Tankless Water Heater Service & Maintenance

Joe Mumford Plumbing and Heating Co. services all makes and models of tankless water heaters. We offer routine maintenance for all hot water heater systems, including tankless water heaters. We service all tankless water heaters. To request maintenance on your tankless water heater, call us at (530) 878-2566.

Routine Maintenance for Tankless Water Heaters

Routine Maintenance is essential on tankless water heaters. All manufacturers of water heaters and tankless water heaters require annual maintenance to keep warranties valid. Tankless water heaters are manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers that have narrow cavities between the sections.

A natural process of heating water is removal of calcium. The calcium builds up on the stainless heat exchanger. Eventually it slows the heat transfer process reducing efficiency and if let go for a long enough time it will slow down and even stop the flow of hot water. Annual maintenance includes an acid (or vinegar) flush of the system. The acid dissolves the calcium and brings the tankless water heater back to its original efficiency.

Routine maintenance also includes a complete check out of gas controls, safety’s and calibration ot factory specifications. Most importantly you are dealing with explosive natural gases and for the safety of you and your family check out and maintain your tankless water heater every year. To have routine maintenance on your tankless water heater call us at (530) 878-2566.

Tankless Maintenance Procedure

Maintenance on a tankless water heater should be performed by a qualified technician or plumber. To perform maintenance, the electrical power supply should be turned off along with the manual gas valve and the manual water control valve. Anytime the gas valve and electrical supply should have to be dealt with you want to make sure to have a Water Heater specialist on hand, like the ones at Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co.

After performing maintenance, our qualified technician makes sure that your tankless water heater is operational before leaving your home. If you are interested in maintenance on your tankless water heater, call Mumford Plumbing  at (530) 878-2566.

Troubled Waters in the Sierra Foothills

Troubled Waters: Common problems in household water in the Sierra Foothills!

As moisture falls to the earth in the form of rain, snow, etc. It is relatively free from impurities except for what it has collected from the air on its journey downward.

Problem: HARDNESS….. In this natural state, water is "aggressive" or acidic in form. As nature's natural solvent, water wants to dissolve something and hasn't, as yet, had the chance. When the water seeps through the earth it dissolves, in many areas of the country, shale, limestone and other rocks containing calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals that cause the problem called hard water.

Hardness deposits in water heaters can reduce energy efficiency and the soap scum caused by using soap and hard water leaves rings on bathtubs, hair and skin after shampooing and bathing.
Solution…..  A water softener helps remove damaging calcium and magnesium and makes water a pleasure to use for cleaning, bathing and does it more effectively and economically.

The softeners take the hardness minerals out of water by passing the water through a bed of ion exchange resin. The resin beads are covered with sodium ions and as the hard water goes through the bed, the hardness mineral ions (calcium and magnesium) replace the sodium ions on the beads making the water free from hardness----or as it is called----"soft water."

When the resin bed has exchanged all of its sodium ions for hardness ions it can no longer do its job. At this point, the softener is recharged by passing a salt brine through the bed. This brine 'bath' washes the hardness minerals from the beads with sodium. The unit is now ready to soften the water again.

We recommend "demand regeneration" softeners that monitor water usage like a home water meter and signals regeneration according to the amount of water used to reduce salt and water consumption.

Problem: IRON ….. Iron is introduced to our water supply when water passes through iron bearing rock and strata such as we find here in the Sierras. Iron in water can cause rusty stains on sinks and laundry, plug pipes and water using appliances and give water a bad taste.

There are three types of iron found in our water. Red Water Iron: Water is already rust colored when drawn. Clear Water Iron: Water is clear when drawn but turns rusty when oxidized (left over night) Bacterial Iron: A non-harmful bacteria that feeds on iron and is present in the red water iron. If left standing, such as in a toilet tank, it will turn into clumps of red slime and have a rainbow colored reflection when a flashlight reflects on it.

Solution: Iron filter: Contains a media rich in oxygen that oxidizes iron into particles then traps them in the bed. Two methods are currently the most popular in use. One regenerates a bed of manganese greensand when necessary with potassium permanganate to replenish oxygen. The other, newer method utilized aeration with an aspirator ahead of an iron filter containing a media that also raises ph, if necessary. Iron filters work best on a ph range of 7.5 to 8.5.

