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The dynamic between public and private systems has always been interesting, especially in the case of water and wastewater systems. Public water systems are usually non-profit entities managed by local or state governments, for which rates are set by a governing board. On the other hand, private water systems can be for-profit systems managed by investors or shareholders. Though rates are monitored by a state's public commission, private systems are not necessarily subject to this regulating board. Additionally, the difference between public and private is not always distinct, as we sometimes see in Public-Private Partnerships. In this post, we present some interesting facts and figures based on an analysis of national data on ownership of water utilities.

The Safe Drinking Information System, or SDWIS for short, contains information on water utilities and systems located in the United States and incorporated territories. The database contains statistics on drinking water violations and associated enforcement history that reaches as far back as 1993. The EPA created SDWIS to keep track of drinking water information in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, which implements technical and financial programs in order to protect public drinking water.

The EPA, which created SDWIS, offers a variety of search tools to browse information held within its database. There are two main search options:

1. The first, a simple Geography Search allows you to select a state or territory and search public water systems by county, city, or population. This straightforward method is helpful if you are looking for some quick, hard-hitting stats.

2. The second search method available for public use is the Advanced Search Option. As suggested by its name, this search allows you to delve into more detail, including geographic region, ownership type, population, and a variety of other water system characteristics.

In compiling state by state water system stats, I began to notice that not only do public water systems out-number private systems in most states, but they also serve an overwhelming majority of a state's population compared to private systems. I chose to focus on data for Community Water Systems, or systems that supply water to the same population year-round, and therefore data is solely representative of these systems. Other water systems such as Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems and Transient Non-Community Water Systems were not included in my analysis because these systems usually provide water services for half a year or less; these systems may or may not be relevant for your own search!

Here a few interesting facts and figures:

33 of 52 states and territories (including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have more public than private water systems

50 of 52 states and territories (including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have a larger portion of their population served by public than private water systems

Efficiency, cost, and profit margins are all matters of debate, and it is difficult to say which type of ownership-public or private-is necessarily more beneficial to the customer. Although the figures above show that public water systems outnumber private systems overall, this fact does not diminish the important role of private water systems, which serve over 36 million people in the United States. Regardless of public or private ownership, I think we can all agree that the most important thing about water systems is that they provide access to safe, affordable, reliable drinking water for all.

*EPA Regions: 1) Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont; 2) New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands; 3) Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia; 4) Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee; 5) Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin; 6) Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas; 7) Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska; 8) Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming; 9) Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam; 10) Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Andrea Kopaskie is an undergraduate student at The University of North Carolina, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in energy and sustainability.

Featured image made by Flat Icon and author Roundicons. Licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0.

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Public vs Private: A National Overview of Water Systems

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The dynamic between public and private systems has always been interesting, especially in the case of water and wastewater systems. Public water systems are usually non-profit entities managed by local or state governments, for which rates are set by a governing board. On the other hand, private water systems can be for-profit systems managed by investors or shareholders.

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Choosing a new water heater is important. Water heaters consume a lot of household energy. The right water heater can make a big impact on energy efficiency in your home. When deciding which of the different types of hot water heaters will work best for your home, there are many things to consider.

Tank or Tankless: Most water heaters rely on a tank to maintain a ready supply of hot water, but some are tankless and only heat water as needed.

Fuel Type: Water heaters run on electricity, gas or a combination of the two. When looking at a new water heater, think about if you'll want to stick with the same energy source. Changing may cost more upfront, but might be a good investment in the long run.

Use: How you plan on using a water heater determines how much hot water it needs to supply, as well as whether you need a single unit, individual units at several points in the house or a combination of solutions.

Size and Profile: Measure your space and take note of any structural features that will affect where the water heater can be installed. Water heaters are available in compact and medium sizes along with the standard configuration.

