Plumbing - Meades HVAC

How Often Should You Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater?

Written by Kevin on January 9, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

The temperature you set your water heater to makes a difference for a few different reasons. One is that it directly impacts how high your energy bills are. Ensuring you have your water heater set to a high enough temperature is also key for preventing bacteria and viruses from growing in the hot water tank. At the same time, you don’t want your water to be too hot or else you could get scalded.

Should You Turn Your Water Heater Temperature Up in Winter?

You’ll hear some people say setting your water heater to a higher temperature during the winter helps ensure your water is always fully hot. The water coming into your house is indeed a bit colder during the winter.

Nonetheless, as long as your water heater still works effectively, it should never have any issues heating the water to whatever temperature it’s set at. The fact that the water coming into the unit is colder means it can take a bit longer for it to get fully hot, but this is mostly only an issue if you have a tank water heater and you’ve used up all of your hot water.

The main issue in the winter is that some of the pipes in a house are colder. When you turn the water on, it can take a bit more time before hot water starts flowing out of a faucet or shower. That’s because the water loses quite a bit of heat at first when it flows through cold pipes, and the pipes need to heat up before the water finally starts flowing as hot as it should be.

This is where turning the temperature on your water heater up by 10-20 degrees for the winter can be beneficial, as it will result in your pipes heating up faster. That means you can save a bit of water since you won’t need to wait as long for it to get hot whenever you shower, wash your hands, and do the dishes.

The downside to turning the temperature up is that your water heater will use more energy, leading to your gas or electricity bill increasing. As such, you need to think carefully about whether saving a bit on your water bills is worth paying more in energy costs. If you do decide to turn the temperature up during the winter, you should make sure you turn it back down once winter is over so that you can keep your gas or electricity bills lower.

What Temperature Should Your Hot Water Be?

The normal temperature range for most water heaters is between 100 and 160 degrees. Some units also have a “vacation” setting, which normally keeps the water at around 50 degrees. The purpose of this setting is to greatly reduce how much energy the water heater uses while you’re away and keep the water warm enough that it can’t freeze if your heating were to go out.

On many newer water heaters, the lowest temperature setting is 120 degrees. Even if you can set your unit to only 100 degrees, it’s not something you should ever do. That’s because many harmful bacteria and viruses can thrive in water that’s this temperature.

If you have your water heater set to a minimum of 120 degrees, the water will be hot enough to kill the vast majority of pathogens. However, some pathogens like Legionella can sometimes survive in 120-degree water. As such, you may want to keep your water heater set to at least 130 degrees if there are elderly people, infants, or anyone else with a weaker immune system in your household.

Generally speaking, 140 degrees is the highest a water heater should ever be set to. Anything above that and you create an extremely high risk of someone getting scalded. Even 140-degree water can still cause scalding, which is why experts generally say 120-130 degrees is best if you have young kids in the house. If you normally have your water heater at 140 degrees, it’s also a good idea to turn the temperature down any time someone else’s young children will be at your house.

The EPA recommends just always leaving your water heater set to 120 degrees throughout the year to minimize the amount of energy the unit uses. On the other hand, some experts recommend always keeping your hot water at 140 degrees to clean and sterilize everything in your kitchen more effectively.

There’s really only one time when it would ever make sense to turn your water heater up to 160 degrees. This applies if you’ve been away and your water heater was set to vacation mode. The reason turning the temperature up all the way can be beneficial in this situation is that will kill any pathogens that may be present in the water more quickly. However, you want to monitor your water heater and make sure to turn the temperature back down as soon as the water is fully hot and the unit shuts off.

What Can Cause Your Hot Water to Be Too Cold or Too Hot?

Having your water frequently be hotter than it should be is somewhat of a rare issue. Nonetheless, it can happen as a result of the water heater’s controller or thermostat not working correctly. Luckily, a plumber can swap out the faulty component for a new one fairly easily so that your hot water again stays at the right temperature.

A faulty controller or thermostat can also result in your hot water frequently being colder than it should. Nonetheless, this issue can also occur for a variety of other reasons. For instance, if you have an electric water heater, there’s a good possibility that one of the heating elements is worn out and no longer functions.

Another possibility is that there’s a major sediment buildup within the water heater tank and you need to have it drained and flushed. This last issue typically won’t prevent your water from eventually getting fully hot, but it can definitely lead to it taking a far longer time for the water to heat up.

