When your existing water heater cracks, stops heating water, or stops functioning, it is time to invest in a new one. As you look to do so, one of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to purchase a traditional tank water heater or whether to go with a newer, more modern tankless water heater.

Both tank and tankless water heaters can provide your home with hot water. But some major differences exist between them. Taking the time to learn about these differences and how each option functions will help you decide which option may be a better fit for your new water heater. Learn about some of the major differences between tank and tankless water heaters.

The Overall Design of the Water Heater

The first major difference between tank and tankless water heaters is their overall design and how they function.

A traditional tank water heater is a large tank that fills with water. As it fills up, a heating element heats up the water. When you turn on hot water in your home, the plumbing system pulls the hot water from the tank.

A tankless water heater is a device that attaches to the incoming water pipes in your home. When you turn on hot water in your home, this device heats up the pipe, which in turn, heats up the water that passes through it, supplying you with the hot water you need.

The Energy Efficiency of the Water Heater

The second major difference between tank and tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Tank water heaters are not energy efficient. The water that sits in the tank has to be ready to be used at any given second. As such, when you are away at work or on a weekend getaway, the tank may reheat the water which you aren’t using multiple times. This can be a waste of energy.

Tankless water heaters are far more energy efficient. They only heat water when you need them to. In fact, they can be anywhere from 9 to 49 percent more energy efficient than traditional water heaters, saving you money on your energy bills.

How Much Water the Heater Can Supply

The third key difference between tank and tankless water heaters is how much hot water they can supply your home at any given time.

The amount of hot water that a tank hot water heater can supply your home with at one time depends on the size of the tank. For example, if you have a 25-gallon hot water heater, the hot water heater can only supply you with 25 gallons of hot water. After that water runs out, the tank has to refill and heat the water. Until that happens, you may have cold water flowing through your lines.

On the flip side, a tankless hot water heater can supply you with as much hot water as you need at once, within reason. It is important to note that it does take a little bit of time to heat the water as it travels through the pipes, so you may not be able to run a dishwasher and a washing machine and have two people taking showers all at the same time. But you can easily do all of this back to back to back, which is something you may not be able to do with a tank water heater.

Deciding between a tank and a tankless water heater is a big decision. If you have any additional questions or would like to learn more about the costs and installation processes involved in tank and tankless hot water heaters, contact Boerne Joe' Plumbing Today! We can help you with all of your water heater needs, including maintenance, repairs, and installation of new units. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

 We have very hard water in Boerne, Tx. And any pipe, appliance or surface in your home that comes into contact with hard water is at risk of damage. One appliance that is surely affected by our hard water is your water heater. Lets take a look at the effects that hard water can have on the performance and efficiency of your water heater and how a water softener can eliminate those problems.

How Hard Water is a Problem for Your Water Heater:

 For most gas-powered water heaters, the water that’s in the water heater’s tank is heated from the bottom by a burner. If your Boerne area home does not have a water softener then it has hard water, the minerals in hard water can solidify in the form of limescale and build up on the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This forms a layer between your water heater’s burner and the water inside the tank, making it much more difficult for your water heater to keep your home’s hot water at the right temperature.

 If your home has an electric water heater, limescale can cause similar problems by building up in the bottom of the tank and on your water heater’s heating elements which greatly reduce their effectiveness while using much more energy to heat the water.

The effects hard water has on the performance of your water heater:

• Decreased efficiency. By creating a rock solid barrier at the bottom of your water heater’s tank, hard water will significantly decrease the efficiency of your water heater because your unit will have to work harder and longer to keep your water warm. This will increase your water heating utility bills and can also mean that your water won’t be hot enough when you need it for things like bathing, washing the dishes and laundry.

• More frequent flushing. Typically, water heaters only need to be flushed and cleaned about once a year. However, if your home has hard water, the buildup of minerals in the tank will require your water heater to be flushed much more frequently (as often as every 3 months). This is not only a waste of water, but also a waste of your time and money.

• Shorter lifespan. The stress that hard water puts your water heater will take its toll over time. Not only will you likely need to call the plumber more often, but minerals also eat away at the inner lining of the water heater's tank causing it to leak and forcing you to replace the water heater much sooner than you would if you had a water softener. 

