Category: Uncategorized

How to unclog a drain: Clogged drains are one of the most common headaches in any South Florida household. There are a number of plumbing repairs that require immediate attention, chief among these is a clogged drain. Everyone knows the inconvenience and mess that accompany a sluggish drain. Even so, most people wait until the drain stops completely before they take corrective action. Sometimes a clog can be cleared with a simple homemade remedy. We will show you how “moderate” and “tough” drains can be unclogged. 

How to unclog a “moderately clogged” drain

If you have a moderately clogged drain, try this homemade drain cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Be careful. (But your kids may find it fun!) The two ingredients react with foaming and fumes, so replace the drain cover loosely. Let the concoction set for about three hours before running water.

If you know the slow drain is from grease, try this treatment: Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by a tea kettle of boiling water. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you may find that you will be happy you did it.

How to unclog a “tough” drain

If your clogged drain is far worse than a moderate back-up, you will need to use the right tools to unclog that tough drain. The technicians of A to Z Statewide Plumbing use a variety of methods such as the  SeeSnake Digital Recording Monitor and a SeeSnake Mini Video Inspection system.

The SeeSnake Mini video inspection system offers a reliable solution in a ruggedized package. The Mini is also available with a durable self-leveling camera head. This tool is Ideal for where portability and maneuverability are crucial: multi-story buildings, rooftops, confined areas, etc. It has many great features. The self-leveling camera head delivers crisp, clear, always upright in-pipe images. The built-in 512 Hz Sonde allows you to locate a point of interest during a pipe inspection. The push cable pushes farther, and it takes a wide range of lateral and mainline applications.

Most consumers who used this product said, “This is a great product, easy to use, excellent resolution. This camera is incredible. Worth every penny!”

Alternatively, you can use the SeeSnake® CS10 Digital Recording Monitor. The CS10 Monitor combines RIDGID® durability with the easiest to use digital recording monitor in the plumbing industry. One touch recording allows you to record snapshots and video directly to a USB stick then hand it directly to your customer.

The features include:

USB Stick – recording lets you record digitally into a format that your customer can read on their computer

12.1″ Daylight Readable Display – allows you to easily monitor and record inspections in bright outdoor environments

Integrated Line Tracing – allows tracing the reel push cable with a RIDGID locator (requires a RIDGID transmitter)

Multi Mode Recording – lets you take snapshots, record full frame video, and record in a lean video format called Auto-log (small files)

The screen is huge and makes diagnosing problems with a sewer line very easy.

In summary, If you are living anywhere near Miami, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, or Hollywood and require drainage cleaning services, A to Z Statewide Plumbing is here for you. There is no other drain cleaning company in South Florida that will be able to beat our competitive prices and septic expertise. Because we are so sure of our quality work, we offer a 100% money back guarantee. In you are not 100% satisfied with the service we have provided, we will refund all of your money. If our plumbers smoke or swear in your home; are not drug-free; do not wear shoe covers or leave your home without cleaning up, you do not pay for the service. If a repair fails in the first year, we will repair it again absolutely free. Call 1-800-930-1123.

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

Everybody loves a timesaver, but it’s only good advice if it works. Let’s take a look at a few kitchen myths to see if they are worth your while.

Handwashing Dishes is Better than Using a Dishwasher

False: According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® website, an ENERGY STAR®-rated dishwasher can save up to 5,000 gallons of water in one year compared to washing dishes by hand. Because dishwashers don’t have feelings, they can also sanitize better using water up to 140 degrees. If you have an older dishwasher, now is a good time to invest in an energy-saving one.

Baking Soda Can Help Unstink Your Drains

True: Baking soda can not only help in removing some funky odors from your drains, but it improves efficiency as well. Even when you are careful with what goes down your drains, food and soap particles will eventually lead your drains to smell. Sprinkle baking soda in the drain, let it sit for a few hours, and flush with either a cup of vinegar or hot water. Not only will your drain smell clean, but it also works as a non-toxic drain cleaner.

You Should Rinse your Plates Before Putting in the Dishwasher

False: The dishwasher doesn’t need your help and works best when you let it do the dirty work. According to Consumer Reports, most dishwashers made in the past 10 years have a soil-sensing system which helps with energy efficiency. Do remove large food items but leave the washing and rinsing to the machine.

A Slow Dripping Faucet is Not a Big Deal

False: Not only is a dripping faucet wasting water, it is costing your utility bill to rise. Your faucets are some of the most commonly used appliances in your home and do tend to wear out after a while. The quicker you take care of that drip, the more you will save.

Lemons Can Clean Your Garbage Disposal.

False: There’s no making lemonade out of that bad advice. To clean your garbage disposal, first flush with hot water then use 2 cups of ice and 1 cup of salt to remove the sludge and other debris from the walls of your disposal.

At Len The Plumber, we know you spend a lot of time in your kitchen because so do we! While these are great kitchen hacks to help make the most of your effort, our experts never take shortcuts when it comes to your plumbing repairs.