The majority of common water heater issues can be easily prevented with regular maintenance from a water heater services expert. Maintenance also provides the benefit of helping the unit to work more efficiently and keeping your energy bills down. Another reason having a plumber inspect and service your water heater is crucial is that it can help protect the life of the unit and potentially allow you to get a few additional years of life out of it.

Reach Out to Your Local Water Heating Experts

When you need any water heater, air conditioning, or heating services in Sterling or the surrounding areas in northern Virginia, [company_name] is the contractor to turn to. We have years of experience and are dedicated to providing reliable, trusted HVAC and water heating solutions. If you have any problems with the hot water in your home, give us a call, and we’ll make sure the problem is fixed quickly and correctly.

20 Ways To Conserve Water Usage In Your Home

Written by Kevin on September 7, 2023. Posted in Plumbing.

Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted, yet its scarcity is becoming a global concern. Conserving water isn’t just a responsible choice but also a way to reduce utility bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. Making small changes in your daily routine can have a significant effect on water conservation. Let’s explore 20 effective ways to conserve water usage in your home.

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes might seem like minor annoyances, but they can waste a surprising amount of water over time, reportedly up to 100 gallons of water annually. Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair them promptly to prevent unnecessary water loss.

2. Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Consider replacing old, water-guzzling fixtures with water-efficient ones. Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets use less water without compromising functionality. These fixtures are designed to maintain a strong water pressure while consuming significantly less water, helping you conserve without sacrificing comfort.

3. Embrace Shorter Showers

Long, leisurely showers are enjoyable, but they consume a substantial amount of water. Consider cutting down your shower time by just a few minutes. A shorter shower not only conserves water but also saves energy that is used to heat the water.

4. Collect Rainwater

If you’re fortunate enough to have outdoor space, consider setting up a rainwater collection system. Rainwater can be used for watering plants and gardens, and even for cleaning purposes. This reduces the demand on your municipal water supply, especially during dry periods.

5. Opt for Full Loads

Whether you’re using a dishwasher or a washing machine, make sure to run full loads. These appliances use the same amount of water regardless of the load size, so maximizing their capacity minimizes water waste. If your dishwasher has an eco mode, use it to further reduce water consumption.

6. Be Mindful of Lawn Care

A healthy thriving lawn needs a substantial amount of water. Consider xeriscaping or choosing native plants that require less water. If you must water your lawn, do it during the cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation.

7. Reuse Water When Possible

Water doesn’t always have to go to waste after its first use. For instance, the water you use to rinse fruits and vegetables can be collected and used to water plants. You can also save the water from cooking pasta or boiling eggs to water outdoor plants once it cools down.

8. Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating hot water pipes not only reduces heat loss but also cuts down the time it takes for hot water to reach your fixtures. This means less water running down the drain as you wait for hot water to arrive. Additionally, insulating cold water pipes prevents condensation and potential moisture-related issues.

9. Mulch Your Garden

Applying mulch to your garden beds helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. Mulch acts as a protective barrier, preventing water from evaporating and keeping the soil cooler. This allows plants to thrive while using less water.

10. Educate Your Household

Water conservation is a collective effort. Teach your family members about the importance of conserving water and how simple changes in their habits can make a significant difference. Encourage them to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, fix leaks they come across, and avoid leaving water running unnecessarily.

11. Utilize Smart Water Meters

Smart water meters are advanced devices that provide detailed insights into your water usage. They can be connected to your smartphone or computer, allowing you to monitor your water consumption on a daily or even hourly basis. By keeping track of your usage patterns, you can identify any sudden spikes in consumption and address them promptly.

12. Install Leak Detection Systems

Smart leak detection systems use sensors to monitor water flow and pressure in your plumbing system. These sensors can alert you in real time if there’s an abnormal water flow, indicating a potential leak. This proactive approach not only saves water but also prevents costly damage to your home.

13. Set Up Irrigation Controllers

If you have a garden or lawn that requires irrigation, consider installing a smart irrigation controller. These devices take into account weather conditions and soil moisture levels to determine the optimal amount of water needed for your plants. This ensures that you’re not overwatering your landscape, thus conserving water while keeping your greenery healthy.

14. Use Water-Tracking Apps

Numerous smartphone apps are designed to help you track your daily water consumption. These apps often provide water-saving tips, personalized recommendations, and even gamification elements to encourage more mindful water use. By involving the whole family, these apps can turn water conservation into a fun and engaging activity.

15. Implement Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems can integrate various aspects of your home, including water usage. These systems allow you to remotely control appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, ensuring they run during off-peak hours when water demand is lower. Some systems can even adjust your thermostat to help save energy, indirectly reducing your water consumption.

