Month: September 2021

An out-of-order furnace isn’t just an inconvenience for homeowners and residents. In cold winter temperatures, furnace issues can be downright dangerous, even making it impossible to safety stay in your place.

When your home’s (heater is not working), you can’t afford to delay furnace repairs or replacements, even if you’re concerned about the cost. Low temperatures in your home are not only a risk to everyone living with you, but it can increase the risk of frozen pipes and subsequent water damage, dramatically increasing your home repair needs.

To help you understand your furnace issue and needs, here’s a brief guide to common (furnace troubleshooting) issues, and what you can do to fix the problem.

1. The (furnace is not turning on).

Whether it’s due to an electrical issue—such as a blown transformer—or a motor issue that has rendered it inoperable, an out-of-order furnace should be a top concern for homeowners, especially in colder weather.
Seek out an emergency HVAC technician visit as soon as possible.

2. The (furnace turns on but has no heat).

If the (heat is not working in your house), but the furnace is running, you should first check your thermostat to make sure that it is set to heat, rather than just to circulate air. In some cases, furnace blowers may be running to move air in the home, but if the indoor temperature has not fallen below the threshold for heating on your thermostat, the problem may simply be that your furnace isn’t being told to generate heat.

In gas furnaces, a possible cause for the (heater not working) is that the pilot light is out. If you’ve checked the pilot light and it’s lit, or your furnace is electric, your next step is to contact an HVAC technician.

3. Your home’s thermostat isn’t working.

Most thermostats are powered by a wire connected to the furnace. If your thermostat stops working, it’s likely due to either a cut in the power line heading to the furnace, or an electrical issue with the furnace. This could be true even if your furnace still has power, although if your thermostat doesn’t work, you may be unable to run your furnace until the thermostat’s power is restored.

4. The (furnace is not blowing hot air).

If the furnace is blowing air but the (heater is not turning on), the problem might be that the pilot light is out, or that the thermostat is set too high. If no air is being blown, hot or cold, it’s likely a problem with your furnace blower. An HVAC technician can help diagnose the problem and either repair or replace your furnace blower, if needed.

5. Your furnace filters have become clogged.

While clogged furnace filters typically won’t stop your furnace from operating as normal, dirty filters can increase the workload required for your furnace to heat your home—and these soiled filters also become less effective at cleaning the air, which can increase the dust and debris found in your furnace, your ducts, and your indoor air.

<6. The furnace keeps turning on and off.

If you have very specific heating and cooling requirements programmed into your thermostat, and/or a thermostat located in part of the home—such as a front or back entry—that experiences rapid loss of heat, then constant cycling of your furnace could be the product of your temperature regulation needs.

If that’s not the case, though, then you’ll want an HVAC technician to visit and figure out why your (central heating is not working) properly—especially since this frequent on-and-off activity could be increasing your utility bill.

7. The furnace is making a grinding or banging noise.

Grinding or banging noises could be caused by ball bearing issues, dangerously high friction on motor moving parts, loose components getting rattled when the furnace is running, or other issues requiring service and repair. In many cases, a quick response to these noises can help you identify and address small problems before they lead to significant furnace repair costs, or even the cost of a full replacement.

8. The furnace blower won’t turn off.

If your furnace is constantly blowing air even when it isn’t generating heat—and even when the thermostat isn’t set to blowing air—the most likely cause is a broken limit switch. While this isn’t an emergency scenario, it is causing energy waste that will increase your utilities bill, and it can only be fixed by an HVAC technician.

9. Your furnace is making a high-pitched squeaking noise.

While high-pitched squeaking could be a sign of friction in the furnace motor, it could also indicate a blower belt issue. Over time, your furnace’s blower belt will fray and even snap, which will render the furnace unusable. By calling an HVAC technician when you first hear this squealing, you can get a faulty belt replaced before your furnace fully breaks down.

