Maxwell Plumbing: Everyone Needs A Good Plumber

Do you know what your home's water pressure is? Here's why you should.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:55:55 GMT

Water Pressure Matters

The Hidden Crucial Metric in Your Home: Why Water Pressure Matters

Think about the last time you checked the tires on your car or bike. You probably know that filling them with too much air risks a blowout, while running them too low ruins your gas mileage, destroys the rims, and makes handling dangerous. We instinctively understand that tire pressure requires a perfect balance to keep the vehicle running safely and efficiently.

Yet, most homeowners completely ignore a nearly identical system right inside their walls: their home's water pressure .

Just like vehicle tires, your home’s plumbing network is a pressurized system. Managing that pressure isn't just about ensuring a satisfying shower—it's about protecting your entire property from catastrophic failure.

What is the "Ideal" Water Pressure?

We are guessing your Dad didn't teach you about PSI in relation to your home's water pressure, but just as your car tire has a specific recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) stamped on the inside of the door, your home has a manufacturer-recommended pressure range.

For the vast majority of residential plumbing systems, the ideal water pressure is between 45 and 60 PSI.

Under 40-45 PSI: Your water pressure is too low. You’ll notice weak trickling showers, slow-filling washing machines, and a general lack of water power.
Over 80 PSI: You have entered the danger zone. Anything above 80 PSI puts immediate, unnecessary stress on your plumbing system and can void the warranties on appliances like water heaters and water softeners.
50-60 PSI is the sweetspot!

The Danger of High Pressure (The "Blowout" Risk)

When tire pressure is too high, the rubber stretches to its limit until a weak point gives way. In your home, high water pressure does the exact same thing to your pipes, joints, and appliances.

Many municipal water lines deliver water at incredibly high pressures—sometimes well over 100 PSI —to ensure it can travel across town and up into multi-story buildings. If your home is constantly subjected to this excessive municipal pressure, you are fast-tracking major plumbing disasters:

Appliance Failure: High pressure destroys the sensitive valves inside your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater, drastically shortening their lifespans.
Pinhole Leaks: Over time, the constant stress wears down copper and PEX pipes, leading to hidden leaks behind your drywall.
Wasted Water & Money: High pressure pushes far more water through your faucets than necessary, quietly inflating your monthly utility bills.

Enter the PRV: Your Plumbing's Pressure Gauge

In a car, you use a manual gauge to check the air and let some out if it’s overinflated. In your home, this job is handled automatically 24/7 by a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) .

A PRV is a brass fitting typically installed right next to your main water shut-off valve. Its job is simple yet vital: it takes the high-pressure water rushing in from the city street and slows it down, regulating it to that safe, ideal zone of 40 to 60 PSI before it ever reaches your faucets.

Why You Need to Maintain Your PRV

Like the tires on your car, a PRV is a mechanical device with internal springs and rubber gaskets that wear out over time. A typical PRV lasts about 5 to 12 years . When it fails, it usually fails "open," allowing that dangerously high city water pressure to flood into your home's pipes completely unnoticed until a pipe bursts or an appliance starts leaking.

On any visit, we'll check your water pressure for FREE!

You wouldn't guess your tire pressure by just looking at the rubber; you use the right tools and expertise to get it exactly to manufacturer specifications. Your home plumbing deserves the same precision.

At MAXWELL PLUMBING , we are experts in diagnosing, monitoring, and maintaining home water pressure. As a 4th-generation family business serving SW Washington and the Portland metro area, we know exactly how local municipal water systems behave and what it takes to protect your home.

MAJOR CLUES: If you are hearing a strange banging noise in your pipes (known as water hammer), noticing a sudden drop in shower pressure, or simply haven't had your PRV inspected in years, our licensed team is here to help. We can test your static pressure, inspect your current valve, and install a high-quality replacement to keep your plumbing system running safely in the ideal zone.

Don't wait for a plumbing "blowout" to take action. Contact MAXWELL PLUMBING today to ensure your home's pressure is exactly where it needs to be!

GARBAGE DISPOSAL DO'S AND DONT'S

Sat, 16 May 2026 07:13:38 GMT

LIST OF TRICKS TO KEEP YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL RUNNING SMOOTHLY

The Dos and Don’ts of Your Garbage Disposal:

Your garbage disposal is the unsung hero of your kitchen cleanup crew.

It makes quick work of those scraps left on your plate, but it’s not an "all-access" pass for everything that goes down the drain.

