Month: June 2020

It’s important that we talk about common myths and misconceptions on our blog. Not just because we like to brag about our plumbing expertise, but because time and time again homeowners are looped into thinking something about their drain that really isn’t true. The more you believe in myths instead of science in regards to your plumbing, the more likely you are to run into expensive problems that we end up having to fix.

When you take the time to educate yourself about bathroom plumbing in Essex County, it really shows. Drains that last longer and clog less can be the result of homeowners who really understand how they work and do their due diligence to contact a plumber when it matters.

So, let’s talk about some myths that surround our plumbing systems and discuss some possible solutions to the problems associated with them. If you’re not satisfied with the information on this blog, make sure you call us for our professional opinion!

Myth #1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Work

If you headed to the grocery store right now, you’d probably see a whole aisle full of chemical drain cleaners. While this may make you feel like they’re a plausible solution to your drain clogging problem, there’s a more sinister reality at play. Chemical drain cleaners might technically work, but when we say work, take that with a very large grain of salt. They actually eat away at the materials that line your plumbing system while they get at clogging material. Not only that, but sometimes they don’t work, and you end up dealing with the fumes, chemical burns, and a ruined plumbing system as a result.

We’re more concerned with discussing plumbing solutions that are tried and tested to work every time. Put that drain cleaner back on the shelf and call us for some healthier options.

Myth #2: A Slow Drain Is Fine

Many of us deal with slow drains at home which can be frustrating. What’s more frustrating is the myth that slow drains are just normal, and you’re going to have drains that operate slowly forever. This is not the case!

Slow drains usually indicate that a clog is forming. Honestly, slow drains can be a great sign to heed, because they allow you time to call a professional plumber to arrive and deal with it before it becomes an actual clog.

Myth #3: Only Call a Plumber as a Last Resort

Far too many times do we arrive at a home to be the last resort. While we’re always happy to help a struggling customer, proactive solutions are always better than reactive ones. If you’re unhappy with the way your drains work, or with a clog that’s forming in your pipes, you can always call us. A plumber doesn’t have to be the solution that comes after you’ve tried everything else—sometimes calling a professional plumber is a quick and simple solution that you know will work.

Give Us a Call

Are you having trouble with your plumbing system? Perhaps you’ve got a slow drain or a clog that’s forming in your bathroom plumbing? Call our team today for expert drain cleaning services.

Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for expert plumbing services.

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

Something has gone terribly wrong with your plumbing system and you’re scrambling… it seems like your home is bursting at the seams and you just don’t know what to do. First things first—don’t panic! Panicking is what’s going to make a situation that’s already heading south downright catastrophic. The first thing that you want to do is call an emergency plumber in Orlando, FL. After this, there are a few things that you can do the ensure that your plumbing system doesn’t ruin your home while you wait for the aid of a plumbing professional.

What You Can Do

Here are a few things you can do if you find yourself in the midst of a plumbing emergency. We want to make this clear—although we are suggesting that you do a couple of things to mitigate the situation while you wait for a professional to come to the rescue, we’re never suggesting that you take it to the point of a DIY effort. Here are a few things you can do:

Turn It Off

If things are really bad and your home is spurting out water where it definitely shouldn’t, you’re going to need to turn off your water system at its source. The water source that you need to run to depends on what’s going wrong in your home. If something is going wrong with your toilet, you can shut off the valve at the base of the unit. If things are a little more intense and affecting multiple parts of your home, you can shut off the main water valve to eliminate the issues that are happening.

Do What You Can with the Leaks

Let’s say things are a little less intense but you know they’re going to get worse if you let things continue on unmitigated. You can do a little something to patch up the leaks that you have going on. If you have some tape or some paste sitting around, then it might be a great idea for you to grab these items and patch up the spots being affected. This isn’t a long-term solution. Even if you do a great job and you think that you’ve solved the problem, still make sure that you come to a professional to finish up the job and give you a great plumbing system long-term.