Problem: ACID WATER ….. Acid water is water with a ph lower than 7.0. When water falls to the earth it is relatively pure and in this condition it wants to dissolve something. It is very aggressive or acidic. When the water passes through subsoil that consist of granite, marble or other impervious material it remains acidic. When water in this acidic condition reaches home water supplies it attacks everything it touches. Acid water will leave blue-green stains on plumbing fixtures, pit chrome plumbing fittings and china and corrode pipes.

Solution: An acid neutralizer contains a mineral (limestone) that dissolves in the water raising the ph. The mineral media is sacrificial and must be replaced when necessary. We recommend equipment that back flushes itself because if the media is not back washed it will harden to a state similar to concrete. This will prevent flow and cause, what we call, “worm holes” These worm holes allow water to flow too freely thru the media but not percolate thru the limestone.

Mumford Plumbing can help educate you on water treatment, click HERE for more information.

Rebate Programs For Water Conservation

Rebate Programs

There are a variety of rebate available to save you money. Water conservation incentives and services can make your home or business more water-efficient, save water and energy costs, and lower landscape maintenance and utility bills.

A water-efficient home and business can reduce waste, pollution from irrigation runoff and greenhouse gas emissions from water pumping and heating. Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. is working to help you and your home be more water-efficient.

Residential Rebate Programs:

High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program. Offers up to a $175 rebate to replace older 3 gallons or more flush toilets with new 1.28 or less gallons high-efficiency toilets for all treated water customers in the PCWA service area. The average water savings for HETs is estimated to be 38 gallons per day (gpd) over the older model.

Hot Water Demand Whole House Recirculation System Rebate Program. This program offers a $150 rebate for every tank style hot water heater replaced with a Hot Water Demand Whole House Recirculation System. 

A Hot Water Demand Whole House Recirculation System as a tankless hot water heater, a pump system that quickly circulates hot water throughout the whole house and a thermal bypass valve. The pump can be located at the hot water heater or the furthest point from the hot water heater.

The pump can be controlled by a timer, wireless remote control, motion sensor or by an on demand switch. The cold water is saved using a thermal valve at the furthest point from the tankless hot water heater, thus recirculating back into the cold water pipe.

Point of Use Hot Water Rebate Pilot Program. This program offers a $50 rebate for every point of use hot water heater installed. A Point of Use Hot Water heaters as devices that are placed under a sink to bring instant hot water to the faucet. Normally these are 2-3 gallon devices and are plugged into an outlet

You can learn more about efficiency with all your plumbing needs, click HERE for MumfordPlumbin.com.

Got Air for the Summer!

Get your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer!

Now is the time to check out your air conditioning system and have it serviced ahead of the summer heat.

Take care of it now while temperatures are still mild and you will be all set when scorching summer temperatures begin.

Schedule a service call with Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. We specialize in residential HVAC maintenance and will service the system and make sure it is in top condition when you need it this summer.

We will check and adjust refrigerant levels, lubricate the system, inspect and clean the coils and heat exchanger, and check the entire system to make sure it is operating properly.

 If you schedule service now you can beat the rush. If you wait too long, the top heating and air conditioning companies will be booked solid and it could take a few days before they can get to you.

Don’t get caught without Air Conditioning in the heat of the summer!

Ask about our Air Conditioning Special!

 SAVE $$$ on your Tune-Up!  Call us now to save money later!

Save Money on Central Air Conditioning Bills

Potential for Savings - Air conditioners are responsible for the major part of most people’s electric bills during the summer months and heaters are responsible for a large part of the utility bills during the winter. While they can be significant there are several simple things you can do to cut back on our bills.

Maintain Your System - With the proper maintenance your air conditioning and heating equipment will work more economically and be dependable for years to come. With a few easy and routine procedures you can keep your unit at peak performance and get the maximum amount of comfort from your HVAC system.