16. Participate in Community Programs

Many communities organize water conservation programs, workshops, and events. These initiatives often provide valuable information, tips, and resources to help you better understand water conservation practices. By attending these events, you can gather knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainability.

17. Advocate for Water Conservation

Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation by engaging in discussions with friends, family, and neighbors. Use social media platforms or local community forums to share informative articles, tips, and success stories related to water-saving efforts. Encourage others to join the cause and amplify the message of responsible water usage.

18. Collaborate with Local Organizations

Connect with local environmental organizations, gardening clubs, and schools to collaborate on water conservation projects. Together, you can organize initiatives such as community clean-ups, tree planting, and workshops on drought-resistant gardening. These collective efforts can have a significant positive impact on your local ecosystem.

19. Support Policy Changes

Advocate for water-conscious policies in your community and beyond. Participate in town hall meetings, write letters to local government officials, and support initiatives that promote water efficiency and conservation. Your voice can contribute to the development of regulations that encourage responsible water usage on a larger scale.

20. Educate the Next Generation

Engage with schools and educational institutions to promote water conservation among students. Collaborate with teachers to incorporate water-saving topics into the curriculum. By educating young minds about the importance of water preservation, you’re ensuring that the next generation will grow up with a deep-rooted understanding of the value of water.

Conserve Water Like a Pro Today!

Conserving water in your home is a commitment to a more sustainable future and a responsible way to manage a precious resource. By implementing these ten practical strategies, you can significantly reduce your household’s water usage without sacrificing comfort. From fixing leaks to reusing water and embracing water-efficient fixtures, every small action contributes to the larger goal of preserving our planet’s water supply for generations to come. So, let’s take action today and be mindful of our water consumption to create a better tomorrow. Looking for water heater service? Contact us!

To find more long-term high-yield solutions for water conservation, contact [company_name] today to learn more about how we can help you!

3 DIY Plumbing Fixes and 5 Jobs That Only a Plumber Can Handle

Written by Kevin on May 18, 2023. Posted in Plumbing.

When things go awry with the plumbing in your Sterling, Virginia home, you may be tempted to whip out your toolbox and go to work. Unfortunately, do-it-yourself repairs can turn small and relatively low-cost issues into outright plumbing disasters. That’s why it’s important to distinguish between what you can and cannot do on your own. To help, the following are three easy DIY plumbing fixes and five jobs that only a professional should handle.

1. Resetting Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal repairs should always be handled with care. Although these common kitchen appliances can be cheaply replaced, hands and fingers cannot. You should never insert your hand into your disposal unit to remove an obstruction while it’s still plugged in. However, if your garbage disposal has overheated and shut itself off, you may be able to get it back up and running by pushing its reset button.

To start, unplug your garbage disposal. Look for and clear any obstructions without putting hard, heavy, or sharp items into the unit. Doing so can bend or break its impeller blades or other moving components. When you’re certain that the risk of overheating has passed, plug the disposal back in and press the red reset button at its base. If you successfully reset your garbage disposal only to have it immediately turn back off, there may be a leak, a wiring issue, or a remaining blockage. Rather than continuing to troubleshoot on your own, give us a call to schedule repairs.

2. Clearing a Blocked Drain

If taking a long shower leaves you standing ankle-deep in grey water, you have a blocked or slow-moving shower drain. Fortunately, this is usually the result of built-up soap scum, hair, and other organic debris. If your shower has a drain cover or strainer, take this unit out and clean it. If it does not, be sure to get one as soon as you can so that non-degradable items like toys, shampoo bottle tops, and razor caps don’t make their way into your plumbing system.

Dirty, slow-moving drains can often be cleared with a mixture that’s equal parts white vinegar and baking soda. Simply pour a full cup of baking soda into the offending drain and then chase it with a full cup of vinegar. As soon as the two ingredients are combined, you’ll see an instant foaming reaction. After the mixture has stopped fizzing and frothing, clear the drain with hot running water. If the problem persists, you may have a hard obstruction that’s blocking the flow of water, or your pipes could be coated in thick scum or build-ups of minerals.

3. Unclogging Your Toilet

High-quality plungers can be cheaply acquired at grocery stores, home and hardware stores, and countless big box locations. In fact, there are even a number of convenience stores that keep these simple yet highly effective tools in stock. If someone in your home has had a sizable bowel movement or has used an abundance of toilet paper, a plunger will help break these soft, degradable items up so that they’re able to clear the commode and move through your plumbing system.

