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A clog can appear in a toilet, sink, or shower for a number of reasons. It may have resulted from a recent event, like placing something in the toilet that should’ve been placed in the trash. The problem may have been building for some time. For example, it may have been taking longer for a tub to empty. Plumbing problems don’t have a schedule and need immediate attention. Call one of the best emergency plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA, to assess and solve your problem. Here are some of the things to expect when you hire a plumber to clean your drain.

Assessing the Problem

A professional plumber has the knowledge and tools to discover why your drain is clogged. Excess toilet paper may have been placed in your toilet. Hair or soap may be the cause of your shower drain problem. Dirt could be the culprit of the clog in your sink, or grease may be to blame for your kitchen sink clog. The problem may be obvious to the plumber or may take some investigation.

The plumber will not immediately begin to dissemble the plumbing to find the problem. He or she will place a small camera inside the drain using a flexible cable. This will give the plumber an idea of what is causing the clog.

Removing the Clog

What procedure the plumber uses to clear the drain depends upon the type of clog. The plumber has the right tools and equipment for the job:

• Plunger: A plunger may be all the plumber needs to remove the clog. The plumber will continue to investigate to make sure the source of the clog is removed.
• Pipe: A blocked U-shaped pipe, known as a P-trap, may be causing the drainage problem. A plumber will unhook the pipe, look for a clog, and clean the pipe.
• Snake: A drain auger, sometimes called a snake, is inserted into the drain to break up a clog. A plumber may use an electric drill to force the cable through the clog. A clog can result from hard water buildup. Hard water refers to water with a high amount of mineral deposits, like lime and calcium.
• Hydro jetting: Hydro jetting is used when there is a deep clog in the plumbing system. For example, an older house may have had the same pipes for years. Sludge builds up in the pipes over time.

Prevention

The plumber may suggest ways to improve your plumbing system. Galvanized pipes corrode over time and should be replaced with copper, CPVC, or PEX pipes. Having an annual inspection of your plumbing system can help avoid emergency plumbing issues. A slow drain indicates a problem, so calling a plumber at the first sign of trouble can save you money in the long run.

Call Stahl Plumbing at 412-273-1000 to clean your drains, replace your water line, or make other repairs. We provide emergency plumbing repair in the Pittsburgh area any time of the day and any day of the week.

The post Things to Expect When Hiring a Plumber for Drain Cleaning appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Heat pumps and furnaces are both great heating appliances, but which one is right for your home? These are the top pros and cons of each option. Read on for help making the best selection.

Furnaces are gas-powered appliances that burn fuel to create heat. Heat pumps, meanwhile, are electric-powered appliances that extract warm air from the outdoors and release it into your home.

Both furnaces and heat pumps can be connected to air duct systems for central heating, but heat pumps have the advantage of providing both heating and cooling capabilities.

Heat pumps are often more energy-efficient than furnaces, but furnaces are more effective in heating during very cold weather. Furnaces do carry a risk of releasing dangerous gases, but if they’re well-maintained, they’re safe to use.

Gas furnaces often last longer than heat pumps but can be more expensive to install than a heat pump. Overall, heat pumps are ideal for most homes, except for those that have very intense winters — for the latter, a furnace is the better option.

Where should you go if you need the best heating appliances for your home? Stahl Plumbing is your resource for installation, repair, and maintenance of all heating and cooling equipment. Even better, we offer plumbing services too. We provide Pittsburgh with scheduled services but can also provide emergency services 24/7. Our rates are affordable, and our professionally-trained staff are courteous, too. With over 50 years of experience, it’s no wonder why Pittsburgh residents trust us above any other HVAC or plumbing company. Call us today for your heating and cooling needs or keep our information handy in the event of an HVAC emergency. 

The post Furnace vs Heat Pump: Know Your Needs appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

This isn’t something you want to see: a reddish or brownish discoloration coming from the taps in your house. Something isn’t right if you can’t get clear, non-cloudy water in your house. But what?

It’s tricky to answer that question because there are several sources for water discoloration in household tap water. Some are minor issues that will soon go away. Others may require service for your plumbing in Avondale, AZ. We have extensive experience with all types of plumbing issues, and we’ll run down a short list of the most common causes of discolored water.

The faucet hasn’t been used in weeks

If you have just returned from a long vacation, or the faucet that’s affected is in a bathroom that hasn’t been used for a long stretch, what you’re seeing is dried sediment from the pipes when the water evaporated. It’s not a major problem: let the water run for about a minute and it will go away.