 Get a Tune Up - To keep your central air conditioner and heater working to its fullest potential occasionally you need a tune up. If you choose to skip regular maintenance you will find yourself paying for a major repair down the line. If you skip your regular maintenance, you will cost yourself money and be inconvenienced in the long run. For maximum performance and long life have a professional perform needed maintenance on your air conditioner in the spring and your furnace or heat pump in the fall.

Have Freon leaks repaired - Leaks in your system will lower its efficiency and will only get worse with time. Freon is not a fuel source it is only a cooling medium and like the water in your radiator it should only need to be replaced if there is a leak.

Get a Programmable Thermostat - You should consider investing in a programmable thermostat especially if your house is empty for part of the day. This will allow you to set your unit to a more efficient temperature while you are gone and then have it drop back to a comfortable level thirty minutes before you are due to arrive home.

Some people also like to set a different temperature for when they are asleep then their waking hours. Most thermostats can be set for a particular day of the week so you can bypass your program or change it on days when you are home like weekends.

Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter. Many experts agree that 78°F is a good starting point in order to save money. Every degree below 78°F that you set your thermostat for AC will increase your energy usage by around 8 percent.

Properly Seal your Ducts - Have your ductwork checked to see if it needs any repairs or if it needs to be replaced. If some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold, if the insulation is peeling or if there is a buildup of contaminates inside consider having your ducts evaluated to see if they need replacing. Also return grilles and grills in each room should be evaluated to see if they are properly sized and working correctly.

 Repair Air Leaks - You should have a professional examine your air conditioning unit and see if air is leaking out of it. Some experts report the average home leaks 30 percent of air that the AC and heating unit is putting out. This is a huge source of wasted energy that can be easily recouped.

You can see more information by clicking HERE for MumfordPlumbing.com

What Do You Know About Mumford Plumbing!

Did you know…  We do plumbing repairs, new faucet and fixture installations, leak repairs, and can diagnose & repair just about any plumbing problems?

Did you know…  We sell and service heating and air conditioning equipment?  We can also set you up with an automatic seasonal maintenance program to save you money?

Did you know…  Tank type water heater heaters typically have problems more in the winter than any other season?

Did you know…  We do free water testing for your well water including pH, hardness, iron, and TDS (total dissolved solids) so we can specify the proper water treatment equipment. We also can set you up for an automatic maintenance service.

Did you know…  We don’t charge by the hour, but by the job,
which saves you money?

Did you know…  We serve both residential and commercial customers?  You too can benefit from the trained technicians here at Joe Mumford Plumbing
& Heating Co.

We Do It All!!

You can rely on Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. to properly diagnose and take care of virtually any Plumbing, Heating/AC, Well or Water Treatment problems you may be having.  After all, we have over 38 years of experience serving.
Want to learn more, click HERE for MumfordPlumbing.com

Selecting a New Water Heater

Whether you’re replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you’re building, it pays to choose carefully. Look for a water heater that satisfies your hot water needs and uses as little energy as possible. Often you can substantially reduce your hot water needs through water conservation efforts.

• Think About a Replacement Now: If you're like most people, you’re unlikely to go out looking for a water heater until your existing one fails, leaving little time to look for a water heater that most appropriately fits your needs and offers the highest level of energy efficiency. A much better approach is to do some research now. Figure out what type of water heater you want—gas or electric, storage or demand, stand-alone or integrated with your heating system, etc. Then, figure out the proper size for your household.
• Sizing a Water Heater: The capacity of a water heater is an important consideration. The water heater should provide enough hot water at the busiest time of the day. The ability of a storage water heater to meet peak demands for hot water is indicated by its "first hour rating." This rating accounts for the effects of tank size and the speed by which cold water is heated. Demand water heaters should be sized according to the required gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate and temperature rise required for your largest expected hot water fixture (usually a shower).With solar water heaters, you should discuss your requirements carefully with the solar water heating salesperson. You will need to size both the solar hot water system itself and the back-up electric or gas water heater. It generally makes the most sense to size a solar water heater to provide two-thirds to three-fourths of your total demand, and provide the rest with a back-up system.
• Fuel Options: What type of fuel makes the most sense for your water heater? If you currently have an electric water heater and natural gas is available in your area, a switch might save you a lot of money. Oil- and propane-fired water heaters are also usually less expensive to operate than electric models. Before you rule out electricity, though, check with your utility company. It may offer special off-peak rates that make electricity a more attractive option.
• Look for Sealed Combustion or Power-Vented Systems: For safety as well as energy efficiency, look for gas- or oil-fired water heaters with sealed combustion or power venting. Sealed combustion means that outside air is brought in directly to the water heater and exhaust gases are vented directly outside. The combustion is totally separated from the house air. Power-vented equipment can use house air for combustion, but flue gases are vented to the outside with the aid of a fan. In very tight houses, drawing combustion air from the house and passively venting flue gases up the chimney can sometimes result in back-drafting of dangerous combustion gases into the house.