 By installing a water softener in your Boerne home, you can prevent the buildup of hardness minerals and limescale inside of your water heater. This will maximize the performance of your water heater, lower your water heating bills and keep your appliance operating efficiently. If you suspect that hard water might be affecting the performance of your water heater, give Boerne Plumbing a call for a Free Water Test so we can measure your water hardness level and recommend the right system for your home.

If you have any questions about the effects hard water can have on your water heater, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact Boerne Joe' Plumbing, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in Boerne, Tx..

We provide service all over Kendall County, including towns like Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Leon Springs, Bergheim, Tapatio Springs and Comfort, Tx.

Finding reputable plumbers in Boerne, TX can seem like a daunting task. Our home is often our most valuable asset, so leaving things to chance and picking the first name out of the phone book isn't an option for most conscientious home owners and landlords. Choosing a reputable plumber you can trust will give you peace of mind that the job is done well and you're not being scammed or overcharged.

Check out reviews and ask for references

A reputable plumber will be happy to show you examples of their previous work and provide references from clients. You can also take a look online for tradesman review sites that will offer feedback and give you a valuable heads up on who to steer clear of.

Check they have a plumbing licence and insurance

The first thing to look out for when hiring a plumber is that they have the appropriate insurance and a valid plumbing licence. Full insurance cover is vital, as it protects your property and your neighbours if something goes wrong when they are carrying out the work. A licence shows your plumber has undergone the appropriate training and is fully certified to carry out the work, giving you peace of mind that they are up to the job!

Check the work comes with a guarantee

Not all guarantees are created equal, so have a close read to see what's covered. Plumbers who believe in their work and are confident about the quality of the job often have more generous terms. Boerne Joe Plumbing provides an unmatched Lifetime Warranty on all plumbing workmanship.

Ask professionals in the business

If you have a good relationship with another tradesman such as an electrician or roofer, they may be able to refer you to a high quality plumber. Tradesmen often work together on big jobs and so can see the quality of the plumbers work first hand.

Choosing the right plumber is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By following these guidelines you should be able to find a reputable local plumber in Boerne and walk away a satisfied customer.

“Hard Water” is common in Boerne TX.

It causes spots, calcium scaling, stains and many more problems.

All water contains dissolved minerals that occur naturally in water sources. But some water has such high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium and iron, that it is called "hard water." Hard water is common in both municipal and well water sources. Municipalities are responsible for providing potable water and so rarely correct for hard water. Well water is often hard, and presents other problems as well, since many wells are increasingly contaminated with chemicals.

Hard water is one of the most common water problems in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX and the culprit behind many persistent problems, such as stains on laundry and fixtures, soap scum, corroded pipes and appliances, mineral scale buildup on fixtures and poor tasting and smelling drinking water.

Many people endure hard water problems for years before they realize it is the source of their dry skin and hair, poor soap lathering, bathtub ring, dingy laundry and more

Fix your hard water with a Boerne Joe Plumbing water softener system and or repair. Water Softeners work by removing problem minerals found in your water such as calcium, magnesium and iron, and replacing these hard mineral ions with "soft" ions.

Not all water conditioning systems are the same — Boerne Joe Plumbing provides Charger water softening equipment, which is manufactured according to our own exceptional standards and offers the most exceptional warranty in the business. We will inspect your home or business and recommend the type and size of water softener that is best for your need.

Properly conditioned water tastes better, is healthier for you, and saves you from spending money on unnecessary repair or replacement of corroded fixtures and appliances.

For all Water Softeneing and Conditioning Plumbing Service, Call Boerne Joe Plumbing. Your Local Water and Plumbing Specialists in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and Leon Springs TX. (830) 249-4121

Kuhlmann-King House / Boerne, TX.

