If you bought your water heater thinking you had just acquired the ever elusive “perpetual motion machine,” we’re sorry to disappoint you, but it’s anything but that. In fact, water heaters are mechanical systems with an average shelf life of 10 – 15 years, and likely considerably less than that without proper and faithful maintenance. […]

Before you plunge ahead with buying a new or replacement water heater, there are a few of very important things you first need to know. First, the good news. All water heaters manufactured in – or, for sale in – the US as of April, 2015 have greater energy efficiency ratings than previous makes and […]

If you’ve even been thinking about buying a replacement water heater, your timing couldn’t be any better. Why is that? Because as of April 16, 2015, new federal regulations are going into effect that, over time, will make existing electric and gas storage tank water heaters obsolete. The units that replace them will be larger, […]

Is there ever a time when a hot shower DOESN’T feel good? Most people would be hard pressed to identify such a time or occasion. Which is to say that not only do we require hot showers for cleanliness, but a little relaxation and comfort, too. Take right now, for example. The holiday season. For […]

This summer, your water heater has adjusted to its “chill” schedule.  And it likes it that way, with showers being interspersed throughout the day and, in general, more time to take it easy. But here comes the new school year, right around the corner.  And now your water heater is getting nervous.  It remembers, you […]

Here’s the fast and correct answer:  you need a professional plumber to calculate what size water heater you need as there are numerous factors involved, such as: Storage tank or tankless? Burner or element heating? Number of people in your family? How much hot water is needed during periods of peak demand? And so on? […]

So, you ask yourself, “What the hey is an anode rod?” Well, nothing more or less than a key component of your Germantown storage tank water heater, especially when it comes to the unit’s longevity. Think about it like this: you hot water heater is essentially a steel tank that remains full of water all […]

When was the last time you thought about your water heater? Most likely it was in the middle of a shower that turned suddenly cold! How frustrating is that! Very.  Still, a cold shower is far from the worst problem your water heater can cause.  Unless properly maintained, it becomes increasingly susceptible to water leaks […]

While gas and electric water heaters are no longer your only two choices, they remain the most popular throughout Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, and Prince George Counties. At Your 1 Plumber, we get asked all the time:  “Which is better?”  Like most things in life, there are pros and cons for each variety.  So we we’ve […]

First thing in the morning and you’re up and rarin’ to go.  Ready for a productive day at work. Spending quality time with your children.  Sneaking in a set or two of tennis.  Or you’re just planning on working on around your house. What do all these and so many other daily activities have in […]