10. Water is leaking from the bottom of your furnace.

A leaky furnace condenser can cause water to leak through the base of the furnace, pooling on the floor. While this is a relatively uncommon furnace repair issue, it’s an easy one to diagnose—and, if the problem is simply a clogged condensate drain line, it’s a relatively easy fix.

When furnace trouble strikes, you’re always in better hands leaning on the expertise of a trusted local heating and cooling expert. Contact an HVAC technician today to restore your furnace to proper working order, and to return your inside air back to comfortable levels.

The post The 10 Most Common Furnace Problems appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

We know there are many factors to consider when you’re thinking about keeping your home in top shape. This is something that you probably work into your home in various different ways. We want you to make sure that you’re thinking about this in regard to your plumbing system as well.

There are so many simple things you can do to improve your plumbing system. We’re going to list out a few vital ones today.

If you need expert plumbing service, our professionals can come out to your home to do the work. We’re the professionals you want when you need a great plumber in Suprise, AZ.

What to Do to Help Your Plumbing

These are a few things you can do to help your home’s plumbing system. We’ve broken it down into three vital steps.

1. Know What Can Go Down the Drains

Step number one is just knowing what can go down your home’s drains. Getting informed is the proper first step in almost every process you want to take on. Let’s take a crash course. Here are a few things that you should never allow to go down your home’s drains. 

• F.O.G. (fat, oil, and grease)
• Coffee grounds
• Pits, seeds, etc.
• Eggshells
• “Flushable” wipes
• Paper towels and cotton balls

As long as you make sure to avoid these items, you can dodge a major issue with your plumbing system.

1. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

You need to make sure that you’re avoiding chemical drain cleaners at all costs. Chemical drain cleaners are a no-go because they damage your pipes. You might think that chemical cleaners are the simple solution that’s going to help rectify a problem ASAP, but they’re actually more likely to prolong or worsen plumbing issues.

Yes, you might think a clog is gone after you pour the chemical drain cleaner down the sink drain. It might actually even go away for a little while. The real problem lies in what comes after this.

Most of the time, chemical drain cleaners don’t get to the root of the issue the way a professional plumber can. They leave behind some residue that can create a clog in the future.

On the other hand, your chemical drain cleaner might do too good of a job. Once it’s done eating away at a clog, it’s going to start eating away at the pipe itself. Corrosion is an issue that can lead to terrible leaks in your home. This is why professional cleaning is always the answer.

1. Invest in Drain Strainers

You should invest in strainers for all your drains. If you’re not going to put one on every different drain in your home, we suggest putting one in your shower and one in your kitchen sink at a minimum. These spaces experience high traffic and can be susceptible to hair, grime, and food particles that cause clogs. A simple, inexpensive strainer can save you a lot of time, grief, and money.

Contact The Trusted Plumber when you’re looking for great plumbing services in the area.

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

For most people, taking a shower is an essential daily activity – which makes the shower an essential plumbing fixture. We simply assume it will greet us with refreshing, cleansing streams of water at just the temperature and pressure we want whenever we push that little button or pull up the lever. Most of the time, it does. But as an ever-vigilant homeowner, you need to be prepared for the occasions when your shower doesn’t function as it should – and know how to prevent problems whenever possible.

Common Shower Problems and Their Causes

Clogs – This is a common problem for all drains, but shower drains – particularly those in bathtubs – accumulate soap scum and hair. Many bar soaps contain fats and oils, which as our regular readers know, are especially good at clogging drains and pipes. So it really isn’t a matter of if your shower drain will clog, but when. Basic preventive measures include using a drain cover and running vinegar and baking soda down the drain at regular intervals. A drain cover won’t keep all the hair out, but will prevent most from going down and accumulating into a clog. Use chemical drain cleaners only as a last resort before calling a plumber, as they’re harsh on pipes and can cause them to break down with repeated use.