COMPARING THE TRUE COSTS OF WATER HEATERS

When comparing the cost of various water heating options, keep in mind that there are two types of cost you need to look at: purchase cost and operating cost. Life-cycle costs, which take into account both the initial costs and operating costs of different water heaters, provide a much more accurate representation of the true costs of the water heater than the purchase price alone. Life-cycle costs for the most common types of water heaters under typical operating conditions are shown in the table here. When both purchase and operating costs are taken into account, one of the least expensive systems to buy (conventional electric storage) is one of the most costly to operate over a 13-year period. An electric heat pump water heater, though expensive to purchase, has a much lower cost over the long term. A solar water heating system, which costs the most to buy, has the lowest yearly operating cost among electric systems.

Upgrading Your Existing Water Heater

Even if you aren’t going to buy a new water heater, you can save a lot of energy and money with your existing system by following a few simple suggestions.

• Conserve Water: Your biggest opportunity for savings is to use less hot water. In addition to saving energy (and money), cutting down on hot water use helps conserve dwindling water supplies, which in some parts of the country is a critical problem. A family of four each showering five minutes a day can use about 700 gallons per week—a three-year drinking water supply for one person! Water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half. That family of four can save 14,000 gallons of water a year and the energy required to heat it.

• Insulate Your Existing Water Heater: Installing an insulating jacket on your existing water heater is one of the most effective do-it-yourself energy-saving projects, especially if your water heater is in an unheated basement or space. The insulating jacket will reduce standby heat loss—heat lost through the walls of the tank—by 25–40%, saving 4–9% on your water heating bills. Water heater insulation jackets are widely available for around $10. Some newer water heaters come with fairly high insulation levels, reducing (though not eliminating) the economic advantages of adding additional insulation. In fact, some manufacturers recommend against installing insulating jackets on their energy-efficient models. Always follow directions carefully when installing an insulation jacket. Leave the thermostat(s) accessible. With conventional gas- and oil-fired water heaters, you need to be careful not to restrict the air inlet(s) at the bottom or the draft hood at the top.

• Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating your hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and then back on within an hour or so. A great deal of energy and water is wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the tap. Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer much longer than it would if the pipes weren’t insulated.

• Lower the Water Heater Temperature: Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120°F water is fine (about midway between the “low” and “medium” setting). Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will generally save 3–5% on your water heating costs. When you are going away on vacation, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings. With a gas water heater, make sure you know how to relight the pilot if you’re going to turn it off while away.

Water Heater Efficiency Saves

The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its energy factor (EF), an overall efficiency based on the use of 64 gallons of hot water per day. The first national appliance efficiency standards for water heaters took effect in 1990. New standards, which took effect in January 2004, increased the minimum efficiency levels of water heaters.

The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters have energy factors ranging from 0.60 to 0.65, corresponding to estimated gas use below 250 therms/year. Condensing water heaters have energy factors as high as 0.86. The most efficient electric storage water heaters have energy factors ranging between 0.93 and 0.95, resulting in estimated annual energy use below 4,725 kWh/year. There is little difference between the most efficient electric resistance storage water heaters and the minimum efficiency standard. Fortunately, heat pump water heaters using less than half as much electricity as conventional electric resistance water heaters are becoming commercially available. If you use electricity for water heating, consider installing a heat pump water heater. Otherwise, look for the most efficient electric resistance unit in your size range.

