Month: January 2023

5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Commercial Plumber

While there are some plumbing jobs that can be done on your own, such as plunging a clogged toilet, there are many that require the skills and expertise of a plumber. Especially if you have a commercial establishment, it’s important you never attempt to fix the plumbing problems yourself. Any type of commercial job is best left to the professionals. Here are 5 reasons why.

1. Access To The Right Tools

Commercial plumbers have high-quality, industry-leading equipment to tackle even the most complex commercial jobs. If you use DIY methods and the wrong tools to try and fix the problem yourself, you could actually cause more damage to your pipes. Commercial plumbers use the right tools in order to fix your plumbing issue without creating more problems or costing you more money. Let’s face it, a commercial plumbing system is far too complex and large for just anyone to attempt to fix.

2. Available 24/7

Most commercial plumbers work around the clock to help with your plumbing troubles. Rarely do plumbing troubles happen during normal business hours, so finding this 24/7 availability is very helpful. Plumbing issues could cause a variety of issues if not addressed swiftly, like decreased employee productivity, lower sales, and more, so it’s important you find someone who can fix your situation as soon as possible.

3. They Follow Plumbing Codes

Your area might have certain plumbing codes that you need to follow, otherwise you could risk being shut down if any violations are discovered. It’s risky business to try and handle plumbing issues yourself, as you could violate these plumbing codes. Commercial plumbers are well-versed in what these plumbing codes look like based on the areas they’re working in. They will help ensure everything they do is in accordance with the plumbing codes established in your area. That peace of mind, alone, is reason enough to hire a professional commercial plumber.

4. Insight and Training

Commercial plumbers have gone through extensive training to be able to handle all plumbing issues, no matter how big or small. They are well-equipped to troubleshoot all equipment, as well as being able to identify issues and come up with solutions. When you attempt to fix commercial plumbing problems on your own, you run the risk of creating even bigger issues. Not only can this be damaging to your plumbing system, but it can also cost you more money in the long run. It’s better to hire a plumber right off the bat.

5. Help Minimize Disruptions

You have a business to run. When plumbing problems come up, this can really disrupt your business operations. Luckily, commercial plumbers can help minimize this as much as possible. They will work efficiently and quickly, as to not waste your time. Nothing can truly beat the knowledge and hardwork of a commercial plumber.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Commercial Plumbing Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your commercial plumbing needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post 5 Reasons To Hire A Professional Commercial Plumber appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

As cold as it can get in the Mid-Atlantic region, frozen pipes are always a possibility, especially when temperatures drop below 32 degrees overnight or for a sustained period.

Should any of your pipes burst, it could mean costly damage to your home. For the best chance of avoiding damage, follow these tips for thawing a frozen pipe, what to do if a pipe bursts, and how to prevent frozen pipes in the first place.

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How To Thaw Frozen Pipes

There are signs you have frozen pipes. Look out for areas with frost accumulation or condensation and foul sewage smells from your sink. If you lose water during a period of extreme cold, frozen water supply lines are the culprit. Use the following tips to attempt to thaw the pipes:

• Shut off the main water line
• Open the faucets to prevent excessive pressure in the water lines
• Thaw the frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater aimed at the pipe, starting from the side nearest the faucets and moving toward the main shut-off valve

Be prepared to call an emergency plumber if the pipes do not thaw easily or begin to leak.

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What To Do if a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe happens when the water freezes and expands, causing the pipe to split. This can result in large amounts of water spilling into your home, leading to significant water damage.

You need to act quickly if a pipe bursts, and you should shut off the main water supply valve as soon as possible. It is usually located near where the water line enters your home or just after the water meter. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the flow of water.

After that, shut off the power if the electrical panel or any wiring is in danger of getting wet, and move any belongings near the burst pipe.

You’ll need to call an emergency plumber for pipe repair or replacement, so the sooner you call, the better.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. At the beginning of winter or before the weather report calls for a deep freeze, follow these steps to get your plumbing system prepared for the cold:

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain exterior hose bibs.
• Drain the irrigation system and blow it out with compressed air.
• Disconnect any pool heater or supply lines and drain them.
• Install pipe insulation on any pipes that are exposed to the cold, such as those in crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, or attics.
• Add heat tape to any pipes exposed to the outdoors or extreme cold.
• Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees.
• Let your faucet drip and leave sink cabinets open during overnight freezes.
• Consider upgrading your home’s insulation if you’ve had frozen pipes before.

