Month: December 2023

You’re probably familiar with electric water heaters and water heaters that use natural gas. You’re accustomed to tank or storage water heaters, and you’ve at least heard of tankless water heater systems. But do you know about heat pump water heaters? If not, you’ll want to stick around to find out more, because they’re amazing. Here’s how they work.

It’s Not New Technology

Heat pumps for home air conditioning and heating have become very popular in recent years. It would be easy to assume the technology they use is very modern. But no! In 1852, Lord Kelvin developed the concept of a heat pump, and by 1857, Peter von Rittinger had built one. It’s true that they’ve come a long way since then, but they’re definitely not new-fangled or experimental systems.

HVAC Heat Pumps

If you’re looking for a new AC system, and possibly to supplement your heating as well, a heat pump is the way to go! Just like an air conditioner, a heat pump uses a compressor to pressurize refrigerant, sending it through a system of coils. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in one location and releases it into the air in another location. 

Whether that heat is released outdoors, just like an air conditioner, or indoors, to heat your home, can be controlled with the heat pump’s reversing valve. This means that whether it’s heating or cooling, it’s simply conducting heat from one place to another, never actually having to generate any heat.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Instead of absorbing heat from outdoor air and releasing it into the air indoors, like an HVAC heat pump does on the heat setting, a heat pump water heater absorbs heat from the air outside the water heater and releases it into the water inside the water heater. Like an HVAC heat pump, this means it simply transfers heat, using only a fraction of the energy of systems that generate heat.

Even in colder climates, this could be all the heating power you need for your water, but in certain situations, a hybrid system is necessary. This would rely on the heat pump as much of the time as possible but have a backup water heating system that could use electricity or natural gas to generate heat.

Amazing Savings

According to Energy Star, if a family of four switched from a standard electric water heater to a heat pump water heater, they would decrease their energy usage by 3,760 kilowatt hours per year. Based on average American energy costs, this translates to $550. Imagine cutting your annual utility bills by that much! And of course, using less energy isn’t just better for your wallet, it’s better for the planet.

When you need a new water heater, your best option may well be a heat pump water heater in Clifton, NJ. We’d love to help you determine what water heater would be ideal for your home.

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today with your questions about heat pump water heaters!

The post How Does Your Heat Pump Water Heater Work? first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

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

Imagine you’re relaxing at home when suddenly, you notice a mysterious water stain on your floor. It’s a moment of dread as you realize you might be facing an under slab leak. These hidden plumbing issues can be costly and disruptive, but understanding how they occur can help you prevent and address them effectively. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the causes and signs of under slab leaks to help you navigate this potentially challenging situation.

1. Age and Corrosion

Over time, plumbing pipes can corrode and deteriorate, especially if they are made of materials like galvanized steel or iron. As these pipes age, they become more susceptible to leaks. Corrosion can create weak points in the pipes, eventually leading to cracks or holes that allow water to escape beneath the concrete slab.

2. Soil Shifting

The ground beneath your home is constantly shifting due to changes in temperature, moisture levels, and natural settling. These shifts can place stress on your plumbing system, causing pipes to shift, bend, or develop small fractures. Over time, these minor issues can evolve into major under slab leaks.

3. Abrasion and Pressure

In some cases, pipes may rub against rocks, debris, or other pipes within the soil. This friction can gradually wear down the pipe’s surface, causing it to weaken and develop leaks. Additionally, high water pressure within your plumbing system can contribute to pipe stress and eventual leaks, particularly if the pressure is not regulated.

4. Tree Roots

The relentless growth of tree roots can infiltrate your plumbing system and wreak havoc beneath your home. Roots are naturally drawn to sources of water, and they can penetrate pipes, causing them to crack or collapse. This is a common cause of under slab leaks, and prevention often involves regular maintenance and root barriers.

5. Poor Installation

Improper installation of plumbing pipes beneath the slab can lead to future problems. If pipes are not adequately secured, have sharp bends, or lack proper insulation, they may be more prone to leaks. Poor workmanship can contribute to premature pipe failure.

Signs of Under Slab Leaks

Detecting an under slab leak early is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Look out for these common signs:

– Unexplained Water Stains: Water stains on your floors or walls, especially in areas far from plumbing fixtures, may indicate an under slab leak.