With demand water heaters, the manufacturers provide different specifications: the energy input (Btu/hour for gas, kilowatts [kW] for electric); the temperature rise achievable at the rated flow; the flow rate at the listed temperature rise; and so on. In comparing different models, be aware that you aren’t always looking at direct comparisons, especially with temperature rise and flow rate. For example, while one model might list the flow rate at a 100°F temperature rise, another might list the flow rate at 70°. Until there are industry-standard ratings for temperature rise and flow rates, it will be difficult to compare the performance of products from different companies. Some companies are beginning to publish energy factor ratings for these products and this information should make for easier comparisons.

Types of Water Heaters

Water Heating

Next to heating or cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home. As homes have become more and more energy efficient during the past 20 years, the fraction of energy used for water heating has steadily increased. This article takes a look at the high-efficiency water heaters available and how you can reduce water heating costs with your present water heater.

TYPES OF WATER HEATERS
Storage water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. Ranging in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, storage water heaters heat water in an insulated tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, hot water is pulled out of the top of the water heater and cold water flows into the bottom (through a "dip tube" from the top) to replace it. Because heat is lost through the flue and the walls of the storage tank (this is called standby heat loss), energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used. New energy-efficient storage water heaters contain higher levels of insulation around the tank and one-way valves where pipes connect to the tank, substantially reducing standby heat loss.


Demand (or instantaneous) “Tankless” water heaters eliminate the storage tank by heating water directly when there is a call for hot water. These units are growing in popularity in the U.S. The energy consumption of these units is generally lower since standby losses from the storage tank are eliminated. Demand water heaters with enough capacity to meet household needs are gas- or propane-fired. They have three significant drawbacks for some applications: Large simultaneous uses (two showers and the clothes washer, for example) may challenge their capacity, particularly in winter, when the inlet water is coldest. They will not turn on unless the hot water flow is ½ - 3/4 gallon/minutes. Retrofit installation can be very expensive. Finally, because the efficiency tests were not developed with these designs being considered, it is not known if the "EF" accurately estimates energy consumption.


Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than electric resistance models because the electricity is used for moving heat from one place to another rather than for generating the heat directly. The heat source is the outside air or air in the basement where the unit is located. Refrigerant fluid and compressors are used to transfer heat into an insulated storage tank. Heat pump water heaters are available with built-in water tanks called integral units, or as add-ons to existing hot water tanks. A heat pump water heater uses one-third to one-half as much electricity as a conventional electric resistance water heater. In warm climates they may do even better, but there are few sources for these products.

Indirect water heaters use the home’s boiler or furnace as the heat source. In boiler systems, hot water from the boiler is circulated through a heat exchanger in a separate insulated tank. In the less common furnace-based systems, water in a heat exchanger coil circulates through the furnace to be heated, then through the water storage tank. Since hot water is stored in an insulated storage tank, the boiler or furnace does not have to turn on and off as frequently, improving its fuel economy. Indirect water heaters, when used in combination with new, high-efficiency boilers or furnaces, are usually the least expensive way to provide hot water. These systems can be purchased in an integrated form, incorporating the boiler or furnace and water heater with controls, or as separate components. Gas, oil, and propane-fired systems are available.

Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. Solar water heaters are designed to serve as preheaters for conventional storage or demand water heaters. While the initial cost of a solar water heater is high, it can save a lot of money over the long term. Solar water heaters are much less common than they were during the 1970s and early 1980s when they were supported by tax credits, but the units available today tend to be considerably less expensive and more reliable. At today’s prices, solar water heaters compete very well with electric and propane water heaters on a life-cycle cost basis, though they are still usually more expensive than natural gas.

How To Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently

How to Heat & Cool Your Home Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

Alot of work? No, just contact Joe Mumford Plumbing for professional assistance.

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to schedule a tune up for your air conditioning system. Don’t wait until it gets hot to find out that your air conditioning system is not working up to capacity or not working at all. By then, every air conditioning technician in the area will be working overtime and you might end up waiting days before they can make it out to your home. Schedule your HVAC service now and your system will be ready to go when summer temperatures hit.

