Q. In our house, we have plenty of hot water, but it takes forever for the water to heat up so you can take a shower, wash dishes, and so on. Is there a simple remedy out there…something less drastic than buying a new water heater?

A. There’s a great remedy out there for “on-demand” hot water. It’s called a re-circulating pump, one that attaches directly to your present water heater , and requires no additional wiring or electrical expense. The pump keeps the water in your pipes moving, resulting in a constant availability of hot water without the wait or the waste! So not only will you enjoy instant hot water, you’ll save on your water and your electrical bills too! That’s because the typical re-circulating pump uses less energy than a 25-watt light bulb.

Q: What’s the expected lifespan of sewer and drain pipes?

A.: That depends greatly on the material used and how well it was installed. Drainage pipes, over the years, have been constructed of galvanized steel, cast iron, clay and, more recently, residential ABS and PVC.

Cast iron pipes typically begin to incur problems at around 50 years; and galvanized pipes, which are used primarily for kitchen, laundry, bathtub, and sink drains, begin to erode after 10 years. Rust and other deposits eventually form on the inside of galvanized pipes, which can catch debris and promote clogs (though high pressure jetting can work as a remedy). Clay pipes have been around seemingly forever, but due to the earth’s shift, tree roots, and vegetation, proper installation is the only way to ensure long life. ABS piping has been in use for approximately 30 years and if joint connections are properly installed, there’s a low incidence of repair. PVS has also been around for quite some time, also with a low incidence of repair, though this piping is not approved for use throughout the country or in all parts of the home.

Q. In our house, we have plenty of hot water, but it takes forever for the water to heat up so you can take a shower, wash dishes, and so on. Is there a simple remedy out there…something less drastic than buying a new water heater?

A. There’s a great remedy out there for “on-demand” hot water. It’s called a re-circulating pump, one that attaches directly to your present water heater , and requires no additional wiring or electrical expense. The pump keeps the water in your pipes moving, resulting in a constant availability of hot water without the wait or the waste! So not only will you enjoy instant hot water, you’ll save on your water and your electrical bills too! That’s because the typical re-circulating pump uses less energy than a 25-watt light bulb.

Q: What is the most likely cause of a sewer line stoppage?

A: Ready for this one? The answer is “spreading tree roots.” There are products on the market designed to treat or retard root and vegetation growth, but for a more permanent solution, opt for sewer line repair or replacement.

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