Whether it’s a plumbing or drain cleaning problem, our trucks are always fully stocked to complete your job. Call us today for prompt, same-day service.

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

Tips To Improving Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer

We all know the summer’s here in Arizona are no joke. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, many homeowners are already cooped up inside their home with the AC on full blast. With how much time you’ll be spending inside over these next several months, it’s important to pay attention to your indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the levels of indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor air pollutants. Here are some tips to improving your indoor air quality this summer.

1. Clean Regularly

Keeping your floors, rugs, and carpets clean is a great way to reduce pollutants. When your family is constantly coming in and out of the house, you’d be surprised how much dirt and debris gets tracked in on the bottom of your shoes. It’s good to remember to not wear shoes in your home and clean your floors regularly to help improve your indoor air quality.

2. Change Your Air Filters

Every 1-3 months you should be changing your air filter. When your air filter get clogged with all the pollutants and allergens in the air, like pollen, pet dander, dust and dirt, they’ll then circulate back out through the air you breathe. To avoid any clogs or blockages in your filters, change them regularly.

3. Keep Windows and Doors Shut

If you live in the Prescott Valley or Phoenix Metropolitan Areas, then chances are, keeping your windows and doors shut during the summer isn’t an issue. But, just as a reminder, keeping them shut will help improve your indoor air quality. Opening windows and doors can let in a high amount of toxins and pollen, which isn’t good for your indoor air quality.

4. Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels

While humidity levels are relatively low in this climate, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping humidity levels low inside your home, as well. Keeping levels in the 30-50% range helps keep moisture-loving allergens like mold and dust under control.

5. Use Natural Cleaning Supplies and Fragrances

The cleaning supplies in most of our houses are full of chemicals. Not only that, but many of us associate fragrances with cleanliness – especially when it smells like a fresh lemon or a pine tree! However, those fragrances are often packed full of dangerous chemicals and emit VOCs into the air. This can not only be harmful to your health, but it can also be harmful to your indoor air quality. To improve your air quality, opt for natural cleaning supplies and fragrances instead.

6. Invest In An Air Cleaner

Air cleaners can purify your indoor air and remove contaminants like dust, pollen and dander. There are many benefits to installing an air cleaner in your home:

• Cleaner and healthier air
• Reduce germs by filtering out bacteria and viruses
• Reduce amount of dust, pet dander, and other pollutants in the air
• Help eliminate or reduce allergy or asthma symptoms
• Remove odors

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

We are here for all your indoor air quality 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. Whether you need to schedule HVAC service, air cleaner installation, or something else, we’re the ones to call. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Tips To Improving Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

For a lot of people, summertime means vacation time! Whether you’re going international or staying local in California, there are some things to do before going on vacation to ensure you don’t come home to a plumbing disaster. After all, just because you’re not using your plumbing, doesn’t mean that something can’t go wrong. Read More

These days, many Americans are feeling the pinch due to rising rates of inflation. It may be even worse for those of us in California. In The Golden State, the cost of living is more than 42% higher than the nationwide average. Overall, the cost of living in California ranks the third-highest among states. 

Read More

If you want to prevent severe structural damage to your home or business, it is essential to ensure you get any noticeable water damage checked out and fixed right away. The downside to leaks is that not all of them are as apparent as if you have a dripping leak from your faucets or pipes. Sometimes they are concealed behind your walls, in your ceilings, or even underneath your floors. To help you identify these leaks, we have created a list of signs/symptoms you should watch for within your space. So, what do you look for?

What are the signs of hidden leaks?

The Growth of Mold

It is a clear sign that you have a leak if you find mold within your home. The presence of moisture is necessary for mold to grow. If you are seeing the mold growing to a larger area, you likely have a leak somewhere in that vicinity.

The Smell of Mildew

Mildew is a fungus that creates a musty smell. Like mold, it needs moisture to grow and live. If you start to notice this smell, there is a chance you have a leak.

Staining on Walls or Ceilings

If your walls or ceilings have any brownish or yellowish stains, it is a sign of water damage. These stains are usually caused by water that has been sitting for some time and has had the chance to seep in and cause discoloration.

Sagging Ceilings

If you have a sagging ceiling, it is an indication that there is water damage. The extra weight from the water can cause the ceiling to cave in or sag. If you see any cracks or holes in your ceiling, it is also a sign of water damage.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact a professional to come and inspect your space for hidden leaks. It is important to have these fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your property.

Discoloration in Walls or on Ceiling

You can expose your walls and ceilings to excess moisture when you do not properly seal your sinks, bathtubs, or anywhere else where dispensing water is located. Overexposure to moisture can cause your ceiling and walls to become stained or discolored. There is likely a leak inside or over the area causing the stains when there is no contact with visible water.

