Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, there is no count-down clock for a water heater. Gas-burning tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years, while electric tank water heaters may last 12–15 years. Being proactive and replacing your water heater before it causes a problem can save you stress and possible property damage. 

Tankless water heaters can require more extensive plumbing and electrical work, such as new gas lines, venting, or a dedicated electrical circuit. Installation can also be more complex, such as relocating the water heater or converting from gas to electric.

YES.

• If your house has natural gas or propane, you may be able to convert to a gas tankless water heater. 

• Electric tankless water heaters and available, but your electrical panel may not have availability for the needed power for electric tankless heaters.

Shut off your main water supply. This will be located where the water service enters the structure.  Call Dickinson Commercial & Residential Plumbing. We are available 24/7/365. 

• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces. 
• Winterize your hose bibs by closing the isolation valves and open the valves outside. Keep in mind, you do not want to leave garden hoses connected to the hose bibs when freezing temps happen. Trapped water in the hose bib will freeze.
• If you have pipes in cabinest on exterior walls, leave the cabinet doors open to keep the pipes above freezing temps. 

It is generally recommended to avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes and be harmful to the environment.

On older drain systems such as cast iron and copper, chemicals can cause leaks on weak spots of the pies.

Dickinson Commercial & Residential Plumbing can do preventive maintenance on your drains.

*If you do use chemicals and end up calling a plumber, make sure the technician is aware there are chemicals in the stopped up pipes. The chemicals are very dangerous to the eyes and exposed skin.

Very simple. "nothing".

heaters are so well insulated, there is not enough energy loss to cause the heater keep cycling.

Due to chemicals in the water, copper has become susceptible to leaks. Usually, once you have a pinhole leak, there will be more to follow. 

You may need to replace the pipes with a more chemical resistant material like PEX.