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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.

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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

Sometimes, homeowners aren’t sure whether or not repairs are warranted. A minor problem, or one that develops gradually, might be easy to overlook. While some things seem like obvious concerns, like a puddle of water below your water heater from a leak, other necessary repairs might be postponed because the problem isn’t as clear.

For the record, if your water heater is leaking, you definitely need to have it serviced.

Here are four subtler problems you might encounter that indicate that you should have a technician service your water heater.

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1: Reduced Water Pressure

If you remember having a strong flow of water from your shower or faucets and you’re not able to get that pressure anymore, it’s time for water heater service in Winter Park, FL. The most likely cause is scaling, which is a buildup of minerals from the water lining the tank or piping of your water heater. This narrows the paths the water flows along, making it nearly impossible for as much water to reach your fixtures. The solution is pretty simple: your technician will flush your system with a descaling solution, which is non-toxic and dissolves the mineral deposits.

2: Discolored or Smelly Water

A reddish discoloration is usually caused by rust. An unpleasant smell generally means there is bacterial growth in your water heater. Either or both of these can be the result of a corroded anode rod because the job of the anode rod is to eliminate rust and bacteria. This is a component that can be replaced, and it’s important to do that as soon as possible. This can help stop the rusting and avoid the need to have your whole water heater replaced because of corrosion.

3: Strange Noises

Have you been hearing odd or surprising sounds from your water heater? Many sounds, such as gurgling, banging, popping, or whining, can be caused by that same mineral problem that also narrows your pipes and reduces your water flow. When minerals settle to the bottom of a tank water heater, they affect how the water moves around the heating element, resulting in odd noises. However, if you hear a sizzling noise, it’s more likely to be a water flow problem or a condensation issue.

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4: Fluctuating Temperature

While you’d certainly consider a complete lack of hot water a serious problem, more minor difficulties in keeping a steady temperature are easier to ignore. Many issues can cause water temperature fluctuation, including a broken dip tube, a malfunctioning heating element, or even that same mineral scaling we keep mentioning. A qualified technician can properly diagnose the cause and provide you with a solution to resolve the problem.

If you have concerns about how your water heater is performing, it’s better to get prompt service and avoid having a small problem worsen. Repairs are always simpler and less costly than letting your water heater deteriorate until it needs to be replaced.

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

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

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

New year’s resolutions are a chance for you to set new goals and develop new habits. While you may be thinking of your personal resolutions, and how you can take better care of yourself this year, why not think about how you can also take better care of your plumbing system? Here are the top 6 new years resolutions for your plumbing system.

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1. Be Careful What To Flush Down Your Toilet

A toilet is designed to handle two things and really two things only: toilet paper and waste. Avoid flushing anything that’s considered “non-flushable”, like cotton balls, hair, toys, garbage, paper towels, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. You should also consider refraining from using “flushable” wipes because they don’t break down as easily in your sewer system and can clog your pipes.

2. Fix Leaks Right Now

Do you have a small leak you’ve put off fixing? Make the new year the time to have it fixed! A leaking faucet or weird sounds from your pipes can all be small signs of a much bigger problem. Fixing leaks and addressing problems, no matter how big or small, will help you avoid high water bills and water damage.

3. Throw Out Your Chemical Drain Cleaners

Start the new year off right by throwing away all store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These are no good! Most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that are not only harmful to your health, but can also be harmful to your pipes. No matter how tough your piping material is, these drain cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while trying to clear the clog. Instead, hire a professional for routine drain cleaning – like Cool Touch!

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4. Flush Your Water Heater

Make sure you are flushing and draining your water heater frequently. This can help prevent malfunctions, costly repairs, and even breakdowns. Flushing your water heater can help remove any mineral, dirt, or sediment build-up that has accumulated over time.

5. Pay Attention To Your Water Quality

Do you notice your skin drier than normal? Your hands feeling cracked? Your hair not feeling clean no matter how much you wash it? Does your water taste funky, and do you notice stains on your dishes? You may be dealing with hard water and poor water quality. One way to resolve this problem this year is to invest in a water filtration system.

6. Be Kind To Your Garbage Disposal

Treat your garbage disposal better this year. It’s important to remember that garbage disposals aren’t a replacement for a garbage can. Refrain from putting items, such as coffee grounds, bones, grease, fat, oil, pits, fibrous vegetables, potato peels and more down the drain. These items can cause damage to your blades, or lead to clogs.

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

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

If you’re having problems with your kitchen plumbing, and it seems like nothing you do about individual issues manages to address the root of the problem, you might be wondering how to go about replacing all of the plumbing in your kitchen. Repiping is a big decision, and there are a variety of factors you’ll want to consider before you decide whether it’s the right choice for your kitchen.