This structure was built in the late 1880s as a residence for German native William Kuhlmann (1856-1918), a successful pharmacist and landholder. He sold the home in 1908 to Selina Long King (1831-1910), whose sons operated the local King & King Lumber Co. The Boerne Independent School District owned the house from 1920 to 1951, using it for rental property as well as for school-related purposes. Hill Country artist Harry Anthony DeYoung (1893-1956) leased the house for two years while teaching art in San Antonio. The Kuhlmann-King house has been owned by the city of Boerne since 1951. (on W side of city hall)

Two story rubblestone symmetrical with two story gallery across the front (West) side. Originally the house had two upper and two lower rooms. The gallery on both floors extended around to the entire south side. The stairs to the upper floor were on the outside of the house on the East, or back side. As was the custom, there were no closets in the entire house. The house has one central chimney, with the fireplace on the southwest room. The remaining three rooms had openings into this same chimney and wood stoves were used for heating. The walls in the house are approximately 15" thick and the 9 foot ceilings inside are beaded board. The upstairs floors are still the original random width planks varying between 10" and 12" in width. The floors on the first floor have been replaced and are now of 3" narrow pine flooring. The house had a gabled roof and 6x6 sash windows. Today the gallery on the south side of the house is gone. It is believed that the south portion of the porch was removed in the late 1920s when a major change in the house was made.The wooden portion of the house was added to the east side about the same time the south side gallery was removed. This new addition brought the house the newest conveniences. The outside stairs were removed. Traces still show on the rock and the door upstairs is still there. New stairs were built inside the southwest room. Closets were built in this room as well as the room directly above. A gallery and a modern kitchen (to take the place of the separate outdoor kitchen) were added to the first floor. On the second floor, a bathroom was added above the new kitchen and a second floor gallery was added above the new one on the first floor. With this new addition all the plumbing and water pipes were used without having to go through the thick rock walls.

The land, out of Lot #9 and #10, on which this house stands was sold by John and Helene Werner to William Kuhlmann on March 26, 1883. Just what year the house was built is not known thus far. It was built by William Kuhlmann between 1885-1890.

Mr. Kuhlmann became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. on Feb 5, 1890. He was born July 2, 1856 in Germany. He died in Boerne of pneumonia on Dec. 18 1918. The doctor in attendance was Dr. Wright. Undertaker - Ebensberger & Wendler - buried in Boerne Cemetery.

Mr. Kuhlmann returned to Germany to marry his sweetheart, Marie, and brought her back to live in this house. On Dec. 27, 1896 Marie died during childbirth. The child never lived. Marie was born Sept 13, 1854 in Germany. The couple is buried in the same grave in the Boerne Cemetery.

Mr. Kuhlmann sold this house with improvements to W.F. Shirer but Mr. Shirer sold it back a year later because of the lack of finances.

In 1902 Mr. Kuhlmann sold the house to Selina Long King. The King family lived in the house until 1920 when Mrs. King died. The house was sold to the Boerne School District.

The house was used to extend the facilities of the school which was in the adjacent building just south of the house.

In 1951 the school system no longer needed the buildings in this location, thus it was sold to the City of Boerne.

In 1971 the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society was given a twenty-five year lease on the house for a museum.

The ABC's of Finding the Best Boerne Plumber

A. (Cost)

If you hire a plumber solely based on price, you will get what you pay for. If you want a good plumber, you should seek one based on overall value you receive not just the lowest price. Value is determined by the quality of workmanship, the type of customer service given, and also the cost.

"The bitterness of poor quality and service remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"

B. (Anyone can be a Plumber)

To perform plumbing work in the State of Texas, it is the law that one Must have a plumbing license and be supervised by a Master Plumber who has a Responsible Master Plumbing License and General Liability Insurance. This law is for your safety and protection. Don't hesitate to ask the plumber you hire if you can see his/her plumbing license and also check the expiration date. Texas Licensed Plumbers are also required by law to attend a continuing education course yearly for renewal of their license.

C. (Calling several plumbers to compete for your work)

You may think this is a good way to do business. And it is to some extent. But here is why it usually isn't a good way to deal with plumbers.

A good plumber has enough loyal customers that they don't have to deal with price shoppers. Once you find a good plumber, you must be loyal to them. If you flip-flop from plumber to plumber, a good plumbing shop won't be too motivated to keep you as a customer. Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service.

When you call on different plumbers, in most cases, the warranty of the previous plumber is no longer valid. And rightly so. Who is going to warranty someone else's work?

