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Watch How A Tankless Water Heater Works to Cut Your Energy Bill and Save You Money!

10.22.2011 04:28 PM


While storage water heaters are the most common types of heaters, other types of heaters can do the job just as well. 

To learn more about tankless water heaters, take a look at this video. You'll learn that tankless water heaters are on an on-demand system—that is, they only operate when hot water is needed. 

If you would like to learn more about tankless water heaters or any other water heaters for that matter, be sure to contact our Fairfax area plumbers at F. H. Furr Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Our experienced plumbing technicians can repair your home’s furnace, AC system, or plumbing. Visit us on the web or call us at (703) 496-5016 to learn all about our great services!

Go Green to Save Some Green!

08.24.2011 01:19 PM


Looking for a way to save some money while making your home more energy efficient? Tankless water heaters are the easy, smart way to save the planet and your pocket book. 

How Do They Save Me Money?

Traditional tank-based water heaters keep approximately 40-50 gallons of water hot at all times even when you're not using it. That can be a huge energy drain especially for working professionals. In contrast, tankless water heaters heat water as you need it, greatly decreasing your energy bill every month.

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, alternative, or tankless, water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes that use a lot of hot water—around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve even greater energy savings of 27%–50% if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet.

How Do They Save the Planet?

Most alternative water heaters have earned ENERGY STAR approval by meeting the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, by using less energy and preventing greenhouse gas emissions.

If you're interested in installing a tankless water heater, schedule an appointment with one of our expert Fairfax area plumbers by calling (703) 496-5016.  We can help you lower your energy and carbon footprint in no time!

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Three Common Problems That Can Plague Your Outdoor Plumbing

08.20.2011 01:17 PM
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There are many different types of outdoor plumbing, but they all share one thing in common: without the proper care, they’re likely to fail. There are a number of problems to look out for when it comes to maintaining your outdoor plumbing. 

  • Frozen Plumbing
    During Fairfax winters, frozen plumbing is a huge problem. Water freezing in your plumbing can cause your pipes to swell and burst open, causing extensive property damage in the spring when the ice and snow begin to melt. Instead of calling the fire department, contact a professional Fairfax or McLean area plumber to stop the leaks and replace your broken plumbing.
     
  • Corroded Galvanized Pipes
    While most well-maintained plumbing installed in the last 50 years won’t corrode, many Fairfax and McLean area homes built before the 1960s use galvanized iron pipes as water and sewer mains. Galvanized plumbing was the standard plumbing material at the time, but has since been replaced with more durable PCV and copper piping because it is prone to rapid corrosion after its internal zinc coating wears away. This can lead to mineral-dense water, lead poisoning, and severe plumbing leaks.
     
  • Tree Root Growth
    Tree roots seek moisture and nutrient rich areas underground. Unfortunately, your outdoor plumbing meets both of these criteria and tree roots are drawn towards them. Tree roots are known to infiltrate outdoor plumbing, causing severe clogs and plumbing damage. This problem can be exacerbated if you introduce large amounts of other clog-inducing materials down your drains, like heavy paper products, oils, and debris. 

To learn about protecting and repairing your outdoor plumbing, call the expert plumbers at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We specialize in all types of residential and commercial plumbing repair, including tree root mitigation, plumbing replacement, drain clearing, and much more. Call (703) 496-5016 or visit us online today.

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A Simple Way to Protect Your Home Investment…

06.04.2011 10:59 AM
…and Your Family – From a Damp, Moldy Basement
Which stage describes your basement?
Stage 1: Some basements are damp -- musty and moldy-smelling. Something causes the smell. It’s usually mildew or other contamination and it’s usually not healthy.
Stage 2: Some get a little wet -- where you can maybe see water on the floor. This is where furniture or carpet can slowly rot, and the conditions can become perfect for breeding clouds of nearly invisible polluted air. A grayish, musty dust collects on most every surface. Your respiratory system usually responds with coughing, choking or watery eyes.
Stage 3: Others flood -- sometimes during rainstorms, or when ground water actually “leeches” through the walls (which are way more porous than you’d ever guess!) When this happens, a moldy mess can get trapped behind walls, inside insulation, where it multiplies day and night. Sometimes the growth is so massive that it comes through the wall material.
Recent news about “black mold” has rocked our industry and nation. Homes that get it have been torn down because there’s not a treatment to “fix” this mold once it gets out of control. This isn’t a cosmetic problem; black mold also kills people. (See info on the “Stachybotrys” mold, which is the slithering poisonous snake of the indoor air industry.)
So, at which stage is your basement? Maybe you never really thought about it - - except for the occasional mess! You know, mopping floors with filthy buckets, mounds of wet towels, or having sifted through destroyed family photos and other valuables. Yet two words can help cut this problem at the source: 
 Sump pump.
Funny name, great product. A sump pump keeps your basement dry -- even in storms, deluges, hurricanes, or simply a basement that seems to attract water like a sponge. 
 When you think of the money, waste, worry, and potential health hazards of a moldy basement, a little sump pump is a wise investment. 