Pipe deterioration

Do you live in a home built before 1970? If you do, you probably have outdated pipe materials, such as iron or steel, which corrode over time. Corrosion puts iron and manganese into the water, giving it the rusty-brown color. If the discolored water is coming from taps all around the house, then the problem is in the water main. This is something you’ll want fixed as soon as possible, either repiping the interior plumbing or having a new water line installed using improved materials.

Rusted-through water heater/sediment in the water heater

Check to see if the discolored water is only coming from the hot water side of the plumbing. Pour a glass of cold water and a glass of hot water from the tap and compare the two. If you see discoloration in only the hot water, it points toward a problem with the water heater. The more serious possibility is the water heater’s tank has become rusted through on the inside. The only way to fix this is to install a new water heater. (The current one is probably far too old at that point.) Another possibility is that too much sediment has gathered in the tank and you need to call a professional to flush the tank.

Sediment in the pipes

Dirt and sediment can sometimes enter freshwater lines, which settled along the bottom of the pipe. Sudden changes in water pressure or faster movement of water through the pipes (such as the fire department putting a heavy demand on it) stirs up this sediment layer and send it to your house. Like the unused faucets, this discoloration should fade after a short period.

New Municipal Water Source

This one you don’t have much control over. A switch to a different reservoir, river, or other water supply can give the water a different look. This can be a concern (remember what happened in Flint, MI), and if you have worries, arrange to have a whole-house water treatment system installed.

If you’re worried about a consistent discoloration in your residential water, please speak to one of our water treatment specialists today.

Call on The Trusted Plumber for water treatment service in Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

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

Do you use the words “furnace” and “boiler” interchangeably? Both terms describe home heating systems, but a furnace and a boiler are not the same thing. Learn about the difference between these two systems so you can decide which is best for your home and your comfort needs.

How Do Furnaces Work?

A furnace uses air to heat your home. You may hear it referred to as an “air-forced heating system.” Here’s how it works:

• The thermostat detects the falling temperature and calls for heat.
• In gas furnaces, the pilot light or electronic ignition lights the natural gas or propane in the burner. In electric furnaces, a heating element warms up.
• Incoming air passes through a heat exchanger and picks up heat from the burner or heating element.
• The blower forces heated air into the ductwork, where it is distributed throughout the house.
• Return registers near the floor draw cool air back into the furnace, and the process repeats.

How Do Boilers Work?

A boiler uses hot water to heat your home. Instead of ductwork, the delivery system may include cast iron radiators, ceramic radiators, a baseboard system, or radiant floor heating. Here’s how it works:

• A heat source—such as natural gas, oil, or electricity—heats water in a tank.
• Depending on the type of boiler, either steam or hot water moves through the pipes and circulates throughout the home’s radiant heating system.
• Hot gases are vented outside to maintain pressure in the boiler system.
• Cold water at the end of the radiant system’s loop circulates back into the boiler to be reheated, and the process begins again.

Is a Boiler or a Furnace Better for Your Home?

Compare the features and benefits of boilers versus furnaces to help you decide how you want to heat your home.

• Comfort: Furnaces distribute air via a blower, which leads to cold drafts every time the unit comes on. In contrast, a boiler’s convection or radiant heat results in comfortable, consistent warmth from the ground up.
• Humidity: Hot air from a furnace is dry, sapping moisture from your skin. You can combat this by running a humidifier, but that’s another expense and maintenance requirement on your part. Boilers deliver naturally moist air as a result of being heated by water.
• Air quality: Unlike furnaces, boilers are ideal for homes with allergy sufferers because they don’t blow dust and contaminants around.
• Noise: When some furnaces kick on, it sounds like a jet plane taking off. On the other hand, a boiler provides silent heat for your home.
• Maintenance: Furnace owners must use a filter to catch airborne debris. This filter should be replaced every one to three months. It may be necessary to service your boiler once a year, but minimal maintenance is required between visits from a technician.
• Efficiency: Water conducts heat much more effectively than air. This means that, in most homes, heating with a boiler is more efficient than a forced-air furnace.
• Cost: The investment required at installation depends on your home’s existing features. If you don’t already have ductwork, adding it for a furnace could be cost-prohibitive.