Peeling or Blistering Wallpaper or paint

Inspect the paint or wallpaper of your home to see if it has started blistering or peeling or if you think there is a hidden leak. If there is any build-up of moisture in your wall it will cause these signs to appear. A blister can arise anywhere along the surface, including the substrate and the top two coats of paint. Although it may not be a leak causing these issues, it is incredibly important to stay on top of any problems you notice as there will be moisture present to cause your wallpaper or paint to react this way.

So, how to fix the leaks?

When noticing the signs above, it is in your best interest to get the situation dealt with as fast as possible. When dealing with a hidden leak, it is recommended to get professional plumbing technicians like our talented staff at Irish Plumber. Our dedicated technicians will be able to use their skills and tools to locate any leaks or moisture for you in the least intrusive manner possible and then fix the leaks. 

Decide what is right for you

You can trust The Irish Plumber to handle any leak no matter how bad it is. Get your leak fixed quickly by calling us at (613) 294-0864 or emailing us at [email protected].

What Are The Top Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. They’re efficient, effective, and can provide year-round comfort – in summer and in winter. If you’re looking for a great alternative from your typical heating and cooling system, consider a heat pump. Here are the top benefits of installing a heat pump in your home.

1. Heating and Cooling Combined

A lot of people have a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling. But what if you could have one system that does both? Heat pumps can provide your home with warmth during the winter, and cool air during the summer. With a heat pump, there’s no need to buy multiple systems.

2. More Energy-Efficient

If you had the chance to save on energy bills, you probably would – right? With heat pumps, you use less energy, which in turn reduces your monthly spend on energy bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by about 50% compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters. This is because of how heat pumps work. They move air from one place to another. In the winter, they take the warmth out of outdoor air and transfers the heat into your home. In the summer, it does the opposite: takes warm air from inside your home and moves it outside.

3. Long Lifespan

When you take good care of your heat pump, they can last a very long time. Well-maintained heat pumps can last up to 15 years. Like with all your appliances, having your heat pump serviced and maintained will help ensure it lives a long time. Take care of it – and it will take care of you!

4. Controls Humidity

When a heat pump is operating in cooling mode, it works to reduce the moisture in the air. Cooler air can’t hold as much moisture as warmer air. Not only can they help control humidity, but they can also help improve the indoor air quality by filtering the air. You’ll be able to benefit from lower humidity levels in your home, and improved home comfort with a heat pump.

5. Reduces Carbon Emissions

Heat pumps reduce your carbon emissions and helps the environment. The fact that heat pumps are eco-friendly is a major selling point to homeowners across America today. No fossil fuels are used for the heat pump to be able to operate, which means there are no fumes being released into the air.

6. Less Maintenance Required

Unlike your other HVAC units, heat pumps don’t require a lot of TLC. While you should plan to check your unit still at least once a year to ensure everything is in good working condition, usually a professional inspection isn’t necessary every year. Minimal maintenance required for heat pumps is a benefit to homeowners that are looking to save money.

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

We are here for all your heat pump 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. Whether you need to schedule a heat pump service, maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation, we’re the ones to call. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post What Are The Top Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

Not all plumbing companies are created equal. While most can handle residential plumbing, not all are equipped to maintain and repair commercial plumbing systems. Commercial properties have special needs – one of them being that when they have a plumbing problem, they need a plumber ASAP! Read More

When buying a home, you must decide if you are comfortable owning a home with a private well. A well water system is the cheapest way to deliver water to your home without relying on the municipal water supply.

When buying a home with a well watering system, which is especially common in rural areas, there are a few questions to consider to understand the implications of this new system.

What Is the Water Quality in Your Area?

Since well water systems rely on groundwater, it is important to note the water quality in your specific area. You can gauge this by asking your real estate agent about any known issues with water quality or researching reported issues through the Environmental Protection Agency.

There are individualized regulations for well water in each area, and it’s important to know how this affects your newly owned well water system.

How Old Is the Well?

Another important question to ask before buying a home with a well is how old the system is. The average life span of a well system is about 30 to 50 years, so if your potential system reaches that age, you should consider requesting an inspection.

The older the well is, the more you should plan to budget for repairs and maintenance. Sometimes the entire system can still function by replacing one faulty part.

What Type of Well Is It?

The most reliable and popular form of well is a drilled well, which reaches about 100 feet into the ground and is more reliable than dug or bored well systems.

It is best to look for a drilled well system due to its superior quality and tendency to produce higher quality water.

How Often Should Maintenance Be Performed?

Don’t wait until your private water distribution system fails to seek out maintenance. Well systems should be inspected annually to ensure you receive quality drinking water for your home. Inspections are useful for identifying contamination, low water pressure, and malfunctioning components.

Drinking water is the most important resource your home provides, and annually performing maintenance ensures that you will always have high-quality water for your household.

Call Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 with any of your well water system needs, or contact us online to inquire about any of our other services. Our skilled technicians are here to help!

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