At MAXWELL PLUMBING , we’ve seen our fair share of jammed impellers and clogged pipes that could have been avoided with a little TLC.

To help you keep your disposal running smoothly—and avoid an emergency plumbing call—here is our guide to the essential Dos and Don’ts.

The "Dos":

DO Use Cold Water: It seems counter-intuitive, but always run cold water while the disposal is grinding. Cold water keeps any fats or grease in a solid state so they can be chopped up and flushed through the pipes rather than coating them. GREASE IS NOT A FRIEND TO YOUR PIPES FURTHER DOWN THE LINE. Hot water allows the grease to melt and move further down the pipe until it re-solidifies and becomes a problem eventually.

DO Run it Regularly: Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion. Even if you don't have much to grind, running it with a bit of water helps keep the moving parts from seizing up.

DO Cut Large Items Down: If you have large vegetable scraps, cut them into smaller pieces before dropping them in. It prevents the motor from overworking.

The "Don’ts":

DON’T Pour Grease or Oil Down: This is the golden rule. Grease solidifies in your pipes, creating grease bricks that lead to massive clogs. Scrape the grease into a can and toss it in the trash instead.

DON’T Grind Fibrous Materials: Avoid putting too much celery, corn husks, potato skins, egg shells, or onion skins down the disposal. These fibrous "strings" can wrap around the blades and jam the motor. We are personally guilty of this one and must like to live on the edge, but the truth is, if your disposal isn't strong, even these can cause problems when there's too much for the disposal to handle.

DON’T Toss in "Expandables": Pasta, rice, and bread expand when they soak up water. Even if they get through the disposal, they can create a thick paste in your trap that stops everything else from draining. We've seen rice mixed with grease that became so hard it felt like a brick!

DON’T Put Coffee Grounds Down: They might seem harmless, but coffee grounds are heavy and gritty. They tend to settle in the "P-trap" of your plumbing, eventually forming a sediment clog that is tough to clear.

DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals: If you have a clog, avoid using liquid drain cleaners. These chemicals can be hard on the plastic and metal components of your disposal and plumbing system.

What to do if things go wrong?

If your disposal is making a humming sound but not spinning, or if you see water backing up into your sink, you can try to unclog it and often times may just need to press the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal. Also, disposals come with an allen key tool that can be inserted into the bottom and used to push a disposal open that's jammed. However, if you try those things and still have trouble, we are ready to help. At MAXWELL PLUMBING , our legacy of excellence spans four generations. We treat every home as if it were our own, providing the reliable solutions our Camas and PNW neighbors trust.

CLICK TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE or call us at 360-209-4048 .

If you need to get a new disposal here's what you need to know about the options available: Not all disposals are created equal, and the power you need depends heavily on your household's cooking habits. Garbage disposal motors are measured in horsepower (HP) , typically ranging from 1/3 HP to 1.0 HP .

1/3 HP to 1/2 HP: These are entry-level models best suited for small households or light use (think soft leftovers and the occasional vegetable scrap). Because they have less torque, they are more prone to jamming if overloaded.

3/4 HP: This is the "sweet spot" for most families. These motors are powerful enough to grind tougher scraps like potato peels and small bones without breaking a sweat, and they often come with better sound insulation.

1.0 HP: These are the heavy-duty titans of the kitchen. If you cook large meals daily and want a disposal that can handle almost anything with industrial-strength speed—and a significantly quieter operation—a 1.0 HP model is a worthwhile investment.

There's just something about a good working, powerful and quiet disposal that feels luxurious without ever even looking at it! Treat your kitchen to an upgrade and enjoy!

What Camas, WA residents should know about PFAS and RO Systems

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:00:33 GMT

We've heard a lot of talk about PFAS in the water lately, here's what you can do.

Protecting Your Home: What Camas Residents Need to Know About PFAS and Reverse Osmosis

Over the last year, a topic has been making headlines that every local homeowner in our beautiful hometown of Camas, WA should pay attention to: PFAS in our well water supply.

At Maxwell Plumbing, we view plumbing as an art and a family legacy. Part of that "art" is ensuring the water running through your pipes is as safe and clean as possible.

Today, we’re breaking down what’s happening with Camas’s wells and why a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is one of the best options for protecting your family.

The Situation: PFAS and Well 13

Recent updates fand an email out to homeowners from the C ity of Camas have highlighted concerns regarding "forever chemicals," or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), particularly in Well 13 .

