20 years Plumbing Tankless Installs and Repairs!

 Water Heater Services

We rely on our hot water heaters everyday for bathing, laundry, washing dishes, and cleaning, which is why owning a great water heater is certainly not optional. You need a water heater that can keep up with your home's unique hot water demands. And, with so many water heater options on the market today, you are going to need help finding the right one for your home. You need the right team of professionals to install and service your new system. 

Luckily,  APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. offers comprehensive hot Water Heater services for homeowners across Western WA and the surrounding areas. We offer everything from installation and replacement to repairs and maintenance, so no matter what your needs are, you can count on us. We truly believe in creating a comfortable and efficient environment inside every home, and our water heater services allow us to do just that. So, be sure to contact our team when you are in need of these services! 

Tankless electric water heaters offer a number of advantages for homeowners. For example, these units are highly energy efficient, as they only heat water when it is needed, which can reduce your utility bills and energy use.

If you’re considering installing a tankless water heater in your home, turn to APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc.! We’re a reputable company that offers high-quality tankless electric water heater services with your satisfaction guaranteed.

 "Fixed right or Its Free!" Expert Guarantee 

We have extensive decades of experience working with tankless electric water heaters for homes of all sizes. Our technicians can also provide comprehensive maintenance services so that your unit runs efficiently for a long time.

Contact us today to reap the benefits of our tankless electric water heater repairs, installations, and more! 

A plumbing emergency is the last thing anyone needs. Whether it’s a clogged toilet, a leak, or burst pipes, such situations can disrupt the peace in your entire house. APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. best plumbing company — your go-to team for emergency plumbing. We’re all about providing prompt and reliable  Emergency Plumbing  services to mitigate further damages and restore your home to its normal state. A plumbing disaster can strike at any time, disrupting your daily routine and causing significant damage to your home if not addressed promptly. We understand the urgency of such situations, and that’s why we offer round-the-clock assistance to homeowners. Contact us today and experience top-tier workmanship you can trust! We serve the residents of:

Bremerton

Federal Way

Gig Harbor

Port Orchard

Lacey

Olympia

Tumwater

Yelm

Steilacoom

Lakewood 

Tenino

Shelton

Tacoma

Centralia

Chehalis

University Place

Puyallup

Your tankless Water Heater Options

Choosing the right water heater for your home can certainly be a little overwhelming, which is why it is important to consult with a professional before you make any final decisions. Here at APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. we install and service:

• Tank Water Heaters: Tank water heaters are the most popular option. By heating water and storing in a reservoir tank, hot water will be readily available right when you need it. 
• Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters do not store hot water. Instead, they heat water as needed, which is why the are also commonly referred to as "on demand" water heaters. 

Knowing when to replace your current water heater can be a little tricky. But, there are plenty of signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement. Consider water heater replacement if:

• Your system is more than 10-15 years old.
• Your system requires frequent repairs. 
• Your system is unable to keep up with your household’s hot water demands. 

Remember, if you feel like it’s time to replace your water heater, be sure to speak with one of our professionals. An older, outdated water heater is simply not going to be as efficient or effective as a newer model. 

Even the most efficient water heaters are going to require repairs from time to time. If you are having trouble re-lighting your pilot light, notice signs of corrosion, hear strange noises, or if you aren’t getting enough hot water, it is time to contact our team. APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. offers hot water heater repair services to get your system back up and running in as little time as possible. 

Remember, in addition to scheduling prompt repairs, it is also important that you schedule water heater maintenance services on a regular basis. Maintenance is the best way to ensure that your system is working efficiently and effectively. Plus, it allows you to avoid costly repairs and untimely replacements! 

One of the key elements of our service is a quick plumbing response. When a plumbing emergency hits, you can’t afford to wait. You need immediate help, and that’s exactly what we deliver. Our service technicians are available around the clock to respond to any plumbing emergency. We’re well-equipped and always ready to handle any situation, from minor issues like a clogged sink to major emergencies like a burst pipe. So, whether you wake up in the middle of the night to a flooded bathroom or notice a serious leak in your kitchen in the early morning, you can rely on APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. for 24-hour  Emergency Plumbing  assistance. You don’t have to wait until morning or the next business day for your plumbing issues to be resolved. Our team is on call and ready to respond immediately, offering efficient and reliable service when you need it most. Our friendly representatives are standing by now! We are your number 1 Washington Plumber!

