water Archives - Total Comfort Solutions

Don’t Let a Faulty Water Heater Affect Your Home

Signs That the Water Heater Needs Service

A water heater is an essential household appliance often overlooked until the moment it malfunctions, like being greeted with a cold shower on a chilly morning can be jarring. Understanding the signs that a water heater needs professional attention is vital in preventing such unpleasant surprises. This blog will share various signs that a water heater is experiencing issues and requires attention from a professional.

It’s Making Unusual Sounds

The sounds a machine makes can tell a lot about the state it is currently in. Loud, popping sounds from the water heater, for example, may be due to excess sediment in the water heater tank and maintenance being neglected. Over time, the sediment and mineral deposits can form a hardened layer over the heating element or along the inside wall of the water tank, which creates a loud popping noise as heat builds up inside the tank.

This indicates the water heater needs maintenance, which involves having a plumber drain and flush the hot water tank and check the anode rod to see if it needs to be replaced. These essential water heater maintenance tasks help the unit perform efficiently and help prevent tank corrosion which would require replacing the water heater early.

Hot Water in the Home Is Smelly and Discolored

Another common sign of water heater problems is the quality of hot water that comes out of plumbing fixtures around the home. If the hot water smells bad or comes out looking cloudy, discolored, or tinted red with what looks like rust, it can be a sign of corrosion in the water heater.

A corroded water heater means that the tank material has degraded over time, which can cause bits and pieces of the rusted tank to come off and contaminate the water that comes out of it, creating poor water quality. When the water heater has corroded, it will likely require a replacement rather than a repair.

It’s Leaking

Any leak in any part of the home requires immediate attention, including if this happens to a hot water heater. Leaks from a water heater may mean that corrosion has damaged the tank’s material and compromised its durability, causing a leak, or the leak may be due to a more minor issue, such as a loose valve.

While it’s possible for a leaking water heater to be repaired if it requires a part or valve to be tightened or replaced, a corroded water heater will likely need replacement. A professional can assess the extent of the water heater’s damage to determine the best solution to fix the water heater.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions has over a decade of experience serving Walla Walla and the surrounding communities. They provide 24-hour emergency service, straightforward pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for water heater services in Walla Walla, WA.

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Why Water Softeners Can Make a Big Difference in Homes

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is a type of water containing high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals form deposits and scale buildup on pipes, appliances, and other surfaces. This can result in various problems around the home and in the plumbing. Water softeners are an effective solution for dealing with problems from hard water and improving water quality in homes and businesses.

A water softener is a device used to remove the minerals from hard water, thus making it soft. A typical water softener consists of a tank filled with resin beads, which attract and capture the mineral ions from the hard water through ion exchange. Once the resin beads are saturated with mineral ions, the softener will automatically initiate a regeneration cycle to flush the accumulated minerals. This process ensures that the water remains soft and free of mineral deposits. This blog post will share the adverse effects of hard water and the benefits of installing a water softener.

Helps With Cleaning

Spots on dishes or ones that look cloudy are common in homes with hard water. They are usually found on glasses even after they’ve been washed. However, cleaning dishes will be easier and more effective with a water softener. Additionally, washing dirty laundry with soft water will allow most materials to last longer while looking brighter. This is because washing clothing in hard water can cause them to wear out and fade faster.

Hard water also causes more difficulty when cleaning because it can leave mineral deposits and scale on plumbing fixtures which can be challenging and time-consuming to clean. However, installing a water softener prevents this scale buildup and saves homeowners time when cleaning.

Soft Water Protects the Plumbing System

A water-softening system prevents harsh mineral buildup not only on the plumbing but inside the plumbing, allowing for a steady flow of water. When scale builds up in the pipes or plumbing fixtures, it can reduce the water flow and water pressure, but by using a water softener, the pipes, and fixtures will last longer without needless repairs.

Scale buildup can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and cause them to lose efficiency, raising energy bills. If homeowners hear strange noises or a popping sound from the water heater tank, this can indicate buildup inside. If ignored, it can also cause corrosion and even leaks.

Benefits for the Hair and Skin

Water softeners can make a noticeable difference in a person’s appearance and comfort. Hard water can dry out the skin and hair and cause itchiness of the scalp and skin irritation, but installing a water softener can help improve the hydration of the hair and skin and prevent the uncomfortableness accompanying a dry scalp and skin.

Hard water can also exacerbate certain skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. Even household members without prior skin conditions can develop rashes or mild irritation. However, installing a water softener system can help keep the hair and body feeling refreshed and moisturized.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, free installation estimates, and on-time service. Call them today for water softener installation, repair, or maintenance in Walla Walla, WA.

