Month: November 2019

Furnaces are the most common and reliable heating system found throughout the United States. That being said, no HVAC system is perfect, and if you’re the owner of a forced-air system like a furnace, then you’re probably going to run into one of these issues at some point. These problems can range anywhere from something as terrible as a gas leak to just a pilot light needing to be lit.

So, we figured we’d list out the most common problems we come across when we deal with furnaces. That way, when you smell gas or are dealing with high heating bills, you’ve got some information to signal what might be wrong with your heater. Then, you can estimate what it will cost to get it fixed and make the decision as quickly as possible.

Don’t thank us, just keep reading to learn more about your forced-air heater problems.

Common Issues

Whether your system is having trouble heating your home to the desired temperature, or it’s costing you an arm and a leg each month, one of the following causes could be leading to your frustration. If you keep reading, there’s a good chance your furnace problem is somewhere on this list!

• Gas Leak. If you can smell the rotten egg smell of gas coming from your furnace, call a professional immediately. There could be a crack in your heat exchanger or something else causing combustible gas to enter your home. Go outside and call a technician immediately.
• No Flame. If your gas furnace is on but there isn’t a flame burning, it could be from a pilot light that’s gone out. Many newer furnace models have an electronic pilot system that doesn’t need to be constantly lit all the time. If your furnace is an older model, make sure the pilot light is working and on.
• No Airflow. If your system should be blowing a healthy amount of warm, comfortable air through your vents and it’s not—that is a major problem. This could signal a blocked air filter in your furnace that needs to be cleaned or replaced, which can be completed by any homeowner. However, if that doesn’t take care of the problem then you might want to give the pros a call.
• Lukewarm air. If your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, but your fingers still feel like little frozen popsicles, then you’ve got a major issue on your hands. A furnace is supposed to be able to heat all of your home to a relatively comfortable temperature. If that’s not done, there’s likely a problem afoot.

These four problems are things we see all the time. There’s no need to worry if anything like this can be solved, or to pretend like these issues are just normal furnace problems. Give our professional team a call and we can get your system to produce the warm air you deserve to heat your home safely and securely all winter long.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

At some point, your plumbing system will age to the extent that replacing or repairing just one section of the piping isn’t going to be an effective means of solving the problem. Of course, we understand that this can seem pretty scary, which is why we are here to help!

Whole-house repiping is perhaps the safest and most efficient way to protect your home from leaks and water damage when your plumbing has aged past the point of repairs, yet we find that many homeowners don’t really know when their home qualifies for these services.

That is why we have listed some of the tell-tale signs that suggest it might be time for whole-house repiping services. All you have to do is keep reading to find out more (oh, and of course, remember to call us when you need a plumber!)

Do You Need Repiping?

There are a number of signs that suggest your home is a good candidate for repiping services, including:

Your pipes are old

Up until the 1960s, plumbers were using galvanized steel for pipe installation. Although built to last, these pipes are prone to corrosion over time (the average lifespan being about 40-50 years). If you live in a home with a steel plumbing system, you are quite overdue for an upgrade.

Today’s plumbing systems are comprised of either copper or plastic piping, which is longer lasting and does not experience the same problems as steel pipes do. Copper or plastic pipes are not prone to rust, corrosion, and the absorption of contaminants, like lead.

You experience frequent leaks

An occasional leak in your plumbing system is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, you should begin to worry about the quality of your piping if you start to experience frequent leaks. If you’ve had to repair numerous leaks throughout the years, in different locations of your home, it could mean that your plumbing system is failing.

Repiping might be a better option for your home and wallet. Rather than paying for costly repairs and single pipe replacement, it is better to invest in a new system that is going to be less problematic and more effective.

You notice water discoloration

If in the last few months, or even years, you’ve noticed brown or yellow water, or water with particles of sediment in it, you likely have a serious plumbing issue on your hands. This discoloration is often a sign that your pipes are corroding, allowing sediment and rust to seep into the water supply.

Sediment and rust, though not inherently dangerous, can significantly impact the quality of your water, impacting both taste and smell.

A Job For the Pros

Whole-house repiping is a job that is only performed when it is absolutely necessary, and therefore, you want to hire a trusted plumber who is going to make the right call. Trust us, when it comes to your plumbing and your budget, you don’t want to take any risks!

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

No one wants to need an emergency plumber, but sometimes accidents happen. Homeowners know that leaks need to be remedied, but sometimes the leak seems minor. If a leak looks more like a nuisance than an emergency, you may assume that it isn’t a big deal and can wait to be repaired. While this isn’t an uncommon reaction, it opens up your home to serious problems. It’s always best to have a leak repaired as quickly as possible. After all, prevention is always preferable to needing to remedy a complication that could’ve simply been avoided in the first place.

Damages

As you know, the tubes for your plumbing run behind your walls. When water leaks out and escapes, it can end up collecting behind your walls. Over time, this softens drywall and creates water spots. If allowed to continue, it can destroy drywall completely. Flooring is another concern. Carpet, tile, and wood floors are all susceptible to water damage. Wood floors can become warped and require replacing. After enough water damage, tiles or carpet may also need to be replaced.

Although it’s common to only think of the pipes and drains as major concerns, your fixtures are also capable of being harmed. When it comes to your faucets, fixtures, and shower heads, you may discover that you’re dealing with a gasket lodged in your pipes. A telltale sign of this is decreased water pressure, but it could exacerbate any damage already done to the pipes or create new difficulties. If this isn’t resolved quickly, you could end up having to replace the fixture entirely. This often costs hundreds of dollars. 

Expense

Plumbing issues already present an unexpected expense and can be quite costly, depending upon the nature of the problem. If a leak isn’t repaired quickly, additional damages and deteriorating conditions can increase the cost dramatically. A relatively simple job can become a major hassle in no time. This is why plumbers always recommend remedying plumbing issues fast and effectively. It’ll prevent the problem from getting out of control, and it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars as well.

Mold

You never want to battle mold in your home. Moisture in your walls or under your floorboards creates the perfect dark and damp environment for mold to grow and spread. If left untreated or unnoticed, mold can cause headaches, aggravate allergies, and pose a serious concern for asthma sufferers or anyone with respiratory problems. A persistent leak may provide the moisture mold needs to invade your home and wreak havoc. The remediation needed to eliminate mold also presents an additional cost that could have otherwise been avoided.

As you can see, a leak is more than simply an annoyance. Even a relatively minor leak can eventually create serious consequences. If you want to avoid water damage, fixture issues, or mold growth, a fast response from an experienced plumber if your best option. Contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 412-273-1000 to learn more or for a 24hr emergency plumber in Pittsburgh, PA.

The post The Importance of Repairing Plumbing Leaks Immediately appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.