Drains are a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system. When they become clogged or damaged, it can lead to serious plumbing problems like flooding, unpleasant plumbing odors, and property damage. If not handled promptly, these issues can escalate, causing more significant damages and potentially costing you more in repairs. Get your plumbing repaired today!

At APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. we provide Emergency Plumbing drain repair services designed to handle any crisis. Our trained Plumber technicians have the expertise to identify the issue and the equipment to fix it quickly and efficiently. From unclogging blocked drains to repairing broken leaking pipes, our team can manage any drain-related problem, ensuring that your home’s plumbing system is functioning optimally by the best Plumbers!

• Burst Pipes: When pipes burst, they can cause water to flood your property, potentially leading to significant water damage and even structural issues.

• Leaky Fixtures: Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes might seem minor, but they can lead to water damage, mold growth, and increased water bills if not addressed immediately.

• Clogged Drains: Blocked drains can cause water to back up, leading to potential flooding and damage.

• No Hot Water: If your  Water Heater is failing, leaving you without hot water, it can be considered an emergency, especially in cold weather.

• Sewer Backup: This is a serious problem that can lead to health hazards and major damage to your home.

APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. can handle All your plumbing needs, rest assured you’re in the best hands of the most capable plumbing company. With the most experienced Plumbers have to offer.

  Tired of running out of hot water? That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. 

Think about it: The way most households in this country heat water is absurdly wasteful. We fill up big 40- to 50-gallon storage tanks, then pour energy into them 24/7, year in and year out, to make sure we have hot water at the ready whenever we want it.

But often it doesn’t work out that way. If a teenager takes a long shower, or a spouse settles in for a tub soak, there can be a long wait for that emptied tank to reheat. Then there are the nagging worries: Is it filled with energy-robbing sediment? Will it spring a leak? Both are reasonable concerns, as tanks generally fail in 8 to 12 years.

How does a tankless water heater work? It generates hot water only when you need it—and for as long as you need it—saving 27 to 50 percent of fuel costs over tank-type heaters. (A typical gas-fired tank wastes 40 to 50 percent of the fuel it burns.)

And because there’s no tank to fail, there’s almost no chance of a catastrophic leak. What’s more, since their introduction in the United States in the 1990s, tankless heaters have become increasingly sophisticated, with features like built-in recirculating pumps (for “instant” hot water), and wireless connectivity that tells you via smartphone exactly when a unit needs maintenance.

Below is our Guide to tankless water heaters. In it, we’ll explain how a tankless water heater works, tell you what you need to know before you buy one—and before the installer arrives—and let you in on the units’ operating quirks, so there won’t be any surprises if you go tankless.

1. It all starts when you turn on the hot-water tap (1).
2. A flow sensor (2) detects water coming into the heater and sends a signal to the control panel to start producing hot water.
3. In a gas-fired unit, the control panel (3) turns on the fan (4), which draws in outside air, opens the gas valve (5) that lets in the gas, and ignites the burner (6).
4. The heat exchanger (7) captures heat from the flames and transfers it to the water moving through the exchanger’s tubing.
5. The mixing valve (8) tempers the superheated water exiting the exchanger.
6. If the temperature sensor (9) detects that the water exceeds or falls short of the desired setting, the panel will adjust the gas valve, the mixing valve, and the flow-regulating water valve (10) accordingly.
7. A sealed vent (11) (or pair of vents) through a roof or outside wall carries away exhaust gases and conveys combustion air to the burner.

Prices range from about $170 for small gas-fired units to more than $2,000 for high-output heaters that can supply two showers at the same time; $1,000 is about average.

 Tankless electric heaters run between $90 and $900. First-time Installation costs run more than a simple tank replacement. (See subsection below, entitled “Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation.”) 

This is definitely a job for a pro, as it involves making leak-free water, vent, and gas connections, in the case of gas or propane units, or Upgrading the wiring and or circuit panel, in the case of electric units.

Sign up to have a pro provide annual service, including cleaning or changing water and air filters and checking the burner. In areas with hard water, a vinegar flush every 500 hours keeps mineral buildup—scale—from clogging the heat exchanger. That 30-minute task can be done by either a pro or a homeowner.

Gas-burning tankless water heaters should operate for 20 years or more, two or three times longer than tank-type heaters. Tankless electric units have shorter life spans, on the order of 7 to 10 years.

