Dragwater Plumbing & Heat Pumps

12/14/2025

Fun night at the Bucksport Christmas parade!



Photo credit: Brette Summer Merrick

11/17/2025

Call Tank and Diesel for all your plumbing projects

11/08/2025

Just making sure there aren't any pinhole leaks in the basement.

06/09/2025

Looking for a hybrid heat pump water heater? Here's some information you may find useful.

Bradford White vs. State vs. Rheem Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters – Quick Comparison

🔹 Bradford White AeroTherm

Pros: Quiet (~45 dBA), durable, plumber-preferred, easy to service.

Cons: Expensive, limited smart features, sold only through contractors.

🔹 State Premier Hybrid (A.O. Smith tech)

Pros: Good efficiency, Wi-Fi on select models, solid performance.

Cons: Slightly noisier (~50–55 dBA), fewer DIY options, parts can be harder to find.

🔹 Rheem Performance Platinum

Pros: Best smart features (Wi-Fi, app control), high efficiency (UEF up to 4.0), easy to buy at Home Depot.

Cons: Louder (~55–60 dBA), more electronics = more things to break, mixed reliability reviews.

✅ Summary:

Best for durability/quiet: Bradford White

Best all-around balance: State

Best for tech & DIY: Rheem

🔧 Most Common Failures by Brand

🔴 Rheem

Control board failures

Sensor issues (temperature or water level)

Wi-Fi/app connectivity bugs

More sensitive to power surges or humidity

High repair reports on consumer forums (Home Depot reviews, Reddit, HVAC forums)

🟦 State (A.O. Smith)

Moderate issues with sensors and heat pump components

Fewer electronics = fewer failures overall

Service and parts availability can vary

🔷 Bradford White

Least likely to fail early

Built with commercial-grade components

Fewer digital parts = fewer failure points

Designed for long-term serviceability by plumbers

⚠️ Key Takeaway:

Rheem = more features, more tech = more things that can go wrong

Bradford White = fewer features, but highest reliability

State = middle ground

If long-term durability and fewer service calls matter most, Bradford White is the most dependable, followed by State, then Rheem.

02/11/2025

💧 Think Before You Flush: 10 Things You Should NEVER Put Down the Toilet! 💧🚽

Flushing things down the toilet may seem like an easy way to dispose of waste, but many everyday items can cause serious plumbing issues, clogged pipes, and even environmental damage. Here are 10 common things people think are okay to flush—but definitely aren’t!

❌ What NOT to Flush:

1️⃣ “Flushable” Wipes – Despite the name, these don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog pipes.
2️⃣ Paper Towels & Tissues – These absorb water and don’t disintegrate quickly, leading to blockages.
3️⃣ Feminine Products – Tampons and pads expand in water and can cause major clogs.
4️⃣ Cotton Balls & Swabs – These don’t dissolve and can build up in pipes.
5️⃣ Hair – It tangles and creates clogs, just like in shower drains.
6️⃣ Dental Floss – Turns into a net that traps other debris in your plumbing.
7️⃣ Cooking Grease & Oil – Hardens in pipes and creates stubborn blockages.
8️⃣ Medications – Contaminates water supplies and harms the environment.
9️⃣ Cigarette Butts – Contains toxins and doesn’t break down in water.
🔟 Small Trash (Band-Aids, Gum, etc.) – These don’t dissolve and add to plumbing issues.

12/22/2024

✨ Special Savings for Seniors & Veterans! ✨
As a thank you for all you do, we’re offering 20% off labor on all plumbing service work. Trust our team to keep your home running smoothly while you enjoy the savings.

📞 Call now to schedule your service!
Because great service shouldn’t cost a fortune.
207.702.9114

Located in Bucksport, ME

07/24/2024

Thinking About Getting a Heat Pump Installed?

Here's What You Need to Know!As the temperatures soar, staying cool becomes a top priority. If you're considering an upgrade to your home's HVAC system, a heat pump might be the perfect solution. Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling capabilities, making them an energy-efficient choice for year-round comfort.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know before getting a heat pump installed:

1. What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that transfers heat between the inside and outside of your home. In the summer, it removes heat from your home to cool it down, and in the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air to warm your home.

2. Benefits of Heat Pumps

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, often more so than traditional HVAC systems. They can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Year-Round Comfort: With both heating and cooling capabilities, a heat pump keeps your home comfortable in all seasons.

Environmentally Friendly: By using electricity rather than fossil fuels, heat pumps have a lower carbon footprint.

Quiet Operation: Modern heat pumps operate quietly, providing a peaceful home environment.

3. Types of Heat PumpsAir-Source Heat Pumps: These are the most common type, suitable for moderate climates.

Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps: These are more efficient but also more expensive to install, suitable for various climates.

Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Ideal for homes without ductwork, providing flexibility in heating and cooling individual rooms.

4. Installation Considerations

Home Size and Layout: The size and layout of your home will determine the type and size of the heat pump you need.

Energy Efficiency: Look for units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings.

Professional Installation: Hire a certified HVAC technician to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.

Costs: While heat pumps can be more expensive upfront, their efficiency can lead to significant savings over time.

5. Maintenance Tips

Regular Inspections: Schedule annual maintenance checks to keep your heat pump running efficiently.

Filter Changes: Replace filters regularly to ensure good air quality and system performance.

Clear Surroundings: Keep the outdoor unit free from debris and obstructions to maintain airflow.

Making the switch to a heat pump can enhance your home's comfort and reduce your energy costs. Consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine the best heat pump for your home and enjoy a cool, comfortable summer and a warm, cozy winter!

Governor Janet Mills says the money will help the state reach her goal of 175,000 heat pump systems installed by 2027.