D. (Hiring a plumber who has little or no warranty)

Boerne Joe Plumbing offers a Lifetime Warranty on all workmanship performed! When a plumber offers no or a limited warranty on the work they perform, maybe they have no confidence in their own plumbing abilities. Here again, you get what you pay for.

E. (References)

Most good plumbers will happily give you references.

It's Wise to Choose the Best Water Heater in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX.

Choosing a new water heater is an important decision, one that you only have to make every ten or fifteen years—so it’s important to choose one carefully. Most households use 15 to 25 percent of their home energy to heat water. Before you purchase a new water heater, educate yourself about the options available so that you can quickly choose the most efficient unit that meets your needs if your current unit fails.  

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WATER HEATERS

Storage Water Heaters

Storage water heaters, also known as conventional water heaters, are the most common type of water heater, but not the most efficient—they use more energy because they keep a large tank of water hot at all times, even when no one is using hot water.

Tankless Water Heaters

Also known as demand or instantaneous water heaters, tankless water heaters save energy because they only heat water when you need it, without storing hot water in a tank. While more expensive, tankless water heaters can save money on energy costs and they can last five to ten years longer than traditional storage heaters.

Solar Water Heating

Solar water heating systems use outdoor panels to preheat water before sending it to a conventional water heater, which provides additional heating, if necessary.Although they cost more initially,solar water heaters may save money in the long-run by reducing the water heating bills by fifty to eighty percent. Solar water heaters fall under two categories: active, which use pumps and controls to transfer heat from the solar collector to the water,and passive, which allow the water to circulate naturally. For more information about solar water heaters, visit www.eere.gov.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters

Although electric heat pump water heaters cost more initially, they are extremely efficient because they don’t require fuel or electricity to generate heat. They only use energy to circulate water. Heat pump water heaters actually use the heat that is in the air,ground, or an outside water source to heat the water. Heat pumps have the side benefit of cooling and dehumidifying air inside the house as they remove its heat, making them an excellent choice for damp basements. Heatpump water heaters function most effectively in moderate to warm climates where they can draw heat from warmer air. You can buy a heat pump as an add-on to your current storage water heater or you can purchase an integral heat pump, in which the heat pump and storage tank come as one unit.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HEATER FOR YOUR NEEDS

As you choose a new water heater, several criteria will influence your decision:

■ Fuel sources

■ Your hot water needs

■ Compatibility with your home

■ Energy-efficiency

■ Warranty and lifetime of the heater

■ Your budget

Fuel sources

Most water heaters use electricity or natural gas, although some use fuel oil or propane. Current prices of electricity or fuel will determine each unit’s operating costs. Solar energy is more efficient than electricity or natural gas, and is always used in conjunction with a conventional water heater to reduce energy use.

Compatibility with your Home

Check to see whether your home has access to natural gas lines before you consider purchasing a natural gas-fueled water heater. Even if gas is available in your area, it can be expensive to add a gas line to your home. Natural gas, oil, and propane heaters also need to be installed in a location that can provide proper ventilation to the outside. Certain systems, such as solar and tankless water heating systems, are easiest to install during the construction of a new home. They may require more effort and money to install later. Furthermore, solar water heating is most effective in houses that receive significant sunshine year-round.  

Your hot water needs

Storage water heaters:

An important consideration when you buy a storage water heater is a number called the “First Hour Rating” (FHR), which tells how much hot water a heater can provide per hour. It should match the amount of water that your household needs when it uses the most hot water each day. Check the Energy Guide label (see illustration below) to find the unit’s FHR.

Here is a general guideline for the First Hour Ratings of several household sizes:

■ 2 people: 45-55 gallons

■ 3 people: 55-65 gallons

■ 4 people: 65-75 gallons

■ 5 people: 75-85 gallons

■ 6 people: 85-100 gallons

■ 7 people or more: 100 or more gallons

Your family may have an FHR one or two levels higher than described by the chart above if you have teenagers, more than two full baths, a very large bathtub or an oversized whirlpool bath. Note that a unit’s FHR is not the same as tank size. In fact, most units have an FHR that is greater than the tank capacity. Don’t buy a larger tank than you need, it takes more energy to heat the extra water that big tanks hold. Natural gas heaters generally have higher FHR’s than electric models that have the same tank size.