While the City is proactively working on a multi-million dollar filtration facility, it isn't expected to be fully operational until Spring 2027 . In the meantime, as temperatures rise and water demand increases, Well 13 is often activated to ensure the community has enough water.

What are PFAS?

These man-made chemicals are used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. They are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment—or in the human body.

Why Standard Filters Fall Short

Many customers ask us if a standard refrigerator filter or a pitcher-style filter is enough. Unfortunately, the answer is usually no .

Pore Size: PFAS molecules are incredibly small. Standard carbon filters often have "pores" that are thousands of times larger than an RO membrane.
Reliability: While some specialized carbon filters can reduce PFAS, they lose effectiveness quickly as they saturate.

One Solution: Reverse Osmosis Systems

If you want the highest level of protection for your drinking water, Reverse Osmosis is the answer.

How it works:

RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic openings (roughly 0.0001 microns ). By applying pressure, the system forces water through this membrane, physically stripping away up to 99% of contaminants , including PFAS, microplastics, lead, and arsenic.

The Benefits for Camas Homeowners:

Peace of Mind: You don't have to wait until 2027 for the city's new filtration plant. You can have pure water right now.
Better Taste: RO removes the minerals and chemicals that can give tap water a "tang," leaving you with bottled-water quality at your kitchen sink.
Cost-Effective: Stop buying plastic water bottles (another possible solution, but costly and wasteful). An RO system pays for itself over time and is much better for the environment. Not to mention, point of use is convenient. We recommend filling glass jars with RO water to serve as a great treat for your family

Plumbing has been in our family for four generations, and we’ve seen how water quality affects both your health and your home's plumbing longevity. We specialize in installing high-quality Reverse Osmosis systems tailored to the specific needs of Southwest Washington homes.

Ready to upgrade your water? Book a FREE ESTIMATE with us today and we'll evaluate your home and help you find the best filtration option to keep your water clean, clear, and safe.

Maxwell Plumbing

Serving SW Washington & the PDX Metro Area

360-209-4048

Bidet Curious? Here's why you'll never look back.

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:16:30 GMT

A bidet for you! A bidet for you...and you! Yes! A bidet for everyone!

Warm seats, warm water, controls galore.

Cleaner than clean feeling. Less toilet paper, fan dry, UV smart clean...the list goes on.

As a 4th Generation plumbing company, we've seen trends come and go, but bidets are not a passing trend. Bidets are gaining huge popularity in the SW Washington and Portland metro area for good reason.

The Cleanest Clean Possible

Let's face it--dry paper isn't the most effective cleaner and wet wipes reek havoc on your plumbing.

Using water with a bidet provides a far superior level of hygiene, leaving you feeling fresh and truly clean every single time.

Say Goodbye to Toilet Paper Dependence

The environmental impact of traditional toilet paper production is significant, and let's be real – it's an ongoing expense! Bidets drastically reduce your reliance on toilet paper, saving you money and contributing to a more sustainable future. While you might use a tiny bit of paper for drying (though many bidets have built-in air dryers), the difference is massive. Added bonus--when there's another toilet paper shortage you won't have to be stressed and fight the hoards of people at Costco.

Maximum Comfort & Gentle Care

Traditional wiping can sometimes cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions. A gentle stream of water is soothing, non-abrasive, and incredibly comfortable. You can control warmth, pressure, angles and more on almost every unit on the market.

An Eco-Conscious Choice

As we become more aware of our environmental footprint, choosing products that conserve resources is essential. Many bidet models feature water-saving technology, not to mention the sheer amount of water it takes to produce toilet paper.

Self Cleaning and Deodorizing

New trends are emerging with UV lights, pre-misted toilets, stronger flushes, like TOTO's "Tornado Flush" as well as deodorizers and more. You can get really carried away with how many options there are available.

MAXWELL PLUMBING is Here to Help!

Thinking about adding a bidet attachment, seat, or smart toilet?

We can:

Assess your bathroom layout.
Advise on the best bidet model for your needs and budget.
Handle the professional installation.
Ensure all plumbing and electrical connections are perfect.

Call MAXWELL PLUMBING at 360-209-4048 today to discuss your bidet options and schedule your installation! We're proud to serve our community with honest, reliable service you can trust.

BACKFLOW: Why is yearly testing required?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:26:43 GMT

BACKFLOW TESTING IS REQUIRED ANNUALLY IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON...BUT WHY?