Phone a Friend(ly Plumbing Technician)

When in doubt, call a plumber. This should be the first thing you do as soon as you notice a plumbing problem, but let’s say that the specific problem that you’re having increases in severity while you’re waiting for help to arrive… what can you do? Call again!

One of our helpful plumbers can talk you through the process. Remember, we’re professionals so we’ve seen it all. We know how to handle high-stress situations because we’ve been in them so many times. We’ll help you stop the problem and make sure that your problems never get too severe.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975.

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

When the summer temperatures soar, the heat can put a great deal of stress on your AC system. While your air conditioner will generally perform admirably despite the heavier workload, periods of peak use often mean compromised efficiency when it comes to the amount of cool air you get in exchange for the energy consumed. The average American spends thousands each year in energy costs, so one of the best ways to trim the fat from your household budget is through greater energy efficiency. Given the amount of power that your AC consumes, it’s a likely first target for anyone who wants to reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort. Fortunately, with the advice of skilled providers of HVAC service in Pittsburgh, PA, you can take many steps to reduce AC energy consumption.

By performing routine maintenance on a regular schedule and arranging for proactive HVAC repair, homeowners can take charge of energy usage by installing high-efficiency systems, keeping them well-tuned through maintenance, and monitoring cooling inefficiencies elsewhere in the home. Doing so may seem like a tall task, but operating an efficient AC system is important in the summer months. Keep reading to learn a few of the reasons why.

Cost Savings

The first reason to strive for energy efficiency in terms of your home AC system is that it will save you a tremendous amount of money over the course of the average year. You may not realize how much of your household energy bill is dedicated to climate control, especially in the summer months, when the AC may run almost continuously to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Depending on the size of your house and the degree of efficiency you can create with improved equipment and modified operating practices, the savings could amount to hundreds of dollars per year.

Extended Service Life                                                           

When an AC unit runs efficiently, much of the stress levied by heavy usage is alleviated since the system can perform its work more easily and with less energy consumed. Energy efficiency also requires frequent maintenance and upkeep of your AC, which is usually performed by professionals who can monitor the state of your system and offer proactive repairs to developing problems that will keep the system running smoothly. Those factors combine to result in an extended life span for your system; the more efficiently it can run, the longer it will last.

Reduces Environmental Impact

Most people eagerly choose to protect the environment if given the opportunity, and maintaining energy efficiency in your household AC system is just such a chance to engage in good stewardship of natural resources. Given the amount of energy used to cool the average home in the summer, efficiency measures can reduce the amount of energy consumed, which means fewer fossil fuels will be burned to meet the demand, and less carbon will enter the atmosphere. Maintaining energy efficiency at home is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your environmental footprint.

Fewer Repairs Needed

The functional components of an HVAC system work in tandem with one another in a symbiotic relationship. However, when one component begins to degrade or malfunction, there’s a ripple effect that impacts the other parts of the system as well as overall system performance. That means one failing part begets additional failing parts as the workload is transferred. When your system is optimized for maximum energy efficiency, there are often fewer major repairs needed since maintenance is frequent. Your HVAC technician will get ample opportunities to see potential issues as they develop so that they can be repaired before they cause more extensive problems for your systems.

AC energy efficiency is critical, especially during the summer months, because it not only saves you money on energy costs, but also protects your system and allows it to run more smoothly. With the help of an HVAC company in Pittsburgh, PA, you can maintain an efficient system and enjoy the associated benefits throughout the hottest months of the year. To learn more about the importance of energy efficiency as it pertains to your AC, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

The post The Importance of an Efficient Air Conditioner This Summer appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Plumbing emergencies can be a nightmare come true. They always seem to happen when it’s least convenient, such as in the middle of the night or when relatives are visiting. 

Read More

You’ve probably heard of hard water before. But what exactly is it? Is it dangerous for your plumbing or, more importantly, for your health? This blog will give you a complete overview of hard water, so keep reading to get answers to these questions and more. And if you need home plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, reach out to the plumbing experts here at Stahl Plumbing.

What Is It?