Demand (tankless) water heaters:

Demand (or tankless) water heaters have become more common in recent years. They vary in the number of gallons that can be heated per minute. While units are available that can provide hot water for a whole house, tankless water heaters may be unsuited to providing hot water for several purposes at the same time. Since tankless water heaters take up little space, they are especially beneficial as point-of-use heaters. They can fit beneath the sink or on the wall to ensure adequate hot water supplies for rooms and appliances that require more hot water or that are located far away from the main water heater (such as a bathroom, laundry room, kitchen sink or dishwasher). Tankless water heaters are also a good option for smaller households and vacation homes. Natural gas tankless heaters are capable of higher flow rates than electric tankless heaters, which means they can provide more hot water per minute. Natural gas heaters can usually supply five gallons per minute and electric heater can usually provide about two or three gallons per minute. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators along with a tankless heater can lessen the effects of lower flow rates.  

Energy efficiency

Purchase an efficient unit. Paying more for an efficient water heater may save you money in the long run. Large households or households that use large quantities of water will especially benefit from more efficient units.

Pay attention to the “Energy Factor” when shopping for a storage water heater.

The “Energy Factor” (EF) is a number that describes how efficiently a water heater operates. It is a number between zero and one, and the closer it is to one, the more efficiently it operates.

The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters usually have an EF between 0.6 and 0.65. Look for an EF of at least 0.63. The most efficient electric storage water heaters are usually between 0.93 and 0.95. Look for an EF of at least 0.89. To find a unit’s Energy Factor, you may have to read the manufacturer’s literature that comes with the unit. The “Consumer’s Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings” also lists the Energy Factor and other information about many water heaters. The directory is available in the consumer’s section of the GAMA website, www.gamanet.org.

No standard method exists for measuring energy efficiency of demand (tankless) water heaters. Methods of measuring efficiency vary between manufacturers, but you should pay attention to the temperature rise the unit can generate (how much it can heat the water) and the flow rate. If you purchase a gas-fired demand heater, units that have electronic-ignition are more efficient than units that keep a pilot light burning.

Warranty and expected lifetime of the unit

It’s a good idea to spend a little extra money for a longer warranty. Although units with shorter warranties cost less initially, you may spend more in the long-run due to maintenance or early replacement costs. Purchasing a longer warranty doesn’t cost much more and, if the unit fails early, you will be glad you did! Unit lifetimes vary, but storage water heaters usually last ten to fifteen years, while tankless water heaters usually last over twenty years.

Your budget

To get the most out of your money, try to buy the most efficient water heater you can afford that meets your family’s needs. When comparing different types of water heaters, you should consider several factors to determine which unit is more affordable in the long run. Neither a lower initial cost nor greater efficiency guarantees lower costs over a unit’s lifetime. Compare the cost of purchasing and installing each unit, as well as maintenance costs, fuel prices, efficiency, warranties, and expected lifetimes. For example, before you purchase a solar water heating system, estimate whether energy savings over the water heater’s lifetime would make up for higher purchase and installation costs.

Call Boerne Joe Plumbing for Professional Water Heater Service, Repair, Replacement & Installation in

Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX.

(830) 249-4121

Per The Law Dictionary

Slab leaks in Boerne can be particularly devastating and costly. Although they can be caused by a variety of serious plumbing problems and may feature both hot and cold streams of water, they typically progress in a predictable manner. When a pipe that runs through your home's walls or under your house's foundation develops a leak, the constant stream of water from the broken pipe pools under your foundation's "slab" and may cause major damage.

If the ruptured pipe is located above ground, its leak may cause damage to your home's insulation, structural supports and crawlspaces. Certain areas behind your home's walls could develop dangerous mold and require substantial restoration to remain safe. If the ruptured pipe is located underground, the damage will be localized under your home's foundation or surrounding area. However, the leak will be far harder to detect, pinpoint and repair. This inevitable delay could ultimately raise the cost of repairing the damage from the leak and may have significant implications for your homeowner's insurance policy.