Capacity: Standard residential tank water heaters can range in size and capacity. Tank water heaters range from 20- to 80-gallon capacities. Capacity is all about being sure your hot water heater can meet the needs of your home. Storage capacity is more of a concern with a tank water heater. In general, a 40- to 50-gallon tank is sufficient for an average household of 2 to 3 people, increasing by 10 gallons per additional person in the home. In a tankless water heater, the capacity is measured by flow rate, calculated in gallons per minute. Getting the correct size of tankless heater requires figuring out how much hot water you may need at any given time, coming up with a flow rate number and then matching that figure to the measure on a given system.

First Hour Rating (FHR): How much hot water you get from your water heater in its first hour of operation. Your tank's first-hour rating, or FHR, will be printed on the tank. The FHR should be very close to how much water your family uses at its peak time, with multiple hot water uses running at the same time. For example, in the morning, you may have the shower, dishwasher and washing machine on, all requiring hot water.

Warranty: Find out what type of warranty is offered for your hot water heater. You'll want to take advantage of the longest warranty possible. The average lifespan of a residential water heater is 10 to 15 years.

Energy Efficiency: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of home energy use. An older water heater is a good candidate for replacement, as a more energy-efficient model would likely be available, resulting in both energy and utility cost savings.

A traditional tank water heater stores a large amount of water, holding it hot until needed, then releasing through the pipes. Replacement cold water then fills the tank as hot water is drained, to be heated and stored for future use. A storage water heater can be fueled by gas, electricity or a hybrid. Natural gas water heaters are more expensive than electric water heaters and professional installation is recommended which can add to the upfront costs. However, a natural gas water heater will use 10 percent less energy than electric, which means greater savings year to year. The average tank water heater has a 10- to 15-year life span.

Tank water heaters come in various sizes, including compact sizes to fit into small spaces. Household size plays a big role in determining the right water heater size. A home with two or fewer people can be served by a 23- to 36-gallon tank. A tank size of 36- to 46-gallons is best for homes of up to four people. A home with five people can be served by a 46- to 56-gallon tank. For six or more people, look at larger tanks with a 60-gallon or greater capacity.

Pros:

Easier to maintain and repair.

Less expensive than tankless water heaters.

Easy to replace.

Cons:

Uses more energy than other types of water heaters; in cold weather, energy consumption increases.

Requires a large space inside the home.

Runs a risk of flooding if the tank fails.

Tankless gas water heaters and electric tankless water heaters are also called instantaneous or on-demand water heaters. Rather than use a storage tank, the water circulates through a coil system that heats the water as needed. Tankless water heaters are rated by the gallons per minute they provide, and the average life span is 20 to 25 years.

Pros:

Requires less space to install.

Heats water on demand; hot supply is steady.

Saves on energy bills.

Cons:

Greater upfront cost.

May require upgraded electrical systems in older homes.

Larger homes may require more than one unit .

Consider the amount of hot water your household is likely to use when selecting the gpm of a tankless water heater.

Average Flow Rates in Gallons per Minute (gpm):

Bathtub: 2.0 - 4.0

Shower: 1.5 - 3.0

Bathroom Faucet: 0.5

Kitchen Faucet: 1.0 - 1.5

Dishwasher: 1.0 - 3.0

Clothes Washer: 1.5 - 3.0

A point of use (POU) hot water heater is a small water heater that is installed near the fixture it will supply. A point of use heater, whether tank or tankless, is a good solution to increase hot water at a point that is far away from the central water heating unit. It is also useful as a backup system in the home when the primary system is electric or gas. POU systems are usually considered insufficient to use as a backup for a solar-powered water heater.

A POU system can save energy by letting you decrease the temperature setting on a central tank water heater. POU water heaters are a popular choice for hot tubs, home additions, extra bathrooms or any fixture that uses less than 20 gallons of hot water a day.

A smart water heater can be a tankless system or a thermostat that works in conjunction with your existing water heater. The system connects to Wi-Fi to give the water heater a lot of desirable features.

Pros:

Monitors and adjusts temperature to save energy.

Provides leak detection alerts to minimize water damage.

Cycles water temperatures to kill bacteria inside the water heater.