However, it’s important to be cautious when using plungers. After all, you can never be certain that what you’re plunging away won’t cause a larger and infinitely more problematic obstruction deeper within the plumbing system. For instance, you don’t want to use a plunger to clear any blockages that are caused by paper towels, “flushable” wipes, or hard, solid items that won’t rapidly break down in water. If you’ve had a child flush a toothbrush or toy, it’s best to call a plumber in to have it extracted. Although solid, non-degradable items might clear your toilets, they aren’t guaranteed to make it safely through your pipes.

Why Some Plumbing Repairs Require Professionals

Major plumbing projects require permits, even those that don’t can have a long-term impact on the value and marketability of your home. There’s also your home warranty agreement and your home insurance plan to consider. When do-it-yourself plumbing projects fail, all of these protections could be instantly voided. Most home service agreements and home insurance policies come with clear restrictions against hiring unlicensed plumbers and taking complex plumbing projects into your own hands. With these things in mind, here are five jobs that are best left to the pros.

1. Clearing Sewer Line Blockages

A sure sign of a sewer line blockage is having black water come backing up into your home. This is water that’s rife with biological pathogens and chemical contaminants that could cause severe illness and even death. There are endless reasons to always have sewer line repairs performed by professionals. Attempting to perform underground work poses the risk of encountering and damaging gas lines or other utility service lines, flooding your yard with filth and debris, and causing costly problems for your neighbors. Leave your shovel in the shed and contact a licensed plumber. We can perform a sewer line camera inspection to identify the exact location of the blockage or broken pipe. More importantly, we can safely resolve the issue with minimal disruption to your yard, virtually no risk of contaminating common areas, and no property damage.

2. Installing a New Water Heater

Failure to comply with local plumbing codes during water heater installation places homeowners at significant legal, financial, and safety risk. Tank-based water heaters are under a tremendous amount of pressure; even minor mistakes during their removal and installation could lead to serious harm. Tankless, electric water heaters pose the risk of electrocution when they’re improperly installed, incorrectly removed, or ill-suited to the intended location. When you hire us for water heater replacement, we’ll help you choose the right water heater type for your budget, household size, and hot water needs. We’ll also install it according to manufacturer specifications while preserving your original equipment warranty.

3. Fixing Cracked or Ruptured Pipes

There are a number of online instructional videos for short and long-term pipe repair. However, cracked and ruptured pipes must be professionally handled. Filling holes with newspaper or other materials and then sealing them up with duct tape could leave you with soaked floors, damaged baseboards, and a voided home insurance plan. When damaged pipes are ill-repaired and then subjected to high-levels of pressure, there’s also the risk of having them burst and cause serious harm to anyone in their vicinity.

4. Gas Line Repairs

Contact a professional as soon as you suspect a gas line leak or any other issues pertaining to your gas line. Not only is it important for jobs like these to be completed safely and correctly, but it’s also vital to have them professionally handled in a timely fashion. Gas line explosions can destroy homes from the foundation up. They can also cause serious damage to nearby properties and residents of other buildings.

5. Drain Snaking

Using a drain snake incorrectly or using it in the wrong instances can severely damage your pipes. It’s rarely an ideal drain clearing method for pipes that have large accumulations of hard water minerals at their interior, aging pipes, or pipes that are structurally weak.

Drain snaking also has the ability to force hard, non-malleable items deeper into plumbing systems. In many instances, this technique is only safe for use after a blockage has been identified and after the affected pipes have been inspected. Upon inspection, a licensed plumber may find that the safest and most effective way to clear your pipes is with hydro-jetting, hydro-steaming, or another less invasive measure.

We proudly serve residents of Sterling Virginia and the surrounding areas. We offer heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. We also provide water heater installation, gas line repairs, and HVAC ductwork. If you need a professional plumber, contact [company_name] today.

The Amazing Benefits of Whole-Home Water Filtration

Written by Kevin on May 9, 2023. Posted in Plumbing.

Are you concerned about the quality of your home’s water? If so, a whole-home water filtration system can be an excellent investment. The right whole-house water filter can offer many benefits and might even save you money in the long run. Read on to learn more about how whole-home water filtration systems work and what benefits they can bring to your home.

Eliminate Contaminants and Impurities

You might be surprised to learn that even treated water can still carry high levels of contaminants. Municipal water treatment systems simply cannot remove every impurity. After treatment, water can still contain traces of pharmaceuticals and hormones. Water may also contain traces of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, copper, chromium, and manganese. Additionally, as the water travels from the water treatment plant to your home, it can pick up contaminants and possibly bacteria or viruses. These contaminants can affect the flavor and smell of your water, but some can also put your health at risk. With a whole-home water filtration system, you’ll never have to worry about these contaminants and impurities again. The system will work to eliminate most impurities, and your water will be cleaner and safer, and it might just be more refreshing, too.