Low water pressure – Expecting a bracing shower but getting a drizzle instead is more than merely annoying – it can indicate a larger plumbing problem. Our colleagues at Pratt Plumbing in Amarillo, TX, provide this list of possible reasons. We invite you to read this informative article in its entirety.

• Low-flow showerhead – Can be too stingy with water; replace with a new model.
• Clogged showerhead – Build-up of mineral deposits can accumulate inside the small holes. To remove, let the shower head sit overnight in a bowl or bag filled with vinegar; use a small tool to remove any remaining sediment.
• Worn-out mixing valve – A single-handle faucet may have an internal part called a mixing valve – also called a shower valve or diverting valve – that controls the amount of hot and cold water sent to the showerhead. If that valve is stuck or worn out, it can throw off the temperature and pressure. The mixing valve can be tricky to access and replace, so it should be left to an experienced plumber. 
• Faulty water pressure regulator – The water pressure regulator’s job is to keep your home within a safe water pressure range (usually 46-60 psi). This important component can fail, allowing the pressure to get excessively low or high. The water pressure regulator is typically located on the water supply line before it enters the home and should only be replaced by a qualified plumber. 
• Closed valve – There are several valves throughout your plumbing system. If any of them are partially closed, you could experience low water pressure. Make sure the water meter valve, main shutoff valve and all inline valves are entirely open.
• Water heater issue – If the low water pressure only occurs when turning on the hot water, your water heater may be the issue. Contact a plumber to see if the unit needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Corroded or leaking pipes – Old pipes, especially ones made from metal, can corrode or rust from the inside. If mineral deposits are stuck in a water supply pipe, they can disrupt the flow to your shower (or other faucets). Similarly, if you have a small leak somewhere in your plumbing, low water pressure could be a noticeable symptom. It’s important to locate and fix the leak as soon as possible. 

Shower faucet leak – This could mean the faucet needs new gaskets, seals or rings.

Shower valve – Also known as a mixing or diverting valve, it’s a device located inside your shower wall that controls the flow of hot and cold water to your showerhead or tub faucet. Its primary function is to mix hot and cold water to the desired temperature when you turn its handle.

As our colleagues at The Pink Plumber in Atlanta point out, “Most shower valves include four connection points. Two are connected to both the hot and cold water supply lines. The other two are used to supply the showerhead and tub faucet when applicable. When these connection points develop a leak, water leaks inside the wall cavity, often going unnoticed until the damage is done.”

The Pink Plumber article is an excellent in-depth look at shower valve issues and the repair work they involve, so we recommend you also read it in its entirety.

Screaming showers – Noise from shower pipes can be caused by a build-up of sentiment inside the pipes, which typically requires replacing the pipes.

Rattling pipes – Rattling pipes are a typical result of cold and hot water fighting for space in your pipes. Call a plumber to determine if the mixing valve is the cause, and adjust it accordingly. As thermal shock or scalding can occur if the mixing valve is overcorrected, this is not a DIY job.

Foul smell – This can result from a clog or standing mold, which can occur from an undetected water leak. Sewer gas emerging from the drain can also cause a bad odor. If the drain isn’t clogged and the shower is used on a regular basis, a water leak may be the issue. Call a plumber to determine the source.

Don’t DIY When it Comes to Shower Plumbing

Shower plumbing consists of two piping systems – a supply pipe that delivers hot and cold water and a drain pipe that removes the wastewater. Because the supply pipe and shower valve are behind the tiled wall, repairs involve removing the tile, which is a project in and of itself for which most homeowners are not equipped to tackle. Hopefully, needless to say, diagnosing and repairing the problem once the tile and green board or cement board have been removed is best performed by a professional plumber.

Mistakes made by homeowners trying to save money can be even more expensive to correct, and could result in additional damage and injury. Our blog post – “DIY Disasters – Plumbing Jobs You Should Never Do Yourself” – covers the many reasons you need to leave repairs to the pros.