Cons:

Most units require professional installation.

Smart technology adds to the overall cost of the heater.

Overheat protection: Keeps the water from overheating in the system by cutting off the power supply once the set temperature is reached.

Digital display: Makes it easier to monitor the temperature and make precise adjustments.

Pilot reset button: In a gas heater, a button that releases gas, allowing the pilot to be restarted.

Pilot light window: Most new gas water heaters have a window that lets you check the pilot light more easily than older models.

Temperature/pressure relief valve: An internal valve that opens and closes with fluctuations in temperature and pressure in the hot water system. The valve expels hot water and allows cool water to enter to bring down both temperature and pressure.

The Home Depot carries a wide selection of different types of hot water heaters, so you will be able to find the right style for your home, whether gas or electric, tank or tankless. We also offer professional water heater installation to make getting a new water heater simple and convenient. Whichever hot water heater options you choose, make sure you have the right water heater parts and accessories before you get started. This includes water heater drain pans, water heater blankets, expansion tanks, pipes, fittings and insulation. We also have a selection of solar water heaters and hybrid water heaters to choose from.

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Choosing a new water heater is important. Water heaters consume a lot of household energy. The right water heater can make a big impact on energy efficiency in your home. When deciding which of the different types of hot water heaters will work best for your home, there are many things to consider.

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We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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The Hose Bib and Its Aliases

Almost every house has one but you may call it by another name. Sillcock, spigot, outdoor faucet, hydrant or hose bib are all different names for the same thing. Quite often these faucets fail from improper use or improper installation. These types of hose bibs are usually required by your local plumbing code and when installed in in-climate regions they are prone to freezing. They are designed to protect the valve from freezing by locating the actual valve within the heated portion of the home. To further protect the home a shut off valve may be installed just inside of the house where the hose bib exits the wall. This allows the hose bib to be "drained down" before the first freeze. The reason home owners have so many problems with hose bibs is there is a small amount of water left in the the supply line servicing the faucet, when the water freezes it expands and has no where to go so it splints the copper piping. If the water is drained there is no risk of the pipe breaking.

The name sillcock came from the location where it is installed. It is generally installed in the sill board just above the foundation. Not all installations are the same, some may actually come out of the concrete foundation, some may come out of brick, but one thing is common: they all terminate in a heated part of the house.

How Frost-Proof Sillcocks Work

The frost proof sillcock operation is like most other faucets with one big difference, the faucet's length is much longer to protect the valve from the cold elements. The frost free faucet has 4 main parts, the handle, the stem which is connected to the handle, the body and spout where the stem is inside of, and the valve seat. As the handle is turned, the stem rotates within the body and closes the valve seat located at the end, inside of the heated space of the house. Once the valve is seated the water flow stops. The water then drains from the body and out the spout. In order for the water to drain out the valve it must be installed so the spout end (outside) is lower than the supply end (inside). Another mistake people make that prohibits proper draining is they leave the hose connected to the spout. There is almost always water left inside the garden hose that can make its way back into the spigot. If it freezes it again can split the sillcock or piping.

These valves are all similar and operate in much the same manner. They come in sizes from 10 inches to 2 feet and longer. Custom sizes are available upon request. Most also contain a vacuum breaker. Some of these valves are quarter turn and use either a ceramic valving or a ball valve at the end. Other valves are multi-turn and use a rubber seat which eventually gets worn and requires maintenance.

Freeze Proof Hose Bib Breakdown

When a wall hydrant fails there can be very damaging results. The body or casing tube ruptures inside of the house and water flows unrestricted until the water supply to the valve is closed. That is what is most damaging sometime a small rupture occurs and people don't realize it until the damage is done. The very first thing to do when you notice a hose bib leaking is isolate the water to the unit or shut of the water supply to the house.

There are some new frost proof sillcocks that are a homeowners best friend and a plumbers worst friend. The new style valve from Woodford incorporates a self resetting pressure relief valve that protects the the body of the hose bibb from rupturing in freezing conditions. This valve even provides protection when the hose is left on in the winter. The way it functions is if there is water left in the line and it freezes it expands opening the pressure relief valve releasing the excess water and allowing somewhere for water to go.