Whether you’re interested in replacing your furnace with a hydronic heating system or your boiler’s on the fritz, Len The Plumber has you covered. We are a one-stop-shop for first-class boiler services throughout Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley, and the Washington, D.C. area.

In addition to providing top-quality boiler services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, we also proudly offer:

• FREE written estimates and upfront pricing
• Money-saving deals and flexible financing options, with approved credit
• Same day and emergency service at no extra cost
• Fully licensed, insured, background-checked plumbers who will prioritize your needs while always treating you and your home with respect
• The highest-quality workmanship and solutions!

Check out our exceptional reviews to see why our customers love us and why we’re a leading plumbing company throughout Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley, and Washington, D.C. And whenever you need plumbing or boiler services, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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

It’s easy to take your dishwasher for granted. When everything is in ideal working order, you can load up the day’s dishes, run a cleaning cycle, and spend the next hour working on other chores or simply relaxing after a long day. Most of the time, the biggest challenge you’ll face is taking the time to put the clean dishes away before you have more dirty dishes to wash.

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There is really nothing quite worse than stepping into a cold shower on a chilly winter morning… See, your hot water heater is incredibly important to your comfort, and when something goes wrong with it, you are bound to notice!

There are a number of reasons why your water heater might not be working as it should, and below, we have listed a number of them for you. All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more (and of course, remember to call our team when you need an expert Sanford, FL plumber!)

What’s the Problem?

There are a number of reasons why your water heater isn’t giving you the hot water you need. Here are a few of them:

You’ve simply run out of hot water

Over the holiday season, guests often come to stay for extended visits. This puts extra strain on the water heater in the morning when everyone is taking their showers. If you have a water heater designed to handle the needs of only a few people, it can be overwhelmed quickly.

The pilot light on the water heater has gone out

If you have an older natural gas water heater, it may use a pilot light to ignite the burners. (Newer models use electronic ignition systems.) Check on the pilot light to see if this is the case, and then relight the pilot. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, consult with a professional plumber to repair the system.

The burners won’t light

If your burners won’t light, this could be a gas flow issue. It might also be that the thermostat that activates the burners isn’t working correctly. Either way, you definitely don’t want to mess around with the burners. Have a water heater repair expert look at the problem.

A circuit breaker has tripped

A tripped circuit breaker can definitely stand in the way of you and your electric water heater. Because the amount of energy the water heater requires, it might overload its circuit and the trip the breaker—and you won’t get any hot water. Check the breaker and reset it. If the problem continues, have the water heater looked at. (It’s also quite possible that the electrical panel itself is faulty, in which case, you’ll need to hire an electrician!)

The water heater is improperly sized

If the water heater is a new one, the problem of it running out of hot water too soon may mean that it has the wrong size tank. Never let non-professionals install your water heater, since poor sizing is a mistake they often make. You’ll need to have a new water tank put in that better matches your household comfort needs.

Call in a Professional

Of course, the best way to resolve your water heater issues is by hiring a professional plumber to come take a look at it. Trust us, only a professional has the tools, knowledge, and training to safely and correctly handle the complex needs of your system, the first time around.

Schedule your water heater services with the team at Modern Plumbing Industries Inc. today! 

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

We know, homeowners rarely think about their water heaters. Except on the odd occasion when you’re having family over and all of a sudden your showers and sinks are all spraying out cold water and there’s nothing you can do about it. Well, what if we told you that there’s a new, technological solution to that problem?

No, we’re not kidding. Tankless water heaters are all the rage now in homes across the country, because they’re an efficient and effective way to heat your water without the use of a clunky tank. While they might have a higher installation cost than tank water heaters, we assure you that there are numerous benefits from these highly efficient systems.

Want to know more about tankless water heaters or plumbing in Caldwell, NJ? Keep reading!

Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

Tank water heaters may be more common than tankless ones, but we assure you that this might not be for very long. These systems provide unique advantages that can’t be covered by a tank water heater.

• Energy Efficiency. Tank water heaters must keep their tanks warm even when you aren’t using them. That means wasted energy throughout the day that you’re paying for. Tankless water heaters only use energy when hot water is needed, which is only when you turn the spout. That means overall, these systems use much less energy than tank water heaters.
• Significantly Longer Lifespan. Tank water heaters are always in contact with water which can lead to scaling and other problems that come with corrosion. Tankless water heaters are only in contact with water when they need to be, which leads them to last much longer than tank water heaters with proper maintenance.
• Require Less Space. These systems don’t need a giant tank to hold hot water, which means they take up less space than a tank water heater.
• Unlimited Supply. Since a tankless system only heats water instantly when it’s needed, that means you’ve got an unlimited supply of heated water when you need it.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater

We’d like to be transparent and give you a heads up if a tankless water heater isn’t right for your home. Take note if any of these might sway your decision.

