paper towels underneath each sink, turn the faucet on for a few seconds, and then turn it off and move on to the next sink. Give it an hour; then, check to see if any paper towels have drip marks. This can help you determine if the issue stems from a sink or if the drips come from elsewhere.

If you suspect that the drips are behind a wall, a plumber will use special acoustic equipment to help pinpoint the source. This helps them minimize the number and size of holes necessary to examine the problem more closely and perform repair work.

6. Visible Water Stains

Unfortunately, spotting a water stain on your ceiling is never good. This typically means a leak somewhere, possibly from your plumbing system. Check if you can safely see where the water is coming from. Again, check for other causes, like water coming down on rainy days due to a leaky roof. If the problem isn’t occurring due to a singular issue like a sink that accidentally overflowed, you need to call a plumber right away. A damp ceiling can collapse if it gets wet enough. It’s also a recipe for mold growth.

7. Low Water Pressure

If you’re experiencing low water pressure in one or more parts of your home, it might indicate a leak. The first thing you should do is check all the sinks and showers to see if the issue is with just one or with more than one or all of them. While checking each sink, take a peek underneath and see if you notice signs of a leak, such as the previously mentioned wet spots.

Contact a Plumber

Whether or not you find the source of the leak, it’s ideal to call a plumber if you notice visible signs so that they can search for it and fix the issue. Let them know what you’re experiencing and if you think you know where the leak is. Regarding odors, they’ll inspect your plumbing and see if the smells are due to a plumbing issue, such as a leak, or if it might be due to abnormally high humidity levels or another problem.

Ask the plumber if you should take precautions, such as shutting off the water to your home. This can sometimes save diagnostic time.

Don’t let leaky pipes take over your home. Contact Air Control Home Services in Lake Havasu City, AZ to have one of our qualified plumbers diagnose the issue and suggest a solution, whether it’s a pipe repair or having brand-new pipes installed. We also provide various additional plumbing services, including water heater replacement, drain cleaning, tankless water heater installation, and pipe repair. Our team is available seven days a week for assistance with HVAC and electrical issues as well.

Smart Ways to Slash Your Arizona Water Bill

Written by Amanda Zink on November 11, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Saving water also helps you save money in your Arizona home. Simple changes can result in significant savings whether you want to reduce household expenses or contribute to conservation efforts. Learn more about some basic changes that you can make that will help you slash your water bill.

Indoor Water-Saving Tips

While outdoor water usage often represents a large portion of the average Arizona household’s consumption, there are still plenty of ways to reduce water use indoors.

Installing water-efficient fixtures is one of the best ways to reduce your home’s water usage. Look for WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program certifies appliances that use at least 20% less water than standard models. Simply by choosing a low-flow showerhead model, you can save as much as 2.5 gallons of water each minute!

Toilets consume nearly 30% of indoor water in homes. Replacing an older toilet with a WaterSense model can save approximately 13,000 gallons of water per year. If replacing your toilet isn’t an option, consider installing a dual-flush conversion kit, which gives you control over the amount of water used as you flush. Kitchen and bathroom faucets can use up to 2.2 gallons of water per minute. Switching to a WaterSense faucet or adding an aerator to your current one can cut water usage by 30% or more.

Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes are common culprits of high water bills. Regularly check all fixtures for leaks and fix them immediately. Even small leaks can add up over time. Toilets often have silent leaks, which can be tricky to detect. You can test for a leak by adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Showering accounts for a significant portion of indoor water use. While installing a low-flow showerhead helps, shortening your showers can also make a big impact. Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save thousands of gallons of water each year. Invest in a simple shower timer to remind everyone in your household to limit their time in the shower. Even cutting back by a minute or two can result in noticeable savings.

When it comes to appliances, your washing machine and dishwasher are two of the biggest water users. Newer models are much more water-efficient than older ones. Suppose it’s time to replace your washing machine. Choose a high-efficiency model. These machines use significantly less water per load than older top-loading machines, sometimes as much as 50% less. Regardless of the type of washing machine or dishwasher you have, make sure to run full loads whenever possible. Running your appliances less frequently will reduce your overall water usage.

Outdoor Water-Saving Tips

Arizona’s hot, dry climate makes outdoor water conservation especially important. Smart landscaping choices, efficient irrigation, and mindful pool maintenance can help you save as well.

Traditional lawns require a lot of water, especially in Arizona’s hot climate. Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that uses drought-resistant plants and minimizes the need for irrigation. By opting for xeriscaping, you can drastically reduce your outdoor water use while still enjoying a beautiful yard. Choose native Arizona plants like agave, cactus, mesquite trees, and desert marigolds. These plants thrive in dry conditions and require minimal watering. You can also replace grass with gravel, mulch, or decorative rocks.

For homeowners with gardens or lawns, learning how to conserve water while watering is important. Overwatering is a common problem in Arizona, where evaporation rates are high. To reduce evaporation, water your foliage in the morning or evening. Midday watering wastes water as it quickly evaporates in the heat.

If you have a pool, it’s also important to consider reducing water loss there and evaporation is the key to cutting back on pool-related water expenses. One of the simplest ways to reduce water loss is by using a pool cover. Covering your pool when it’s not in use reduces evaporation by up to 95%, helping you save thousands of gallons of water each year. Regularly check your pool’s water levels and adjust them as needed. Overfilling the pool can lead to unnecessary water loss through splashing and overflow.

Mindful Water Habits

Along with updating your home’s fixtures and landscaping to use less water, being more aware of how much you use can make a big difference in lowering your water bill.

Water conservation is a team effort. Teach your kids and other family members why it’s important to save water and encourage them to start doing things that will help them do that. If everyone in the house does simple things like turning off the water while you brush your teeth or taking shorter showers, it can make a big difference.

Though Arizona is known for its dry climate, the state still experiences seasonal rain. Collecting rainfall can help you limit your reliance on municipal water supplies for tasks such as watering plants and gardens. Rain barrels are an inexpensive and easy way to harvest rainwater for later use. Install rain barrels beneath your home’s downspouts to collect and store water during rainstorms.

Washing your car at home can use up to 100 gallons of water, especially if you leave the hose running. Instead, consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water, or wash your car less frequently to save water. If you do wash your car at home, use a spray nozzle with an automatic shut-off feature to minimize water waste. This ensures water is only used when necessary.

How A Professional Plumbing Company Can Help

A professional plumbing company can help Arizona residents save money on their water bills by providing expert assessments and repairs. Licensed plumbers are trained to detect leaks and inefficiencies in your plumbing system that would go unnoticed by the average homeowner. For example, they can perform thorough inspections to detect hidden leaks behind walls or beneath floors, which can result in significant water loss over time. By promptly repairing these leaks, homeowners can avoid high water bills and extensive property damage. Plumbing professionals can also recommend water-saving fixtures and appliances that follow local regulations, ensuring that you make decisions that maximize water efficiency and reduce waste.

Additionally, a professional plumbing company can help with regular maintenance, which is essential to protect your plumbing system and avoid costly emergencies. By scheduling routine inspections and maintenance, plumbers can detect minor issues before they become major problems that necessitate costly repairs. Routine drain cleaning, for example, can help to prevent clogs and backups that would otherwise result in emergency calls and increased water usage. Furthermore, many plumbing companies provide maintenance plans that include regular check-ups at a discounted rate, which helps to reduce your long-term costs.

Contact Us Today

Ready to save money with your water bill? Contact Air Control Home Services today and we can help you make changes to your plumbing system and home technology in order to save dollars and conserve water. We also can help you with air conditioning, heating, indoor air quality, water heater, pipe repair, lighting, EV charger, and whole home wiring needs.