The Take-Home Message

Our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing believe the more you know about basic plumbing care and maintenance, the better you’ll be able to recognize when it’s time to call a professional to prevent even more serious damage and major expense. We’ve proudly served Central Florida homes and businesses with the highest level of quality and experience for over 60 years. We are family-owned and operated, and all of our plumbers are state-certified master plumbers. Contact us to get – and keep – your home’s plumbing in top repair.

The post What You Should Know About Your Shower’s Plumbing appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Plumbing systems can be frustrating to say the least. Nothing feels worse than cooking a dinner for loved ones or some friends, and all of a sudden your kitchen drain is clogged. The hardest part about these kinds of ordeals is that you rarely see them coming or have the excess cash to deal with them until its too late. If only there were a voice of reason to help you through these kinds of problems.

That’s where we come in! In case you haven’t noticed, we’re plumbers in Wayne, NJ and we specialize in alleviating problems with plumbing systems. No, we’re not going to lambast you for your child having flushed a toy down the toilet, and we’re not going to act like every plumbing problem is your fault. What we will do, is help you through the situation to the best of our ability and get you on the road towards success.

1. Constant Drain Clogs

Drain clogs are some of the most frustrating problems to deal with. They’re never completely avoidable, and they always occur no matter how careful you are, or the materials of your plumbing system. The fact is that having your drain clog is just a natural part of being a homeowner. How you deal with it is up to you, though!

The Solution: Mesh Screens, Hydro-Jetting, and More

Mesh screens are a great preventative solution for drain clogs. They stop materials from entering your plumbing system that would otherwise cause it to gunk up and be unusable.

However, if you’re dealing with a clog that’s already formed, why not call our team for hydro jetting services? This is a powerful, effective, and natural solution to drain clogs. We use a pressurized water pump at the end of an auger to remove any material build-up in your drain system. Simple and effective!

2. The Cost of Plumbing Work

Plumbing is expensive! This is one of the most common frustrations we hear about and trust us, we get it! The bottom line is that plumbing work is always more expensive when it happens out of the blue. That’s why preventative solutions are worth their weight in gold.

The Solution: Invest in Maintenance

No preventative solution is better than plumbing maintenance. When you join our maintenance program, you get access to many benefits like the improvement of your water efficiency and yearly tune-ups.

Also, our maintenance program comes with inspections that allow us to see when your plumbing system needs work. You’ll find out ahead of time and be able to plan your finances accordingly. Isn’t that nice?

3. It’s Inconvenient

Plumbing problems never happen when you want them to. They always occur at the most inconvenient of times and it’s one of the most frustrating aspects of being a homeowner.

The Solution: Choose Our Team!

When you go with our team, we have emergency services available for homeowners that need immediate help. Not every plumber in our area provides this kind of service!

Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for quality plumbing services!

The post 3 Frustrations and 3 Solutions for Plumbing Problems first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

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

The quality of your water affects your life. If you’re not paying attention to this, then it’s time for you to take better control of it. High-quality water means that you have a high-quality home. We’re going to make sure that you notice all the signs that your home’s water is subpar in any way. Then, we can help you figure out what water treatment system is right for you.

We specialize in water treatment systems in Orlando, FL. We’re going to help you find the water treatment system that’s right for you. We’re licensed, insured, and we’re experts in everything that we do.

Do You Need a Water Treatment System?

So let’s start from the top—do you need a water treatment system for your home?
We know that it’s not always so obvious. Sometimes, you can look at your water and tell that something has gone wrong. Other times, you need some other pointers. Here are a few:

• Your water is cloudy 
• Your water tastes bad
• Your water stains your surfaces, clothes, or it makes your clothing or fabrics stuff
• Your water has an oily film
• Your water has a sandy texture
• Your water has an odor
• You’re noticing your stomach hurting after you drink your tap water

Don’t ignore any of these signs. Instead, get in contact with our professionals for the work you need.