Water Safety 101: Why Your Backflow Device is the Unsung Hero of Your Plumbing

We rarely think about the direction our water is flowing. We turn on the tap, and fresh water comes out. We flush the toilet, and waste goes away. It’s a simple, one-way street—until it isn't.

When water flow reverses, it’s called backflow , and it’s one of the biggest threats to a clean water supply. That’s where the backflow prevention device comes in.

What Exactly is a Backflow Device?

In short, a backflow device is a gatekeeper. It is a mechanical assembly installed on your water pipes that allows water to flow in one direction (into your home or business) but prevents it from ever flowing backward into the main municipal water supply.

Think of it as a safety check valve . Under normal conditions, the pressure from the city water main keeps the "gates" open so you can shower or run the dishwasher. However, if there is a sudden drop in pressure—like a water main break or a nearby fire hydrant being used—the gates slam shut.

Why Does Backflow Happen?

There are two main culprits behind this reversal:

Back-Siphonage: Imagine drinking through a straw. If the pressure at the source drops significantly, it creates a vacuum that "sucks" water backward.
Back-Pressure: This happens when the pressure in your own system (perhaps from a pump or boiler) becomes higher than the city's water pressure, pushing your water back into the public lines.

The Danger: What’s Lurking in the Pipes?

Without a functioning device, "used" water from your property can mix with the community's drinking water. This could include:

Fertilizers and pesticides from irrigation systems.
Chemicals from industrial soap or manufacturing.
Fecal matter and bacteria from swimming pools or toilets.

Why Testing is Mandatory (and Essential)

Because these devices are mechanical, they contain springs, seals, and moving parts that eventually wear out. A backflow device that isn't working is just a fancy, expensive pipe.

Protecting Public Health: Regular testing ensures that your "cross-connection" isn't the reason a neighbor gets sick.
Legal Compliance: Most municipalities require annual testing by a certified professional. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines or having your water service shut off.
Preventing Property Damage: A malfunctioning device can lead to internal pressure issues that might damage your own plumbing.

The Bottom Line

MAXWELL PLUMBING can provide backflow testing and we love to couple this quick visit with your annual water heater flush visit so you can solve two needs with one easy visit! BOOK ONLINE or TEXT/CALL 360-209-4048.

Where's the LEAK? Listen UP!

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:09:24 GMT

Instead of "Where's Waldo?" Plumbers Play a Game called "Where's The Leak?"

Where's The Leak: How Our Audio Leak Detection Helps pinpoint leaks behind walls and underground

MAXWELL PLUMBING is constantly striving to provide the best possible service to our customers. That means not only fixing problems effectively but also ensuring our customers feel confident and informed throughout the process. One of the most powerful (and fun!) tools we've invested in to achieve this is our advanced audio leak detection equipment.

You might be wondering, "What exactly is audio leak detection?" It's technology that allows us to pinpoint the exact location of a water leak, even if it's hidden behind walls, under floors, or buried underground. We still use tried and true methods learned from generations of expertise and experience to help isolate and determine where leaks must be, but audio detection actually allows us to listen to the leaks and confirm their location.

How Does it Work?

Imagine a tiny, persistent drip deep within your pipes or underground. To the human ear, it's often imperceptible, but our specialized equipment amplifies those subtle sounds. We use highly sensitive microphones and acoustic sensors that can detect the distinct sounds of escaping water, even through solid materials.

Building Trust, One Leak at a Time

So, how does this sophisticated technology translate into greater trust for our customers? Simple--we treat your home the way we'd want ours to be treated!

Non-Invasive Solutions: In the past, finding a hidden leak often meant breaking into walls or digging up yards, leading to costly and disruptive repairs. With audio leak detection, we can often find the leak without causing any unnecessary damage. This saves you time, money, and the headache of extensive restoration work. Knowing we prioritize non-invasive methods builds immediate confidence.
Accuracy and Efficiency: When we can pinpoint the exact source of a leak, we can fix it quickly and efficiently. This precision means less time spent on the job, fewer return visits, and a more effective repair the first time around. Customers appreciate our ability to get to the root (PUN INTENDED!!) of the problem
Cost Savings: By accurately locating leaks, we prevent unnecessary repairs and minimize the scope of work. This direct approach often results in significant cost savings for our clients, which is always a welcome benefit and a testament to our commitment to fair and honest service.
Peace of Mind: Water leaks, especially hidden ones, can cause extensive damage to your home and lead to skyrocketing water bills. Knowing that we have the technology to accurately find and fix these issues quickly provides invaluable peace of mind. You can trust that your home is in expert hands and that we're using every available resource to protect your property.