Depending upon the amount of time that elapses between the beginning of your slab leak and the point at which it's discovered, the repair costs associated with the incident could be staggering. This is due to the fact that the water from the leak may hollow out the ground beneath the slab on which your house sits. As a result of this persistent erosion, your home's foundation may become less secure. Even if the foundation itself doesn't crack or split apart, it may list to one side and cause a chain reaction that might ultimately destabilize your home's walls and roof.

Many homeowners who unknowingly endure slab leaks for long periods of time discover the problem only after cracks have begun to appear in their homes' structural walls. In the worst-case scenario, a broken window might finally alert you to the problem.

Unfortunately, your homeowner's insurance company is far less likely to cover repair costs for slab leaks that have advanced to this point. If you file a claim for such a problem, you should expect a cold response. When your claims adjuster views the damage, he or she is likely to argue that the damage to your home is the direct result of negligence on your behalf. In general, homeowner's insurance policies pay for water damage caused only by sudden and catastrophic leaks. When they arise gradually, devastating slab leaks are liable to be ignored.

If you suspect you have a slab leak in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch or Leon Springs TX, by noticing a higher than usual water bill, hearing water running through your home's piping, less water pressure or increased humidity in your home, please give us a call. Boerne Joe Plumbing in Boerne TX is your local slab leak detection & repair experts. (830) 249-4121

Do you need water heater repair in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Leon Springs TX? Perhaps your hot water heater is not performing efficiently and are considering an upgrade to a tankless water heater, or a higher energy efficient model. We have answered some of these questions below.

When the time comes to replace your water heater, keep in mind the different types along with the advantages and drawbacks.

Conventional Gas Water Heaters:

Conventional gas water heaters have improved in recent years. They now have thicker insulation, motorized dampers to reduce heat loss, and an EF of at least .67.

Pros:

Lowest upfront cost.

Easier to install.

No fans or pumps to burn out. Proven reliability over years of use.

Cons:

Less efficient; more expensive to operate.

Is it for you?

If you need an immediate replacement, you don't plan to stay in your home for years or you just don't use a lot of hot water, a conventional unit may be your most cost effective option.

Conventional gas water heaters, although not as efficient, are simple and reliable and may be your best and least expensive option.

Hybrid electric heat-pump water heater:

Hybrid heat-pump water heaters work by pulling heat out of the surrounding air and pumping it into the storage tank. So if you live in a warm climate and install it in your hot attic or garage, the heat pump alone can save you money. The conventional heating elements come on only when the heat pump can no longer satisfy the demand. If you install the water heater in a heated room, it will suck some of the heat. However, if you heat the house with gas, you'll probably still come out ahead. Hybrid heat pump water heaters cost about $1,200 – $1,400 at home centers, but prices are dropping.

Pros:

An electric hybrid heat pump has the lowest operating cost of any electric water heater on the market, especially when installed in warm climates. They may also qualify for rebates and tax incentives. Go to dsireusa.org to see what’s available in your area.

Cons:

Hybrids cost much more than a conventional electric water heater.

The heat pump is taller (and wider in some cases) than your existing electric water heater. Make sure the unit will fit.

Some water heaters are “side-piped” to eliminate the possibility of heat pump damage caused by leaking pipes. On those models, you'll have to reconfigure the incoming water supply pipes.

You'll have to clean the air filter regularly to maintain operating efficiency.

The heater needs at least 1,000 cu. ft. of air surrounding it, so it can't be installed in a small closet.

What to look for:

EF rating of 2.0 and the highest “first-hour rating.”

Is it DIY?

If you can reconfigure the water pipes and connect the wiring, you can install this yourself. But heed this warning: These water heaters are big and heavy (about 200 lbs. empty). Get some help!

Is it for you?

If you live in a warmer climate and heat water with electricity, an electric hybrid heat pump will save you the most money over a conventional electric water heater. In colder climates, it'll still save money during the summer when you're not paying to heat the surrounding air. The higher your electric rates and the warmer the year-round climate, the faster the payback. In many cases, the payback can be as little as four years.