The Systems We Work With

If you’ve realized that you need a water treatment system, then you can come to us for services on the following systems:

Water Testing

You need to start at the beginning when it comes to your water treatment services. Starting at the beginning starts with water testing. This is when our professionals will come out and run tests on the water in your home to determine what’s going on with your contaminants.

Although we all live in the same general area here in Orlando, that doesn’t mean that all our contaminants are the same. What’s going on with your home could be completely different than what’s going on with your neighbor. We’ll help you figure out the key issues that need to be addressed.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

If your water is full of unwanted mineral content, then a reverse osmosis system is something that you might need to solve this issue. Reverse osmosis systems are great because they contain a special membrane to remove the contaminants and separate all the salt and minerals within them.

Sometimes, water softener systems aren’t suitable for everyone because they replace mineral content with sodium. If this isn’t suitable for you, the technology of a reverse osmosis system can help you work around this.

Water Softener Systems

Hard water is so common in Orlando, FL. Hard water is caused by high mineral content in your local water supply. The most common minerals that you might notice are calcium and magnesium. Although these aren’t harmful to your personal health, that doesn’t mean that it’s not affecting your home’s plumbing system. The best way to solve this is through the assistance of your water softener system.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our team.

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

Do you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your home? If you can’t answer that within five seconds, then you need to locate it and remember where in case there’s ever a serious leak. Otherwise, you could end up with a plumbing nightmare on your hands…

Where to Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

• The shut-off valve is almost always located near the perimeter of your home. There’s no need to check the central portions of the house.
• Forget the upstairs, too, as shut-off valves are going to be located on the ground floor. For those with basements, it will usually be located here.

• 

  Water lines usually run from the water main to the shut-off valve with no extra piping or detours. Therefore, if you know where your water main is, see where the shortest path to your home would be. The valve is more than likely located here.

• During the purchase of a house, an inspection report is supplied. The location of your main water shut-off valve is labeled in this report (hopefully, you’re organized so you have easy access to this report).
• Do you know where the big panel is in your home (not the electrical panel)? This panel houses the shut-off valve since it’s illegal to cover it behind the wall.

Shut-Off Valves on Plumbing Fixtures

When a leak springs, it’s not always a slow drip. Sometimes, the water will begin to rush out and start pooling on the floor of your home. Before you run to the main water shut-off valve, see if the fixture has its own personal shut-off valve.

• Toilet – On the wall your toilet sits against, there will be a small valve. It is usually located below the bowl and should be turned gently clockwise to stop the flow of water.
• Sink – Underneath the sink in the cabinet, there will be a small shut-off valve (similar to the toilet). During a pipe or faucet leak, turn the handle clockwise to suspend any water from leaking.
• Washing machine – Behind every washing machine should be two valves and sometimes a lever. Both of these valves should be turned clockwise (or the lever should be switched the other way) in order to cease water from flowing. If you don’t see these valves or lever, you may have to pull out the washer from the wall a bit.

Knowing how to stop the flow of water coming into your home can help prevent extensive water damage if there’s ever a serious leak. Whenever you need a leak repaired or a plumbing fixture fixed, contact Len The Plumber. If you’re looking for a reliable plumber, check to see if you live in one of our many service areas!

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

Is there anything more horrifying than flushing your toilet but instead of seeing the contents go down, the bowl just continues to fill? We often don’t think about anything going wrong with our toilets until the tragic moment it happens.

A clogged toilet can be more than a small inconvenience. It can result in a plumbing emergency. Sometimes clearing the blockage can require using a plunger but there are times when that technique won’t cut it.

Some clogs in your toilet might be hard to remove or farther down your pipes. This guide will go over four different techniques you can attempt to clear a clogged toilet. We’ll also discuss when you need to call in reinforcements for professional drain cleaning.

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

There are a variety of reasons why your toilet won’t drain. You may have one of the first generations of low-flow toilets. The early models of this type of toilet didn’t always have the correct pressure to clear the toilet’s internal drain and trap, resulting in clogs.