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

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

The winter weather seems like it’s here to stay. New Jerseyans either love or hate the cold and the snow. But if there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s this: being able to tolerate our cold winters depends on having a reliable furnace at home.

There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, toasty home after a day of being out and about in the cold weather. A dependable furnace isn’t a luxury here; it’s a necessity.

Now that you’ve been running your furnace for several months, how confident are you in it’s ability to warm your home through the rest of the season?

Although we’re always available for any heating repair in Wayne, NJ, it’s best to avoid repairs in the first place. To avoid unexpected and problematic heater repairs during the time when you need your heater the most, follow these tips.

Be on the Lookout for Potential Problems

Luckily, your furnace will let you know when it’s struggling to do its job. Call us if you experience any of the following issues:

• Odd noises or bad smells coming from your furnace.
• Uneven heating or lukewarm heat coming from the vents.
• Increased utility bills (when you know they shouldn’t be rising).
• Short cycling.

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Change the Filter Regularly

This simple task is one that homeowners can do themselves.

Changing your furnace filter prevents dirt and dust that circulate your home from entering the internal components of your furnace. Just like with any complicated piece of machinery, you want to keep out contaminants that can interfere with how well it runs.

It’s been proven that furnaces that have their filters changed regularly last longer than furnaces where the air filter is neglected.

Ideally, you should replace or clean the filter before the heating season starts and change it every 1-3 months for optimal performance.

Don’t Crank the Heat Up

Homeowners who experience lackluster performance from their furnace will often crank the heat up to make up for it. They assume that doing so will get their home to that desired temperature faster. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way.

Turning the heat up won’t heat your home more efficiently or any faster. It certainly won’t help a furnace that’s struggling to do its job. It’ll just make your furnace work even harder and longer than it needs to which could result in a complete breakdown if it’s pushed past its breaking point.

A more efficient furnace means less annual heating costs. That also boils down to less wear and tear on your unit, which will help you save money in the long run (and you’ll replace your furnace less often as well).

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

If you didn’t schedule furnace maintenance at the start of the heating season, it’s not too late to do so! Your furnace will benefit from maintenance any time of year, especially if it’s been a while since it was maintained.

Look at it this way: it’s easier to schedule maintenance now than it is to call us when your furnace needs a repair or even worse: has completely broken down on the coldest day of the year.

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

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

If you’re concerned about something in your home, you may be wondering who to call to get it sorted out, or just to find out more about your home’s systems. Our team is committed to helping our customers understand their homes and their needs as fully as possible because a knowledgeable customer will be better equipped to make decisions they’ll be happy with in the long term. A satisfied customer is more valuable to us than a big check, because satisfied customers keep coming back, and they also pass along the word that Modern Plumbing Industries is a reliable and trustworthy partner in home plumbing service in Orlando.

We’d like to explain what plumbing services we offer, and what is included in those services, so you’ll be better able to get the plumbing help you need.

Routine Maintenance

One service we strongly recommend is regular plumbing inspections. It’s all too easy to have something go quietly wrong in a place that’s hard to detect. With techniques like video pipe inspection, our skilled and experienced plumbers are able to actually look inside your plumbing. They can give you a lot of information about the age and condition of the piping throughout your home, pinpoint small concerns before they become big problems, and help you make a plan for any future repair needs. Maintenance service also includes drain cleaning, giving your home a fresh start free of clogs and buildup.

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Installation and Replacement

Do you need to have a new home plumbing system or fixture installed? The first thing our plumbers will do is a thorough inspection. The layout of your home, the capacity of the plumbing system, and the needs of your family will all be factors in determining how to make this installation work as well as possible for you. Sometimes, the inspection will reveal that replacement is unnecessary and repairs will be an effective and less costly solution. As we said, we’d rather have a happy customer in the future than more money now.

We can install new water-saving equipment to lower your bills and benefit the environment, multiple fixtures if you’re adding a bathroom to your home, water heaters, sewer pumps, backflow prevention systems, and even new sewer lines or main water lines.

