Month: August 2022

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

Ductless air conditioners can run into problems just like central AC units! The tricky part is that some problems can be a little different because of the system’s layout and cooling distribution. For instance, a single air handler can break down if you have a ductless system, but the other air handlers will still continue to work (and efficiently too) so it can sometimes be harder to notice there’s a problem.

Also, some of the problems that occur with a ductless mini split system can happen all year round, since the unit is a dedicated heater as well. So sometimes our readers can run into issues that likely get ignored until the next summer, when they’re really a heating problem that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Let’s talk about ductless air conditioning repair in Wayne, NJ, and how you can spot a potential problem.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

Detecting Problems From Certain Locations

The biggest difference between calling for repairs with a central heat pump and a ductless system is the location of the problem. Central units require ductwork, and that’s going to be the pathway where air travels to get to the rooms of your home. This can be another component of the system that requires repairs at certain points.

However, with a ductless system, there is no ductwork involved. So, that actually narrows down the location of problems from which you can detect a problem! Down below are a few examples of ductless AC issues that we can fix, but you’re going to need to spot if they’re happening to you.

No Airflow From the Unit

If you walk up to an air handler and put your hand out, do you feel nothing? Not even a breeze? If that’s the case, then the system could be broken down and needs repairs. Check out some of the other air handlers. Keep in mind that air handlers work independently, so they’ll continue to provide your home with cooling in other areas even if one is broken down. If they’re all not working, then that’s likely a different problem.

A Foul Odor Comes From the Air Handler

Your air handlers take moisture from the air and deposit it outdoors through a condensate drain. When that drain gets clogged over time, it can mean that a lot of standing water sits inside of the unit while it cools, which can potentially lead to mold growth. This is what we call a “dirty sock smell,” and it’s something that warrants a call to a pro.

The Heat Pump Can’t Mean Your Comfort Demand

Now, let’s say your heat pump is on and all of the air handlers are working. That’s great! Except they can’t meet the comfort levels set on your thermostat and that’s a big problem.

This could likely mean that your system is suffering from a refrigerant leak, to the point where it can still cycle but it’s not able to absorb heat as efficiently or effectively as it should.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

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

Drain cleaning is a crucial aspect of your home’s plumbing system maintenance. It helps you keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly, helping to address and prevent clogs. In fact, regular drain cleaning can also reduce the chances of costly repairs.

Learn about the importance of drain cleaning in Orlando, FL so you know if and when to schedule this service for your own drains.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

When to Schedule Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning helps you remove clogs from your pipes to facilitate smooth drainage. Blockages can be created by the combination of a variety of debris sticking around in your drains, including:

• Hair
• Soap scum
• Hard water mineral buildup
• Fats, grease, and oils
• Coffee grounds
• Rice

When these substances build up, the drain can become clogged unless it gets expert cleaning. You typically will want to schedule drain cleaning under two circumstances:

1. You Opt For Yearly Maintenance

It is generally advisable to schedule at least one drain cleaning service per year for your drain lines. This helps you care for your system, even when you do not notice external signs of problematic drain clogs.

It is essential to note that most problems that require drain cleaning to solve do not always show early warning signs. Annual maintenance helps address any subtle or unnoticed drainage problems.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

2. You Notice Signs of Poor Drainage

You know you need drain cleaning warning signs. One of the most apparent indicators of a problem is slow drainage. Clogs form over time rather than right away. Consequently, they slow the water movement over time as waste buildups on the pipe walls, narrowing the waterway.

Another significant sign is odors that rise from the drains. It is common in kitchen pipes since they handle food waste more regularly. Professional drain cleaning lets you thoroughly address this problem.

Why Drain Cleaning Is Effective

Drain cleaning is more effective because it uses eco-friendly yet powerful hydro-jets. Hydro-jetting is a cleaning technique that relies on a forced water jet to remove buildup and debris from the pipes.

Unlike chemical drain cleaners that may leave some remnants in the pipes, this method will thoroughly scour the drain and leave you with clean pipe walls, even helping to prevent new buildup for some time.

How Chemical Drain Cleaners Cause More Trouble

It is common for many people to purchase a chemical cleaner and pour it down a drainpipe to clear a clog. Although it may initially be a solution, this can actually cause more trouble.

Chemicals remove some buildup in the pipes but often fail to get rid of all of it. Thus, waste quickly attaches to the remnants on the wall, and soon you experience another block.

Chemical cleaners can also corrode your pipes meaning that you end up damaging the very pipes you are trying to clear. The fumes from these chemicals can even prove harmful to your well-being.

It is vital to maintain a clean plumbing system to avoid recurring issues and expensive repair needs. Fortunately, drain cleaning provides a practical and eco-friendly solution to help you achieve this goal.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

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

Mechanical vs. Electronic Air Cleaners: What’s The Difference?

If you’re in the process of researching the best air cleaner for your home, you’ve probably come across a couple different types: mechanical and electronic. Now begs the question: what’s the difference between the two? In this blog, we’ll cover the main differences between mechanical and electronic air cleaners.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

What Are Mechanical Air Cleaners?

Mechanical air cleaners are designed to remove large particles, like dust, dander and pollen from your indoor air. They work by moving air over a media filter in which anything larger than a certain size is captured. The finer the filter, the smaller the particles that are captured. The most common type of mechanical air cleaner is the HEPA (high energy particulate filter) that captures contaminants as small as 0.3 microns or larger. It’s recommended that mechanical air filters be replaced every 3 months or so in order to remain effective.

What Are Electronic Air Cleaners?