Another reason is that someone in your household attempted to flush an item that’s not meant to be flushed. Toilets are designed to get rid of certain materials, like toilet paper. Some items that shouldn’t be flushed include:

• Paper towels
• Tissues
• Cotton balls
• Wet wipes
• Q-tips
• Feminine hygiene products
• Dental floss

If any of these items were put in the toilet, it could restrict the unit’s drainage and result in continual backups.

Your toilet trap or plumbing vents could also be blocked. Minor clogs can be resolved with a toilet plunger (we’ll discuss that more later) but serious blockages require extra help.

One final reason your toilet won’t flush could be because of main sewer line issues. If your toilets and drains are getting clogged regularly, it could point to a major issue that requires professional help.

How to Unclog a Toilet

Most people try to unclog their toilets themselves before calling in a plumber. Below are our top four ways to unclog toilets yourself.

1. Plunger Method

This is one of the most basic and best ways to clear a clogged toilet. We recommend keeping a plunger in your bathroom so you have it close by.

When using a plunger, put it in the toilet bowl and gently push it down. The first push gets rid of all the air. Don’t push too hard or you may splash the contents from the toilet bowl on yourself.

Once you’ve created a seal between the plunger and the toilet bowl, pump it up and down while keeping the seal intact. Pull the plunger up quickly in order to break the air seal. Hopefully, you’ll then see the water rushing down the toilet drain.

Repeat the above steps until your toilet clog loosens.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you don’t have a plunger, you can use a few household items to create a non-toxic cleaning solution. Vinegar and baking soda are great ingredients to clean a variety of surfaces in your household. They also help keep drains running smoothly.

For this method, pour one cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl and wait for a few minutes. Then, slowly pour two cups of vinegar.

The baking soda and vinegar will react to create bubbles. Make sure you pour slowly and carefully so the toilet water doesn’t splash out or overflow. Let the solution work for a few minutes.

After that, flush your toilet to see if the clog has passed. You might have to repeat the above process again if it doesn’t.

3. Soap and Hot Water

Here’s another option if you don’t have a plunger. All you need is a plastic cup, hot water, and soap. You may also want to throw on a pair of rubber gloves.

The first step is to manually remove some of the toilet bowl water since you want to ensure there’s enough space for adding in a gallon of hot water. Use a small container or cup to remove the water.

Then, you’ll want to lubricate your toilet bowl by adding shampoo, dish soap, or small pieces of bar soap. Slowly pour in a gallon of hot water. It needs to be very hot but not to the point where it’s boiling since hot water can crack your toilet bowl.

Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. Try flushing your toilet to see if the method was effective. If the toilet begins to overflow, turn off the water valve and try again.

4. Coat Hanger

Another method to unclog your toilet is by using a coat hanger. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and unravel one wire coat hanger.

Wrap a cloth around the straightened end of the coat hanger. Use duct tape to ensure it stays firmly in place. You don’t want it to scratch your toilet.

Gently push the coat hanger down into the drain and pipe to help shift any debris that may be clogging it. You can push and twist the coat hanger in a circular motion.

Flush your toilet to see if this method was effective. If you can’t feel anything hitting the coat hanger or if it’s still clogged, the problem may be beyond your reach.

Know When to Call for Backup

If your toilet still won’t drain after making several attempts, it’s time to call in a professional plumbing company. Having a toilet that won’t flush can result in a variety of problems, in addition to you and your household not being able to use it.

Anta Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our office today to solve your plumbing problems.

Contact Anta Plumbing if You Have a Plumbing Emergency

Sometimes even the easiest of methods can’t unclog a toilet. Don’t let the problem grow into something much worse. Reach out to professionals immediately to remedy the issue.

Contact Anta Plumbing 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your plumbing emergency needs.

The post Plumbing Emergency: 4 Ways to Unclog a Toilet That Won’t Drain first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog. This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com