Repair

If a plumbing fixture in your home is broken, leaking, or just not working right, our team is qualified to handle it. We use sonar leak detection, which can pinpoint the source of a leak using just the power of sound, so we don’t waste time or do unnecessary damage trying to uncover where water is coming from.

We repair sinks, tubs, showers, toilets (including low-flow and dual-flush models), and much more. Whether you need emergency repairs on a Sunday night for a gushing leak or you want to schedule a time to get your garbage disposal working more smoothly, we’ve got your back.

Gas Services

Did you know that the pipes bringing natural gas into your home for your furnace or other appliances are also serviced and repaired by plumbers? It’s absolutely critical that amateur homeowners or DIY enthusiasts never attempt gas line repair. If you have any concerns about your gas system, we’d be happy to discuss them with you.

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

Discovering you have a burst water pipe on your hands is never fun. You have several options once this problem arises at your Sacramento home. You can repair the water pipe or you can replace it.

Your ability to simply repair it will be contingent on just how severe the condition of the pipe is in. Replacing water pipes in Sacramento can be costly, so evaluating the condition of your water lines is crucial when it comes to budgeting for plumbing systems.

Other factors will influence your decision as well. For example, if your plumbing pipes are many years old, then you may want to consider replacing it altogether rather than attempting to fix it.

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Does My Air Conditioner Need To Be Covered In The Winter?

We get asked this question a lot: does my air conditioner need to be covered in the winter? Long story short, no – but there’s a lot more to it than just that. We cover everything you need to know about covering your AC in the winter, below.

Your AC Was Built For Snow

Truthfully, modern air conditioning units were built and designed to handle tough weather conditions. They were made with weather-resistant materials. That being said, they’re usually able to withstand everything from rainfall to snow to high summer temperatures. In fact, you shouldn’t be as concerned about snow and rain as you should be about debris and leaves. In fact, if items like leaves, branches, pine needles, and other debris build-up in or around your unit, it can cause damage and impact the overall performance of your AC unit.

You Should Cover Your AC – But Winter Isn’t The Time To Do It

Like we mentioned briefly above, what you should really be concerned about is leaves, branches, and other debris getting trapped inside your air conditioner. And you know what time of year you’re most likely to experience that? Fall. That’s why you should consider covering your AC in the fall, to avoid having any of the typical fall debris get lodged inside your unit. However, before you cover your unit, you want to make sure the unit is off for the season. You also want to make sure you weigh the pros and cons of covering your unit. For example, AC covers tend to trap moisture and cause mold growth. Not only that, but they could also cause pest problems, as small animals try finding a warm place to hide when the temperatures drop. But on the contrary, it can protect your unit from expensive damage – which might mean covering the unit is worth it, after all.

What If I Experience Heavy Snow and Ice Where I Live, Though?

Depending on where you live, covering your unit in the winter might not actually be the worst idea – especially if you experience heavy snow and ice. Covers can protect your outdoor condenser from ice build-up and the weight of heavy snow. People who live in the north often do invest in covers just as a precaution to protect their AC unit. However, like we said, your AC unit was built to withstand the elements and isn’t something that we deem a true necessity.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Air Conditioner Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your air conditioner needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! Whether you need air conditioner maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation, we’re the trusted name for the job. For over 20 years, we have been your premier home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Does My Air Conditioner Need To Be Covered In The Winter? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

Why should I hire a plumber when I can do it myself, you ask? DIY plumbing projects can be tempting, especially with the amount of online tutorials available today. However, there are many risks associated with DIY plumbing that make it more beneficial to hire a licensed plumber instead.Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

Here are the top reasons why you may want to think twice before engaging a DIY plumbing project:

1. Lack of Experience with plumbing:

DIY plumbing projects require a certain level of expertise and knowledge, which many homeowners do not possess. Without the proper plumbing experience and knowledge, attempting to complete complex repairs can be dangerous and potentially lead to costly mistakes. Licensed plumbers have experience in all types of plumbing systems, so they are better able to identify the underlying problems that may exist and recommend the best course of action for repair or replacement. If something happens while DIYing, it can be difficult to fix the issue without professional assistance.