Our Commitment to You

At MAXWELL PLUMBING, our investment in audio leak detection technology is an investment in our customers. It's about providing a superior service experience, marked by efficiency, accuracy, and above all, trust. When you choose us, you're choosing a plumbing company that uses the best tools available to solve your problems with minimal disruption and maximum transparency.

Don't let a hidden leak cause you stress. If you suspect a leak in your home or business, contact us today!

Protecting Your Tankless Water Heater In Freezing Weather

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 19:55:36 GMT

Protecting Your Tankless Heater This Winter: Important Information You Should Know

Modern homes all over the PNW are equipped with tankless water heaters—they’re efficient, compact, and provide endless hot water. However, when the temperature drops below freezing, these high-tech systems are surprisingly vulnerable. Unlike traditional tanks that hold a large volume of heated water, tankless units rely on small, intricate copper pipes that can freeze and burst in a matter of hours.

If you want to avoid a mid-winter cold shower, here is how to winterize your tankless unit.

1. The Power of "Freeze Protection"

Most modern indoor and outdoor units come with built-in freeze protection. This system uses electric heaters to keep the internal components just a bove freezing.

Crucial Step: Never unplug your unit in the winter. If the power goes out, the freeze protection goes out with it.
Pro Tip: If you live in an area prone to power outages, consider a Battery Backup (UPS) specifically for your water heater to keep those internal heaters running.

2. The "Slow Drip" Method

If a hard freeze is coming and you’re worried about the pipes leading to the unit, use the oldest trick in the book: the slow drip.

Find the faucet furthest from the water heater.
Turn on the hot water tap just enough to get a thin, steady stream (about 1/8 of an inch wide).
Why it works: Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. This also relieves pressure if ice does begin to form.

3. Insulate Your External Pipes

The unit itself might be protected, but the pipes carrying water in and out are often exposed. Use high-quality foam pipe insulation to wrap every inch of exposed copper or PEX piping.

For extreme climates, you might even consider heat tape —an electric cable that wraps around the pipe and generates heat when temperatures dip.

4. Guard Against Backdraft

This is the "silent killer" of indoor tankless units. When it’s freezing outside, cold air can travel down the vent pipe and reach the heat exchanger inside the unit.

Ensure your vent terminations have flappers or cowls that prevent wind from blowing directly into the system.
If your unit is in a garage or basement, make sure the room itself stays above freezing.

5. What to do During a Power Outage

I f the power fails and the temperature is sub-zero, your internal freeze protection is gone. In this emergency scenario, you must drain the unit :

Turn off the gas and power.
Close the cold water inlet and hot water outlet valves.
Open the pressure relief valve and the drain ports (usually found on the service valves) to let all the water out of the machine.

As always, you can count on Maxwell Plumbing for

any tankless water heater maintenance, repairs, or replacement.

Call 360-209-4048 or book your FREE ESTIMATE on our website www.maxwellplumbingPNW.com

Sump Pump vs. Ejector Pump: What’s the Difference?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:00:22 GMT

#everyoneneedsagoodplumber

Sump Pump vs. Ejector Pump: What’s the Difference?

We were recently called out to a home in Camas, WA because their sewer ejector pump was malfunctioning.

Turns out they didn’t have a sewer ejector pump installed, they had a sump pump where they should have had an ejector pump. The two look similar but have very different uses. If you have a basement, or live in a low lying area you likely have a hole in the floor with a pump in it. But is it protecting your home from a flood, or is it an essential part of your plumbing system? If you have a bathroom or laundry room that’s below-grade (often times also in a basement or low lying area) you have the need for an ejector pump. Understanding the difference is crucial for proper home maintenance and avoiding a messy disaster.

1. The Sump Pump: Your Flood Defense

A sump pump is designed to handle groundwater . When it rains or snow melts, water can collect around your foundation. To prevent this water from seeping through your basement walls or floor, it is directed into a "sump pit."

What it pumps: Clear water (rainwater, groundwater).
Where it goes: The water is usually pumped outside the home, away from the foundation, or into a dry well or storm drain.
Key Feature: It typically has a "float switch" that activates the pump once the water reaches a certain level in the pit.

2. The Sewer Ejector Pump: Your Basement Plumbing Partner

A sewer ejector pump is required if you have a bathroom, laundry room, or floor drain located below the level of your main sewer line . Since gravity can't pull waste "uphill," this pump handles the job.