Regular residential HVAC maintenance is important to keep your air conditioning system in peak operating condition. Like any mechanical system, wear and tear takes a toll on your air conditioning system. Your system worked hard all last summer keeping your home and family comfortable and a spring tune up will help keep it great shape again this summer.

Your HVAC technician will do a thorough scheduled maintenance service including inspecting your entire system, lubricating bearings, cleaning the coil and condenser, replace the air filter, check and adjust refrigerant levels as needed, and measure the supply and return temperature differential.

A good air conditioning technician will also be able to identify any issues or problems that your system may have and correct them before the system fails completely and leaves you sweltering in the summer heat.

Spring is also an ideal time for a full system efficiency analysis to get the most out of your air conditioning system. Your technician can recommend a package of improvements designed to increase your air conditioning system’s efficiency. The result will be increased indoor comfort and lower electric bills.

Want to have a true HVAC professional, click HERE for Joe Mumford Plumbing.

Tankless Water Heaters: FAQs!

Tankless Water Heaters -Most Commonly Asked Questions

　

Q. What does the General Limited Warranty cover?
A. Our tankless water heaters do not hold any hot water. By turning on the faucet, the cold water flow through the flow sensor will turn on the burner. The minimum flow rate to do this is 0.50gpm. The cold water will be heated up to 180ºF if desired. This allows the Navien tankless water heaters to have a 15 year limited warranty.

Q. How much money can I save on my utility bills w/ the Tankless Water Heater?
A. You should be able to save 50% to 75%.

Q. How hot is the water from the Tankless Water Heater?
A. The tankless water heater has a computer-controlled remote controlled system, which will enable you to select temperatures from 115 to 180 degrees　

Q. How much hot water I can have?
A. The tankless water heater output temperature is set by the controller. Depending on the model, the maximum output flow rate is as high as 13.6 gallons per minute.

Q. What is the difference between the tankless water heater and a typical tank type water heater?
A. With a tank type water heater, you can draw hot water as fast as your plumbing will allow, however when the hot water tank is depleted, you have to wait for the tank to re-heat before you can use hot water again. Tankless water heaters eliminate the pilot light w/ a computer-controlled electronic ignition. w/ computer-modulated gas valves, water is heated once, rapidly, efficiently & only as needed.

Q. Can I use more than two fixtures at the same time?
A. Yes. The tankless water heater will can handle more than two fixtures, such as showers at the same time.

Q. Has the Navien tankless water heater been approved by Government or National Standards?
A. Yes. The all of the Navien tankless water heaters are approved and are listed by the Trade Commission & California Energy Commission with 98% thermal efficiency.

Q. How can the tankless water heater save money?
A. Most tank type water heaters raise their heat about 3 to 4% each hour. Since the Navien tankless water heater heats water only when the faucet is turned on, there is no standby heat loss. It only uses energy when you are using hot water & it only heats as much water as is needed.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater have a pilot light?
A. No. The Navien tankless water heater has an electronic ignition system. This means no more wasted gas & money.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater require electrical power to operate?
A. Yes. The Navien tankless water heater has a fan, a computer board & electronic ignition. You need 110V but it only takes a maximum 0.8A draw.

　Q. What kind venting system does it have?

A. The Navien tankless water heater has a power venting system w/ fan assistance. The vent size is a 4" PVC; it can run out the roof or sidewall. If it is installed outdoors, it doesn't need any vent.

Q. What size are the water & gas connections?
A. The Navien tankless water heater inlet & hot water outlet are connected w/ standard 3/4" water connections. Gas connection is 3/4" & the gas supply piping required is 3/4".

Tax Credit starting January 2011$300 tax credit for installing new highly efficient water heaters

President Obama and Congress just passed an Energy Bill that will give a tax incentive credit of up to $300 to all homeowners nationwide who purchase a highly efficient water heater in 2012.

There are additional proponents that address new construction, residential and commercial installations not yet published.

Tankless Water Heaters are the new technology, click HERE to learn more at Mumford Plumbing.com
　
　

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work

With the increased discussion about "going green" as well as the economic needs of managing energy costs, there has been increased attention to the Tankless Water Heater.