Plumbing supply stores, big-box stores, and online retailers all carry these heaters. Or order one through your plumber.

Newer tank-type water heaters have grown bigger as federal regulations now require thicker insulation to reduce standby heat loss.

So they may not be able to fit into spaces where an old heater of the same capacity could go. Tankless gas heaters are about the size of a suitcase and hang on the wall

Unlike a tank-type heater, they won’t spill gallons of water if they spring a leak, or harbor Legionella bacteria, or tip over in an earthquake. And because the air supply and exhaust vents are sealed, carbon monoxide can’t leak into the house due to back drafting.

Owners of vacation homes know well how long it takes to drain a water-heater tank before closing up a house for the winter. With a compressor, you can drain a tankless heater in a few seconds; then you just unplug it.

If there’s too much scale buildup in the pipes, or faucet and showerhead aerators are clogged, or a turned-down faucet reduces water flow to about 0.3 gpm, these units automatically shut off.

Compared with a tank-type heater costing $400 or so, a $1,000 tankless gas heater may save a household only about $100 per year, depending on how efficient it is and how much hot water is used.

But because these tankless gas units last longer, the savings kicks in after six years, about when many tanks are nearing their demise.

 Tankless technology is constantly improving. Here are some of the latest refinements:

Condensing gas heaters can extract up to 96 percent of a fuel’s heat—a 17 percent improvement over first-generation tankless units—thanks to a second heat exchanger that captures much of the exhaust heat before it goes out the vent.

 They’re about 25 percent more expensive than noncondensing heaters, and they create an acidic condensate that has to be neutralized. If a heater isn’t equipped with a built-in neutralizing cartridge, the installer has to add one. 

Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater.

When the distance between heater and fixture exceeds 50 feet, look for units with a built-in recirculation pump, which saves water and reduces waiting time. The pump, which can be turned on by a timer, a push button, a motion sensor, a smart speaker, or a smartphone (above), pushes the cold water in the pipes back through the heater.

After about a minute, the pump shuts off and you get hot water seconds after opening the tap.

Tankless units with digital connectivity let you adjust the temperature and monitor gas and hot-water usage on your phone.

More important, the unit can identify the source of a problem. Relay that information to your plumber and he or she can show up knowing exactly what needs to be done. That feature also eliminates any guesswork about when it’s time to descale.

Condensing tankless water heaters are so efficient, they’re certified by the federal Energy Star program, making them eligible for utility rebates across the country. These rebates are often enough to bridge the difference in price between the more expensive condensing units and the cheaper noncondensing ones. Then it’s basically a free or low-cost upgrade that will save money for the next 20 years or more.

 It takes a big burst of BTUs for a tankless heater to turn cold water into hot water in just a few seconds. But if a heater’s Btu output can’t keep up with demand, it will cut back the flow, or, worse case, deliver lukewarm water 

 To determine whether a heater will be able to meet a household’s needs, a plumber looks at three factors:

• The temperature of the water coming into the heater
• The peak demand for hot water in gallons per minute (gpm)
• The heater’s efficiency, as indicated by its Uniform Energy Factor, found in the product specs.

1. The first step: A pro finds out how many Btus per gallon a heater needs to raise the incoming water to 120 degrees (see the map in the next slide).
2. Next comes peak demand, the sum of the flow rates for every appliance and fixture that could be using hot water at the same time. (Those rates are listed in the next slide.) The total gets shaved by 20 percent, since we don’t bathe or wash in 120-degree water. You can reduce peak demand by upgrading to low-flow fixtures and water-saving appliances, or by holding off on the washing when the shower is in use.
3. Total Btu output is calculated by plugging the Btus-per-gallon and peak-demand figures into the formula. If that output falls between two models, get the one with the higher Btu rating. And if the output exceeds 198,000 Btus, the maximum for residential gas heaters, you’ll need two smaller units that work in tandem.

Homes without a gas line or propane tank can also enjoy the advantages of on-demand hot water by installing tankless units powered by electricity. These units, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third smaller than gas or propane tankless heaters. And because they don’t need vents, they can be installed almost anywhere, including under sinks and in small closets.

One drawback to electric units is its limited output, which tops out at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That may be enough to supply a whole house in areas with warm groundwater, but in colder climes they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for hot water doesn’t get too high. Whichever type you choose, it will need sufficient amperage at the main panel and heavy-gauge wires.