Leaks

Of course, plumbing leaks simply occur sometimes. It’s one of those unpleasant yet unavoidable facts of life. However, if you keep developing new leaks as first one and then another fitting or segment of pipe gives way, it’s a sign that the whole system is on its last legs.

Low Water Pressure

This can be caused by a blockage in a specific area or it can be caused by the gradual narrowing of the pipes over time. This occurs when minerals from your water are deposited along the insides of your pipes. It’s called scaling, and it happens more quickly when you have hard water, but over the course of many decades, it can happen regardless.

Corrosion

Signs of corrosion on the inside of your pipes include discolored water and the presence of dark specks in the water. Corrosion on the inside doesn’t just affect your water quality. It’s also a sign that the pipes are losing their structural integrity, which is probably a factor in those leaks mentioned above.

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Age

How old is your home? Has it ever been repiped? Do you know what your kitchen plumbing pipes are made of? If the house was built before 1970, chances are high that your pipes are made of galvanized steel and/or cast iron. (What’s even more shocking is that sewer line piping was commonly made of clay!) While steel and iron were very reliable in the short term, they do have some weaknesses that are exposed after many decades of use. They are more susceptible to internal corrosion than the materials modern plumbers use. And that corrosion leaves a roughened surface on the inside of the pipes that help mineral scaling to build up faster.

Modern Solutions

At Modern Plumbing Industries, we provide cutting-edge solutions to the decades-old plumbing problems found in older homes. Video pipe inspection is one of those high-tech options, giving us the ability to see directly inside your pipes. This way, we can locate and diagnose problems without taking anything apart. If the problems with your kitchen plumbing in Orlando do warrant repiping, we’ll provide you with a clear plan and estimate, and we’re happy to discuss the details and find ways to cut down on costs for you. When we do put in your new pipes, they won’t be made of galvanized steel or cast iron, because copper and plastic will provide many more decades of plumbing functionality than outdated materials ever could.

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

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: how do I know when my furnace needs to be replaced? There’s no standard answer for every homeowner. There’s lot of factors to take into consideration.

There are some major indicators that you’re likely to need either a furnace replacement or furnace repair in Wayne, NJ. One of these indicators is the age of your furnace.

A gas furnace has an estimated lifespan of 10-15 years. An electric furnace has an estimated lifespan of 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching or past this timeframe, this will help you learn the furnace red flags to watch out for.

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Furnace Age

A furnace’s age is a big factor in determining longevity. Furnaces that are operating at the end of their lifespans will start to deteriorate rapidly. It’ll lose its efficiency and won’t heat your home as well as it has in the past. It could break down altogether without much warning.

At that point, you’ll need to consider repair or replacement. A good rule of thumb is if a repair costs more than half the price of a replacement, it’s better to go with a new model. Why throw good money away on a system that’s past its lifespan and will cost a lot to fix? Don’t pay for expensive repairs for a furnace that’s on its way out.

Safety Concerns

This is especially important if you have a gas furnace. An outdated gas furnace has the potential to be a safety hazard due to gas leaks. A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to seep into your home. Although most furnaces come equipped with carbon monoxide sensors, over time those sensors can fail.

Your furnace doesn’t need to suffer a major breakdown to still be considered dangerous. Because outdated heating equipment loses efficiency, it can emit small amounts of carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion. These emissions might be too low for your carbon monoxide sensor to pick up but still high enough to be harmful to your health over time.

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Efficiency is Down and Your Heating Bill is Up

Paying more money on a system that isn’t heating your home effectively is a frustrating situation. A furnace that is losing its efficiency can be due to a number of things in addition to the furnace’s age. If it hasn’t had annual maintenance or if its air filter hasn’t been changed regularly, all this neglect will make itself readily apparent.

It’s possible that a repair or a maintenance service will take care of efficiency problems in the short term, but for an older furnace, this could just be a band-aid fix. There aren’t many repairs or maintenance inspections that can really fix it since wear and tear and diminished efficiency are normal for old systems. Why continue to invest in a furnace that only keeps giving you diminishing returns?

Find Peace of Mind

Sometimes it’s best to replace a struggling system with a new, robust unit that’ll ensure your home comfort for years to come.

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

If there’s one problem that every homeowner dreads, it’s the prospect of discovering faulty or damaged pipes somewhere on their property. Whether it’s a water or sewer line, broken pipes can cause a number of problems if they’re left unattended for too long.

Traditionally, the digging required to repair or replace these sewer pipes was a major undertaking that could last for several days and inflict significant property damage. Today, however, trenchless pipe repair technology allows experienced plumbing contractors to do the same work in a fraction of the time with minimal digging during a sewer repair.

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