2. Unsure about Code Compliance:

Plumbing codes vary from area to area and change over time, making it difficult for homeowners to stay up-to-date on local regulations. A licensed plumber will know all applicable codes and regulations in your area , ensuring any repairs or installations are done correctly and safely with code compliance.

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3. Risk of Further Damage:

Without the right tools and equipment, DIY plumbing projects can often lead to further damage that can be more expensive to repair. Licensed plumbers are trained in proper techniques and will have the right tools and equipment to get the job done quickly and correctly with minimal risk of further damage. Some of the damage that can be caused by DIY plumbing includes water leakage, broken pipes, and clogged drains. Save your precious time and money by investing in a professional plumbing service.

4. Increased Liability:

Some DIY plumbing tasks may increase your liability if something goes wrong. While a licensed plumber is responsible for any errors or problems discovered after the project is complete, you are liable for any issues caused by your own work or negligence when it comes to DIY plumbing projects.

5. Long-Term Issues:

DIY plumbing projects may seem like a quick fix, but they can often lead to long-term issues that are more difficult and expensive to address later on. Licensed plumbers will be able to detect any potential problems and recommend the best course of action for repair or replacement before it’s too late.

6. Poor Customer Service:

When you hire a licensed plumber, you can expect good customer service from start to finish as well as follow up support if needed in the future. When DIYing, you have no one to turn to if something goes wrong or you need help fixing an issue. Licensed plumbers are also insured which provides extra peace of mind.

As you can see, the benefits of hiring a professional plumber far outweigh any cost savings associated with DIY plumbing due to their experience, knowledge of local codes and regulations, the right tools and equipment, and limited liability. A licensed plumber will be able to complete the job quickly, safely and correctly with minimal risk of further damage or legal action. Investing in a professional plumber is the best way to ensure your plumbing project is done safely and up to code. 

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What happens when a pipe freezes?

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When a pipe freezes, the water inside the pipe expands as it turns to ice. This can cause the pipe to crack or burst. The damage caused by a frozen pipe can range from small leaks to complete pipe failure, depending on the severity of the freeze and the strength of the pipe. A frozen pipe can also cause a water hammer, which is a sudden jolt of pressure that can damage fittings and valves in the plumbing system. When a pipe bursts, it can cause significant damage to the surrounding area and lead to costly repairs. It can also cause water to flood the house which can lead to secondary damages like mold and rot.

What causes your pipes to freeze?

Cold temperatures:

When temperatures outside drop below freezing, it can cause the water inside pipes to freeze. This is especially likely to happen with pipes that run through unheated areas of a home, such as a garage, attic, or crawl space.

Poor insulation:

Pipes that are not properly insulated are more susceptible to freezing. Insulation helps to keep the warmth from the inside of the home from reaching the pipes, which can prevent them from freezing.

Wind:

Cold winds blowing against the side of a house can cause pipes to freeze.

Thermostat Setting:

If you set the thermostat too low, the temperature inside the house could be below freezing.

How do you unfreeze a frozen pipe?

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If a pipe has already frozen, you can try the following steps to thaw it out:

Turn on the faucet:

Turning on a faucet that is connected to the frozen pipe can help to melt the ice. As the water starts to melt, it will begin to flow through the pipe and can help to thaw out the blockage.

Apply heat:

Applying heat to the frozen area of the pipe can help to melt the ice. You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable heater to apply heat to the pipe.

Wrapping the pipe with heating tape or towels soaked in hot water, can also do the trick.

Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes, it can cause fire hazard.

How do you keep pipes from freezing in the future?

To prevent pipes from freezing in the future, you can take the following steps:
Insulate:

Insulate any pipes that run through unheated areas of your home. This can help to keep the warmth from the inside of the home from reaching the pipes, which can prevent them from freezing.

Seal leaks:

Check for any leaks or gaps around the pipes and seal them with caulking or insulation.

Keep the heat on:

Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 55°F, even when you’re away from home or on vacation.

Keep cabinet doors open:

If you have pipes that run through your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, keep the doors open. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, which can help to prevent them from freezing.