• Higher Initial Cost. Tankless water heaters aren’t right for every budget, since their initial cost is higher than a tank water heater.
• Not Enough Output. If maximum water usage was calculated incorrectly, your system could be providing less water than you need. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have a tankless water heater set up by a professional team with the right experience.
• Lower Water Pressure. Users of a tankless water heater might not get the same amount of water pressure as they would with a tank water heater, because there is only so much hot water that can be produced instantly at a time.

Hopefully, this is enough information to steer you on the right track for your water heater installation or replacement. Don’t forget to have a trusted team of technicians work out your water heater issues, to avoid any installation problems that could occur.

Speaking of a trusted team of technicians, why not get your water heater installed by the best at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.? Give us a call today!

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

Given the sheer volume of do-it-yourself guides and tips available online, it can be tempting to think that every household project can be handled with a box of tools and a YouTube video. While there are plenty of DIYs that are absolutely feasible, such as building a birdhouse, refinishing a table, or creating your own ornaments, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. The technical know-how, experience, and training necessary to handle any HVAC system isn’t something you can readily acquire from a few pictures and step-by-step instructions in a blog. The truth is that heating repair is always best performed by someone with the appropriate expertise. In fact, attempting a DIY HVAC repair could be hazardous both to you and your equipment.

Electricity

Electricity should always be handled with care. Heaters, boilers, and air conditioners use a considerable amount of voltage. A single shock could cause serious harm, and wearing gloves is no guarantee that you’re adequately protected. Occasionally, trained and experienced professionals encounter accidents. Without the proper training and protective gear, your odds of being electrocuted go up dramatically. It’s best to simply avoid the danger altogether.

Chemicals

Heaters and air conditioners use refrigerants and other chemicals that can be harmful or outright lethal if improperly handled. This is why technicians have to be certified and licensed. Mishandling such chemicals is a recipe for disaster. They should only ever be handled by someone with the right skills, safety equipment, and certification.

Tools

How do you repair a problem without knowing what it is? Specialized tools are used to diagnose, verify, and examine precisely what’s happening with an HVAC system. Without a thorough inspection, you’re really just guessing. Even an educated guess from someone with extensive experience could be wrong. If you don’t want to waste your time, it’s a good idea to let the professionals perform the inspection and solve the issue. You don’t want to exert all that effort to accomplish nothing. In fact, you could make the problem much worse. It’s easy to damage an HVAC system if you don’t know what you’re doing. Your tinkering could result in the need for far more costly repair work.

Complications

When it comes to complex equipment and systems, small issues can easily transform into major problems. You’ve probably already heard that it’s a good idea to get your heater or conditioner fixed as soon as you know it needs it. Waiting could easily allow whatever is wrong to become worse. However, attempting to repair it yourself could be substantially worse. It’s certainly not a bad idea to learn about your HVAC system, and curiosity is certainly understood. Unfortunately, passion isn’t the same thing as skill. You shouldn’t risk damaging your HVAC system as part of a learning exercise. If you have questions, you should ask the technician.

Replacing parts or installing a new system would be even more challenging. As a rule, rely on professional technicians for all routine maintenance, emergencies, and inspections. You’ll be much happier with the results. Let the experts take care of any heating repair in Pittsburgh, PA, so you know your system is in good hands. Call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 412-273-1000 if you have any questions or require assistance with your heating and cooling system.

The post The Dangers Associated with DIY HVAC Repair appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

People often ask us, “What are the major causes for drain clogs? How can we prevent future clogs?” Keeping your drains freely flowing and in excellent condition should always be a priority in a Florida house. Messy floor leaks, costly repairs, yard flooding and just plain general inconvenience are the prices to pay for negligence on this front, so please inspect for the following immediately after any suspected drainage issues:

Cause #1: Bones and Hard Shells in Your Disposal.

It’s pretty self-evident, but garbage disposals can be a messy business. Bones and large chunks of greasy food can prove troublesome for your garbage disposal and lead to a clogged drain. You’ll need to toss most of these above mentioned offenders directly into your garbage, not into your disposal.

