Most homeowners only think about hiring a professional plumber when they have a problem with their plumbing system. For instance, faucet or pipe leaks, blocked and overflowing drains, rusting piping, and frozen pipes are just some of the common reasons homeowners hire professional plumbing services. However, did you know that a plumber could also help you lower water heating costs? Although some factors contributing to a high water heating bill might be out of your control, a professional plumber can still help. This article highlights three ways plumbing services can help lower water-heating costs.
Insulate the Hot Water Tank and Pipes
Poor insulation is one of the most common reasons for a high hot water bill. Notably, insulating a hot water system prevents heat loss through the piping and tank walls, especially in winter. Therefore, a plumber will install — or replace — appropriate insulation on your tank and pipes to minimise heat loss. Besides, an insulated hot water system raises the water temperature slightly, lowering your water temperature setting. Once a plumber is done, you will notice an immediate and significant reduction in your water heating cost.
Install a Timer
How many times have you left the house in a hurry only to remember you did not turn off the water heater? Unfortunately, it is an all too common scenario for most homeowners, especially those with traditional hot water tanks. It increases energy bills because traditional hot water tanks continue running unless you turn them off manually. Notably, a plumber can help you solve the problem by installing a timer. As its name suggests, a timer turns off a water heater once the set time lapses. For instance, if you only need hot water to shower in the morning, you can set a timer to turn the system off after 30 minutes.
Install Heat Traps
Convection is the main undoing of traditional water heater models because it allows heat to escape via cold-water inlet pipes. It usually happens in hot water systems without a heat trap. Since heat can escape through the pipes, the system needs more energy to heat cold water coming in, significantly increasing energy bills. A professional plumber can easily install heat traps to prevent heat loss through convection. Heat traps, such as a U-shaped dip, contain hot water at the top of the loop while allowing cold water to enter a tank. By installing a heat trap, a plumber reduces the amount of heat loss, lowering water heating costs.