In conclusion, a pipe freezes when water inside it drops below freezing temperatures. It is caused by cold temperatures, poor insulation, wind, and low thermostat settings. To thaw a frozen pipe, you can turn on the faucet, apply heat, or wrap the pipe with heating tape or towels soaked in hot water. To prevent freezing, it is important to insulate pipes, seal leaks, keep the heat on, and open cabinet doors that contain pipes.

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

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

There is nothing like a nice hot shower on a cold winter’s morning! But there’s nothing like the wake-up call you get when your shower runs frigid! Here are a few simple tips for ensuring your water heater is properly maintained.

Why Should I Flush My Water Heater?

1. Increase longevity of the water heater: Over time, lime and other sediments from your home’s water can settle in your tank and disrupt its ability to work efficiently. The extra work required by the unit can also reduce its life span. Flushing your home’s water heater is easy and can prevent this sediment buildup that can cause problems for your water heater.
2. Reduce noise: When your water heater has to deal with buildup inside the unit, you may hear banging or crackling noises. While sometimes the noises resolve themselves, the sediment does not disappear.
3. Comply with the warranty: Your water heater is a big investment, and, in some cases, regular maintenance is a component of its manufacturer’s warranty. Check to see if failure to maintain the unit can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Get hot water quicker: The more sediment your water heater must work through, the longer it takes to heat the water you want to use. That means you could be wasting water waiting for the water to reach the desired temperature, or you could run out of hot water, leaving you soapy and steamed.
5. Improve efficiency: Water heating can consume as much as 25% of your home’s energy. Anything like a sediment buildup that can force your unit to work harder can cost you more money in energy usage. A hard-working unit can put stress on its components leading to costly repairs.

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When Should I Flush My Water Heater?

Experts recommend flushing your water heater every six months. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may want to flush your water heater more often. You can find out about the water quality in your area by exploring the database at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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

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Sometimes a homeowner is hesitant to call for plumbing services out of embarrassment. There’s a problem with their plumbing and they think it’s their fault and want to try to fix it themselves to avoid having to call us

While these fears are unfounded, there have been instances where user error definitely caused the problem.

Every plumber has a story about a service call where they discovered something truly unusual clogging a drain. Here are some examples of items that are out of the ordinary, but that are unfortunately more common than you’d think.

By reading these cautionary tales, you can hopefully avoid the need for plumbing repairs and a potentially embarrassing moment.

Children’s Toys

Children’s toys are small and portable and kids love engaging with them in all sorts of imaginative scenarios. For example, sending those action figures down the sink on an adventure or flushing model cars down the unwinding road that is a toilet.

It’s great fun for the kiddos, but not so much fun for the grownup who ends up with a major clog in their drains. Luckily, professional plumbers can easily remove these items and hand them back to an adult who can then decide if they go back to the kids.

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Smartphones

Speaking of things that often accompany us to the bathroom, many people have accidentally dropped a smartphone down the toilet, although few of us would care to admit it. A smartphone that’s been tucked into a back pocket can easily slip and fall into the toilet while taking care of business.

In some cases, the unlucky person doesn’t even know what’s happened until an attempt to flush is made. A plumber can unclog the toilet but there’s no amount of rice that’s going to save the smartphone. To avoid this type of plumbing problem, try to avoid taking your smartphone into the bathroom.

Bathroom and Kitchen Items

Our furry four-legged friends are adorable, but sometimes their behavior isn’t so cute. Cats in particular seem to have a penchant for knocking items off tables, desks, and countertops. They’re especially fascinated by bathroom and kitchen sinks because they’re drawn to faucets and flowing water. You know where this is going…

Plumbers have found odd items such as tweezers, nail clippers, Q-tips, jewelry, sauce packets, and mouthguards in bathroom and kitchen drains, leaving a perplexed customer wondering how on earth they got there. After a process of elimination, it’s determined that it had to be Mr. Whiskers who was to blame.

Cat Litter

Speaking of cats, another common culprit is cat litter. With litter boxes usually placed in bathrooms, their proximity to the toilet can be awfully tempting to cat owners who need to dispose of litter. But flushing cat litter or cat feces down the toilet is a bad idea.

Cat litter is designed to clump when it comes in contact with cat urine, but the same thing happens when it comes in contact with water. You should never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.

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