Cause# 2: Dishwashers Fail Sometimes.

Your dishwasher is a life saver after a long day and a painstakingly cooked meal, but every once in a while it can actually create extra work for you. Repeated running of your dishwasher or failure to properly remove solid waste from its innards before running a cycle can cause a nice backup in your drain.

Cause #3: Washing Machine Also Causes Drain Clogs.

Your washing machine can pose problems in the same manner as your dishwasher, so be vigilant when taking care of those seemingly never-ending loads of laundry. Pay attention to when your clogs tend to happen — if they seem to occur on days you’re running your washing machine then you’ve probably located the source of the problem. Multiple large loads in quick succession can cause the synthetic fabrics of your clothing to gather in drains and foil even your best efforts at keeping your drains free flowing.

Cause #4: Maybe the Main Sewer Line is the Problem.

Perhaps surprisingly, your main sewer line may be behind all your drainage woes, no matter whether the clog occurs in an area in the line right beside your house or near the edge of the street. Local municipalities have different guidelines governing what is your responsibility and what is not regarding the sewer line and you may be on the hook for a repair before you can restore the health of your drains. Check with your Miami municipality to determine how to handle a clogged sewer line.

Cause #5: Rain Can Become the External Factor for Clogged Drains. 

Beware of heavy rains. The deluge following a storm can cause clogging in outside drains as dirt and debris wash in rapidly and collect. These drains are not often intended for large volumes of water in a short time period, and a summer storm may have you scrambling to prevent flooding to your property.

In summary, we covered the top five reasons for drain clogging and if you need an emergency plumbing, A to Z Statewide Plumbing is available for 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We serve most major cities such as Ft Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Pembroke Pines, and more.

The Sound of Music to a Plumber

Additional Resources for Drain Cleaning & Plumbing

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

During the frigid winter months, your furnace is your source of warm comfort despite the chilling winds that howl outside. Without it, even basic everyday tasks would become almost unbearable. If you’ve ever experienced a furnace failure that required emergency heating repair, you know just how brutal cold temperatures can be without a reliable source of heat in your home.

If you want to avoid the kind of heating service repair that can pose an inconvenient and unexpected break in your winter warmth, it’s a good idea to regularly maintain your furnace. While that means regular visits from heating service technicians to provide preventive maintenance, eventually it will mean replacement of your furnace as well. After all, your furnace may be dependable, but it won’t last forever. To avoid the need for emergency heating system repair in Pittsburgh, PA, you may want to consider proactively replacing your furnace before it stops working at an inopportune moment. Keep reading to learn 5 signs that it’s time to replace your furnace.

Your Furnace Is Old

Your furnace isn’t designed to last forever, so the first indication that a furnace replacement is in your future is the age of the appliance. You can expect to get 10 to 15 solid years of service from your furnace. While some furnaces may last beyond that timeframe, that’s not guaranteed. Therefore, if your furnace is in excess of 15 years old, you should start considering a replacement.

Utility Bills Creep Upwards

As your furnace and heating system ages, it will become less efficient. In other words, it will be forced to work harder and use more energy to maintain the same results as it provided when new. While you may not notice that your energy bills are rising in tiny increments, you can see the increase when viewed over the long-term. Look at your historic energy bills, and if you see that your utility bills are steadily creeping upward, it could be because you need to replace your furnace.

Unsettling Noises

When furnaces age and come close to the end of their service lives, they often become noisier. Modern furnaces are incredibly quiet under optimal circumstances, so if you begin to hear roaring, banging, rattling, or buzzing, there could be problems that will be too expensive to repair. Therefore, a furnace replacement may be in order.

Compromised Performance

Another indication that your furnace may be approaching its final days is its performance. If your furnace struggles to adequately heat your home, or if it heats unevenly with some rooms warmed and others chilly, that’s a sign that your furnace is in its twilight. Consult with a professional furnace specialist for advice on whether it’s time to replace it.

Repair Bills Are Increasing

Every furnace needs maintenance and intermittent repair. It’s a mechanical appliance, after all, and components become worn or broken in routine usage. However, if you find yourself calling the repair service several times a year, it is probably time to replace the furnace rather than putting more money into a failing appliance.

If you have observed one or more of these telltale signs of a failing furnace, explore your options with a HVAC professional. It’s better to replace an ailing furnace than to invest in repairs for a furnace that’s a lost cause. To learn more about when to replace your furnace, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

The post 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.