So, what exactly is hard water? You probably know that it has absolutely nothing to do with the water’s texture. Rather, a water’s “hardness” refers to the level of certain minerals within the water—specifically, dissolved calcium, magnesium, and metallic elements. We call it “hard” water because it’s hard to wash things clean with water that contains high levels of these elements; this is because hard water prevents soap from lathering properly.

Levels of Hardness

Despite what you may have heard, there isn’t simply “hard water” and “soft water.” There’s actually a range of hardness that is broken down into 5 separate categories:

1. Soft – fewer than 1.0 grains per gallon of water
2. Slightly hard – between 1.0 and 3.5 grains per gallon
3. Moderately hard – between 3.5 and 7.0 grains per gallon
4. Hard – between 7.0 and 10.5 grains per gallon
5. Very hard – more than 10.5 grains per gallon

Most homes fall somewhere in the middle categories and experience very few issues relating to their water, while other areas of the country have to find solutions to their hard water problems.

Potential Complications

First and foremost, we want you to be aware that there are no health issues associated with hard water. It’s perfectly safe to wash in and even consume hard water. However, it does create some complications around your home.

As already mentioned, getting things clean with hard water can be quite difficult. You’re likely wasting soap and shampoo without even realizing it since you need more of it to get a good lather. You’ve also probably seen hard water spots on your dishes, even after they’ve been run through the dishwasher.

If your hardness is on the upper end of the scale above, you could experience much larger complications with your plumbing too. The dissolved calcium and magnesium salts can collect in your plumbing. This can lead to problems with your washing machine and dishwasher, as well as in your pipes. You might notice scaling on your faucets and showerheads; now, just imagine that kind of buildup accumulating in and blocking your pipes.

What Can You Do?

If you have very hard water, a water treatment system can help. A reverse osmosis system is one treatment option, as well as a water softener. If you have hard water-related issues, contact us at Stahl Plumbing. We can offer bathroom plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, to correct any problems you have and clean out the scaling, then install a treatment system for your home. Give us a call now to get a quote on the services you need, and say goodbye to scaling, unsightly buildup, and ugly water spots for good!

The post Hard Water: A Complete Overview appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Leaky pipes are more common than people often think. In fact, your home may have multiple small leaks right now that you’re not aware of. If you think your water usage is higher than it should be, that’s often a warning of these disguised leaks.

But some leaks are obvious, such as when water starts to spray out through the wall or from a fixture. You’ll need plumbing repair in Peoria, AZ from our licensed plumbers to fix these problems. Don’t wait! Although you can shut off the water main to prevent further damage from a pipe leak, you want the issue fixed as soon as possible to stop further damage, as well as to get your water flowing again.

But Why Do I Even Have Leaks in the First Place?

There are a number of reasons for pipe leaks, and not all are under your control. This is why it’s a good idea to stay vigilant for any signs of leaking. Below are the most common sources for leaking in your plumbing.

• Corrosion: Corrosion affects most metals, given enough time. If your home still has cast iron or galvanized steel pipes in the plumbing, there’s a good chance corrosion has already taken hold somewhere. However, copper pipes can corrode as well. Copper is corrosion-resistant, not corrosion-proof. A specific type of corrosion caused by reaction with chemicals found in the air of many households can create pinhole leaks across copper lines.
• High water pressure: No one likes low water pressure, but the opposite is just as bad. Leaks that start and stop at different times of the day, depending on how many taps are in use, are often a warning that high water pressure is at fault. High water pressure can damage your plumbing in other ways, so it’s best to get it under control with the help of a professional plumber. We can install a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure of the water entering your house.
• Worn parts: Washers and joints in pipes often wear down before the rest of the pipe does, leading to small leaks. This is the most common cause for the dripping faucet.
• Cracks: Yes, cracks can form in your pipes over time. People often associate this with burst pipes from freezing—not a problem we have in Arizona—but age and water pressure can cause cracks to start to appear along pipe surfaces. And where you notice one cracked pipe, there are probably more in the house. You’ll want professional plumbers on the job right away.