This is a great freeze proof hose bib which can save the homeowner from the damaging results of flooding and water damage. This could be the last sill cock you would ever have to buy, that is why it is advertised as "freezeless".

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Hose Bib, Sill Cock and Spigot Function and Failure

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We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. [productspage] Almost every house has one but you may call it by another name.

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The dynamic between public and private systems has always been interesting, especially in the case of water and wastewater systems. Public water systems are usually non-profit entities managed by local or state governments, for which rates are set by a governing board. On the other hand, private water systems can be for-profit systems managed by investors or shareholders. Though rates are monitored by a state's public commission, private systems are not necessarily subject to this regulating board. Additionally, the difference between public and private is not always distinct, as we sometimes see in Public-Private Partnerships. In this post, we present some interesting facts and figures based on an analysis of national data on ownership of water utilities.

The Safe Drinking Information System, or SDWIS for short, contains information on water utilities and systems located in the United States and incorporated territories. The database contains statistics on drinking water violations and associated enforcement history that reaches as far back as 1993. The EPA created SDWIS to keep track of drinking water information in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, which implements technical and financial programs in order to protect public drinking water.

The EPA, which created SDWIS, offers a variety of search tools to browse information held within its database. There are two main search options:

1. The first, a simple Geography Search allows you to select a state or territory and search public water systems by county, city, or population. This straightforward method is helpful if you are looking for some quick, hard-hitting stats.

2. The second search method available for public use is the Advanced Search Option. As suggested by its name, this search allows you to delve into more detail, including geographic region, ownership type, population, and a variety of other water system characteristics.

In compiling state by state water system stats, I began to notice that not only do public water systems out-number private systems in most states, but they also serve an overwhelming majority of a state's population compared to private systems. I chose to focus on data for Community Water Systems, or systems that supply water to the same population year-round, and therefore data is solely representative of these systems. Other water systems such as Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems and Transient Non-Community Water Systems were not included in my analysis because these systems usually provide water services for half a year or less; these systems may or may not be relevant for your own search!

Here a few interesting facts and figures:

33 of 52 states and territories (including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have more public than private water systems

50 of 52 states and territories (including District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have a larger portion of their population served by public than private water systems

Efficiency, cost, and profit margins are all matters of debate, and it is difficult to say which type of ownership-public or private-is necessarily more beneficial to the customer. Although the figures above show that public water systems outnumber private systems overall, this fact does not diminish the important role of private water systems, which serve over 36 million people in the United States. Regardless of public or private ownership, I think we can all agree that the most important thing about water systems is that they provide access to safe, affordable, reliable drinking water for all.

*EPA Regions: 1) Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont; 2) New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands; 3) Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia; 4) Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee; 5) Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin; 6) Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas; 7) Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska; 8) Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming; 9) Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam; 10) Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Andrea Kopaskie is an undergraduate student at The University of North Carolina, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in energy and sustainability.

Featured image made by Flat Icon and author Roundicons. Licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0.

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Public vs Private: A National Overview of Water Systems

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The dynamic between public and private systems has always been interesting, especially in the case of water and wastewater systems. Public water systems are usually non-profit entities managed by local or state governments, for which rates are set by a governing board. On the other hand, private water systems can be for-profit systems managed by investors or shareholders.

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When selecting a new water heater for your home, choose a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money. This includes considering the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home. Check out the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn more about the different types of water heaters and how to select the right model for your home.

Types of Water Heaters

It's a good idea to know the different types of water heaters available before you purchase one:

Selection Criteria

When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, consider the following:

Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating will not only affect the water heater's annual operation costs but also its size and energy efficiency. See below for more on selecting fuel types.

Size. To provide your household with enough hot water and to maximize efficiency, you need a properly sized water heater. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on sizing.