Also, electric heaters last only about half as long as gas units: Typical warranties are three to five years. Once the heating elements fry, it usually costs about as much to replace the entire heater as it does to swap in new elements.

What you and your plumber need to assess before installation day:

For the burner in a tankless heater to perform properly, it has to be hooked up to a gas-supply line that delivers enough volume at sufficient pressure. In many cases that means the diameter of the supply pipe has to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure falls short, the gas company will have to adjust the regulator on the meter.

FYI: Some tankless units, such as those made by Rheem, are able to work with a standard ½-inch gas line, provided it isn’t longer than 24 feet.

Noncondensing tankless gas heaters use stainless-steel vents that can withstand high exhaust heat. Condensing units have a cooler exhaust, and use less expensive PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipe, simplifies installation because only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.

FYI: Typically, vent runs have been limited to just 10 feet. But more powerful fans, like those in Rinnai’s Sensei series, now allow vents to run up to 150 feet.

• Saves space: That’s one less appliance you have to make room for inside.
• Simple to install: The built-in exhaust vent eliminates having to cut a big hole (or two) through the side of the house.
• Easy to service: A plumber can get to it at any time, whether you’re home or not. But keep in mind…
• Building regulations: You may need permission from your local building department to put it outside.
• Cold weather: Internal heaters keep components toasty down to −22-degrees F, but exposed water pipes must be insulated and wrapped in heat tape that turns on automatically in freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

“Old tank-type gas water heaters commonly funnel their fumes into chimneys, but that’s no place to vent a tankless gas heater. It must be connected to dedicated vent pipes that exit through a roof or an outside wall.”  

  As homeowners in Lacey, WA, you need dependable service for your plumbing emergency situations. Whether it’s a simple fixture installation, a clogged toilet, or a more serious issue like burst pipes, our team at APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. is always ready to respond.

We’re committed to providing you with the highest quality Emergency Plumbing  services, no matter the size of the problem. We understand that when it comes to plumbing emergencies, time is of the essence. That’s why we offer 24-hour  Emergency Plumbing answering services, ensuring you get the help you need exactly when you need it.

Our experienced licensed plumbing technicians are ready to provide you with prompt and reliable plumbing service. With our commitment to excellence, we have established ourselves as the leading plumbing service provider Washington Area.

You can confidently turn to us for all of your Plumbing needs, including:

• Emergency Plumbing
• Water Heater Installation 
• Water Heater repair
• Tankless Water Heater  repair
• Tankless Water Heater  service
• Bathroom plumbing
• Kitchen plumbing
• Crawlspace plumbing
• Basement plumbing
• Hydronic plumbing heating
• Boiler repair
• Repiping and water line replacement
• Water lines and repiping
• Water leaks
• Water filtration
• Sewer cleaning, sewer clearing and sewer maintenance
• Sewer line installation and sewer line repair
• Sewer pipe replacement and drain replacement
• Drain clearing and drain repair
• Sump pump installation and repair
• Pipe boring and pipe bursting

Don’t let a plumbing emergency disrupt your life. Contact APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. today! We’re ready to provide the expert plumbing solutions you need to get your home back to normal. Whether it’s day or night, we’re just a call away. Trust us for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective Emergency Plumbing  services.

  APD Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc. are the Pacific Northwest’s favorite Plumbers serving Lacey and surrounding communities, including: 

Olympia, Bremerton, University Place, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Dupont, Tumwater, Lakewood and outlying neighborhoods throughout Western Washington. Not sure if we come to your neighborhood, or ready to book your appointment? Give us a call at  888 4 PLUMBER  or simply book online!

Emergency Plumbing

Bathroom and kitchen plumbin

Repiping and water line replacement plumbing

Standard  Water Heater and  Tankless Water Heater 

Water lines

Water filtration, water treatment

Sewer cleaning, sewer clearing and sewer maintenance

Sewer line installation and sewer line repair

Sewer pipe replacement and drain replacement

Sewer camera inspection services

Open trench sewer repair

Drain clearing and drain repair

Drain camera inspection services

Video inspection for sewer and drain

Hydro Jetting for sewer and drain

Sump pump installation and repair

Sewer and drain excavation

Pipe relining and pipe repair