Our plumbers can take care of not only fixing the leaks in your house, but also tracking down ones hidden behind walls and in ceilings. If you have extremely old plumbing (iron or steel pipes), we strongly recommend you have partial or whole-house repiping done. It will save you many headaches and possibly severe water damage in the future. We’ll put in new copper and plastic pipes to give your plumbing system a second lease on life.

The Trusted Plumber is here to help with your plumbing repair needs. Call us anytime—we have emergency service available.

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

For many homeowners who don’t want the added cost and cooling power needed to control the temperatures in their entire square footage, a ductless AC system can be a wise investment. In fact, that’s not the only scenario in which a ductless system, also known as a mini-split AC, can make sense. For small outbuildings that don’t have existing ductwork, you can still maintain cool interior temperatures with the help of an efficient, minimally invasive ductless system. Even in larger homes, there are situations in which whole-house air-conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA, is wasteful, making a mini-split the wise choice for cooling select, often used living spaces.

Despite the usefulness of ductless AC systems, many homeowners aren’t aware of how they work or the various benefits they offer. For example, how is a ductless system different from a standard central HVAC system, other than the obvious lack of ducts? Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about ductless air-conditioning systems.

What Is a Ductless AC?

Obviously, the key point of differentiation between standard central AC and a ductless system is the lack of ducts. Ducts are the insulated airways—often concealed in the attic or below the floors—that transport the conditioned air from the central air handling unit to every room in the house. A ductless system instead features small air handling units in each room that requires conditioned air. Each of those inside air handling units is connected to an outside unit.

How Does Ductless AC Work?

Ducts are critical to a central AC system, so how can a ductless system accomplish its cooling goals without ducts? A standard central AC system is also considered a split system; it features an outdoor unit containing a compressor and condenser combined with an indoor air-handling unit that distributes air throughout the house through the ducts. A mini-split system also has a central outside unit. However, instead of a single air handler inside being connected to the rooms by a system of ducts, a ductless system features a separate small air handler in each room in the house that’s connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant lines and plumbing. Air in each room is taken in through the small air handlers and transported to the outside condenser where it can be cooled. It is sent back to the air handler in the rooms and ejected into the interior air to lower the ambient temperature.

What Are the Benefits of Ductless ACs?

Ductless ACs offer homeowners and business owners many obvious advantages that make them an attractive choice in many situations. First off, installing a mini-split system doesn’t require existing ductwork so that it can be installed more flexibly and in almost any room in the home. Also, the installation of ductless systems is minimally invasive since it only involves cutting small holes in walls for the air handler units. Because of the less extensive labor required to install ductless systems, the price for installation is subsequently lower. Ductless AC systems can offer maximum efficiency, especially in smaller homes. That’s because instead of having one central thermostat that controls the temperature for the entire home, each air handler has its own thermostat. Therefore, you don’t have to waste energy cooling rooms that you’re not using, and you can fine-tune temperatures in the rooms you’re using. Ductless systems result in better indoor air quality too. Ducts are a tremendous source of indoor air pollution, and eliminating them from the equation makes keeping your air clean and healthy much easier. Finally, the cost of a ductless system and installation is significantly lower than the cost to install a central heating and air system, making it a cost-effective choice.

If you want an efficient, affordable, and flexible AC system that doesn’t require ducts, speak with Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, an air-conditioning service in Pittsburgh, PA, about the pros and cons of ductless AC systems. To learn more, call (412) 273-1000.

The post What to Expect with a Ductless Air Conditioner appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

When municipal decision-makers budget for the year, it can be stressful assessing unforeseen plumbing problems. When problems do happen, municipalities have to act quickly to make sure that businesses and homes in their area are well protected against plumbing issues.  

Read More

Sometimes it seems like you can’t really define what a plumbing emergency is. Really, everything that’s going on with your plumbing system can feel like an emergency because there’s always water damage lurking as a consequence. Other times, you might think that something you’re experiencing is pretty slight, but a plumbing professional informs you that it’s classified as an emergency. How can you tell the difference? Well, you can start by getting informed.