What it pumps: "Blackwater" or "Greywater" (waste from toilets, sinks, and washing machines).
Where it goes: The waste is pumped upward into the main sewer line or a septic tank.
Key Feature: These pumps are designed to handle solids. The pit (or basin) is also hermetically sealed with a vent pipe to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.

Why You Can’t Swap Them

It might be tempting to think a pump is just a pump, but using the wrong one can be a major mistake:

Sump pumps cannot handle solids. If you try to use one for a basement bathroom, it will clog and burn out almost immediately.
Health Risks: A sump pump pit is usually open. If you pump sewage into it, your basement will quickly become a health hazard due to fumes and bacteria.

Maintenance Tips

Regardless of which pump you have, regular maintenance is key:

Test annually: Pour water into the pit to ensure the float triggers the pump.
Battery Backup: For sump pumps, a backup is vital during power outages (which often happen during heavy storms).
Listen for Noises: Grinding or thumping sounds often signal that the motor or impeller is failing.

Schedule a free estimate with us, no cc required: www.maxwellplumbingPNW.com

Test and Review of Essency EXR Water Heater

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:57:18 GMT

Testing this next-generation Essency EXR Water Heater: Here's our Review 2 months in

A few months back our hybrid electric water that came with our house was on the fritz…only 5 ½ years old! The electrical boards were throwing codes and the company sent us replacements. The truth was, we had never been totally happy with this water heater. Since it was a hybrid, we did like how it cooled our garage in the summer months, but as a family of 5, our electric water heater was never able to keep up with baths, showers, dishes, and laundry. We had discussed adding a mixing valve and even adding a secondary water heater. Our house also has natural gas so I had yearned to have a tankless water heater to solve all of our problems. This, of course, would mean running venting and connections. Coincidentally that very day our water heater was giving us trouble, our local Ferguson rep mentioned the Essency EXR, a 55 gallon new technology water heater. He went on and on about how it has a 20 year leak-proof transferable warranty. It works through the use of an oversized heat exchanger that they say is the equivalent capacity to a 230,000 BTU tankless water heater. It works as an “on-demand” tank and might be perfect for our hot water loving family as it claims to have an 80 gallon first hour rating.

It’s intriguing looking and it meant we weren’t going to rush into a tankless install. I read some reviews we found online and we decided to give it a shot. In person it is really interesting looking as it’s basically a big plastic looking box.

Upon install, you learn that the tank is only filled once, water doesn’t actually flow through the tank meaning that it doesn’t pick up sediments and gunk from traditional water heaters. Because it has a polymer insert, scale doesn’t build up inside the unit. It also doesn't need a sacrificial anode rod or dip tube like other tanks (side note: please consider a yearly preventative maintenance on your traditional and tankless water heaters if you want them to last!!).

Aaron took his time to do the install and we read the instructions front to back. The initial fill sounds odd and setting up the app was a bit odd too. Both are the type of things that with repetition become second nature, but that first install leaves you questioning/testing.

Once we got it set up, it didn’t take long at all for our water to heat up, and get that first bath in! We adjusted the water to a slightly warmer temperature and over the next few days kept checking in with each other, “Did you run out of water?” “Do you like it?” “There’s something different…the water feels cleaner?!” We played around and used the Boost setting and yes, we are happy to say, we’ve had 3-4 baths/showers back to back or even simultaneously while doing dishes and laundry and we HAVEN’T HAD TO WAIT FOR HOT WATER!! It’s been pretty awesome!

Cleaner water? We both felt the difference. It felt like a bit of a mind trip at first… our water genuinely “feels” cleaner–which makes sense. Traditional and Hybrid Water heaters develop sediment and gunk and some of that way inevitably makes its way out of our faucets and shower heads and onto our bodies as well as in our cooking and laundry.

Other bonuses:

It also has a lithium-ion battery which provides power to the unit allowing for hot showers even during a power outage!
Low maintenance, some water will eventually evaporate from the tank and it’ll need to have water added, but we won’t have to take it apart and put it back together!

We are now happy to stand behind the Essency brand and see them as a great alternative to natural gas driven tankless water heaters, these are especially great for high consumption homes like ours!

EDIT April 28, 2026: We are now 8 months in and the quality of our Essency water heater due to our new ability for our family of 5 to wash dishes, do laundry, and take long soaking baths or multiple showers back to back feels like pure luxury. If you are a large family household and for whatever reason don't want to do a gas tankless, we HIGHLY recommend this electric Essency!!