Energy efficiency. To maximize your energy and cost savings, you want to know how energy efficient a water heater is before you purchase it. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on estimating energy efficiency.

Costs. Before you purchase a water heater, it's also a good idea to estimate its annual operating costs and compare those costs with other less or more energy-efficient models. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on estimating costs.

Also be sure to do what you can to reduce your hot water use. You may also want to explore other strategies such as drain-water heat recovery to save money on your water heating bill.

Fuel Types, Availability and Costs for Water Heating

When selecting a new water heater, it's important to consider what fuel type or energy source you will use, including its availability and cost. The fuel used by a water heating system will not only affect annual operation costs but also the water heater's size and energy efficiency.

Exploring Water Heater Options by Fuel Type

Fuel type and its availability in your area may narrow your water heater choices. The following is a list of water heater options by fuel or energy source:

Electricity
Widely available in the United States to fuel conventional storage, tankless or demand-type, and heat pump water heaters. It also can be used with combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters.

Fuel oil
Available in some areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage water heaters, and indirect combination water and space heating systems.

Natural gas
Available in many areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters.

Propane
Available in many areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as indirect combination water and space heating systems.

Solar energy
Available throughout the United States -- most abundantly in the Southwest -- for solar water heaters.

Comparing Fuel Costs and Water Heater Types

If you have more than one fuel type available in your area, it's a good idea to compare fuel costs, especially if you're building a new home. Even if you're replacing a water heater, you may find that you'll save more money in the long run if you use a different fuel or energy source. Contact your utility for current fuel costs or rates.

The type of water heater you choose will also affect your water heating costs. One type of water heater may use a fuel type more efficiently than another type of water heater. For example, an electric heat pump water heater typically is more energy efficient than an electric conventional storage water heater. Also, an electric heat pump water heater might have lower energy costs because of its higher efficiency than a gas-fired conventional storage water heater, even though local natural gas costs might be lower than the electricity rates.

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When selecting a new water heater for your home, choose a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money. This includes considering the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home.

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Since Summer is in full swing, we all use our hoses for all sorts of things; washing the car, watering our plants, filling the pool. Many customers may find that where the hose attaches to their home, they have an issue. There may be water spraying out whether the hose is turned on or not, no water comes out, or even that the hose bib has been broken off on the outside entirely!

When it is necessary to replace a hose bib (a.k.a. outside faucet, exterior spigot), there are several different options available. Most customers are interested in the 'frost-free' version, which we recommend as well. But you may ask yourself, what is the difference between a frost-free hose bib and the standard version that has been available for decades? Is it really frost-free, as in you don't have to winterize it once the weather turns and it won't freeze? And how are these replaced?

The difference between a frost-free hose bib and a regular one is that with a frost-free hose bib, you are able to shut off the water much further down the stem than with a regular one. Therefore, when winter comes, it is possible to turn the water off and it will not freeze. With a regular hose bib, the water shuts off much closer to the home, which means water could cause the hose bib to freeze internally and split. Most customers find this out the first time they want to use the hose bib when the weather warms in the Spring.

While they are labeled "frost-free", there can be no 100% guarantee that a hose bib will not freeze. The best way to ensure the hose bib doesn't freeze is to make sure to have nothing attached to it once winter comes. Hoses MUST be detached so water does not penetrate the stem of the hose bib during winter. If this precaution is taken, it is highly unlikely your frost-free will have any issues in the winter.

In order to replace a hose bib, we must have access to the inside and outside of the home. Inside, there is a connection from your water to the hose bib in order to supply it. To winterize a standard hose bib, there is a valve located here that you can turn off, so that water does not seep into the bib and freeze, causing cracking and malfunction. If you have any issues with your hose bibs, give us a call! We repair and replace them regularly.

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Frost-Free Vs. Standard Hose Bibs- What's the Difference? | DB's Plumbing & Drain

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Since Summer is in full swing, we all use our hoses for all sorts of things; washing the car, watering our plants, filling the pool. Many customers may find that where the hose attaches to their home, they have an issue.

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