We’re going to start with the basics today in this blog. If you need any extra help, just make sure that you come to us for your emergency plumbing in Orlando, FL. We’re always going to make sure to have your back. We’re the best people to have in your corner when you want amazing work.

This is a Plumbing Emergency

So let’s get to the details here. Here are a few things that are considered a plumbing emergency. Make sure you contact us if this is going on in your home.

1.      You Don’t Have Water

Has your home just dried up out of nowhere? This is a problem. You really can’t operate in your home without a working plumbing system. If this is something that you’re dealing with, just make sure that you come to us with the work you need.

2.      You Have a Burst Pipe

Pipe bursts aren’t always so common here in Orlando because we don’t live in the type of cold weather climate that often causes these problems. Just because they aren’t all that common doesn’t mean that they don’t happen though. If you find this happening in your home, don’t scramble, and try to fix it on your own, just call up one of our plumbers for emergency work.

3.      There’s a Significant Risk of Water Damage

Do you have a problem like a back-up or an issue with your water valve? This is something that’s going to put your home at risk of flooding in the worst-case scenario but will create a risk water damage at the very least. You need to get in contact with a professional ASAP to alleviate a problem like this.

4.      Your Sewer System is All Messed Up

Having a backed-up sewer system is unpleasant because of the stench, but also because it’s a problem that can get out of hand fast. If you notice that something is wrong because you’ve got a soggy backyard or a lingering stench about your home, make sure that you call our professionals.

5.      You’ve Got a Clog

Is there a clog going on in your bathtub, sink, or any other part of your home? This is something that you’re going to want to take care of urgently. Sometimes, we understand that homeowners brush off these clogs if it’s in a low priority area. Don’t fall into this trap. One clog can affect the rest of your plumbing system. We’re here to fix the issues fast.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today for the work that you need. We’ve got your back with whatever plumbing emergency you’re having.

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

Air conditioners function by cooling your air, not the objects in your home. This means you can’t expect peak efficiency and effectiveness from an air conditioner that’s trying to cool air rife with dust. Dust can be a huge detriment to the cooling process, and even though your air conditioner is set up in a way to deal with some of it, you’re going to have to help it.

Today, we’re going to talk about what dust can do to mess up the cooling process in your home. We’ll go into detail about what tools your system has to protect it from dust, and what you can do to help fight against contaminants in your air that are damaging your system. If you start to encounter problems from dust and debris in the air, make sure you call our team for AC repair in Cedar Grove, NJ.

What’s the Problem?

Dust is a natural part of our indoor air, but it can become problematic for air conditioners. The evaporator and condenser coils of our AC systems need constant direct contact with the air that they cool, and when dust floods into the system from your home, the particles stick to the coil and end up damaging it. This damage is irreversible and is supposed to be mitigated throughout the lifespan of your system, so it’s a good idea to play the prevention game rather than the repair game.

Thankfully, our air conditioners are set up with a defense mechanism that usually goes unnoticed. In the return air vent, there’s an air filter that is supposed to be replaced every 1-3 months while using the system. This air filter can be a huge help when trying to mitigate dust and debris from harming the coils of your air conditioning system!

What Can You Do?

There are three main things a homeowner can do to mitigate the problems caused by dust and make your air conditioner happier for it. Take a look below and remember to call us when you’ve got an idea of what you want.

• Replace the air filter. The air filter in your air conditioner is the first line of defense against dust. By replacing it regularly and treating it the way it should be treated, you can avoid a ton of problems in the future.
• Purchase an air filtration system. Some homes are just exceptionally dustier than others, and that’s okay! If you need a little bit more help, you can always have an air filtration system installed to filter out even more dust and debris to keep your HVAC system healthy.
• Schedule maintenance. By scheduling maintenance, you can get a trained professional to take a thorough look at the coils of your air conditioner. If they’ve been damaged by dust, a pro can tell you what steps to take and how bad the damage is. Not to mention there are many other benefits to maintenance, from minor repairs and adjustments, to warnings about imminent repairs.

If you’re tired of dealing with dust, call the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

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