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Benefits of Installing a New Water Heater

Benefits of Water Heater Replacement

There’s nothing worse than a cold shower in the middle of the winter, except for a shower that starts hot and then turns icy cold in seconds. In both of these situations, it’s wise to consider water heater replacement. While one can hire a professional to render various repairs, if these repairs are too frequent, it could be more cost-effective to get a new appliance. But getting a new water heater installed isn’t a negative. This blog will discuss some of the main benefits of getting a new water heater.

Saving Money on Energy Bills

On average, a water heater can last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Some water heaters (tankless water heaters) can last 20 years. However, one thing’s certain: a water heater’s age shows with each passing year. This generally manifests as higher energy bills, decreased efficiency, and frequent inconveniences.

Installing a new water heater benefits homeowners in that it will work more efficiently and cost less to operate. The new water heater will be more efficient and save homeowners money on energy bills, so installing a new water heater can actually save homeowners money when the old water heater is inefficient.

Faster Hot Water Recovery Rate

Everyone wants a water heater with a fast hot water recovery rate. That means it can dispense and heat water quickly after the hot water has been used up. As a water heater ages, it generally loses its quick recovery rate, meaning it takes longer to heat water. A water heater that could once heat 25 gallons of water in minutes could now take close to an hour to work as expected.

With a new water heater, one can enjoy the following benefits:

Longer, hotter showers
Shorter waiting times for hot water
Cleaner clothes and dishes
Energy savings

Space Savings

Another benefit of new water heaters is that they can be much smaller and save space. Today’s water heaters are more efficient and require less space, particularly tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are compact units that can be mounted on a wall, making them an ideal solution for areas with limited space. This is especially beneficial in homes where the heater needs to be installed in smaller storage locations like garages, basements, or closets.

By having a tankless water heater, homeowners can free up valuable real estate from the area in which it is installed and make more efficient use of their limited space. Furthermore, tankless water heaters are incredibly energy-efficient because they only heat the water when needed, rather than storing hot water in a large tank like traditional models. This energy efficiency also leads to lower water heating costs.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2008. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time service, and a worry-free process. Call them today for water heater or tankless water heater services in Walla Walla, WA.

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Reasons to Install a Water Filtration System

Why Get a Water Filtration System?

Nearly every home in the US is lucky enough to have access to safe drinking water regulated by federal standards. Access to clean drinking water is a public health measure that has saved countless lives and prevented the misery of millions since waterborne diseases are some of the most common in countries without this valuable infrastructure. Unfortunately, just because water is safe from diseases doesn’t mean it’s always healthy and tasty.

Instead of buying bottled water or being subjected to water that is safe to drink but still full of pollutants, consider a water filtration system. Reverse osmosis systems can remove contaminants and improve the taste of the water, so each homeowner has control of this precious resource. Here are a few reasons why water filtration systems are becoming so popular.

Tastier Drinking Water

One of the biggest complaints about domestic water supplies is that they often taste bad. Domestic water supplies can have undesirable tastes for various reasons, so it isn’t helpful to try and prevent bad-tasting water. It makes more sense to remove everything contributing to the bad taste. Reverse osmosis water filters can remove pollutants and minerals that make water taste bad.

In addition to making water more palatable, water filters also make it safer. Treated water still has a variety of pollutants that can be harmful to a person’s health. Water filtration systems can remove these pollutants and render the water safer and better tasting. Some of these pollutants are:

Chemicals like pesticides and herbicides
VOCs
Heavy metals
Dissolved solids
Hardness minerals

Reduces Costs

Removing pollutants from water can save homeowners money in two ways. First, many homeowners must buy bottled water when they don’t drink tap water. Bottled water costs a lot more than tap water, so they are needlessly wasting money buying expensive water when they could use their own with a water filtration system.

Secondly, running cleaner water through plumbing has a beneficial effect on pipes and appliances. When excess minerals and corrosive chemicals are allowed to stay in the water, it can cause damage to fixtures, piping, and appliances. Removing these through filtration saves money on needless replacement of equipment and plumbing repairs.

Helps the Environment by Reducing Waste

A secondary concern about bottled water is the plastic waste generated by households constantly purchasing bottled water. Trillions of bottles are stuck in landfills or the ocean simply because homeowners didn’t know they could use tap water for drinking with a water filtration system. Put a stop to the wasteful practice of buying bottled water by installing an eco-friendly reverse osmosis filtration system.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had the confidence and peace of mind that their water is tasty and safe? With a water filtration system, homeowners can fill their reusable bottles and drink delicious, safe, and refreshing water without environmental concerns.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2008. They provide straightforward pricing, free installation estimates, and a worry-free process. Call them today for water filtration system services in Walla Walla, WA.