Electronic air cleaners are sometimes known as ionizers or electronic air purifiers. They offer further protection by actively removing gas and smoke particles through a process called ionization. This process charges the particles in the air and separates them from the airflow. It only works well for those smaller particles, though, so it’s not effective alone for common allergens such as dust. Electronic air cleaners are 10 to 20 times more efficient at trapping particles in the air than your standard fiberglass HVAC filter.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

So, What’s The Difference Between Them?

The main difference between mechanical and electronic air cleaners is that electronic cleaners aren’t filters at all, unlike mechanical air cleaners. Instead, electronic air cleaners create an electric field that ionizes the particles that try to travel through the air.

Another big difference between the two is that electronic air cleaners are designed to remove small particles, like gas and smoke, and mechanical air cleaners are designed to remove large particles, like dust and pollen. If your household has sensitive members or lots of pets, then electronic air cleaners may be the better choice. Most heating and cooling systems will come equipped with a mechanical filter that is “built in.”

Last but not least, another difference between the two is the cost. Electronic air cleaners tend to be more expensive than mechanical filters. However, electronic air cleaners also tend to be more effective – so many people find the cost to be worth it.

Depending on what you need, knowing these differences can help you make the best decision for your household.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

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

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but in the plumbing world, preventative maintenance can save homeowners money on costly repairs and utility bills. Here are seven easy preventative maintenance actions for your home’s plumbing system.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

1. Prevention on the Potty

Although your toilets get visitors every day, it’s not often you take off the tank cover to inspect its components.

It’s a good idea to inspect the fill, supply, and flush values as well as the supply line for corrosion and function. Leaky toilets can be subtle but costly because of wasted water.

2. Don’t Get Heated Over Your Water Heater

Ever get the cold shoulder from your water heater? It might be because your water heater has built-up sediment, making it less effective.

It’s important to drain and flush your water heater to remove the sediment annually to improve the function and the life cycle of your home’s water heater.

An annual inspection of your water heater’s shut-off valve and piping can provide an early alert if there is an issue brewing.

3. Check for Slow Drains

Slow-moving drains can be a symptom of bigger problems. How well do your sinks, tub, or showers drain?

If your drains are slow-moving, try flushing them with a mix of vinegar and hot water. If they still seem slow, you may have a blockage and need to call a professional.

Attempting to clear a clog using chemicals or force can lead to broken pipes and bigger issues. Clear drain P-traps under your sink and use screens or drain baskets in the tub and shower to catch debris from creating a clog.

4. Fix Leaky Faucets & Showerheads

If saving money, and the environment, sounds like a good idea, then fixing your leaky faucet and showerhead are a great place to start. The average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week from household leaks, according to the EPA.

Check that your faucet handles don’t leak when you turn off the water, and look for leaks under the sink or dripping from showerheads. These all can be signs of a corroded valve, a worn washer, or deteriorated O-ring.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

5. Signs of the Season

Outdoor spigots, pool lines, and sprinkler systems are free-flowing in the summer but can bring your plumbing to a grinding halt if they aren’t prepped for colder weather.

Put outdoor fixtures on your preventative maintenance to-do list by shutting off the outdoor water supply to these fixtures and insulating them before temperatures dip. You may need to do a complete sprinkler winterization before landscaping goes dormant.

6. Under Pressure

Check your home’s water pressure gauge. If it is set too high, it will put unnecessary pressure on your plumbing system.

Make sure your regulator is functioning properly to keep your pressure in check.

7. Missing Caulk

Caulking is important in your bathroom because it provides that waterproof barrier for your walls and flooring. Missing caulk can allow moisture and water to seep into your floorboard and behind your walls creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew.

Inspect the tiles in and around your sink, shower, and tub for missing or deteriorated caulk. Repairing and replacing is simple by using do-it-yourself caulking tubes and guns.

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

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

Sacramento summers are a time for fun in the sun, graduation celebrations, cookouts – and plumbing and sewage malfunctions. Many times, if your pipes crack, it can create a swimming pool in your backyard – and not the one you planned on diving into. Thankfully, trenchless technology can help you avoid this disastrous scenario!

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

3 Reasons to Go Trenchless This Summer

If your sewage system is experiencing some damage, trenchless technology may be your ultimate summer sewage repair; and here are three reasons why.

1. It Won’t Interrupt Your Summer Fun

Traditional pipe repair will require digging up your yard in order to excavate the old piping and it can’t take a while. This can seriously put a cramp on any BBQ plans. Not so with trenchless technology. There are two commonly-used trenchless technologies used for pipe repair/replacement:

• Lateral Pipe Lining. Also known as cured-in-place piping (CIPP), this technology adds a layer of epoxy resin to reline the existing pipe. Basically, it creates a new pipe within the old one.
• Pipe Bursting. This technique uses a pneumatic or hydraulic head that destroys the old, broken pipe and drags in a new pipe to replace it.

Both of these methods are almost completely non-invasive and can be accomplished usually within a day, so your yard will stay intact and the fun can continue!

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

2. It’s Highly Cost-Effective

On paper, traditional sewer pipe repair will probably appear similarly priced or even less expensive than trenchless technology. However, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Consider these added costs of traditional sewer pipe repair that won’t be applicable with trenchless technology:

• Excavating and removing the old piping and the additional labor needed to do this
• Moving any large objects or structures located above the pipeline plus labor to do it
• Professional landscaping to repair damage following excavation and repair
• The nuisance factor for homeowners and interruption of business costs for commercial operations

3. It’s a Greener Alternative

Do you care about the environment? Most Californians do! With traditional pipe repair, all excavated metal or PVC sewage pipes will usually be scrapped and new metal or PVC pipes would be laid in their place. Because trenchless technologies repair the existing pipes, no material needs to be tossed in a landfill or manufactured. That’s a win-win for the environment!

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

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