Enjoy Fresh, Clean Tasting Water With No Bad Odors

A whole-home water filtration system can greatly improve the taste of your water by eliminating the contaminants associated with off-putting odors and unpleasant flavors. Some of these flavors and odors are caused by various impurities, while others are associated with the water treatment process, such as chlorine. You can then use the water any way you want for cooking, drinking, or washing and not have to worry about added smells and unwanted tastes.

Save Money by Eliminating the Need for Bottled Water

The average American spends somewhere between $100 and $250 on bottled water every year. Other studies have placed the number even higher, suggesting that the typical family spends closer to $1,400 a year buying bottled water. After use, the plastic bottles are left behind, taking up space in landfills or requiring recycling. You can avoid the hassles and the expense by installing a whole-home water filtration system, which will ensure your tap water is as clean and pure as bottled water. It might even be cleaner!

Protect Your Plumbing Appliances and Fixtures

Water can pick up sediment, silt, rust, and other particulates as it makes its way to your home, especially if you have well water or spring water. The sediment, although not necessarily harmful to people, can be harmful to your plumbing, appliances, and fixtures. Silt can build up in the aerator of the faucet or clog the showerhead. It can also affect the operation of your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. Filtering the water removes particulates and sediment, which can then prevent sediment-related damage. In other words, a whole-home filtration system might add years to the lifespan of your various appliances and fixtures.

How Whole-Home Water Filtration Works

Whole-home water filtration systems are installed at the main water line just after it enters the home. The water flows into your home, moves through the different filters, and then comes out to your faucets, water heater, and all other plumbing appliances and fixtures.

Most whole-home water filtration systems have multiple stages, and each stage uses a special filter designed to remove certain impurities. The first stage is typically a basic mesh filter that traps larger particles like silt, sediment, and rust. The next stage is a much more efficient filter that removes smaller particles like metals, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, bacteria, and other impurities and contaminants that can remain in the water supply even after it has been treated or get picked up as the water travels to your home. Many whole-home water filtration systems also have an activated carbon filter that primarily helps to improve the taste of the water and eliminate any unpleasant odors.

Another option is a reverse osmosis filtration system. Instead of using filters, this type of system has a semi-permeable membrane. When water enters the unit, it can easily flow through the membrane. However, any impurities or contaminants in the water are too large to pass through the membrane and will be trapped and thus filtered out.

Reverse osmosis filtration units are typically “point of use,” which means that they are installed at one fixture and only filter the water that flows through that fixture. These units are most commonly installed underneath the kitchen sink. A reverse osmosis filter can also be connected to your refrigerator so that the water and ice from it are also pure and clean. Reverse osmosis systems are great for ensuring that the water you cook with and the drinking water in your kitchen is clean, but they are not necessarily a good option for the whole home.

You can find whole-home reverse osmosis systems, but they aren’t very common for several reasons. One is that a whole-home reverse osmosis system requires a huge amount of space. Once the water is treated, it flows into a large holding tank so you always have a constant supply of fresh, clean water. For a reverse osmosis system to effectively supply water to an entire home, you will typically need at least a 300- to 500-gallon holding tank.

Most people simply don’t have sufficient room in their garage or elsewhere for a tank this large. These systems can also get quite costly since you will need a pump to move water out of the holding tank into the plumbing system as well as a separate UV light to disinfect the water as it flows out of the storage tank.

Because of this, multi-stage whole-home water filtration systems are almost always the better option. These systems are relatively easy to install and have a smaller footprint. They don’t require a holding tank or a pump, as the water will automatically flow through the filters whenever you turn the faucet, shower, or any other fixture on. Any time you use any hot water, the water will also flow through the filter and into the water heater.

One thing to note is that no type of water filtration system will take care of hard water issues. Hard water can cause problems for the filtration system and will typically shorten its lifespan. For this reason, we also recommend installing a water softener if your home has hard water, as this will help to prevent issues with your filtration system, your plumbing system, and appliances.

At [company_name], we can help if you’re considering adding a whole-home water filtration system to your house. We also install a range of different water heaters, and we specialize in all cooling and heating installation, repair, and maintenance services as well. For more information or to schedule a service call in the Sterling area, contact us today.