The common question:  How does the tankless water heater work.  Below is a step by step description of the process.  
) A hot water tap is opened...

2) The water enters the heater.

3) A water flow sensor detects the water flow.

4) The computer automatically ignites the burner.

5) The water circulates through the heat exchanger (coil).

6) The heat exchanger instantly heats the water at the designated temperature.
(this takes only 5 seconds)

7) The heater can provide you with endless hot water continuously. No more running out of hot water in the middle of a shower!

8) When the hot water tap is turned off, the unit shuts down automatically. Using only the BTU’s needed for one application.

Energy saved and an tax rebate as wellStay tuned to next insert of Frequently Asked Questions or visit us for more answers.

Call us for more details.  Call us - Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. 

"Your Source for Professional Service"   530-878-2566

Real Answers: Finding a Decent Plumber

Question:
No baloney, please. Just tell me where I can find a decent plumber who doesn't charge an arm and a leg.

Reply:

The same place you find the goose that lays golden eggs - in a fairy tale.

Some household repairs - fixing a leak under your sink, clearing a clogged drain, etc., are simple enough that many home owners choose to save money by doing it themselves. This is always an option.

However, when you call a professional plumber for a simple household repair, he does not charge on the basis of how complicated the job might be, but based on his time and overhead expenses. So there is a certain minimum he must charge on every call, no matter how simple the job might be.

This usually amounts to somewhere between $50-100. People tend to get upset paying $50 or more for a job that may take merely 10 - 15 minutes to complete. What they fail to factor is what it costs the company to bring a plumber to your door. They must pay for the dispatcher, truck, fuel, tools, insurance coverage, office equipment, etc.

How do you define a "decent" plumber? The least most people would expect is that he'd be able to identify and fix the problem and guarantee it for at least a year - or return at no extra charge if it breaks down before that. The work should abide by safety standards and codes. It's also reasonable to expect the firm to be licensed, insured and not on the public prosecutor's most wanted list. This inevitably means adding that "arm and leg" in overhead costs.

So much for simple repairs. The true skill of a mechanic, just as with a doctor, has less to do with turning a wrench than diagnosing a problem. If you have no hot water, or no heat from your boiler, or foul gunk flows from a faucet, it's no time to look for someone who works cheap. Imagine asking: "How can I find a decent brain surgeon who doesn't charge an arm and a leg...a decent defense lawyer...a decent airplane pilot..."

Oh, but how could anyone compare one of those skilled professionals to a lowly plumber! The fact of the matter is that plumbers also deal in life and death matters. The fuel lines and flues to your heating equipment carry the potential for death and destruction. And how would you like someone to cross-connect a waste line with your potable water supply? A well-trained plumber has been through a four or five year apprenticeship that is every bit as challenging as a college education. Their work is priced accordingly.

Some plumbing companies have taken to charging a flat rate for certain types of repairs, whether it takes one, two or more hours to do the job. People who don't like surprises may find this more appealing than paying by the hour.

If you do find a very cheap plumber, beware. As with everything else, you get what you pay for. That's no baloney.  

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Water heating accounts for 20% or more of an average household’s annual energy expenditures. The yearly operating costs for conventional gas or electric storage tank water heaters average $300 or $550, respectively. Storage tank type water heaters raise and maintain the water temperature to the temperature setting on the tank (usually between 120 -140° F.  Even if no hot water is drawn from the tank (and cold water enters the tank), the heater will operate periodically to maintain the water temperature. This is due to "standby losses": the heat conducted and radiated from the walls of the tank and in gas fired water heaters through the flue pipe. These standby losses represent 10% to 20% of a household’s annual water heating costs. One way to reduce this expenditure is to use a tankless or demand water heater.

Tankless water heaters are common in Japan and Europe. They began appearing in the United States about 25 years ago. Unlike "conventional" tank water heaters, tank-less water heaters heat water only as it is used, or on demand. A tank-less unit has a heating device that is activated by the flow of water when a hot water valve is opened. Once activated, the heater delivers a constant supply of hot water. The output of the heater, however, limits the rate of the heated water flow.