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With All The Rain This Month, Are You Having Bad Dreams About A Flooded Basement?

03.19.2011 12:44 PM
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If sump pump failure or a flooded basement worries you every time it rains, you should read this…
Ever dreamed you were floating on the ocean… but then realized it was your basement instead? Yikes. A flooded basement is something to fear. Here’s why:
Water can soak into walls, weaken your foundation, and cause poisonous mold and mildew. Homeowners can waste a fortune each year… all from a simple power outage. And much of it may not be covered by your insurance.
Your “Right Now” Solution. A Sump Pump Back-up System comes on when too much water enters your basement, or if your “regular” pump fails from a power outage. How?
They need no electricity! And installation only takes about 2 hours.
This is one home improvement that can save you thousands of dollars the first time it works.
Find out for free with a no –obligation Basement Review. We’ll tell you exactly how you can eliminate your basement worries at an absurdly low price.
Just imagine: The next big rain  hits….but your basement is dry. No sloppy mess, and you’re worry free. It’s not a dream; it can be true with one quick call to F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning at 1-877 CALL FURR for your free survey.

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Don't Neglect Your Septic Tank! 5 Reasons You May Need Sewer Repair:

02.16.2011 12:58 PM
It’s easy to take your septic system for granted, that is, until you experience a real problem. Why let small fixes turn into costly repairs? Stop ignoring your septic system and consider some of the reasons you may need sewer repair services with your local plumber. 
Slow Drains and Backups
A slow drain is the first sign of a sewage backup. If left unattended, these slow drains can lead to septic backups, in which a dark or black liquid collects in the bottom of your toilet or sinks. If you start seeing (or smelling) sewer backup, then it’s time to contact the professional plumbers.
Odors
Sometimes septic odors just mean you haven’t flushed properly, but when the smell is constant, then you know you’re dealing with a real problem. Unexplained odors are the sign of a faulty septic system, so call your plumber before the smell becomes unbearable. 
Alarm
Many newer systems utilize a flashing red light or beeping noise to notify you of a potential problem. These alarm systems are most commonly located in your yard and should not be ignored. If you’re sewer alarm is going off, be sure to call a licensed professional. 
Algae Buildup
Do you live near a lake? Excess lake algae can be a sign that your home’s septic system is leaking. This not only is a visual problem, but can lead to a variety of health issues as well. 
Weeds and Grass
We all love a green lawn, but not when it’s only in one spot. A problematic septic system can bubble up through the soil, helping your grass stay extra green over the absorption field. Excessive weeds in one specific area may also be a sign that your sewer system is leaking into your yard. 
Your sewer system is one of the most frequently-used home amenities, so it’s important to keep it working properly. With over 30 years of experience, plumbing technicians with F.H. Furr provide the plumbing and air conditioner repair services for your needs. For services, products, home plumbing tips, or to find a Virginia location near you, visit our website today!
 

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Garbage Disposal Clogged? Yuck! Fix it Fast with this Helpful Video!

02.12.2011 12:59 PM
When your garbage disposal is clogged, it is important to resist the urge to turn it on, as this only grinds the object deeper into the drain.
In this video from HowDini.com, authors of the Dare to Repair book series, Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, share some tips on how to repair a clogged garbage disposal. First go to your main service panel and turn of the electricity. If you cannot dislodge the object with a pair of tongs, then consider rotating an Allen Wrench through the base of the unit. Find out what you should never put down your garbage disposal in this full clip.
Can’t fix the problem on your own? With over 30 years of experience, plumbing and air conditioning repair specialists with F.H. Furr provide the services for your needs. For more information, visit our website today!

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