Tankless water heaters:

Instead of heating 40 or 50 gallons of hot water 24 hours a day—which wastes energy—a tankless unit heats water only when you need it. A flow sensor detects when you open the faucet. Then the gas valve opens and the burners fire up. The tankless water heater measures the incoming water temperature and calculates how quickly the water should flow past the burners. So, if the incoming water is 65 degrees F (typical summer temperature), the tankless water heater will provide its maximum flow rate. But if the water is only 35 degrees, the tankless water heater will throttle back the flow rate by almost 50 percent. Check with your local utility to find out the water temperature. The average price for a (professional grade) tankless water heater is $1,800, plus installation and misc. materials.

Pros:

Nothing beats a tankless water heater for delivering large amounts of hot water—it continues to heat on demand.

A tankless water heater saves about 30 to 50 percent in energy costs over a conventional gas water heater (minimum EF of .82 vs. .54 for conventional).

A tankless water heater is small and hangs on the wall, freeing up floor space.

Cons:

With tankless water heaters, there's a lag time of three to eight seconds to fire up the burners and heat the water to the set temperature.

Installation can be a major project.

Tankless water heaters must be flushed annually with special chemicals to remove scale and maintain energy efficiency. You can do this yourself or hire a plumber. In the Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX area, a water softener is a must for tankless water heaters.

What to look for:

Shop for one with the highest EF and the best flow rate.

Is it DIY?

You can install it yourself—if you can run a new gas line, follow the venting installation instructions to the letter (and to your local code), install an electrical outlet, and reconfigure the water pipes. It's a big job.

Is it for you?

If you want an endless supply of hot water for long showers or to fill a large tub, a tankless water heater is for you. Just be aware that you may not be able to run several showers at the same time when the outside temerature is colder. 

For all hot water heater repair, installation & replacement in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX, give the professionals at

Boerne Joe Plumbing a call today!

(830) 249-4121

Every Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX home has plumbing and in every home, sometimes the plumbing system fails. You should never be tempted to pull out the tools and try and fix it yourself though – always get a professional Boerne plumber. To ensure that you are getting a qualified, experienced and efficient plumber, we thought it’d be a good idea to put together this guide. If you need more advice or you’re ready to start looking for a plumber, take a look at Boerne Joe' Plumbing. We will be happy to help you!

Choosing a Plumber

Safe Plumbing is one of those things that you absolutely need to get a professional Boerne plumber for. To ensure that you get a good plumber, you should verify that he is appropriately qualified, insured and licensed. Don’t be scared to ask for their licensing details and to verify with the relevant authority if needed. If you are not sure where to start in looking for a Boerne plumber, look for plumbers with good reviews online or ask your friends and family who they use and if they are happy with them.

The Cost of a Plumber

Unfortunately it can be very hard to estimate the cost of a plumber, as so many different factors are involved. These include the length of the job, the complexity of the work to be done, the age of the home, and the materials that are required. The age of the home matters as newer homes generally require less work while the plumbing in older homes can require a lot more work than initially expected. While we can’t provide specific costs, a plumber’s rate will generally include a call out fee, the cost of materials & labor, as well as the cost of any extras such as specialized equipment or earthmoving equipment to access pipes. You should always ask your plumber to provide you with a detailed quote before any work commences so that you can see exactly what you are paying for, or so that you can accurately compare quotes if necessary. For larger jobs, you will always want to get more than one quote to ensure that you are getting a fair quote for the work. But as we all know, most of the time you get what you pay for. The length of any warranty for the work performed, should be a huge factor in choosing the the Best Boerne Plumber which means it may not always be the lowest quote.

Should I Hire a Green Plumber?

As energy and water efficiency is increasingly being focused upon, it can be beneficial to get a green plumber, which is one that is trained in sustainable plumbing techniques and products. Some simple examples of these would be plumbers that have extra training in “green” hot water systems, rainwater collection/harvesting systems or that have the knowledge to recommend better water saving devices for your home. Of course, you don’t have to get a certified green plumber but you should make sure that your plumber at least has basic knowledge of the subject. Boerne Joe' Plumbing practices green plumbing and installs green plumbing products and systems. Give the Green Plumbers in Boerne TX a call Today!

Boerne Joe' Plumbing

Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch & Leon Springs TX.

(830) 249-4121