– Mold or Mildew: Persistent moisture beneath the slab can promote mold and mildew growth, leading to a musty odor and health concerns.

– Low Water Pressure: A decrease in water pressure in your faucets and fixtures may suggest a leak within the pipes.

– Sounds of Running Water: If you hear the sound of running water when no faucets are turned on, it could be a sign of a hidden leak.

– Sudden Spike in Water Bills: A noticeable increase in your water bills with no apparent reason may be attributed to an under slab leak.

Under slab leaks can be a homeowner’s nightmare, but understanding how they happen and being vigilant for early warning signs is the first step in preventing extensive damage. Regular plumbing inspections, appropriate maintenance, and addressing leaks promptly can save you money and headaches in the long run. If you suspect or discover an under slab leak, it’s essential to consult with a professional plumber to assess and resolve the issue, ensuring the integrity of your home and your peace of mind.

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

If you have a major problem with the sewer lines servicing your home in Sacramento, you might be wondering what the best way to fix them would be. You probably want the job to be done quickly, and with a minimum of disruption to your home and daily life. However, you also don’t want to pay too much.

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Boilers are the best! They last longer than any other type of heating system—up to 30 years!—and during those decades, they rarely need repairs. But in order to perform their best, and to make it to that 30-year mark, they do need regular maintenance. Here’s a primer on why boiler maintenance is necessary, what it entails, and how to make it go as smoothly as possible.

Boiler Maintenance Benefits

When you have your boiler professionally maintained every year, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide array of benefits.

• Safety: This is our top priority: making sure you can stay warm without risking any potential hazards such as gas leaks or electrical fires.

• Efficiency: Heating systems drop in efficiency over the course of a hard year’s work keeping your home toasty warm. Maintenance will bring the efficiency back up, so you won’t have to worry about your utility bills increasing.

• Effectiveness: Problems like insufficient or uneven heating can be avoided when a boiler is consistently maintained, keeping your home more comfortable.

• Reduced Repair Needs: Because maintenance can correct tiny issues before they become serious problems, it can help you to avoid the need for significant repairs during the coming heating season.

• Extended System Life: Maintenance cuts down on the wear and tear that your boiler would otherwise experience. This means all the components will last longer, so your system will last longer overall.

• Warranty Compliance: If your boiler is under warranty, there is likely a clause in the agreement requiring annual maintenance by a qualified technician. Being diligent about maintenance can save you a lot of money if something goes wrong, as the manufacturer may cover repair costs.

The Boiler Maintenance Process

When you get a boiler check up in Cedar Grove, NJ, the steps your technician will take fall mostly in two categories: cleaning and inspection.

• Cleaning: Making sure the boiler is entirely clean inside and out allows your technician to clearly see all surfaces and components, making the inspection possible. But cleaning has another purpose: eliminating dust, dirt, grit, mineral scaling, sediment, or sludge that can increase wear and tear and cause issues to develop.

• Inspection: All parts of the boiler must be checked and tested. This includes gas lines, gas regulator pressure settings, boiler and burner operation, pressure release valve, safety shut-off mechanism, electrical wiring and connections, flue and damper, and more. The entire system will also be checked for rust, soot, or any other damage.

Streamlining Boiler Maintenance

Before your technician arrives, take a few minutes to clear the way to the boiler and make space around it. (Keeping space around it is a good safety tip anyway.) If you have paperwork from any prior maintenance or repairs, it could be helpful to your technician. And finally, make sure to shut pets in another part of the house. Your technician will feel terrible if they accidentally step on a curious paw!

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to schedule maintenance or with any concerns about your boiler!

The post Everything That Goes Into a Boiler Check Up first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

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

Sewer line replacement once required plumbers to tear up yards, driveways, landscaping, parking lots, and streets. Not only is this an inconvenience for home and business owners, but it can also impede local traffic and cause major delays. Also, traditional pipe repair methods can lead to costly landscaping and construction expenses to restore the surrounding land that was dug up in the excavation process. Luckily, today’s trenchless sewer repair technologies nearly eliminate disruptions to your Sacramento property.

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The act of tearing up the ground to expose sewer lines so repair work can begin is expensive, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. Thankfully, there is an alternative to digging up massive trenches to work on sewer lines: trenchless pipe repair.

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